I started this post last Monday afternoon (Queens birthday holiday) but halfway through writing it my not so old ticker tried to give up the ghost. After a week in hospital and an ablation procedure I’m slowly getting back to normal and will have another go at saying hello.
So hello all from Peter in sunny but freezing cold Whyalla SA.
I have been looking for some time for something that will challenge my mind in the evenings after work without the formality of any sort of studying and having an amateur interest in photography as well as most things space / science fiction it seems I find myself bitten by the astrophotography bug.
After some weeks of net research and a visit to the Stockport observatory, where I spent a couple of hours speaking to a very knowledgeable bloke whose name I sadly cannot remember, I have found myself to be the new owner of a Skywatcher BD250 reflector on an EQ6 pro mount with 25 & 8mm eyepieces as well as a 2X barlow.
The first impression of this equipment was S***T it’s huge! have I gone too big too soon? But after setting it all up for the first time in the shed it didn’t seem quite so intimidating after all.
Some work that night getting a very rough polar alignment saw my first view of Saturn and several moons which has spurred me on to get things set up properly.
Progress so far has seen a semi permanent mount location in the lawn using 600mm long 1” pipes driven in flush to the ground for the mount to locate into, a reasonable polar alignment, the modification of an old webcam to fit onto the barlow and the purchase of a Canon 550D with T mount.
A laser collimator has the scope collimated and several good viewing nights have resulted in further good views of Saturn, M5 and M104.
Some attempts at imaging with the webcam has highlighted that I do not have enough focal length for planetary work and stills of M5 & M104 show that I still have a very long way to go with those as well.
A technical glitch has surfaced with the barlow (2”), it will not seat fully into the 2” eyepiece adapter on the focuser due to the component on the focuser having an internal diameter that is 1mm smaller than the 2” barlow.
This stops the camera from coming to focus as there is not enough in travel on the focuser with the barlow stuck out so far. I have managed a temporary fix by removing the lens from the barlow and screwing it directly onto the T mount tube for the camera. This works but I think I’m losing some focal length by bringing the barlow lens closer to the CCD on the camera.
Any ideas on how to fix this without buying a new focuser ?
I have looked at getting the component machined out but the wall thickness is already virtually nothing and any machining will probably cause it to break.
So all in all things are coming together and hopefully the current cloud will clear so I can get some images of the moon over the next week.
I am really enjoying reading through the various post’s, projects and articles on this forum and am finding it an excellent resource. Thanks to all those involved in keeping this site together.
Hi Peter and welcome! Sorry to hear how your post was interrupted - must have been quite a shock! Doesn't seem to have kept you down for long though.
I'm quite surprised that your barlow doesn't fit into the adaptor on your focuser. They're a pretty standard size. I'll have to leave that question to someone who has your brand of gear and can get their head around why it doesn't fit. I really just wanted to say welcome. With imaging, you have certainly bit into something that will keep you learning. As is the case with visual observing as well. Hope you recover fully and have a great time with your gear and on this very worthwhile forum.
Welcome Peter.
Don't do any more damage to your heart lifting that heavy mount.
Why do you want to image throught the barlow?
This would only usually be done for planetary imaging. Mostly imaging is easier at short focal lengths as it is more forgiving with tracking.
Thanks Patrick, yes it was quite a shock and I’m still at home recovering
Thanks Terry, the mount and scope are locked in the shed for the moment (a few more days anyway)
I have been trying some planetary shots and find that using prime focus the image is very small.
I’m assuming that my prime focus focal length of 1200mm is the culprit as most nice planetary shots that I have seen seem to be from equipment that has 6m plus focal lengths.
Have I got my basics wrong?
Hi Peter. Wow, what a dramatic start for your first post on IIS All the best for a speedy and full recovery!
Planetary work loves focal length I usually image planetary at around 7m focal length with my 11" scope.
Perhaps your infocus problem with the 2x 2" barlow can be rectified by using a 1-1/4" 3x barlow. It will give you more focal length and being of the smaller variety it should reduce the distance in the focal train.
Hi Peter. Hope your health is continuing to improve. Congratulations on your rig! Its capable of amazing performace for imaging or visual, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise - Newts are incredibly versatile, albeit a bit hefty and prone to wind issues at times.
Having said that, the guys that designed the crayford focuser must have been smoking something. Its a pretty good basic unit, but a PITA for 2" hardware at times.
I think you'll find these IIS threads valuable reading re your prime focus issues. I'm happily doing astrophotography through my standard focuser of same type but with a cut down adaptor. Other options described below (cutting OTA, longer screws, new focuser, ream focuser, etc).
Appreciate the time you spent digging up the threads Rob, a multitude of ideas and suggestions in there.
An upgrade to a decent focuser made for 2" hardware looks like the best way to avoid all the cutting and shutting of various components.
I will try moving the primary forward on the screws first as it seems I only need about 5mm more in travel.
Hi Peter to IIS Good luck with your imaging ive just headed down that path too, youve come to the right place, the guys here are great Hope you have a speedy recovery
Thanks Guy's, improving daily but have not been able to catch the missus yet
Had the scope out last night for a look at the moon, very bright, will need to look at getting a filter.
Did manage to get this picture
G'day Peter from another Peter. Just up the road from you as well. Glad to hear youre getting better as it makes it hard to enjoy things when you are crook. There is/was an astro group in Whyalla and has a site around the broython turn off for viewing. I'll try and find the link for you.
Cheers
Pete
Hi Peter
Blimey! That is a top shot of the moon . The contrast is so beautiful.
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your purchase. Hope you are resting lots by reading lots of astronomy books .
Wishing you a speedy recovery
Hello Suzi, the moon is such an inviting subject for photography, problem is there is so much of it, which bit to photograph first
Hello Pete, have tried to contact the Whyalla group, listed contact seem's to have vanished and I have not been able to raise the new one yet, will keep trying.
All the best for a speedy and full recovery!
I usually image planetary at around 7m focal length with my 11" scope.
to IIS 
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