10"Astrograph

[scopemankit]

I have recently installed my 10-inch Newtonian imaging scope and am busy tweaking the focal plane-camera adjustments. Nearly there, here is an image and two of the first images taken last week-end.


The images show the scope, (driven by Arduino)


Eta Carinae nebula


Orion nebula

[nebulosity.]

Wow Chris, what an incredible setup. I love the mount and scope and indeed, your whole observatory. Thank you for sharing.

What is the function of the rods traversing the length of the scope with nobs on the end? Do they adjust collimation?

Cheers
Jo

[Ukastronomer]

Looks very old :) nice

[Atmos]

It’s a fascinating looking setup you have there, thanks for sharing.

I am interested by what looks like counter balance weights at the telescope aperture.

[scopemankit]

Originally the tube was from a 12-inch Cass. The knobs were to adjust the secondary. You could change the focus, by giving each of the knobs the same amount of rotation, in the same direction, or you could collimate by turning the knobs as required. I made the 10-inch mirror to fit into the same tube and attached the diagonal to the original secondary holder. As a result you can tweak the diagonal using the original setup.
The original 12-inch cass has been refigured to a DK and I have just fitted the secondary. That design is based on a Mike Lockwood Cass. I can't wait for the moon to see the performance. (Results were excellent with the secondary unaluminised)