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[bugeater]

Well an AZ-EQ6 GT + an 8" f/5 reflector is on its way :)

Objective is ultimately astrophotography and I want to control the mount with a laptop, so what are the next few bits and pieces?

Is this what I need to run Eqmod?:
http://www.bintel.com.au/Mounts---Tripods/Mount-Accessories/Shoestring-USB2--br-EQ5-Interface/774/productview.aspx It seems the plug on the AZ-EQ6 isn't the same as the EQ6, but I wanted to check with those in the know.

Also, the laptop I have is over 10 years old running XP, and is somewhat decrepit. It seems plate solving is of some benefit when polar aligning and also what strains the computer - would a new i3, 4Gb ram running win 8.1 be sufficient for this? Could an android tablet fill in for a while (obviously not plate solving though).

Also, there seems to be a big list of software to install - any recommendations? PhD seems to be the standard for guiding, Astro tortilla for plate solving and Eqmod. Of course I have no idea how these all fit together.

Oh and of course, eventually I'll need a autoguider/scope. Any suggestions?



I think I need to lie down now.:scared2:

[Mark_Heli]

Hey Marty,

Congrats on the new equipment. The AZ-EQ6 is a great mount. Yes - that is the right cable for the plugging the mount into the computer and running eqmod.

You might need to download the Virtual COM Port drivers for the cable from http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm .

Cheers,
Mark

[bugeater]

So it's all arrived and I managed to lug it home. Have mounted everything, but yet to power it up. But when opening the new OTA a few big pieces of dust/polystyrene dislodged, floated in and stuck on the mirror. How on earth do I get them off?

If I had clean air to blow in there, I would try that, but I don't trust my compressor not to blow oil too.

[iborg]

Hi

Cans of compressed air can be bought from places like Jaycar and maybe Dick Smith.

Just check whether they are 'clean' air or have something else to provide pressure in the can.

Have fun with your new toy.

Philip

[bugeater]

Funny, I just went to Jaycar and forgot to look at canned air.

I'm thinking a hair dryer set on low heat for a quick blast might be worth a first attempt. Doubt a few small bits of styrofoam on the mirror will any real impact though.

[jayconnor]

how annoying when you wanna just use it haha! goodluck!

[astro_nutt]

An empty plastic drink bottle with a small hole in the cap. Give a squeeze for a good puff of air. Simple eh?

[bugeater]

Used a hairdryer to get the dust out, which did the trick quick smart.

Anyway, collimated the scope with some tools I have from 15 years ago and did some quick trials. All seemed good. Saturday night was dark and cloudless, so I had my first decent play with the whole system.

Alignment was problematic due to limits on visible sky. Eventually got around that, but pointing accuracy was a bit sketchy.

The polar alignment function seems quite good, though I'm not sure how accurate it really is. Even when it said there was no error 1 minute exposures still showed a bit of star trailing.

I like the camera control function. I'd find the target, program in the sequence of photos and walk away. Anyway, I've taken my first few images. I'm reasonably happy with them, but clearly there is still a long way to go.