4 replies to this topic

[Marshalll]

Hi there,

 

Very simple question that I was just curious about that planewave's site doesn't seem to answer (or at least, I couldn't find it). 

 

The planewave scopes are generally paired with one of their mounts (or gimbals, which I assume is like an array basically).  However, they appear to mostly be alt-az configuration, so I'm wondering how they are used for imaging which of course must generally be done with an equatorial mount.  Do they rotate on some other axis?  Or is it like other alt-az mounts that you would put on a fork or something?  Is there any other information out there about use and operation of this mount?

 

Genuinely just curious...sadly I don't ever foresee a future for myself that involves me getting to use/operate one of these things...let alone own one.

Edited by Marshalll, 27 March 2025 - 01:46 PM.

[kgb]

They are used with a computer controlled rotator that rotates the camera to negate the field rotation. https://planewave.co...tating-focuser/

There are other rotators on the market that do not have an integrated focuser but they all work on the same concept.

Edited by kgb, 27 March 2025 - 01:53 PM.

[Marshalll]

They are used with a computer controlled rotator that rotates the camera to negate the field rotation. https://planewave.co...tating-focuser/

There are other rotators on the market that do not have an integrated focuser but they all work on the same concept.

Okay, that's kind of what I thought.  Any chance the more consumer-grade rotators would do this?  (ie zwo caa or pegasus falcon)

[kgb]

I don’t know much about the ZWO. Some rotators are just for framing whereas others will have a derotation function. I think that if you look for the term derotator then you will have that functionality.

Edit: Looking at the ZWO. It appears that at present, that it is just designed for framing.

Edited by kgb, 27 March 2025 - 02:41 PM.

[rgsalinger]

You just buy the PW wedge if you don't want to use a rotator.

 

I preferred that solution because we had the space and I like the idea that only one axis needs to do the tracking. These are direct drive motors, not gimbal motors but don't press me for details! 

 

Planewave sells an appropriate rotator, not cheap, but not out of the question once you are spending 40k on an imaging system in the first place.