Starting Out

[kazakhan]

G'day,
I recently purchased an Orion XT8g from Bintel and am looking for some advice. A few years ago I had a very cheap 114mm Newtonian on an equatorial mount which I enjoyed for a while. So far I am disappointed with the focuser on the XT8g it's not very smooth and it seems I cannot use GOTO and autotracking at the same time. Also I only have a south to west view of the sky :(

I am thinking of buying a Canon 600D along with the Bintel variable projection camera adapter and EOS t-ring. I was wondering what I can expect from this and what else I may need? Ideally I would like to do automated scanning for asteroids if possible, is there software that does this? So far I only have the 28mm and 12.5mm eyepieces some came with the scope plus a 3x barlow and polarising filter.

I am just about to finish an introduction to astronomy class at uni and would like to learn more...

[louie_the_fly]

Hi Jamie. I can't help with the imaging side of your question, but as far as your focuser goes, it can be made better. I bought a Crayford style focuser (same style as your scope has) and before I used it I gave it a workover.I f you have some mechanical aptitude and basic tools it's very easy. I have a pdf of the procedure which I got off the web. PM me your email address & I can send it to you. It's a bit big to attach here.

I'm sure someone will chime in and help you with the other parts of your question.

Louie

[rogerco]

The 600D is a great camera but hopefully you have checked that the focusor on the Dob will allow you to reach focus with a DSLR, many don't and I can't see anything on the Bintel site about this being an "imaging" Dob.

Eyepiece projection is one route but you might want to check out the possibilities of the prime focus adapter.

No doubt you have talked it out with the really helpful guys down there at Bintel. I am very happy with my 600D but you might want to keep your eyes out for a second hand QHY8 camera (or other astronomy camera), similar size chip but cooled, there was one for sale in the classifieds for a similar price to the 600D, but you might want a general purpose camera.

Its all about what you want to do, there is no one solution that will do everything.

Good luck, have fun.

[kazakhan]

I didn't check that nor have I spoken to the guys at Bintel probably should have before I went and bought the camera this afternoon :D
Hopefully I can overcome any issues that may arise.

[kazakhan]

Thanks for that the focuser is working much smoother now.