New toys

[xelasnave]

Well I am here to blow my trumpet and announce that both the new ZWO ASI 2600 mono and the Celestron RASA 11 inch astrograph have arrived.

John from Bintel said at the start he would get them to me at the end of June and he did in fact get them here a little earlier..my "carer":D picked up the camera on Monday from the post office and today I over came my fear of passing out at the wheel and drove in to pick up the RASA which was delivered to the Rural Agents also probably on Monday...

The RASA is still in the car and it will be fun getting it out as I plan to do it all by myself:eyepop: but I will leave it there until the girls go out so they dont scold me for lifting stuff...but I will use a ramp and a wheel barrow ..I have to really.

I ordered a new lap top with three usb A ports as I seem to recall a need to avoid a usb hub and it may be available tomorrow.

What I dont have is the filters as they are on their way I think...

I have the filter draws ( got sent three I think by mistake ) so hopefully can have a go of putting things together...and I have no idea without looking at the scope and what came with the camera and the filter draw if I need more stuff or not....

I must say it is hard just having it in the car and not able to bring it inside and look at it...I need to bring it in tomorrow to look at , see if everything will go together then get it back in the car before they get home and not overdo things...then go into town and get the lap top and get back before they get home cause they wont let me drive into town I expect...and I dont want to worry them.

Again a very very big thank you to John at Bintel he is just wonderful to deal with..always there to take a call and endures my endless chatting, a pleasure to deal with.

Alex

[glend]

That is great news Alex. What about getting your helper, that you were going to hire (The radio astronomy guy) to help you get the scope out of the car and un box it. Surely the girls would not object to your helper helping.

[Hans Tucker]

Congratulation Alex on your new acquisition .. nothing beats new gear smell. Whilst I understand your desire to keep doing things yourself I really don't think moving this without someone else present is such a good idea. I understand the RASA 11 is a considerable weight and boxed might be somewhat awkward to handle solo. Hopefully you rethink you plan. Sorry to be a downer on this for your new purchase.

[xelasnave]

He was to get in contact to do some tidy up but I have not heard from him...and I went to the bank to have some cash ready...but you know me if no help that wont stop me.
Alex

[strongmanmike]

Sounds exciting Alex, a cool combo :thumbsup:

Where is your car parked..? :whistle:

Mike

[xelasnave]

Good advice Hans and thank you but I do like challenges like this...I will use a ramp then into one of those two wheel garden carts only a couple of meters into the house.. that is one half a step and without taking it off the cart cut open the box to get access to the front so I can try and fit the camera.. Honestly doing it will help me get moving again ...give me some confidence..and I am going to take my blood pressure at various stages.
If I can do it I will feel capable again and believe me I need it...actually I could probably cut the box and do all that I need without taking it out of the car...
Alex

[xelasnave]

I can get the car right alongside the big sliding door, so a couple of feet... but have to wait until they go out cause their car is there now and they probably wont like me bringing in the garden cart into the house anyways... but as I said maybe I can do what I need to do without taking it out of the car.
The job will be done..I cant be intimidated by not having the ability to lift it...
Alex

[Startrek]

Alex,
Exciting news indeed
Wow what a beast of a scope and one of the best Cmos cameras on the market
Try and arrange some assistance as it’s a heavy OTA at 20kg
Cant wait to see some images once you eventually get up and running
Clear Skies
Martin

[The_bluester]

Great news, I got my 2600MM a couple of days ago too and the sky was obligingly clear enough for me to go into a frenzy of fitting the filter wheel and getting it set up as it got dark, to shoot some first light data. It was mounted and in use so soon after unboxing it that I am only just shooting darks for it now as the clear sky has gone away!

[xelasnave]

Thanks Martin and thanks Paul.

Paul I read your post late last night and thought there was a certain irony in the fact that it was raining here.

There is a lot to do when I think about it...down loads for the new lap top and I expect other fiddling... and taking some darks is a good idea.
Alex

[Hans Tucker]

So ... Mr Howard Carter have you opened the sarcophagus yet?

[xelasnave]

Now you are talking ..real people...see this is the type of person you do a movie about ..non fiction and real deeds...

Not yet.. trying give a guitar lesson via text message...and 30minutes to eat my poridge:D...now its time for my 8am meds..lots of..then blood pressure, then neck exercises and skin moisturizer... shave now that I do hygiene etc...but a problem daughter has stayed home.
can you believe this ..to keep an eye on me...cause of going out yesterday.. grounded..took my car keys...I am being treated like an invalid.
Lucky the car is unlocked but going to get the lap top looks dubious.
I will do my best given the new circumstances.
Alex

[JA]

Hi Alex,

Congratulations on your new arrivals and the imaging to come. Take care.

Best
JA

[xelasnave]

And the "assistant" just rang to arrange for a days work tomorrow...see how lucky I am things just fall into place one after the other...now for my 8 am meds running late but always the sign of a fun packed day...

Alex

[Outcast]

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/fe/2d/72/fe2d72bdf521de23033742c2311faa3c.jp g


:rofl:

[xelasnave]

Thank you.

Alex

[N1]

Alex, it is so nice to see this happening, well done mate & no doubt we're gonna see some great shots from that setup :thumbsup:

[xelasnave]

:lol::lol::lol:

When I did the pubs in Parramatta helping down and out folk manage better they used to call me "father confessor" ...for whatever reason people who were complete strangers would after a little while tell me their deepest secrets ...I think cause I never judged folk and was kind.

So facing two problems .. daughter is using the garden cart and the grass is still very wet and as the only foot ware I have (able to wear on my swollen feet) are slippers I cant even go to the car yet...best news is we have a new little lady chook, a little mate for Percy the pet house rooster...our little boy has grown up.
Life is just so wonderful isnt it.
Alex
Alex

[xelasnave]

Thank you Mirko...I hope to do the gear justice..it is a beautiful winters day here..cold and wet mist hiding the mountains and so very quiet except for our roosters and next door having a crowing contest...now that is something that could really get to you if you did not decide to enjoy it..there are three here going nuts.

Tomorrow I go to the observatory which I have not seen for ages and I expect thousands of dollars damage possibly so being prepared I have determined not to let it worry me.

Alex

[xelasnave]

I cant praise Bintel enough..yesterday I had two trips into Tabby..the first showed no scope at the Post Office...late in the day I spoke to John (about other things) but said it had not arrived and he suggested the tracking number...anyways after that call I thought I will try the Rural Agent..they dont deliver to the address you nominate like your home...it was there..and I picked the RASA up from the Rural Agent...
Anyways just now a decent young man rings from Bintel...saying he is worried that I have not received my RASA etc..of course I could tell him its all ok.
But how good is that.. really just how good is that.

Alex

[xelasnave]

I got to the car and heck its rather big and probably too big to be managed safely in the garden trolly so I gave up on moving it given my "assistant" will be here tomorrow we can take it straight into the observatory and put it on the mount..A cop out its true but I feel one cant be pig headed when facts suggest you need to do better...I choose to do better by not doing anything..besides I cant have a go with daughter watching ...if she wasnt here no doubt the box would look smaller and the garden trolly would look bigger...its all covered by Special Relativity.
I will not feel the guilt generated by defeat but take pride in my ability to accept change and adjust.
As to opening th box in the car ..that is not a good idea either....because the thing is not laying flat.
Alex

[AdamJL]

Congrats!!! Looking forward to seeing images from this setup

[xelasnave]

Thank you ...hopefully not too far off.

If anyone is still there I have a question I will ask here although maybe I should ask in the appropriate section..however..lets assume everything goes together it seems that I will be without filters for some time so I expect I can take photos without a filter and they should in effect be equivalent to a luminance photo..Is that correct?

Alex

[JA]

Pretty much , except that with a luminance filter compared with no filter, the luminance filter will restrict the bandwidth to approximately the visible light range, cutting out any infrared and UV. For example a Baader UV/IR Luminnace filter will pass the 400 - 680nm range. Reducing the infrared in particular can be a benefit in some systems as it may result in bloated stars

Best
JA

[xelasnave]

Thank you very much JA ... getting closer by the hour.
Alex

[The_bluester]

What sized filters are the draws set up for? It might suffer a bit of band shift due to the high speed optics but I have a 2" ZWO IR cut filter here that I used to use with my old ASI294 (Which is a poor name, they are a UV-IR cut, effectively a luminance filter) The 2" is an M48 thread.

If you want it I can send it up to you.

[xelasnave]

The drawers are 2 inch.
Paul that is most kind of you however at this stage I will hold back until I make sure I that I dont need some sort of spacer etc but that gives me more appealing options. Let me get the thing set up and the Laptop etc and I will visit this again...that is wonderful of you and I thank you for being so kind and thoughtful.
Alex

[The_bluester]

Let me know, if it is useful to you, you can have it. It does not fit anywhere in either of my image trains now, and isn't needed anyway as one camera has a UV-IR cut window (The 2600MC) and the other a full filter wheel (The 2600MM)

[xelasnave]

Thank you Paul I have taken up your offer in a PM as it appears I have a long wait for my set.
I did ring John at Bintel to see if he had anything, a Ha specifically, but unfortunately nothing...I tell you it sure is hard having in the car and not being able to take it out of the box... tomorrow..I am actually getting excited in a reserved and dignified way of course...thanks again you are a champion.
Alex

[The_bluester]

Done, it will be on it's way tomorrow.

[xelasnave]

Onto the EQ 6 I purchased about 6 months ago. It is on a pier so one can only hope but I did ask here and the answers were quiet positive.

I plan short exposures so I am hoping it can manage...I would buy an eq8 but the waiting time has put me off...maybe a Paramount even..but because I had to struggle for cash all my life I find it hard to buy either but looking at a short life expectancy I find myself saying "what the heck just buy it" ... I just think of what I can buy with $16k or $8k ( not that I will) but a good sailing boat or a neat sports car...heck I bought an ultra lite plane for $5k once... Might get the sports car and a winch to lower myself in...I am so lucky here as one can drive to the river and it is a great driving experience...and no traffic or police, great corners and from the river go back to Tabby (for cofee) on the West with a straight that you can do any top speed you like then up a neat demanding mountain road...damn it I will get one:)

Anyways the plan is see how it goes on the EQ6 ...the other thing is I am thinking of getting something to do galaxies and then an EQ8 is a must..or Paramount...but with the cancer thing I still dont know if I can make long term plans...I think also my concern is not walking well and blood pressure in the back of my mind so I just need to start again and see what I can do really.

Sorry you asked?

But thanks for asking I can think more about a mount...and a sports car:P

Alex

[xelasnave]

Thank you Paul I greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness.

Alex

[xelasnave]

Great progress the van has been cleaned, the observatory has been cleaned and the scope on the mount...alarmingly the clutch in RA is not gripping very well and there is a wobble I think due to adjustment being required on the base plate..have yet to try setting up the camera but I just had to tell you all...and the experience has been so uplifting..just to sit in my van, my home, again really was wonderful...it is nothing to others but everything to me.
Thanks for listening.
Alex

[PCH]

You’re going great guns Alex, well done you :thumbsup:

[Hans Tucker]

That is one good looking scope ... You leave the Price Tag on?

[The_bluester]

Wow, the RASA 11 is a big beast!


The filters were posted today by the way, hopefully they are useful to you.

[Startrek]

Alex,
Now that’s an Astrophotography rig
Looks incredible
Take your time fine tuning balance and optics etc...
Cant wait to see some images
Best
Martin

[xelasnave]

Sortted the slipping clutch it just needed some exercise.

The wobble is the single bolt between the custom cast:) base plate and the mount which should tighten ok and happily it can be reached without taking the whole thing down.

My heart sank as that was my first thought.

I have worked out what goes where and conclude that the filter draw is not the one I need..it is 54 but the hole in the camera takes 41 according to my measuring thingy, manual reading as the battery is dead...I will look into all of this but the question has popped into my head ...if the opening in the camera requires 41 how does that fit with 2 inch filters..whats that 50 mm..will a 41 mm draw set up hold 50 mm filters or do we need to step up from the camera with a fitting so as to use the "54 mm" draw... Also the fitting at the scope is 41 ..is that too small and I need a different fitting to what came with the scope to use 50 mm filters?..I will do some research first, then ask John of Bintel but if anyone has any input it would be wonderful to hear.

So outside the grass has been cut and I feel so much better about it all.

Moreover the main reason I bought this scope was to have something to motivate me to go on and on that score the scope it has done its job because the condition I find myself in one really does not feel like getting out of bed at all...but today I had a good reason to not go back to bed after my 6am meds...and getting help has been a smart thing todo as I think I could not have managed it mentally or physically and yet it is mostly done and we still have half a days work to put in...

Happily although the observatory was covered in rat droppings and wasp nests and looking terrible it seems at this stage there does not appear to be any damage..no cables chewed thru etc..it was surprising how the bolt referred to worked loose and the clutch became useless..hot and cold no doubt..its been a while cause I was off the air a good while before the operation I just did not realise how I had slipped..add the rain..well time flies.

I still need to look at the mounts in the small observatory that has the little HEQ 5 and a old but accurate EQ6.

But I fear getting the optical train set up for the RASA will require some thinking and certainly bits that I dont have.

The thing is rather big and a EQ8 would seem mandatory but first I need to just make it work...and the new camera feels nice in ones hand ..and it has a clean sensor:D

Thank for listening.
Alex

[xelasnave]

I will see what it is..it still has some covering on it ..just give me some time.
Alex

[The_bluester]

The original tilt plate on the ASI2600 is an M42 thread, but you can get M48 and M54 versions as well. I have an M54 one on mine.

[xelasnave]

I spoke to John at Bintel and he said in addition to filters he is waiting on filter drawers as well and that he will sort it all out for me...
I can probably still take a photo by leaving out the filter drawer and filters....anyways I need to get my hands on the new lap top and download drivers etc...still plenty to do and of course the weather does no look too flash...still happy as.
Edit..I thought it was a 42 but my micrometre said 41...but with no battery can I trust it.
Alex

[xelasnave]

Rather than a new thread ( although this event deserves one) I post a report on progress here.

I was planning a work day at the observatory but my assistant called in sick but thats ok it is a bleak winter day threatening rain...however I was already there so I connected the ZWO2600 to the RASA with bits that came in the box, pointed at some distant trees, really expecting disappointment however a blob appeared on screen (Sharpcap) ... Still not expecting much wound out the focus and overwhelming joy to see leaves clear as on screen...so entirely worn out and fearing I could faint from carrying the lap top from the car I dismantled it all covered up, locked up and rushed back here before I pass out...
The mount needs yet another counter weight so I am pushing things a lot.

Alex

[Startrek]

Alex,
Testing for connectivity and functionality of your all equipment during the day , be it in small steps , is key to a successful first night out imaging with your new rig
Take as much time as you need and tick off each step until your ready for the big night , I don’t need to tell you that anyway
Looks very exciting so far , your making good progress
Best
Martin

[Constant]

Alex, I'm chronically ill, very different to your situation, however.... I've found the "trick" is try and complete no more than one task per day.
Some days maybe more, sometimes less. The upside, the satisfaction in completing a project

[xelasnave]

Excellent advice.

When in business each day I made a list of six most important things, working out what is really important is the key... which seems so few but it was surprising just how many interuptions stood between achieving that goal and missing them all...and these days I go for only one a day, but as simple as that sounds rarely do I achieve same...it was near two weeks to try that camera on the scope.

My life now turns on taking my 11 am meds:D anything more is fantastic.

Sorry to hear you are not too flash and thanks for taking the time to help me I very much appreciate it...more than you can know...particularly today...could not have been more timely.

Thanks heaps.

Alex

[xelasnave]

One thing I thought could come with the scope is a bracket or the like, in place for your camera cable (s) ... It seems ( from Rays Astronomy youtube chanel) one merely attaches a section of wire from a coat hanger which ok that will work but given the prettyness of the unit it seems just wrong.

So I will spend some time working out first a dew shield, with a door to access the filter drawer, incorporating flash cable management...taking darks and flats will not be simple it seems...
So while I wait for the filters there is plenty to do...but if I had them I would grab a coat hanger and duct tape and see what it can do...
Alex

[The_bluester]

I know that there used to be some 3D printer files available for a curved cable guide to attach to the normal SCT with a hyperstar, there might be something similar for the RASA.

[xelasnave]

Thank you Paul.
Alex

[xelasnave]

It is getting tiresome waiting for the filters..even a drawer that would take the filters that you sent would be helpful.
Anyways I wont let it spoil my day but having everything but cant use it because of one part missing in the chain...anyways I am too crook to take photos yet so it doesn't matter really...I need to get on and design the dew shield etc....and find a coat hanger and duct tape;)
Alex

[xelasnave]

Cant wait for these damn filters so I bought a one shot colour ZWO2600 so maybe get something happening ...
Alex

[xelasnave]

It is a clear night but I found two reasons not to try out the new one colour shot camera..its very Moonlight, is it me or is it brighter than usual:P and it is so damn cold...one of the side effects of my cancer meds is a increased sensitivity to the cold...thats for sure...these days 18 c is cold..plus not eating does not help..anyways with this additional camera I can actually do some imaging if I want which helps plus I wont fret about having a scope that I cant use..I hate annoying John st Bintel asking have my filters arrived...he would let me know immediately but you know you just have to call...I pity them at Bintel trying to cope during this virus thing...AND plus now most of my scopes can have a dedicated camera...see I said its like golf ..you need a bag of clubs:lol: Having the cancer has taken away my tight fisted approach to money and makes one realise my signature hereunder has hidden meaning.
Alex

[Startrek]

Alex,
I’m currently imaging the Statue of Liberty nebula and then Dragons of Ara with my 2600MC and L Extreme filter
Moon is overhead and yes extremely bright
Not sure about using the 2600MC with an L Extreme OSC narrowband filter on your RASA at f2
L Extreme works great with my f5 and f6 newts pushing anywhere between 2 and 5 minute subs , however you need at least 3 to 4 hours of data to process a decent image
The 2600MM will be so much better with the right filters and with shorter subs too
Tonight I’ve set my 2600MC in Ascom to Gain 100 ( lowest read noise) to see if it’s any better than Gain 0 or highest dynamic range which I normally use
Don’t worry about ringing Bintel all the time , that’s what they are there for , to improve customer service , they sometimes need a little push now and again
John and Don are great to deal with , always accomodating

Best
Martin

[xelasnave]

I am not sure if I communicated this clearly enough but I I now have both the ZWO 2600 MM and the ZWO 2600 MC ..both with out filter drawers..
I am hopeful of using the MC without any filters.
Alex

[glend]

Alex, at least you could get started with the MC, and start collecting data and producing images. It would obviously satisfy that "itch" you have to get back to it asap.
:)

[xelasnave]

Thats what I am hoping for Glen...its been way too long and to see lovely clear nights come and go unused is not helping....and the last day or so I think I may manage so I want to try. I have heaps of hand warmers which you can stick on your clothes and they really work very well....on an aside...going great with the guitar as I can go from rythem to lead and back and forth and it has taken me years to nail that...the turning point was playing off the root notes which changed it somehow from just playing a scale..still use the scale as reference of course...and seeing my Son and grand kids later today so I hope to have him come to the observatory while I try for maybe 30 minutes testing...if I get permission;)
Alex

[JohnF]

Saw a Youtube ages ago where the man had made a lift in order to lift a large Cassegrain telescope into his car boot.

Maybe you could think along those lines for yours.

[xelasnave]

I have various things like that John..two small endless chains and a small block and tackle I made up from pulleys from Bunnings ..to get stuff in the car I have a little ramp...just have to think thru...however I need an anchor point above the pier...I had others put the scope up for me which was novel as I have not used help in the past.
Alexp

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

Alex, what about a light weight engine crane? Quick search of the web get you a $260 2ton folding engine crane. Way more than you need apart from the height it will give you.

Fold away and wheels etc, could be what your after if you have slabs to work on.


Steve

[xelasnave]

When I was thinking of buying a 16 inch I saw one in the auto shop and was going to buy it next shop but by then it was gone and a little after that I decided a 16 inch was a bad idea and forgot about it...I will keep my eye out when I start going shopping again.
Thanks that is very good advice thank you.
Alex

[glend]

Alex, I used to use a simple locking rope block and tackle, to lift a heavy spare wheel on
to the rear door mount of my Jeep. I fixed it to a beam in my garage roof, and it worked great. Cost was very low compared to engine cranes, about $30 I believe. I considered using it in the observatory but the roof structure was not the right configuration to fix the pulleys in the right place over the pier.

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

If you're using PE or planning too may I make a suggestion. As PE is a record of the track from combined weight and dimensions, it can be corrupted by changing the weight or balance of the scope setup.

If you're planning to use gear which will have more than a kilo in weight difference, or an optical path that is set higher away from the center of balance, that may cause problem for the PE.

If you can program more than one location for the mount, set the same location multiple times, with each representing a weight or balance change for your respective setups.

That way your PE track and assist should be a lot better, preemptive changes are really hard compared to post change that guide scopes give you.



Steve
Ps, Should give you something to think about if you are considering PE

[xelasnave]

Thank you Steve.
When I am serious I plan imaging thru a certain range and train the mount thru there once I have the balance happy...I rarely use auto guide because of problems that I could not trace but it seems it was my lap top ...so with a new lappy maybe I will get that sortted..however I have always worked very hard on making tracking work unassisted.
Alex