Quote:
Originally Posted by PRejto
Let me add some perspective....
Rotators are nice in theory and useful if remote but can lead to a number of difficult to solve issues.
1. If using a rotator + focuser (such as a Gemini or NightCrawler, etc), the focus range is quite narrow. So, your focus point must be known with some assurance so that proper length adapters can be sourced.
2. Rotators can sag under weight. On a refractor the length of equpiment/weight on a long arm can cause significant issues, especially with a heavy camera and FW hanging on the end of the arm.
3. If your camera chip is not centered the rotator will mess up accurate pointing depending on what the rotation position was when the pointing model was created. This can be overcome with a closed loop slew (in TheSkyX for example, but takes extra effort). Tilt adapters that allow for lateral adjustments can overcome this issue.
4. Rotators can have their own tilt issues under rotation. (tilt and sag being two distinct issues).
My advice, don't hang 11 inches of heavy weight off the back of a rotator and expect perfect results.
Peter
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Great post.. And I own a rotator!
OP, I bought one simply because I'm lazy and I hate being out in the cold. I started this hobby with everything manual. It's much easier in that there are less headaches and things to go wrong (and software to keep updated!) but I want to automate everything, not be doing things during the night instead of sleeping or keeping warm.