That's a very nice looking telecope, Mike!! Looks nice and solid; should be capable of getting some nice images with it. I agree with your idea of taking your time and getting used to it as well. I remember years ago when I bought a C11, I inadvertently undid the SHCS screws that are used to position the OTA in the fork arms (and not meant to be unscrewed). When I replaced them, there was obviously some loctite in the screw threads which was then pushed out by the screws and deposited all over the main mirror ... So, take your time and enjoy !!
So, big fella ... what's hapnin? ... last report was days ago! I'm on the edge of my seat!!
Cheers, Marcus
..arrgg, don't rush me, this is a delicate operation I need to cross all my T's and dot all my I's first. I dunni have an observatory or even an open backyard remember
The Aurora Flatfield Panel only arrived on Friday. I have attached the camera for a trial setup and due to the length of the image train, I have discovered that the standarad short USB & power cable set that connnects the Proline to the Atlas focuser is too short, doh! This was considered a while ago and FLI were sourcing medium length cables to offer,. so they should be ready by now..? I can still operate via normal full length individual cables but the shop so I dropped Greg an email. I can still operate via the long individual connector set but the short set will be much neater.
I also have to update the whole suite of FLI software so I have the latest Atlas control software..all takes time...
I used the Starfire for the last time (probably) on Saturday night .... so stay tuned for a swan song
That's a very nice looking telecope, Mike!! Looks nice and solid; should be capable of getting some nice images with it. I agree with your idea of taking your time and getting used to it as well. I remember years ago when I bought a C11, I inadvertently undid the SHCS screws that are used to position the OTA in the fork arms (and not meant to be unscrewed). When I replaced them, there was obviously some loctite in the screw threads which was then pushed out by the screws and deposited all over the main mirror ... So, take your time and enjoy !!
...tell Marcus
he he
Yep better to get it right, there are a few setup and operational differences compared to what I have nailed down into an awesome outfit over the last 5 years in the form of the unflappable Starfire-NJP-FLI outfit
..arrgg, don't rush me, this is a delicate operation I need to cross all my T's and dot all my I's first. I dunni have an observatory or even an open backyard remember
The Aurora Flatfield Panel only arrived on Friday. I have attached the camera for a trial setup and due to the length of the image train, I have discovered that the standarad short USB & power cable set that connnects the Proline to the Atlas focuser is too short, doh! This was considered a while ago and FLI were sourcing medium length cables to offer,. so they should be ready by now..? I can still operate via normal full length individual cables but the shop so I dropped Greg an email. I can still operate via the long individual connector set but the short set will be much neater.
I also have to update the whole suite of FLI software so I have the latest Atlas control software..all takes time...
I used the Starfire for the last time (probably) on Saturday night .... so stay tuned for a swan song
Mike
Oh ... that's OK ... as long as you report in every coupla days!
I understand what you're doing - I've taken my time with the new mount too. I've upgraded all my software as well and currently hard wiring ethernet cable into the obs - wireless is a pain is the a***e!!!
That sounds awfully final with your Starfire - are you going to sell it?
Oh ... that's OK ... as long as you report in every coupla days!
Off course, will be better when I have more than just photos of me looking stupid with big grins on my face
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I understand what you're doing - I've taken my time with the new mount too. I've upgraded all my software as well and currently hard wiring ethernet cable into the obs - wireless is a pain is the a***e!!!
Yeh good move, I hard wired my observatory, although wireless was pretty new then 2004/5.
Quote:
That sounds awfully final with your Starfire - are you going to sell it?
..you kidding??? be like selling a Stradivarius nah just going to retire it while I decide if this new beast is the holy grail I am hoping it will be..after that the Starfire may well be relegated to visual and then when I can get another mount and camera or a bigger mount (like yours) I will have tandem scopes
Just did a mockup and test of the entire imaging system on the dinning table
I downloaded the latest FLI setup software and everything worked in harmony through the Proline body (to reduce the number of cables) first go...hope this is a sign...
Looks like you'll have to move that dove tail in line with the focuser whether you chose to have the camera facing up or down to have the load inline with the RA shaft or you're going to have balancing issues. Unless you put the equal amount of weight opposite the focuser on the other side of the tube. I'd choose camera facing up as cold air sinks in so you minimise dewing up glass as it won't fall on the coma corrector. Another thing to look for is that your camera assembly clears out any DEC motors on your mount as the tube is pretty short. Just my 2c.
Is it possible to have the camera hanging straight down and still frame the image the way you want? That way there must be far less potential flex compared to sticking out the side if avoidable.
Looks like you'll have to move that dove tail in line with the focuser whether you chose to have the camera facing up or down to have the load inline with the RA shaft or you're going to have balancing issues. Unless you put the equal amount of weight opposite the focuser on the other side of the tube. I'd choose camera facing up as cold air sinks in so you minimise dewing up glass as it won't fall on the coma corrector. Another thing to look for is that your camera assembly clears out any DEC motors on your mount as the tube is pretty short. Just my 2c.
Drool! Exciting times by looks of it Mike. My setup is like a cardboard tube and Kodak brownie compared to your gear, but agree with Marc you get some exciting moment forces to balance unless the camera is aligned with mount axis (DEC axis i would have said though )
When I'm parked the QHY9 points straight down. Framing and PA easier to pick too relative to OTA. Just feels better intuitively to have all the weight in line and pointing in towards centre of the rig. Surely the NJP will cope without additional weights on OTA. Be interesting to hear. Hope the weather parts before too long.
Ummmm why is there an arrow with OK written next to it on the tube? It it used to show which end points at the stars . If that setup flexes with those mounting brackets you may as well give up on the idea. Somehow I think they will do the job.
And you said you may not need the bracing rings at the focusser ... waaaaa...hahahaha!!! With that monsterous imaging train, imagine the torque on the tube/focusser interface!! Whoa!!
Looking good though mate ... do you find yourself staring at it with a grin on your face? Alas, if Newcastle weather is like Sydney weather right now (where my my new mount is in danger of going moldy ... and I need webbed feet, a mask and snorkel to get to the obs ... ) you may be waiting a while for first light. Here's hoping I'm wrong and you get it out under the stars very soon!
Couldn't help smiling looking at the round stones in the back of your shots. They look familiar. Do you still take them around the block for old time's sake?
Couldn't help smiling looking at the round stones in the back of your shots. They look familiar. Do you still take them around the block for old time's sake?
Funny you should say that, I used to throw them around like pebbles...now I struggle to just roll them out of the way to mow under them
Regarding the dew falling on the corrector Marc, I will have a dew heater wrapped around the corrector between the Atlas and the corrector flange.
Hello Mike, just trying to understand why you would place it there? I would think the bottom field lens would be the most likely to dew up. Do you know how far it protrudes inside the tube wall when focused? I guess if it gets cold enough you could get dew forming inside the upper section of the corrector as well so may be a good idea.
It appears that the corrector needs to be positioned out from the focuser/adapter - possibly you need a collar to clamp around the corrector so that it can be easily placed at approximately the correct focus position?
Hello Mike, just trying to understand why you would place it there? I would think the bottom field lens would be the most likely to dew up. Do you know how far it protrudes inside the tube wall when focused? I guess if it gets cold enough you could get dew forming inside the upper section of the corrector as well so may be a good idea.
It appears that the corrector needs to be positioned out from the focuser/adapter - possibly you need a collar to clamp around the corrector so that it can be easily placed at approximately the correct focus position?
We think alike Dave so at my request a collar just like you suggest is on its way from Orion Optics as we speak. It will have grub screws to set it in position so when re-inserted, after removal for collimation, will seat the corrector in the exact focus position each time
Regarding the placement of the dew heater strap, I think the corrector will protrude about the amount seen in this photo maybe less?..but I will not know for sure until I do my first corrector focus set run. Short of constructing a dewzapper that consists of a thin strip that I can wrap around that end of the corrector, there will not be enough room for the standard heater straps I have, so I thought I would try and see if by heating the top of the corrector barrel would be sufficient to keep the end lens clear...? Perhaps not but this is all part of the shake down I guess
so I thought I would try and see if by heating the top of the corrector barrel would be sufficient to keep the end lens clear...? Perhaps not but this is all part of the shake down I guess
Mike
Do you intend running the fans whilst you are imaging? If so, then dew should not form inside the tube. Shane from Dream Telescopes has done extensive testing (in a colder climate than ours) and even recommends (for his FAST air system) leaving the fans on permanently for remote observatories as not only does it prevent dew, but keeps the spider webs out as well!
... So, take your time and enjoy !!
..arrgg, don't rush me, this is a delicate operation 
I need to cross all my T's and dot all my I's first. I dunni have an observatory or even an open backyard remember 
.... so stay tuned for a swan song 
nah just going to retire it while I decide if this new beast is the holy grail I am hoping it will be..after that the Starfire may well be relegated to visual and then when I can get another mount and camera or a bigger mount (like yours) I will have tandem scopes 
)
