Just wanted to share some pics of my setup. Its the first 'real' platform I've had so am very proud . My last was a Kmart 50mm with timber tripod.
This fella is a 200mm f5 1000mm Newt OTA. It has a 2" Crayford focuser with 10:1 micro adjustments and a 8x50 finder. Also a built in cooling fan. The Mount is a HEQ5PRO.
I only have the EPs that came with it ATM (1.25" Plossl 9mm and 25mm) Although hope to buy a few GSO 2" 68 Deg. Superviews shortly: 30mm, 42mm and 50mm. Maybe also the 1.25" as well, depending on $$, they are 15mm and 20mm.
I think I would benefit from a better finder also (definitely one with a right angle) but that's along he track when the credit card gets back on the rails.
Testing the carrying capacity of the T-Rex Alt Az Mount:
Takahashi TSA120 with clamshell, 2" W.O. diag and LVW22 +
Takahashi FS60CB with clamshell Astro Tech dovetail and 125mm Parallax rings and RKE28 +
Stellarvue F50W2 in Tak finder bracket, 23mm reticle EP +
AF-S Nikkor 80 - 200 F2.8 IF ED and Nikon D7000 (removed to take the pic)
It's taken me almost a year of saving, purchasing, saving and purchasing, but I think I'm at the point where I'm almost totally happy (for now ) with what I have and feel it's good enough to share on iis.
My rig is I'd say 50/50 split on new and second hand gear, and I'd agree with anyone that says to look into used equipment when starting out. The trade pages are absolutely invaluable in my opinion!
Anyhoo my set-up consist of a GSO Rc 6" with Moonlite (Hi-Res Motor), 600D with Astrodon mod, Qhy5, modified finder/guider, ADM guide-rings, Dew Not straps (just on guide and primary mirror for now), all controlled through a HitecAstro Hub and sitting on a Heq5Pro
A few things I've made myself are the dew shields for both the Rc and the guide-scope and also the aluminium plate which I have the Hub attached too.
Next I think on the list is a belt mod for the Heq5 and talking the real-estate agents into let me sink a pier!
Looks sweet David. I especialy like the chalk names on the BB of the DSO in the background.
hee hee..the whole shob has been painted with chalkboard paint. Cant have those pesky reflections getting in the way, though it has raised the odd eyebrow when SWMBO has been searching for a trowel.
The little scope: ED127 cooling down, Binotron binoviewers, astro-shack in the background and observing buddy/equipment guardian in the lower right corner.
The scope has surprisingly well figured optics, though I would swap for Matt's Tak 120
The little scope: ED127 cooling down, Binotron binoviewers, astro-shack in the background and observing buddy/equipment guardian in the lower right corner.
The scope has surprisingly well figured optics, though I would swap for Matt's Tak 120
I would feel like I was ripping you off ............ nice looking setup Tony, Looks like you have a bit more space at Warragul.
How are the binotrons? I am saving my pennies for a set for the Tak. I now have 2 LVW17s which should work well in bino mode.
Tak is a bit yesteryear
Yes the new place is a bit more flash Matt - brick house/garage with separate studio (re-purposed as an astro-shack) on a landscaped half acre under somewhat dark skies.
No complaints about the Binotrons - very nice bit of gear. I just ordered a pair of 24mm Panoptics to try since OPT has 20% off, though 50 degree plossls are very nice too.
I like the c/w shaft setup for bigger OTAs. The T-Rex is a brilliant mount, I had some slop in both axes with locked clutches but was able to dial it out by adjusting the worm blocks.
I've been looking at the Mewlons, maybe an M250S once my budget recovers from the recent move and my daughter's wedding expenses.
After laying down Canturf in the backyard yesterday I wanted to make sure it got a good start and was kept wet and cool so it could grow roots quickly ....
what better way to guarantee RAIN than buy some astro gear ..... so as the Postie pulled up this morning, to drop off my new Binoviewers and a Baader Cool Ceramic Herschel Prism, I could smell the rain building, the clouds rolled in and yes it is raining ........ a mixed blessing
The Baader 2" Click-Lock Cool Ceramic Herschel Prism is a work of art. This version (P) comes with the pre-installed 3.0 ND filter and Solar Continuum filter as well as an OD 0.6, 0.9 & 1.8 ND filters.
The SC filter is not really required for a top shelf apochromat so I have removed it and replaced it with the 0.9 to test the waters. (The OD 3.0 filter is and must stay in the prism for any visual use)
Sun came up again today , this time without its cloud veil , so I removed FS60 and the finder as the Baader wedge is its own finder. Although my little 'Pocket Instamatic' did struggle to get a decent picture of AR1890, the visuals with the LVWs were superb . The 3.0 + 0.9 ND filter stack is perfect for time at the eyepiece, not too bright.
The ceramic tile 'finder screen' works beautifully.
Mat that is hard case I shot these 2 yesterday after noon from here in Perth , my Tak Sky90 , Lunt wedge and Noika windows phone , almost identical to your shots .
Brian.
Takahashi TSA120 on my existing Vixen GPD2 with EQ5 Synscan. Parallax rings and ADM Vixen-style dovetail bar
Optical tube is a nice snug fit in a Stellarvue padded case (without the straight-through extension tube)
I copied Matt's (Kunama's) idea of using a Stellarvue R.A. finder-works very well
I must also thank Matt for his advice prior to buying this scope.
Very nice Laurie, anytime you want me to spend your money just send me a PM .......
Look forward to hearing your thoughts once you've had some time under the stars with it.
. My last was a Kmart 50mm with timber tripod.
, so I removed FS60 and the finder as the Baader wedge is its own finder. Although my little 'Pocket Instamatic' did struggle to get a decent picture of AR1890, the visuals with the LVWs were superb 
. The 3.0 + 0.9 ND filter stack is perfect for time at the eyepiece, not too bright.
