I'm afraid the scopes have changed again! Still got the EQ6 but have streamlined the scopes so I can cover most things I want to look at and image. I now have the Megrez apo, the Skywatcher ED80 and an 8" SCT. There's the Artemis for imaging and the SC3 for guiding (in whichever scope is spare...)
It has taken me many many scopes and mounts and configurations to get to this stae of affairs and now I think I will stop chopping/changing/testing and stick with these while I learn how to use them
Using the dual mount means that at the end of a session I can leave the EQ6 on the pier (covered) undo a couple of clamp bolts and take all the scopes/cameras off as one unit and put them in the garage.
Hi Arthur,
yes indeed, it certainly looks like a weapon of mass destruction.
I too have a dual (DSBS) mount arrangement for my system. I found it the only way to affix a guidescope without actually marking the pair of scopes I wanted to keep pristine.
Adds a bit of weight, but heaps of convenience.
Gary
Interesting comments Actually, a rabbit *and* a guinea pig, Liselle's rabbit, Brendan's guinea pig. Now both in their winter quarters.
The ED80 and the Megrez? The Megrez pips it but remember it has the FD lems now so it's a true apo. Also wins on construction, rotatable focuser and just sheer sexiness
No Dob here, that would mean I'd have to get a map to find my way around! Although SC and I did put the Meade Autostar system onto a 20" Dob last year ...
Gary - Ambermile makes the dual mounts - where did you get yours?
The thing that makes it all so nice is the wireless set up. I am now sitting in the (warm) house with lots of Moon and high thin cloud outside and the scope taking care of itself. I get to use Remote Desktop to see what's happening. Currently pointed at M42 taking 10 minute subs with an Ha filter, ART-285 and the Megrez FD, guided through the ED80. This is what I am getting...
Arthur,
being from the colonies, where necessity is the mother of invention, it was homespun.
Not as good looking as the DSBS but a whole heap cheaper, and just as functional.
It is ready for another spin in the lathe to reduce a bit of the weight, but the basic unit is as good as a new one.
I built it primarily so I could use a separate guidescope with the Tak Mewlon, and also the Zeiss ED80/840, without actually attaching anything to these scopes. Seemed the simplest way. Pic doesn't really show what it looks like.
Gary
get out in that sub zero temps and work it, work it, work it.
At least you can't be accused of not helping out in the house whilst imaging.
Tell me, the first time an imaging session starts, was there a real buzz, as it unfolds there in front of you. Or is it not progressive?
Hmm - not sure what you mean "progressive" but every time I poke a camera in the scope and take a piccy there's a buzz The images from the Artemis come out one at a time, they are not stacked until later it that's what you mean? (The image in the screendump is a single 10 min Ha guided one) It's very nice to be able to do this from inside but there are many drawbacks I've found that make me keep nipping out to check things. First time I used this sytem, everything bar the dewheaters froze (I mean really froze - all turned white and fluffy)! Then there's the fact that Ive not had a proper clear night for ages - doing short (sub 5 minute) exposures is OK if you have to drop one because a cloud drifts across but last night trying 30 mins I never actually got a frame I could use Then there's the ever-damned satellites! (I chased one through M42 last night on 10 sec subs - it took about a minute to cross the FOV (about 1 degree on the ART))
Gary - that dual mount looks enormous - no wonder you said it added a bit of weight! Mine can take three 80mm refractors and a 158mm refractor and not be fazed but it'a a whole lot smaller than yours. Any reason for the size?
Arthur,
not really, but I was always told size does matter.
Basically replicated the Losmandy G-11 saddle(s), and bolted the two of them to a dovetail bar about 15" long.
It holds the guidescope (80mm refractor), and either the Zeiss ED80/840 or whatever I put in the other saddle.
When I use the MN76 I have a spare rail on the top of the rings, so simply slide the guidescope onto that, so not side by side.
I will trim the weight size down, one day...............
Then there's the ever-damned satellites! (I chased one through M42 last night on 10 sec subs - it took about a minute to cross the FOV (about 1 degree on the ART))
