Go Back   IceInSpace > Equipment > ATM and DIY Projects

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread
  #1  
Old 03-12-2020, 07:07 PM
Taters (Liam)
Registered User

Taters is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Australia
Posts: 9
DIY Tracker? Something between a barn door and EQ6

I can't be the first person to wonder at the possiblities that lie somewhere between a barn door tracker and a full EQ6?

Since moving to the city I haven't used my old EQ6 in about 8 years, and it's too heavy to carry out hiking, I bought an EQ3 years ago with the intention of getting more use out of it for wide field astro, but the little 9V battery and motors are so unreliable it's basically a paperweight.

I like the look of the MSM "rotator" but I don't love it.

I have an idea for a very light, USB powered, sidereal tracker with no extra features. Just a stepper motor + Arduino, worm drive, and an on/off switch.

Google has failed me and I don't know enough about stepper motors, or Arduinos to know if it's feasible.

TL;dr
Will an Arduino be able to control a stepper motor with enough precision for ~5 minute subs at 24-50mm focal length?

Can this contraption be powered by USB?
USB-A or USB-C are both convenient options available in my hiking kit.

Is it worth it or should I just fork out for a dedicated brand-name tracker?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-12-2020, 08:09 PM
ChrisV's Avatar
ChrisV (Chris)
Registered User

ChrisV is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Sydney
Posts: 1,737
If you want Goto - onstep. I've got it on an eq5. A really light portable setup that I use for short focal length imaging. There are people doing to smaller eq3 mounts. Sounds like overkill but it won't cost much more than what you are talking about. The biggest cost is the motors, gears and time to sort out the mechanics

Last edited by ChrisV; 04-12-2020 at 10:11 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-12-2020, 11:06 PM
sunslayr (David)
Registered User

sunslayr is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Perth
Posts: 209
I know people have used the Star Adventurer with lightweight scopes like the Red/Spacecat. While you can automate anything with an arduino and a stepper such as your EQ3, you will be ultimately limited by the platform you're running and its stability. At 50mm though I can't imagine there would be much of an issue. I think you can also improve sideral motor by adding a regulated power supply of you wanted to go that route. Too bad there is no push to EQ4.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-12-2020, 10:42 PM
rising (Craig)
Registered User

rising is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 1
OpenAstroTracker

https://openastrotech.com/projects/openastrotracker/

I will be be building this for an inexpensive introduction to astro photography. Standalone with keypad and LCD or ASCOM or INDI support. There is also a companion guide scope and guide camera.

I'll post something when I get it done. Can't say when that will be. I'm still fixing up a 3D printer that I bought for $50. There's not actually much wrong with it that wasn't wrong with it when it come from the factory. It's all the [needed] enhancements that are taking time.
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 11:57 PM.

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