Blandin equatorial platforms for dobsonians

[Greggles (Gregory)]

Hey All,

As some of you may have seen I have a DIY EQ platform for my 10" bintel Dobsonian that has been amazing for visual use and basic astrophotography at 4 sec subs. Recently I set out to improve the platform to with a goal of 10 second subs (which i would be over the moon with). Unfortunately after three months frustration and missing out on any observing or photography i haven't been able to achieve that and actually think things have gotten worse.

So with the above situation unfolding I have been looking at purchasing an EQ mount to save me the stress. Considering there seems to be nothing in Aus and they rarely pop up on classified (going to put a wanted ad) I have been looking and speaking to places in the states, But they are sooo expensive. I was talking to Greg from Blandin EQ platforms and although his platform is quite expensive he said he may have a kit coming out soon that would be more cost effective for international order like us in Aus. Although seems like it will still be quite expensive.

He mentioned there may be some users of his platform who frequent this forum and have done some astrophotography with his platform. In fact he showed me some of their pics and they looked great.

Was hoping to get some feedback/reviews on his platforms to see if it will be worth me ditching my platform for one of his. If you use a Blandin EQ platform for AP what length subs are you able to consistently get?

Thanks Every one,

Greg

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

At that price maybe consider buying an EQ mount instead. The price is in US dollars so for Australia it is approx > $2000 plus delivery.

At least with a guiding mount you can get much longer subs. I personally looking at making an EQ mount for my DOB. Had an EQ Platform before and got 15 second exposure, but i would like more.

[Greggles (Gregory)]

Yeah. Thought of that as a possibility too.

Regarding price the platform is definitly too expensive, but the kit he may be brining out soon will hopefully be a lot cheaper.

Wow 15 seconds.. I would be so happy with that. Was it a diy platform? And what motor did it use if I may ask?

Cheers greg

Originally Posted by mswhin63

At that price maybe consider buying an EQ mount instead. The price is in US dollars so for Australia it is approx > $2000 plus delivery.

At least with a guiding mount you can get much longer subs. I personally looking at making an EQ mount for my DOB. Had an EQ Platform before and got 15 second exposure, but i would like more.

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

I used a geared motor similar to the one linked. I made mine about 9 years ago but struggled occasionally to get that reasonable 15 seconds.

To be realistic, 15 seconds is not enough. Mine was an 12" Dobsonian and it took great images both planetary and lunar but for DSO, I really needed more precise guiding and longer subs to get the real detailed I would be happy with now. Below is the only DSO I took with the 15 second subs:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/4vPhCZ9ja6GFhp1r5

plus the more viable on a EQ platform:

Lunar: https://photos.app.goo.gl/TK4sBDvpQ5mP5bCe6 and https://photos.app.goo.gl/CDb5CGv8fqrri6hM9 My favorite.

Planetary:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/GBwcDKnr66jrporD7


Now that moved to SA, I had to make a decision to revert back to EQ Platform or attempt to build my one EQ mount. The EQ mount prevailed.

I see no guiding capability with the Baladine mount but I really do not know much detail.