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  #41  
Old 04-04-2010, 07:24 AM
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kinetic (Steve)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by strongmanmike View Post
Oh YEAH! it's big Fred and so is the camera...

The big CFW bolts to the front surface of the camera so tilt shouldn't be an issue at least

Horse
Wow, too much testosterone in this thread...
Someone's compensating?
Looking forward to seeing the next step in your imaging journey Mike

Steve
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  #42  
Old 04-04-2010, 07:30 AM
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strongmanmike (Michael)
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Someone's compensating?
DOH! the secret's out
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  #43  
Old 04-04-2010, 07:53 AM
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Garyh
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Ah that photo made our kids laugh! LOL
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  #44  
Old 04-04-2010, 09:17 AM
jase (Jason)
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...and I'm guessing you're expecting RoboFocus will lift the unit with precision focusing still obtainable right?

You maybe in for a few surprises...Even with a RF duty cycle at 100%, it still couldn't produce repeatable results. The RF gear ratio was too weak for the payload of the Apogee U16M w/D9 cooling package I have. The AI-FW50-7S with filters is 1.6kg alone. I would imagine your FLI kit has a similar payload weight.

I killed my RoboFocus motor due to this, hence the reason why I've not been productive with my own gear despite having the camera since Christmas... That has now changed having just replaced the original robofocus stepper with its 1:75 gear ratio with a new Hurst stepper that has a 1:300 ratio. Focusing woes have disappeared with more torque and improved accuracy.
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  #45  
Old 04-04-2010, 09:55 AM
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strongmanmike (Michael)
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Oh oh ....darling...err? I need to get an FLI Atlas focuser now....

Yes I had thought of that Jase but hoped the extra 600g over my previous setup would be within spec . I don't use the automatic focus sequences at this stage, I simply focus using the remote RF hand control so repeatability isn't an issue...yet.

So...any pictures of you holding "your" beasty?

Mike
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  #46  
Old 04-04-2010, 12:05 PM
jase (Jason)
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Yeah, only 600g extra you should be ok. I had a FLI PDF for a while - nice focuser. You'll quickly know if your Robofocus is at its limit. Will start to make unpleasant noises when moving the draw tube out (not in). It will also appear to slip. I tightened everything up to no avail. The biggest give away is when you start using software like FocusMax and your v-curves are all over the place.

I'm afraid no photos of me holding the gear. Its already on the scope - I don't muck around! The 4" CAA in the imaging train provides a good sense of scale. Its considerably larger than the STL series thats for sure. Still working through the imaging train configuration. The poor quality mobile phone photos show a MonsterMOAG in path, but I've got a separate guide scope with ST-402ME on board - as seen. Toying up whether I'll go with MMOAG - unlikely at this stage. Waste of time to guide at only 530mm. The other image shows the "super robofocus" mentioned in the previous post. Filter wheel has a full set of 50mm square Astrodon LRGB GenIIs, 5nm Ha, 3nm SII and OIII. Went with 3nm for SII and OIII to maximise signal over background. Hard to get good signal on SII, but in my tests 3nm was a wise choice.

Anyway, you will not see much from me for a while. Heading OS for work for a couple of months next Wednesday. By the time I return, you'd better have your system pumping out some sweet images soon. Will try get online now and then to check the deep sky section.
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  #47  
Old 04-04-2010, 04:01 PM
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strongmanmike (Michael)
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All looks pretty dam shmick Jase

Just out of interest what sealed the deal for you to go with the Apogee?

Mike
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  #48  
Old 04-04-2010, 05:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexN View Post
Holy hell.. Do you see the size of the opening on the front of that camera! Geeezuuuss!! Most people could fit their fist inside there..
Jeese ....whats next ..CCD camera PORN

~MS
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