Thinking out of the box for a sturdy mount and manual tracking

[Brian W]

I have taken some good and definitely pretty deep space shots with my Slik U8000, Sony Alpha a 58 and Tamron 90mm. To take it to the next level I need:

a sturdier mount
a wedge
a pan and tilt or ball head
a remote wireless shutter release to reduce vibration and allow multiple shots

Here are my choices. Suggestions? Comments?

Benro TMA47AXL Extra Long Series 4 Mach3 Aluminum Tripod.
(https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157827-REG/benro_tma47axl_mach3_aluminum_serie s_4.html)
Load Capacity: 44.1 lb
Max Height: 85.1"
Min Height: 18.7"
Folded Length: 31.3"
Leg Sections: 3
Weight: 6.8 lb
Spiked and Rubber Feet
Short Center Column, Carry Case Included

Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Equatorial Wedge Base (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1092108-REG/sky_watcher_s20530_star_adventurer_ latitude_eq.html)
With Sky Watcher's Star Adventurer Equatorial Wedge Base users can adapt a standard photo tripod for use with the Star Adventurer mount. The wedge mounts on any tripod with a 3/8"-16 or 1/4"-20 screw and allows users to accurately set the observation location's latitude for polar alignment. The wedge features a Vixen-style dovetail saddle, and a dovetail plate with a screw to attach the Star Adventurer


Slik SH-807E 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/508054-REG/Slik_618_807_SH_807E_3_Way_Pan_Tilt _Head.html)
A precise 3-way pan/tilt head designed to support up to a 22 lb capacity, the SH-807E from Slik features full 360° panning capabilities, along with independent vertical and horizontal adjustments for fine-tuned control. Each of the axes uses a locking knob for control, with each featuring a large rubberized grip for comfort and precision, and a pair of bubble levels are integrated into the design to help ensure consistently level horizons. A dedicated quick release system is used for quickly attaching and removing a camera from the head, and cork-topped quick release plate is included to help prevent camera twisting when attached. A 1/4"-20 mount is featured on the quick release plate, and the head also features a 1/4"-20 mount for attaching to a tripod.

Vello FreeWave Plus Wireless Remote Shutter Release for Sony Alpha (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/794373-REG/Vello_RWII_S_FreeWave_Plus_Wireless _Remote.html)
Trigger your camera's shutter wirelessly with the FreeWave Plus Wireless Remote Shutter Release from Vello, a lightweight remote control system that will help you avoid unwanted camera movement. This 2.4 GHz model is compatible with Sony Alpha cameras and will work both wired and wirelessly up to 320', depending on your own needs and setup. This makes it useful for photographing wildlife or for macro and long exposures where it is necessary to eliminate any chance of camera shake.

The FreeWave system also has access to 16 channels for triggering multiple receivers and has an internal antenna that will be protected from any accidental damage. Multiple features are available for shooting, such as a four-second delay as well as multi-exposure and long exposure modes. The device also has a dual function release, enabling focus on half press and triggering the shutter release on a full press. Additionally, it has LED indicators to confirm pre-focus and exposure while in wireless mode and the receiver and transmitter each run on two AAA batteries.

Brian

[JA]

Hi Brian,

Since you want manual control rather than get all the pieces and join them together, with some degree of uncertainty as to outcome, why don't you try and pick up a manual equatorial mount, like this one from the IIS classifieds, which may/may not still be available. .... Of course if your location is correct then try local

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=159038

Best
JA

[Brian W]

My location is correct. And there is nothing local. On a close island there is an excellent astrophotographer whose recommendation is to simply buy from America cause no one sells what is needed in the Philippines.

[JA]

That is exactly what I was about to suggest, except you could also purchase from any country easily via eBay, just watch your shipping costs.

Best
JA

[xelasnave]

While waiting for a remote try this trick.
Point at your object.
Hold something in front of the camera a couple of inches away... A book with a dark cover even a piece of dark card board made especially.

Press your shutter, count to three or more then remove whatever in front of the camera your exlosure starts when you remove the object in front of the lens...



Alex

[xelasnave]

Also..do you know what a barn door tracker is?
Very simple very very cheap.
Alex

[Brian W]

I do keep an eye on Ebay but it's amazing how many sellers on Ebay won't ship to the Philippines. Shipping is indeed expensive.

[Brian W]

Indeed I have. the trouble is with quality control and termites. Even marine grade plywood quickly falls apart and when thye termites find it it's game over.

A good hunk of mature Philippine mahogany could do the trick but it's hard to find.

[bojan]

How about plastic, 3-D printed tracker?
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2377686
https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=barn+door++tracker&sa=&dwh=295993c80daad00

It could be constructed from metal (https://www.google.com.au/search?q=barn+door+tracker&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiZo7rc89rVAhXEnJQKHT2yBM 4Q_AUICigB&biw=1783&bih=725) as well.

[Brian W]

very cool.

[Icearcher]

Thinking outside the box for a tripod, how about a surveying tripod from a hardware store? I have a bosch one which was under $100, and with about $10 worth of nuts and bolts, I have a super stable platform for my tracking mount.

https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/accessories-bt170-hd-34306-p/

I have some pics of the finished product if you want.

Regards
Chris

[Brian W]

I would be surprised if there is such a thing for sale anywhere on the island I live on. But I'll have a look.

[rcheshire]

Just a matter of time... one these would be ideal.

[Brian W]

so many choices. Obviously I need to keep saving and thinking.