Your Astronomy Dream Product?

[glend (Glen)]

What astronomy product would you like to see developed and why?

My dream product would be:

A full featured AI Collimation System , which would have a camera to insert in the focuser, and a software app, and equipment database, to debug the image and issue you with verbal instructions and tweaks to achieve perfect collimation. It would analyse each of your steps and report back immeadiately. Sort of like Sharpcap Polar Alignment, but with much better AI function. You just need to enter what scope you are collimating, from cassegrain, to refractors, to newts, to SCTs, etc. It could have a brand pick list too.
No need to rely on your dodgy vision anymore, or lack of understanding of the finer points of each design type. It would guide you to achieve a level of perfection beyond your hours of tinkering on the bench or star testing, all achieved within a few minutes.

I would pay for this.

[billdan (Bill)]

I like that idea, you could go even further and motorise the collimation screws. Then your PC or electronic device adjusts the mirrors more accurately and quicker than we can.

For the secondary we could deploy three motorised flexi-drive cables with screws attached for collimating.
For the primary a gear bolted onto the collimation screws, and a motor geared to turn the screw (in/out).

[glend (Glen)]

Originally Posted by billdan

I like that idea, you could go even further and motorise the collimation screws. Then your PC or electronic device adjusts the mirrors more accurately and quicker than we can.

For the secondary we could deploy three motorised flexi-drive cables with screws attached for collimating.
For the primary a gear bolted onto the collimation screws, and a motor geared to turn the screw (in/out).

Bill I guess that could work for a Newt, but other types ma6be not. Come to thinking it, how do they collimate the Hubble? Surely it might need checking now and then.

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Originally Posted by glend

Come to thinking it, how do they collimate the Hubble? Surely it might need checking now and then.

Wonder if it has Bob's knobs?

[Hans Tucker (Hans)]

Originally Posted by glend

What astronomy product would you like to see developed and why?

My dream product would be:

A full featured AI Collimation System , which would have a camera to insert in the focuser, and a software app, and equipment database, to debug the image and issue you with verbal instructions and tweaks to achieve perfect collimation. It would analyse each of your steps and report back immeadiately. Sort of like Sharpcap Polar Alignment, but with much better AI function. You just need to enter what scope you are collimating, from cassegrain, to refractors, to newts, to SCTs, etc. It could have a brand pick list too.
No need to rely on your dodgy vision anymore, or lack of understanding of the finer points of each design type. It would guide you to achieve a level of perfection beyond your hours of tinkering on the bench or star testing, all achieved within a few minutes.

I would pay for this.

Would sort of take the fun and challenge out of the whole process wouldn't it? Too much of the hobby has been surrendered to automation. Just my opinion .. old school RAAF Instrument Fitter with antiquated ideas.

[Xeteth (David)]

I was thinking about this question yesterday coming up with ideas about what hardware I'd want. Then it dawned on me that what I'd really love is an all-in-one software solution for astrophotography.

Currently, in a night of imaging I use Astrophotography Tool, PHD2, CCDInspector, Stellarium, and EQMOD - then Pixinsight for processing the data. Imagine if there was a complete package that provided everything whilst also providing an API or scripting so that people could add custom functions. That's the real Holy Grail to me.

This would have a major benefit in the consistency of data throughout the whole process. You start a project, then not have to worry about the files at all - let the software handle it. Guiding data could be used to help the software eliminate bad subs etc, the possibilities are endless.

I know such a thing is likely unrealistic, it would be a mammoth undertaking in terms of development. But I'd love to fire up Pixinsight one day and have tabs up the top for stellarium, image acquisition, mount control, guiding, etc.

[Peter Ward]

I’m firmly of the notion that the GIGO principle applies to imaging i.e. “garbage in garbage out”
Anything that improves the data works for me.
Higher order, adaptive optics would be amazing (i.e. deformable mirrors )

[rrussell1962]

Can we have a 35mm to 3.5mm high quality zoom eyepiece which is par focal throughout its entire range, has 20mm of eye relief and a constant 100 degree field. Oh - and is affordable. Please.

[GrahamL]

Cloud dissapator.

[AndyG (Andy)]

Originally Posted by GrahamL

Cloud dissapator.

I reckon we have a winner here Folks.

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Originally Posted by AndyG

I reckon we have a winner here Folks.

Too late. It already exists...

https://youtu.be/kmtDVM8YgTQ

[AndyG (Andy)]

Originally Posted by peter_4059

Too late. It already exists...

https://youtu.be/kmtDVM8YgTQ

Peter, good Sir... please don't do that again. I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but after watching that, I'm not sure if my IQ is even in double figures anymore.

...ouch...

[Startrek (Martin)]

Don’t know if they already exist but for portable EQ mounts how about motorised Azimuth and Altitude adjusters for polar alignment instead of manual adjusting bolts ( either cabled remote control or wifi remote control )
Now is that becoming too lazy ??

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Originally Posted by AndyG

Peter, good Sir... please don't do that again. I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but after watching that, I'm not sure if my IQ is even in double figures anymore.

...ouch...

That might be so Andy....but did the cloud disappear?

[billdan (Bill)]

My astronomy dream product would be an Atmospheric Seeing Killer.

Not those commercial AO boxes that only correct for mount imperfections, but a wave front sensor (camera) that can do at least 30 frames per sec on an average star with good SNR and a tip/tilt mirror that can keep up.

[alpal]

Originally Posted by billdan

My astronomy dream product would be an Atmospheric Seeing Killer.

Not those commercial AO boxes that only correct for mount imperfections, but a wave front sensor (camera) that can do at least 30 frames per sec on an average star with good SNR and a tip/tilt mirror that can keep up.

That is not technically possible with a small amateur telescope.
Even super large telescopes sometimes have to shine a laser to get an artificial star to help the software to control a deformable mirror.
That's because you need a very bright star to be able to control
adaptive optics using a deformable mirror.

[glend (Glen)]

Originally Posted by alpal

That is not technically possible with a small amateur telescope.
Even super large telescopes sometimes have to shine a laser to get an artificial star to help the software to control a deformable mirror.
That's because you need a very bright star to be able to control
adaptive optics using a deformable mirror.

Well, this thread is about "Dream Products", it doesn't have to be restricted by the current state of technology .

[alpal]

Originally Posted by glend

Well, this thread is about "Dream Products", it doesn't have to be restricted by the current state of technology .

I don't think the dream includes breaking the laws of physics?


Adaptive optics with EMCCD cameras:


https://andor.oxinst.com/learning/vi...ased-astronomy

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Originally Posted by peter_4059

Too late. It already exists...

https://youtu.be/kmtDVM8YgTQ

Caloowed disappear indeed....brilliant!

[alpal]

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

Caloowed disappear indeed....brilliant!

Welcome back Mike.
You humor was much missed.