Quote:
Originally Posted by redbeard
That sounds fun, retro fitting the Meade focuser to stepper motors. 
DC motors never cut the automation. |
Well, if I bypass the motor entirely, and just connect to the drive shaft with the EAF I have, I think it may be doable with maybe only drilling a single hole in the microfocuser (and something to keep the bracket mounted).
The ZWO EAF has a coupler (which I didn't use with the 80ED) which has the same 5mm shaft diameter as the microfocuser drive gear. I think I can get that to work. Total spend will probably be close to $0 as I've got pretty much all the things I need.
Although, I don't have a drill press. Maybe I should buy one to drill that single hole?
I've got to measure the overall backfocus though - will probably need to get an extension tube anyway. It comes down to how rigid a connection I'm going to get I suppose.
Quote:
Originally Posted by redbeard
Treat yourself to a Moonlite or similar and save all the fuss you will have with DIY.
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It's just too expensive. I get it - It's just so much more than it's worth - like $1000-1500 at the low end based on the various ones I've seen around.
Quote:
Originally Posted by redbeard
I'm curious of the issues you are having with your current Meade mount. I ask as I have a 10" LX200GPS on a Milburn wedge too. Is it GPS related or something else? Or are you over it and definitely going down the EQ option.
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I've had nagging problems with guiding in DEC in particular and just general annoyances with it in imaging. There have been a bunch of physical problems with it, which I'm spending time and money throwing at it. Which I don't mind, longer term, but at the pace that I can work on it and test the fixes, I've decided to give it a break this season, and just actually image on a mount I've got working. Funny part is that the EQ6 was supposed to be my "travel scope", but I have been more productive with that in 3 months than I have been in 15 years with the LX200GPS.
I'll probably put it back together again in the future (I just bought the Buck's gears but hadn't installed them yet!)