501 replies to this topic

[Dumanyu2]

Greetings,

Here's my rig. Someday, soon I hope, I'll figure out how to getting working properly.

 

[Panotaker]

Here is my trio. From oldest, to newest. Nexstar 8 GPS is the best looking one since it is carbon fiber. The CPC 800 XLT is easier to setup, just put it outside, hit align and come back in a few minutes and its ready to go. The Evolution is the same way, but it is a whole lot lighter. The Nexstar GPS has a much smaller base than the CPC, plus it doesn't have a cordwrap problem since the power cord doesn't move as you turn the base. The Evolution shakes a little if you touch the scope, The GPS and the CPC are rock solid.

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[mlord]

Here is my trio. From oldest, to newest. Nexstar 8 GPS is the best looking one since it is carbon fiber.

That is a good looking scope!  Note that it also can use the StarSense AutoAlign system if you want it to, like your others.  You can message for for more info if you don't already know how.

 

Cheers

Edited by mlord, 10 March 2023 - 07:52 AM.

[steviebee]

Here's my CPC800 getting ready for a nights viewing. lt lives in France under Bortle 3 skies which means l only get to play for about 8 weeks a year (weather permitting). l have the autofocus to fit next time l'm out. Still l have it's little Brother the Nexstar 6SE in the UK to keep me busy between visits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MikeB 2]

8i se. Still doing great after 17 years.

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[Darknight444]

So this is my new edition I have had the 8 for almost 10 yrs and love it. Always wanted the 11 and this one happened to fall in my lap. the scope is mint, and with some additions and firmware updates this thing will purr and be ready for some planetary astrophotography..

[Jay Jay]

CPC 1100HD DELUXE

 

Mounted Accessories: 

 

Standard 9 x 50 Finder Scope

2'  Diagonal

2' Luminos 23mm Eyepiece

Starsense Autoalign

Dew Shield

10 Hour Lithium Power Tank

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Edited by Jay Jay, 28 November 2023 - 06:28 PM.

[tatmanblue]

Just setting up the finder scope with the OTA using the moon as the aim point.  And yes I have left the warning label about looking at the sun attached.

 

Edited by tatmanblue, 17 December 2023 - 05:08 PM.

[rcarpenterok]

My CPC 800, acquired in Feb 2023 in tenderly-used condition from a fellow CNer. I've added a StarSense AutoAlign (and wish I could figure out how to keep the finder scope on as well).

 

Dolly: It soon became evident that setting up 60+ pounds of equipment each evening wasn't practical, hence the dolly. The hexagonal base of the dolly made a nice template for positioning the legs during assembly, though it did take some figuring how to cut a hexagon out of a square piece of plywood. I had added bolts that can screw down to make contact with the floor for stability, though they weren't really necessary, and I've since removed them.

 

Shack: A garage can be a dangerous place, hence the shack. It's constructed simply out of 2x4s and OSB, with caulking to keep out the mud daubers.

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[Matt N]

My CPC 800, acquired in Feb 2023 in tenderly-used condition from a fellow CNer. I've added a StarSense AutoAlign (and wish I could figure out how to keep the finder scope on as well).

 

Dolly: It soon became evident that setting up 60+ pounds of equipment each evening wasn't practical, hence the dolly. The hexagonal base of the dolly made a nice template for positioning the legs during assembly, though it did take some figuring how to cut a hexagon out of a square piece of plywood. I had added bolts that can screw down to make contact with the floor for stability, though they weren't really necessary, and I've since removed them.

 

Shack: A garage can be a dangerous place, hence the shack. It's constructed simply out of 2x4s and OSB, with caulking to keep out the mud daubers.

I like the shack, and the wheels. I need to do something for my CPC1100 but my observing spot is grassy and not exactly flat.

 

Also noticed you are in Norman. I'm just up the interstate in Edmond!

Wishing you clear skies, just not tonight apparently as the clouds keep rolling in!

[Kjlc1225]

Ok so here is my setup.  Just got this scope last week and after deforking I added a few accessories mainly an AM5 and an ASI air plus and a counterweight and bar.  I had to modify the mounting bolt for the AM5 to attach to tthe heavy duty mount but all went well.  Right now it's set up for visual with the Celestron f6.3 focal reducer but will be adding a cooled astronomy camera and new guide scope with guide camera next.  Clear Skies everyone!

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[Smitty52]

The family portrait:

 

Left to right - Evolution 9.25 with hyperstar, Nexstar 11 GPS with MC 4.06  and 4.22HC, Nexstar 11 GPS with MC 4.00 SA  (Sky Align) and 4.22HC and Nexstar 5i with ASI Air.

 

They seem to multiply on their own    I purchased the left C11 as parts and spent time fixing issues until I have a fully functioning scope.  learned a lot in the process. I have a PIC programmer coming to update the original board from the SA model so wish me luck.

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[Darknight444]

The family portrait:

 

Left to right - Evolution 9.25 with hyperstar, Nexstar 11 GPS with MC 4.06  and 4.22HC, Nexstar 11 GPS with MC 4.00 SA  (Sky Align) and 4.22HC and Nexstar 5i with ASI Air.

 

They seem to multiply on their own    I purchased the left C11 as parts and spent time fixing issues until I have a fully functioning scope.  learned a lot in the process. I have a PIC programmer coming to update the original board from the SA model so wish me luck.

love the nexstar GPS line have an 8 in and a 11 in myself. using the 11 for astrophotography have an equatorial wedge on the way. I use the 8 in for viewing and have another set of spare forks for the 11.  

[CHASLX200]

Just got this never used CPC800. Don't know how old it is or anything about it since i have been out of GO-TO scopes since my last LX200 in 2003.

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[whizbang]

Here's my CPC 1100 with the single-arm-mod.

 

 

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[CHASLX200]

Why is one arm better than 2?

[Steve C.]

Why is one arm better than 2?

Less weight. You might give up some sturdiness, but you gain in portability. It's a trade-off.

[Darknight444]

So I have been adding equipment to my scope so it will be capable of doing astrophotography without having to buy an EQ mount. Added a wedge , guidescope with guide camera a zhummell crayford focuser with a svbony sv305pro color camera, a rail on the bottom for the counterweight I bought.

 

 

 

 

Edited by Darknight444, 28 January 2024 - 11:20 PM.

[hobsond]

Here is my setup so far.  Just waiting for my latest planetary camera to arrive from Player One.

 

Celestron 8", F/10 CPC with GPS.
SVBony 60mm, F/4 Guide-scope
Security Camera for Wide Angle view of constellations. This gets me in the ballpark where the guide-scope can be used to get lined up.

 

Here comes the Sun/Son, do do dooo do dooo. ... LOL

 

LG Laptop with i7 CPU and 16GB RAM. And a fold-up monitor.
ASCOM setup with SharpCap Pro,

Edited by hobsond, 23 March 2024 - 01:14 PM.

[Smitty52]

love the nexstar GPS line have an 8 in and a 11 in myself. using the 11 for astrophotography have an equatorial wedge on the way. I use the 8 in for viewing and have another set of spare forks for the 11.  

Would like to find a spare fork setup myself for parts and just to feel free tearing it apart to see how it all works.

[Darknight444]

Would like to find a spare fork setup myself for parts and just to feel free tearing it apart to see how it all works.

I just got one for the 11 a month or two ago. And just got one for the 8 which is on the way. Love these scopes and love tinkering with them. Just got a sv503 70mm ed F6 that i mount on top of the 11GPS.

[JayTee]

One of my older AP setups. CPC 1100 on an HD wedge using an ES 80 apo for the guide scope and a wide field AP scope.

 

 

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[Craig L]

TL/DR, my brother has handed his large collection of astro-gear to me because he's collected too much and has zero time for astronomy. This unit and accessories sat unused in sealed cases in a basement for at least 6 years.

 

I hauled this and other items back home to Canada this weekend and only set it up today. It's a Celestron CPC Deluxe 9.25 EdgeHD with a replacement Feather Touch focuser, as well as a Van Slyke focuser (over-engineered beast!) and another Feather Touch focuser for use with a star diagonal. There's a StarSense AutoAlign, Starizona HyperStar focal reducer, Atik camera, etc. etc. This telescope has been on my list of things to eventually get, so I'm quite happy. I spent the better part of the evening updating firmware and making sure everything works properly. So far, so good.

 

I'll use the scope visually initially as I get to know it. I have a fanless micro PC loaded with the software I need for imaging and remote access. I know that a SCT is the wrong choice to learn AP, but it's what I have and the focal reducer should help somewhat. I have a lot to learn and figure out as I've never owned a SCT before. I'm assuming I'll need a guidescope and camera - apparently the SS Autoalign cannot be used for this. I'll also be looking at power distribution, wireless connectivity, what is the best power source for the PC so as not to fry it, a top-mount dovetail for attaching a mirrorless camera for long nighttime exposures, and so on. Any recommendations are welcome.

 

I love photography, same for gadgets, same obviously for astronomy though I've been a visual astronomer up to now, and I love nothing better than a big technical puzzle to work through. I have my work cut out for me.

 

<edit: sorry for the poor resolution photo. CN's file size limitation forces me to reduce the .jpg quality in PhotoShop.>

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Edited by Craig L, 03 July 2024 - 07:43 PM.

[Digital Don]

My CPC 800, acquired in Feb 2023 in tenderly-used condition from a fellow CNer. I've added a StarSense AutoAlign (and wish I could figure out how to keep the finder scope on as well).

 

Dolly: It soon became evident that setting up 60+ pounds of equipment each evening wasn't practical, hence the dolly. The hexagonal base of the dolly made a nice template for positioning the legs during assembly, though it did take some figuring how to cut a hexagon out of a square piece of plywood. I had added bolts that can screw down to make contact with the floor for stability, though they weren't really necessary, and I've since removed them.

 

Shack: A garage can be a dangerous place, hence the shack. It's constructed simply out of 2x4s and OSB, with caulking to keep out the mud daubers.

That's a really nice setup but I had to chuckle when I first saw the picture. 

 

I have 3 cats. Any time I put a box on the floor, it's only a matter of minutes before one or all of them are in it! 

 

I guess CATadioptrics like 'boxes' too!

 

Don

[jefrench]

The first pic is all my equipment on a cart and Dewalt tool dolly.  This is what I used for the 2024 eclipse.  The mount is actually screwed to the wood on the cart so it won't fall over.  The scope is a Celestron CPC 800 on its stock mount.  I got the HD equatorial mount for astrophotography and accuracy.  I switched the finder scope mount to the other side so I can get my Apertura 60mm guide scope with ZWO ASI290MM mono cam.  I added a green laser on the bottom of the tube for fast star alignment (highly recommended).  I use a cheap AZUS laptop for CPWI mount control, PHD2, Sharpcap, BackyardNIKON and Pixinsight.  I don't trust wireless connections so I have 7 USB cables coming into the pc through a wrapped umbilical cord!  I use a Nikon 5100 for pics and can usually get 120 sec exposure with pretty stable stars.

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Edited by jefrench, 12 August 2024 - 05:11 PM.