The Battle Tank Imaging Train

[Paul Haese]

Quite a few months ago I decided to build another observatory and I also wanted that observatory to be remote. Part of my thinking in this, was to buy the best imaging train I could afford. I already had an STL11K and a MOAG. I had done one completed image with the RC12 and the STL11, but had not used the MOAG.

So I set about getting the imaging train I wanted for long term. I bought a 3" Pyxis rotator and adapters to go with everything to include a 3" feather touch focusor. I then bought a second hand AOL and tried to assemble it all. Unsurprisingly I found that focus could not be achieved because the focusor took up too much back focus. So I resorted to buying an Atlas focusor from FLI and the adapters that went with it. The Atlas finally arrived today and now I have it altogether.

So looking at the image from left to right: Rear adapter from scope > Pyxis 3" Rotator > Atlas Focusor > AOL > MOAG > STL11K.

Obviously the ST11K will eventually go but I think the rest will be around for some time to come yet. This will be my Battle Tank Imaging Train.:)

[multiweb]

:eyepop: Tank indeed. How much does the whole assembly weighs?

[RickS]

Nice set up, Paul! All that stuff really chews up the back focus, doesn't it? The Atlas is a godsend.

Cheers,
Rick.

[alistairsam]

wow, the Atlas focuser is fairly large compared to normal focusers but it looks tiny in that train.

[h0ughy]

awsome and heavy - its impressive and functional

[Paul Haese]

Marc, it weighs 7kg. Just checked it on the scales. Most likely a little over 7 really.

Rick, yes backfocus is problematic. The Atlas makes it possible.

One thing raised to me today by Brett Soames is that I may not be able to use the ST-I with the STL11 to control the AOL. I will need to contact Peter Ward and see if he knows whether that is possible or not. Otherwise I will need to get a remote guide head.

[multiweb]

:lol: Gee... that's the weight of my newt with the camera on. Monster set-up. :thumbsup:

[Paul Haese]

Entire rig with RC12 and cables is 31kg. Still plenty of room on the PMX:).

[gregbradley]

That made me laugh. That is huge. But I can see how its all needed.

Its gonna put a lot of stress on that FT focuser. My TEC180 has a 3.5 FT focuser. Yuri did some tests on flex with it. It actually flexed less when it was upside down. A little tip for you.

Its all good fun.

Its good though you've got an AO unit in there. That should be handy. STL11 is still a classic camera. I don't know modern cameras have progressed too much from that. Cleaner electronics and faster downloads is the main change from STL but its still a very capable imager.

Greg.

[Peter.M]

No FT to flex! Thats an atlas now!

[gregbradley]

Oh yes he mentioned that.

Greg.

[Paul Haese]

Yes the AO is going to require a remote guide head though. Apparently the ST-I will not work with the system. (bugger) Anyone that has a remote guide head and wants to sell it, please let me know.

As Pete mentioned I got rid of the FT focusor purely from a back focus position.

Besides the Atlas can carry 10kg according to FLI. We will see.;)

[RickS]

I have an Atlas dragging around a MMOAG, 1.6Kg filter wheel and 3.3Kg camera without breaking a sweat.

[DavidTrap]

A significant moment...

DT

[PRejto]

Sorry to hear that the ST-i won't work. What's a bit more money anyway!!

Anyway the reason I'm writing is that I noticed what looks to be a Hutech helical focuser going to the ST-i. I wonder if you have any flex concerns with it? I had one on my ONAG and noticed that even with the set screws tight it still could move a bit. Not that the ST-i is heavy, but I decided to remove mine and figure out a different way to focus. What is your experience?

Peter

[Joshua Bunn]

that looks awesome Paul, do they all fit together with threaded and taper lock v grove connections?

[naskies]

Very nice, Paul... a dream imaging train! The helical focuser on the guide cam is a great idea. Are you using a corrector/reducer with your RC12?

[Joshua Bunn]

One here Paul http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=834102

[Paul Haese]

One step ahead of you Joshua. I have contacted him and we are making arrangements.

[Joshua Bunn]

Haha... good stuff.

[gregbradley]

It seems the Starlight Express AO unit also needs their Lodestar to work.

Andrews is expecting 16 inch CF truss GSO RCs at some point.

Greg.

[Paul Haese]

No corrector Dave. I have not found anything yet that will work with the size of sensor and be cost effective. It will mean I need to crop images.

[Paul Haese]

Most of it is v groove connections. Not my ideal way of holding stuff together but this is what is supplied.

[Joshua Bunn]

thanks.

[naskies]

By cost effective, I guess you're referring to the ASA corrector? GSO was onto a winner with the huge back focus of their RCs (I can't believe people have been bagging them out over it)... with the latest addition, I'll be down to my last 15 mm.