The Battle Tank Imaging Train

[Paul Haese]

Quite a few months ago I decided to build another observatory and I also wanted that observatory to be remote. Part of my thinking in this, was to buy the best imaging train I could afford. I already had an STL11K and a MOAG. I had done one completed image with the RC12 and the STL11, but had not used the MOAG.

So I set about getting the imaging train I wanted for long term. I bought a 3" Pyxis rotator and adapters to go with everything to include a 3" feather touch focusor. I then bought a second hand AOL and tried to assemble it all. Unsurprisingly I found that focus could not be achieved because the focusor took up too much back focus. So I resorted to buying an Atlas focusor from FLI and the adapters that went with it. The Atlas finally arrived today and now I have it altogether.

So looking at the image from left to right: Rear adapter from scope > Pyxis 3" Rotator > Atlas Focusor > AOL > MOAG > STL11K.

Obviously the ST11K will eventually go but I think the rest will be around for some time to come yet. This will be my Battle Tank Imaging Train.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Tank indeed. How much does the whole assembly weighs?

[RickS (Rick)]

Nice set up, Paul! All that stuff really chews up the back focus, doesn't it? The Atlas is a godsend.

Cheers,
Rick.

[alistairsam]

wow, the Atlas focuser is fairly large compared to normal focusers but it looks tiny in that train.

[h0ughy (David)]

awsome and heavy - its impressive and functional

[Paul Haese]

Marc, it weighs 7kg. Just checked it on the scales. Most likely a little over 7 really.

Rick, yes backfocus is problematic. The Atlas makes it possible.

One thing raised to me today by Brett Soames is that I may not be able to use the ST-I with the STL11 to control the AOL. I will need to contact Peter Ward and see if he knows whether that is possible or not. Otherwise I will need to get a remote guide head.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by Paul Haese

Marc, it weighs 7kg. Just checked it on the scales. Most likely a little over 7 really.

Gee... that's the weight of my newt with the camera on. Monster set-up.

[Paul Haese]

Originally Posted by multiweb

Gee... that's the weight of my newt with the camera on. Monster set-up.

Entire rig with RC12 and cables is 31kg. Still plenty of room on the PMX.

[gregbradley]

That made me laugh. That is huge. But I can see how its all needed.

Its gonna put a lot of stress on that FT focuser. My TEC180 has a 3.5 FT focuser. Yuri did some tests on flex with it. It actually flexed less when it was upside down. A little tip for you.

Its all good fun.

Its good though you've got an AO unit in there. That should be handy. STL11 is still a classic camera. I don't know modern cameras have progressed too much from that. Cleaner electronics and faster downloads is the main change from STL but its still a very capable imager.

Greg.

[Peter.M]

Originally Posted by gregbradley

Its gonna put a lot of stress on that FT focuser. My TEC180 has a 3.5 FT focuser. Yuri did some tests on flex with it. It actually flexed less when it was upside down. A little tip for you.

Greg.

No FT to flex! Thats an atlas now!

[gregbradley]

Oh yes he mentioned that.

Greg.

[Paul Haese]

Originally Posted by gregbradley

That made me laugh. That is huge. But I can see how its all needed.

Its gonna put a lot of stress on that FT focuser. My TEC180 has a 3.5 FT focuser. Yuri did some tests on flex with it. It actually flexed less when it was upside down. A little tip for you.

Its all good fun.

Its good though you've got an AO unit in there. That should be handy. STL11 is still a classic camera. I don't know modern cameras have progressed too much from that. Cleaner electronics and faster downloads is the main change from STL but its still a very capable imager.

Greg.

Yes the AO is going to require a remote guide head though. Apparently the ST-I will not work with the system. (bugger) Anyone that has a remote guide head and wants to sell it, please let me know.

As Pete mentioned I got rid of the FT focusor purely from a back focus position.

Besides the Atlas can carry 10kg according to FLI. We will see.

[RickS (Rick)]

Originally Posted by Paul Haese

Besides the Atlas can carry 10kg according to FLI. We will see.

I have an Atlas dragging around a MMOAG, 1.6Kg filter wheel and 3.3Kg camera without breaking a sweat.

[DavidTrap (David)]

A significant moment...

DT

[PRejto (Peter)]

Sorry to hear that the ST-i won't work. What's a bit more money anyway!!

Anyway the reason I'm writing is that I noticed what looks to be a Hutech helical focuser going to the ST-i. I wonder if you have any flex concerns with it? I had one on my ONAG and noticed that even with the set screws tight it still could move a bit. Not that the ST-i is heavy, but I decided to remove mine and figure out a different way to focus. What is your experience?

Peter

[Joshua Bunn (Joshua)]

that looks awesome Paul, do they all fit together with threaded and taper lock v grove connections?

[naskies (Dave)]

Very nice, Paul... a dream imaging train! The helical focuser on the guide cam is a great idea. Are you using a corrector/reducer with your RC12?

[Joshua Bunn (Joshua)]

Originally Posted by Paul Haese

Anyone that has a remote guide head and wants to sell it, please let me know.

One here Paul http://www.astromart.com/classifieds...fied_id=834102

[Paul Haese]

One step ahead of you Joshua. I have contacted him and we are making arrangements.

[Joshua Bunn (Joshua)]

Haha... good stuff.