I find that I need two security cameras to adequately see all three scopes so I ordered another..there is no point in only half achieving what you want to do as the money spent is wasted so you have to bite the bullet and invest more else there is no point..not achieving what you set out to do is failure and can not be tolerated.
I have had to order another guide camera and another eqdirect cable due to failures...also two temperature sensors for the additional EAF units...and so I am over budget ...what one must accept with out getting upset is the most basic fact of life...all bugets go over where they predicted..thats the way of it so dont be surprised or annoyed just get on with it for goodness sake...and wringing ones hands does nothing other than detract from the joy that should be yours.
I have my assistant lined up to instal the remaining two wheels on Wednesday if the weather permits...I could do it but as my last effort has seen me more or less bed ridden since doing the first two it makes sense to just supervise....two hours labour is a small price to pay for happy feet.
I took delivery of a cheap tap and die set and added two threaded holes to the top rail on the RASA to mount the Asiair plus up there so I spent yesterday just doing that and relocating all the cables ...it will be worth the effort as getting at the cables and particularly the thumb drive is easier...maybe better wifi as well...so my $30 Tap and die set saved me buying a $85 bracket for the top rail..and it looks neater.
Today I hope to determine the back lash in the last two EAF units and also dial in the focus of the additional two guide scopes...using the one good camera between them...one guide scope will require some sorting out ..it is a 70 mm thing and I recall I need to add some rings or remove them..whatever..so best do it now rather than waste good imaging time when it arrives...I find the distant tree tops get close so little more adjustment is needed for the stars.
I would like a clear night to test everything working ..the three scopes, three Asiair units and control via the new desk top in the van...
I have decided that I will have to run the genny for imaging sessions as the current draw from the three scopes is considerable, not that I know but given the desk top can only run via the genny that makes it clear what must be done and rather than the batteries taking a beating each imaging session will see them receiving a good charging session...five litres of fuel is a small price to pay to deliver all that it will deliver...
So close now and I hope that with the arrival of the new cable and guide camera ( oh also a dew heater for the last guide scope) I don't have to spend another cent...however even as devestating this exercise has been it is no way as expensive as owning a wooden sail boat ..just mooring fees and annual slipping sees $10k gone and that is just the start...and the total investment probably is about the same as the toy red car.
Still I did go a little overboard in retrospect...but on my death bed I won't have any regrets that's for sure.
Thanks to everyone for following my journey as it really helps me posting here as it gives me some feel for what I have done and what I still need to do and above all I hope that others realise from my activity that building an observatory is doable for even someone as old as me with some serious health issues..it is so easy to talk yourself out of doing things..that's what we often do..and therefore we deny things that we should get to enjoy...I can give you a long list of why I should not but you need to realise your time is short and you can not waste a momment procrastinating...lack of money or time are just unacceptable excuses that you must not tell yourself...all that you need is commitment and determination .... and remember ...The world gets out of the way of a man who knows where he is going.
Alex
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