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Finally made an R/C Collimation adapter

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#1076 Mert

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Posted 04 May 2024 - 02:19 AM

Works just as well as it looks, simply fabulous!

#1077 LeoNim

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Posted 05 May 2024 - 07:38 AM

Got my adapter this week, but I haven't been in a rush to put it back together. The forecast is still just terrible. Looks and fits great.

 

Took that time to try and print a light shield that mounts to the primary's M90 - it's the center piece in the photo.

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#1078 nateman_doo

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Posted 05 May 2024 - 08:50 AM

2 layer of 3/8" wide foam tape does a perfect job of sealing the adapter against the old factory threads.  Its very "crushable" so it will retain the real when you adjust the plate with the secondary.



#1079 LeoNim

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Posted 05 May 2024 - 09:16 AM

2 layer of 3/8" wide foam tape does a perfect job of sealing the adapter against the old factory threads.  Its very "crushable" so it will retain the real when you adjust the plate with the secondary.

I mostly made the shield to practice modeling and printing a functional part. I think it may still allow light in, albeit outside the light cone, and cause a reflection further down the image train.



#1080 nateman_doo

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Posted 07 May 2024 - 08:45 AM

Tried something new with the main body of the adapter.  Normally the machine marks leave concentric rings as shown in the light here:

htkY4yg.jpg

 

 

 

by taking a fly cutter around the perimeter of the body its more of a uniform sheen look:

xh9We9H.jpg

 

CKbo1n7.jpg

nZHUOAm.jpg

 

I don't mind the machine marks, but I thought it was a nice cosmetic addition.   I have always taken a fly cutter to the feet for the same clean look, but was always afraid of messing up the main adapter due to the interrupted cuts.  It's just a 0.003" depth of cut pass, so it just skims the surface to remove the old marks from the end mill that cuts it.  

 

RcczfxC.jpg


Edited by nateman_doo, 07 May 2024 - 12:45 PM.

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#1081 Dark_Knight18

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Posted 14 May 2024 - 11:20 PM

I have a question for the RC8 owners of the group.  I purchased the Starizona Apex ED-L 0.65x Reducer / Flattener. I am waiting on an additional part from Moonlite for my focuser before I can use the Starizona.  My question is- when adding a reducer/flattener to the imaging train, can I expect that I will need to add additional spacers?  

 

Thanks 

 

Brian



#1082 DevonRob

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Posted 15 May 2024 - 12:39 AM

I have a question for the RC8 owners of the group.  I purchased the Starizona Apex ED-L 0.65x Reducer / Flattener. I am waiting on an additional part from Moonlite for my focuser before I can use the Starizona.  My question is- when adding a reducer/flattener to the imaging train, can I expect that I will need to add additional spacers?  

 

Thanks 

 

Brian

Recently moved to the TS 0.8x reducer/flattener on my RC8. I needed to remove the 25mm M90 extension for the shortening of distance from RC8 backplane to image sensor to achieve focus. I also had to rack the focuser in a few mm (maybe 5 or 10mm) form where it had been. I also had to pay much closer attention to real "back focus" part i.e. the distance from the back of the 0.8x reducer/flatter to the image sensor. I forget exactly, but I think that is about 85mm now. Still room for rotator, EFW etc tho but I took the OAG out (it could have fitted with some fiddling, but I use a guide scope mostly). There is some tolerance on the back focus (few mm) iirc. But overall, your image train will be shorter/closer to your back plane. In fact I was close to the limit - probably 10mm away from needing a narrower focuser.

 

Edit: realised I had a pic of it all measured up:

 

RC8 Rig spacings - 0.8x reducer

 


Edited by DevonRob, 15 May 2024 - 12:44 AM.


#1083 nateman_doo

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Posted 15 May 2024 - 06:57 AM

I have a question for the RC8 owners of the group.  I purchased the Starizona Apex ED-L 0.65x Reducer / Flattener. I am waiting on an additional part from Moonlite for my focuser before I can use the Starizona.  My question is- when adding a reducer/flattener to the imaging train, can I expect that I will need to add additional spacers?  

 

Thanks 

 

Brian

Less. Focal reducers shorten the focal length of the scope so you tend to need less extension adapters.  I only use a single 25mm extension adapter screwed to the tilt adapter and then the focuser.  Never getting rid of it. 



#1084 DavesGalaxy

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Posted 15 May 2024 - 08:40 AM

I have a question for the RC8 owners of the group.  I purchased the Starizona Apex ED-L 0.65x Reducer / Flattener. I am waiting on an additional part from Moonlite for my focuser before I can use the Starizona.  My question is- when adding a reducer/flattener to the imaging train, can I expect that I will need to add additional spacers?  

 

Thanks 

 

Brian

I own the APEX-L and it requires about 55mm of backspacing.  So your imaging train before the reducer should have all the necessary backspacing regardless if you use an OAG, filter wheel/drawer, etc.  The more critical part would be achieving focus.  Sounds like Starizona is sending you the adapter to fit the APEX-L inside the moonlite.  All that would be left is to figure out the spacing between the moonlight and the OTA to make sure you have critical focus right in the middle of the focus range.  This will take some trial and error as the backfocus for RCs vary quite a bit.  But for this you only need the extension rings that came with the RC.  Also keep in mind that the focal reducer will move your backfocus forward a bit, so because you are using the primary decoupler, you may only need the 25mm plus or minus another 25mm.  Hope that helps!

 

CS!

Dave



#1085 Dark_Knight18

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Posted 15 May 2024 - 11:21 PM

Thanks guys for the advice and guidance.  The parts I need from Moonlite arrive on Friday.  Hoping for clear skies this weekend.

 

Brian



#1086 nateman_doo

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Posted 19 May 2024 - 08:34 AM

Thanks guys for the advice and guidance.  The parts I need from Moonlite arrive on Friday.  Hoping for clear skies this weekend.

 

Brian

Any luck?



#1087 Dark_Knight18

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Posted 21 May 2024 - 11:04 PM

I had not intended on imaging last week.  My original plan was to better aquiant myself with the CGX mount that I bought as I was still waiting for the Starizona reducer/flattener and the Askar backfocus attachment to arrive.  However, I ended up having some extra time so  trained the RC8 on M81 and took a set 17 LF @ 60 sec. unguided. F/L around 1500mm without the benefit of a reducer/flattener or a filter.  

 

I processed the image and the results are attached.  

 

The Starizone arrived a few days ago and tonight I am working on reassembling the imaging train.

 

Brian

 

 

I can't seem to upload the image


Edited by Dark_Knight18, 21 May 2024 - 11:10 PM.

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#1088 DevonRob

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Posted 22 May 2024 - 12:54 AM

I had not intended on imaging last week.  My original plan was to better aquiant myself with the CGX mount that I bought as I was still waiting for the Starizona reducer/flattener and the Askar backfocus attachment to arrive.  However, I ended up having some extra time so  trained the RC8 on M81 and took a set 17 LF @ 60 sec. unguided. F/L around 1500mm without the benefit of a reducer/flattener or a filter.  

 

I processed the image and the results are attached.  

 

The Starizone arrived a few days ago and tonight I am working on reassembling the imaging train.

 

Brian

 

 

I can't seem to upload the image

Observation fwiw - 1500mm seems a little short for an RC8. Typcally they're around 1600mm (i think 1620mm is the official/standard). Maybe check some subs prior to fitting Nate's plate (or from when your scope was new) and see what FL they come too. You may want to do some sessions at full FL to adjust to back within that range. There was a very good thread somewhere by a guy who had measure all this in detail. I don't remember it exactly, but it was along the lines of half turn clockwise of the centre secondary screw moved the secondary 1mm which equated to a 10mm change of FL. I'll see if I can find that thread. Based on that though, you may not have enough secondary turns to make up that 100mm FL (assuming your scope was originally 1600mm). So you may need to move the primary using all 3 screws rather just the usual adjustment using only 2 for collimation. I'd be tempted to do all this first so you know your FL is close to correct before you fit the Starizona to make sure you start from a known good point.

 

Edit: this was the measurement thread:

 

https://stargazerslo...comment=3819330

 

And these posts in the above are where the ratio was mentioned - it's 1mm of mirror spacing to around 10 or 11mm of FL, which I think equates to roughly half a turn of the secondary centre screw (worth checking the whole thread that i got that bit right)

 

https://stargazerslo...comment=4038699

 

https://stargazerslo...comment-3888546


Edited by DevonRob, 22 May 2024 - 01:38 AM.


#1089 nateman_doo

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Posted 22 May 2024 - 11:24 AM

I don't know why, but in just lol'd when I read "Nates plate".  


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#1090 DevonRob

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Posted 23 May 2024 - 12:25 AM

I don't know why, but in just lol'd when I read "Nates plate".  

Thought you'd enjoy that one - came to me as I was typing.


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#1091 Dark_Knight18

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Posted 02 June 2024 - 06:43 PM

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a flattener only that they are using.  



#1092 ekallgren

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Posted 03 June 2024 - 04:30 PM

I have used the Astro Tech 2" field flattener (AT2FF) with good results.

 

https://www.astronom...refractors.html

 


Edited by ekallgren, 03 June 2024 - 04:37 PM.

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#1093 Dark_Knight18

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Posted 03 June 2024 - 05:48 PM

Thank you for sharing the flattener that you use.

 

I wrote Teleskop-Express yesterday regarding ordering a focuser and inquired about a flattener as well.  They recommended the following: TS-Optics 2 inch 1.0x flattener and corrector for RC telescopes.

 

I placed an order today for a 2 Inch Baader Diamond Streel track focuser, the 90mm adapter and the recommended flattener.

 

Hopefully it wont take long to arrive.  



#1094 nateman_doo

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Posted 13 June 2024 - 11:15 PM

2 years to the day since I posted this, and I couldnt be happier with the results of all the hard work and effort.  Hope everyone has clear skies! 


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#1095 DevonRob

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Posted 15 June 2024 - 04:46 AM

2 years to the day since I posted this, and I couldnt be happier with the results of all the hard work and effort.  Hope everyone has clear skies! 

Your invention has become a vital piece for the smaller RCs without focuser separation. Thanks Nate. Feel free to count yourself amongst the pioneers who have helped advanced the "art"! :)


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#1096 ekallgren

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Posted 17 June 2024 - 12:34 PM

Thank you for sharing the flattener that you use.

 

I wrote Teleskop-Express yesterday regarding ordering a focuser and inquired about a flattener as well.  They recommended the following: TS-Optics 2 inch 1.0x flattener and corrector for RC telescopes.

 

I placed an order today for a 2 Inch Baader Diamond Streel track focuser, the 90mm adapter and the recommended flattener.

 

Hopefully it wont take long to arrive.  

Keep us updated and let us know how they worked out.



#1097 F.Meiresonne

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Posted 17 June 2024 - 01:10 PM

Thank you for sharing the flattener that you use.

 

I wrote Teleskop-Express yesterday regarding ordering a focuser and inquired about a flattener as well.  They recommended the following: TS-Optics 2 inch 1.0x flattener and corrector for RC telescopes.

 

I placed an order today for a 2 Inch Baader Diamond Streel track focuser, the 90mm adapter and the recommended flattener.

 

Hopefully it wont take long to arrive.  

Are you going to use the flattener with an APS-C or full frame? At the time i ordered my 8" RC they said a flattener was not needed. I have my doubts though if one wants to enjoy the full APS-C frame size.



#1098 nateman_doo

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Posted 19 June 2024 - 09:30 PM

Finally managed to process some Eclipse trip pictures from the RC:

 

Omega Centauri 

4wDlQ7Fl.jpg

 

 

IC4605:

ZMXTWDal.jpg


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#1099 nateman_doo

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Posted 20 June 2024 - 02:36 AM

About 100 minutes on the Trifid:

RkJSDu0l.jpg

 

and 1,200 seconds on C77:

6hqPENKl.jpg

 

Thats all the RC images I got from the Eclipse trip.  


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#1100 Dark_Knight18

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Posted 20 June 2024 - 11:55 PM

Hi all-

 

I have attached a picture of my imaging train.  I have numbered the adapters 1-4 and listed the adapters by their corresponding numbers below.  After assembling everything, I discovered my next problem- the OAG/Guide cam and primary camera cannot be rotated. 

 

I looked around on the internet and found Agena Astro carries the following part- Blue Fireball Lock Ring / Orientation Control Adapter. I was wondering if anyone has used this adapter so as to be able rotate and orientate the OAG/Guide cam and primary camera. Are there other solutions for controlling the orientation of the guide and image camera?

Imaging train components:

Nates Plate- Decoupler: 

 

1) Baader M68i Adapter for 2" Diamond Steeltrack
2) Apex ED Threaded Focuser Adapter TFA-M68-M48- This allows me to insert the Apex ED Thread adapter inside the drawtube.
3) M48-to-M54 Step Ring with Lip
4) M48-to-M54 Step Ring with Lip

 

Components- 

 

Askar Backfocuser>Askar OAG>Askar Filter Holder> AA26C

 

Brian

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  • image train.jpg



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