#981  
Old 25-09-2013, 10:30 AM
Rick_1
Registered User

Rick_1 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 6
Hi All,

Just wanted to share some pics of my setup. Its the first 'real' platform I've had so am very proud . My last was a Kmart 50mm with timber tripod.
This fella is a 200mm f5 1000mm Newt OTA. It has a 2" Crayford focuser with 10:1 micro adjustments and a 8x50 finder. Also a built in cooling fan. The Mount is a HEQ5PRO.
I only have the EPs that came with it ATM (1.25" Plossl 9mm and 25mm) Although hope to buy a few GSO 2" 68 Deg. Superviews shortly: 30mm, 42mm and 50mm. Maybe also the 1.25" as well, depending on $$, they are 15mm and 20mm.
I think I would benefit from a better finder also (definitely one with a right angle) but that's along he track when the credit card gets back on the rails.

Cheers
Rick
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (Scope1.jpg)
28.5 KB152 views
Click for full-size image (Scope2.jpg)
32.6 KB124 views
Click for full-size image (Scope3.jpg)
199.2 KB138 views
Click for full-size image (Scope4.jpg)
41.4 KB115 views
Click for full-size image (Scope5.jpg)
36.7 KB1185 views
Click for full-size image (Scope6.jpg)
199.3 KB145 views
Click for full-size image (Scope7.jpg)
193.4 KB114 views
Reply With Quote
  #982  
Old 25-09-2013, 10:50 AM
Kunama
...

Kunama is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,588
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick_1 View Post
Hi All,

Just wanted to share some pics of my setup. Its the first 'real' platform I've had so am very proud . .......



Cheers
Rick
Nice setup Rick, happy observing


Quote:
Originally Posted by LewisM View Post
2 not-so-common Vixen sisters together. Note the all-Vixen setups

Can you tell I like Vixen stuff?????
Nice pair of foxes, have you cleaned the garage yet?
Reply With Quote
  #983  
Old 25-09-2013, 10:56 AM
LewisM's Avatar
LewisM
Novichok test rabbit

LewisM is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in the cosmos...
Posts: 10,388
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kunama View Post




have you cleaned the garage yet?
Comedian
Reply With Quote
  #984  
Old 25-09-2013, 02:02 PM
Kunama
...

Kunama is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,588
Testing the carrying capacity of the T-Rex Alt Az Mount:
Takahashi TSA120 with clamshell, 2" W.O. diag and LVW22 +
Takahashi FS60CB with clamshell Astro Tech dovetail and 125mm Parallax rings and RKE28 +
Stellarvue F50W2 in Tak finder bracket, 23mm reticle EP +
AF-S Nikkor 80 - 200 F2.8 IF ED and Nikon D7000 (removed to take the pic)

T-Rex movements still as smooth as silk
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (DSC_3443.jpg)
98.3 KB186 views
Reply With Quote
  #985  
Old 05-10-2013, 04:11 PM
Chris85's Avatar
Chris85 (Chris)
Registered User

Chris85 is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Perth, WA
Posts: 316
Hi All

It's taken me almost a year of saving, purchasing, saving and purchasing, but I think I'm at the point where I'm almost totally happy (for now ) with what I have and feel it's good enough to share on iis.

My rig is I'd say 50/50 split on new and second hand gear, and I'd agree with anyone that says to look into used equipment when starting out. The trade pages are absolutely invaluable in my opinion!

Anyhoo my set-up consist of a GSO Rc 6" with Moonlite (Hi-Res Motor), 600D with Astrodon mod, Qhy5, modified finder/guider, ADM guide-rings, Dew Not straps (just on guide and primary mirror for now), all controlled through a HitecAstro Hub and sitting on a Heq5Pro

A few things I've made myself are the dew shields for both the Rc and the guide-scope and also the aluminium plate which I have the Hub attached too.

Next I think on the list is a belt mod for the Heq5 and talking the real-estate agents into let me sink a pier!

Cheers, and thanks for looking!
Chris
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (Scope.jpg)
200.9 KB229 views
Reply With Quote
  #986  
Old 12-10-2013, 12:50 AM
DJT (David)
Registered User

DJT is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Sydney
Posts: 1,452
Having just installed a Moonlight focuser my current rig is just about ready.

This is a GSO RC8 with a moonlight Focuser (stepper) guided with a TAK FS60CB on an AP900, imaging with a Canon 60Da.

I also purchased an AP CD .67 reducer as well as a CX module for the TAK, so I have a lot of options available for imaging at the moment.

I still have a great SW ED100 but while I get to grips with the RC8, its packed away for the time being.

For those who care about these things, the focuser is a shiny red one !

Clear skies.
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (photo.jpg)
166.6 KB228 views
Reply With Quote
  #987  
Old 12-10-2013, 12:53 AM
Joshua Bunn's Avatar
Joshua Bunn (Joshua)
Registered User

Joshua Bunn is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Albany, Western Australia
Posts: 1,459
Looks sweet David. I especialy like the chalk names on the BB of the DSO in the background.
Reply With Quote
  #988  
Old 12-10-2013, 01:54 AM
DJT (David)
Registered User

DJT is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Sydney
Posts: 1,452
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joshua Bunn View Post
Looks sweet David. I especialy like the chalk names on the BB of the DSO in the background.
hee hee..the whole shob has been painted with chalkboard paint. Cant have those pesky reflections getting in the way, though it has raised the odd eyebrow when SWMBO has been searching for a trowel.
Reply With Quote
  #989  
Old 15-10-2013, 01:13 PM
casstony
Registered User

casstony is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Warragul, Vic
Posts: 4,493
The little scope: ED127 cooling down, Binotron binoviewers, astro-shack in the background and observing buddy/equipment guardian in the lower right corner.
The scope has surprisingly well figured optics, though I would swap for Matt's Tak 120
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (ED127 006.JPG)
197.8 KB214 views
Reply With Quote
  #990  
Old 15-10-2013, 03:38 PM
Kunama
...

Kunama is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,588
Quote:
Originally Posted by casstony View Post
The little scope: ED127 cooling down, Binotron binoviewers, astro-shack in the background and observing buddy/equipment guardian in the lower right corner.
The scope has surprisingly well figured optics, though I would swap for Matt's Tak 120

I would feel like I was ripping you off ............ nice looking setup Tony, Looks like you have a bit more space at Warragul.
How are the binotrons? I am saving my pennies for a set for the Tak. I now have 2 LVW17s which should work well in bino mode.
Reply With Quote
  #991  
Old 15-10-2013, 04:32 PM
casstony
Registered User

casstony is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Warragul, Vic
Posts: 4,493
Tak is a bit yesteryear
Yes the new place is a bit more flash Matt - brick house/garage with separate studio (re-purposed as an astro-shack) on a landscaped half acre under somewhat dark skies.

No complaints about the Binotrons - very nice bit of gear. I just ordered a pair of 24mm Panoptics to try since OPT has 20% off, though 50 degree plossls are very nice too.

I noticed earlier you brought up the carrying capacity of the T-Rex: check out this thread http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ighlight=t-rex
Reply With Quote
  #992  
Old 15-10-2013, 04:44 PM
Kunama
...

Kunama is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,588
I like the c/w shaft setup for bigger OTAs. The T-Rex is a brilliant mount, I had some slop in both axes with locked clutches but was able to dial it out by adjusting the worm blocks.
I've been looking at the Mewlons, maybe an M250S once my budget recovers from the recent move and my daughter's wedding expenses.
Reply With Quote
  #993  
Old 18-10-2013, 04:15 PM
pgc hunter's Avatar
pgc hunter
Registered User

pgc hunter is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Renmark, SA
Posts: 2,980
two recent acquisitions.

Just found out that a 4" F/15 tube is a BEAST!!!
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (kogaku1.jpg)
152.1 KB172 views
Click for full-size image (kogaku3.jpg)
147.8 KB157 views
Click for full-size image (vixen3.jpg)
125.5 KB196 views
Click for full-size image (kogaku4.jpg)
121.5 KB161 views
Click for full-size image (kogaku2.jpg)
123.5 KB164 views
Reply With Quote
  #994  
Old 19-10-2013, 06:45 AM
Kunama
...

Kunama is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,588
Quote:
Originally Posted by pgc hunter View Post
two recent acquisitions.

Just found out that a 4" F/15 tube is a BEAST!!!
IT will need a beast of a mount as well
Nice looking scopes! The 4"F15 would look at home on my Gaunt mount and pier ........
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (DSC_2143.jpg)
135.1 KB224 views
Reply With Quote
  #995  
Old 19-10-2013, 01:32 PM
pgc hunter's Avatar
pgc hunter
Registered User

pgc hunter is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Renmark, SA
Posts: 2,980
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kunama View Post
IT will need a beast of a mount as well
Nice looking scopes! The 4"F15 would look at home on my Gaunt mount and pier ........
thanks! It falls just within the weight capacity of a HEQ5 but hoping to find a big alt-az.
Reply With Quote
  #996  
Old 08-11-2013, 05:14 PM
Kunama
...

Kunama is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,588
New Lawn - How to keep it wet???

After laying down Canturf in the backyard yesterday I wanted to make sure it got a good start and was kept wet and cool so it could grow roots quickly ....
what better way to guarantee RAIN than buy some astro gear ..... so as the Postie pulled up this morning, to drop off my new Binoviewers and a Baader Cool Ceramic Herschel Prism, I could smell the rain building, the clouds rolled in and yes it is raining ........ a mixed blessing

The Baader 2" Click-Lock Cool Ceramic Herschel Prism is a work of art. This version (P) comes with the pre-installed 3.0 ND filter and Solar Continuum filter as well as an OD 0.6, 0.9 & 1.8 ND filters.
The SC filter is not really required for a top shelf apochromat so I have removed it and replaced it with the 0.9 to test the waters. (The OD 3.0 filter is and must stay in the prism for any visual use)
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (DSC_3510.jpg)
113.7 KB217 views
Click for full-size image (DSC_3513.jpg)
173.4 KB193 views
Reply With Quote
  #997  
Old 09-11-2013, 08:16 AM
Kunama
...

Kunama is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,588
Sun came up again today , this time without its cloud veil , so I removed FS60 and the finder as the Baader wedge is its own finder. Although my little 'Pocket Instamatic' did struggle to get a decent picture of AR1890, the visuals with the LVWs were superb . The 3.0 + 0.9 ND filter stack is perfect for time at the eyepiece, not too bright.
The ceramic tile 'finder screen' works beautifully.
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (SOL AR1890 WL1.jpg)
40.4 KB164 views
Click for full-size image (DSCN3040L.jpg)
195.7 KB166 views

Last edited by Kunama; 09-11-2013 at 08:33 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #998  
Old 09-11-2013, 09:57 AM
brian nordstrom (As avatar)
Registered User

brian nordstrom is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Perth WA
Posts: 4,374
Mat that is hard case I shot these 2 yesterday after noon from here in Perth , my Tak Sky90 , Lunt wedge and Noika windows phone , almost identical to your shots .
Brian.
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (WP_20131108_001 (674x1200).jpg)
31.8 KB115 views
Click for full-size image (WP_20131108_003.jpg)
114.1 KB165 views
Reply With Quote
  #999  
Old 19-11-2013, 11:02 AM
Larryp's Avatar
Larryp (Laurie)
Registered User

Larryp is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Sydney
Posts: 5,244
New Scope

Takahashi TSA120 on my existing Vixen GPD2 with EQ5 Synscan. Parallax rings and ADM Vixen-style dovetail bar
Optical tube is a nice snug fit in a Stellarvue padded case (without the straight-through extension tube)
I copied Matt's (Kunama's) idea of using a Stellarvue R.A. finder-works very well
I must also thank Matt for his advice prior to buying this scope.
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (P1000126.JPG)
163.0 KB233 views
Click for full-size image (P1000128.JPG)
159.0 KB171 views
Reply With Quote
  #1000  
Old 19-11-2013, 06:32 PM
Kunama
...

Kunama is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,588
Very nice Laurie, anytime you want me to spend your money just send me a PM .......
Look forward to hearing your thoughts once you've had some time under the stars with it.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +10. The time is now 11:08 AM.

Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.7 | Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Advertisement
Testar
Advertisement
Bintel
Advertisement