Q-Day!

Comet Hunter · #1 16-08-2007, 09:20 PM

Hi all,
After being out of the loop for the last few years, I'm starting to find more time to get back into this great past time and while I haven't posted much I have been checking in often to see what's happening and so on. I've also spent the time sorting out what I really wanted to do imaging wise. Then a number weeks ago it all became clear.... I had this bad girl delivered today!

http://comethunter.com/images/FSQ-106ED.jpg
Camera and mount are still a little time off unfortunately so wont get first light for a while yet.

The wait will however give me plenty of time to get focus/dew control etc worked out and operating smoothly.

If you ever entertain the idea of getting a Tak. run with it! - you wont be disappointed.

Cheers,

leon · #2 16-08-2007, 09:34 PM

Andrew, I know what you mean they are awsume pieces of equipment.

Leon

h0ughy (David) · #3 16-08-2007, 09:53 PM

gee thats a huge paper weight for the Desk Andrew?

Lee · #4 16-08-2007, 10:11 PM

Very nice!

iceman (Mike) · #5 17-08-2007, 07:02 AM

Great to have you back, Andrew! How's bubs?

rumples riot · #6 17-08-2007, 09:02 AM

Nice DMK you have there too :wink:

Lovely scope.

jase (Jason) · #7 17-08-2007, 05:30 PM

Congrats Andrew.
When it comes to wide field imaging the FSQ is in a league of its own. Looking forward to seeing first light when the remaining kit arrives.

Comet Hunter · #8 17-08-2007, 07:08 PM

Thanks guys. I'm itching to take her out for a test drive but it'll have to wait - I know it'll end in tears if I do anything irrational now.

Mike, the little fella is doing great! He'll be 2 in ~3 weeks, doesn't the time fly!!

CometGuy · #9 17-08-2007, 07:41 PM

Andrew,

Looks like you attracted the rain for Brissie for the next week!

Terry

h0ughy (David) · #10 17-08-2007, 07:45 PM

lets hope it can fill some dams and clear off. so do you have anything you can mount it on for the minute?

Comet Hunter · #11 17-08-2007, 08:26 PM

I hope so, my car needs a good wash.

All I have atm is my block of wood. I have been wondering how the old meade would take the extra weight though...

Comet Hunter · #12 29-08-2007, 02:02 PM

I finally got around to fitting the RoboFocus today. I trimmed down the adapter plate to give a cleaner result. Connected everything up and it works a treat. I need to see if I can change the direction of travel - with the way I have the unit orientated, clicking OUT moves the draw tube IN.

(Update: Found it in the manual)

Here are a few more photo's.

jase (Jason) · #13 29-08-2007, 02:56 PM

Wow Andrew, you did trim the RF bracket down! Have you still got the two screws holding the RF stepper onto the bracket? You'll want to make sure that mounting is as rigid as possible. If there is any give or flex, it will make repeatable automatic focusing difficult. You've got a 55 micron CFZ so you should still hit it ok - with a low step size.

This is what you read in the manual;
Direction. To check the RoboFocus direction, push the OUT button. You will notice that when you push the button, the stepper executes one step (with a beep), waits for 1/2 second, then starts running at full speed. This system allows making small focus changes when operating manually. If the RoboFocus OUT button moves the focuser out (CCW on an SC scope), the direction is OK. If the direction is wrong, turn off the RoboFocus. After about ten seconds, turn on the RoboFocus while pressing the OUT button. As the RoboFocus powers up, it will sense the OUT button, will reverse itself (switching from inward to outward), and will record the new button direction. After several seconds the RoboFocus will start running outward and you can release the button. The RoboFocus will remember this direction information for future sessions.

You can also calibrate start and end points (i.e total draw tube travel) if you are keen (you need to do this to achieve automated computer assisted focusing anyway), but it will be easier when you know the final imaging train configuration as you may require some spacers for the camera to reach focus. If you're using the 2" fittings (TKP27110 and TKP31112) make sure the thumb screws are tight to avoid flexure.

Comet Hunter · #14 29-08-2007, 05:19 PM

Thanks Jase, I found it in the manual. Hope you didn't type all that out by hand!

Looking back at the photo's, they do look a little mis-leading. Basically all I've done is remove the dead weight, here is the backside while the finder mount clamps the top end down hard with both bolts.

I plan to have a play with calibrating the travel later tonight.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #15 29-08-2007, 05:23 PM

Hmmm, nice.

I saw them on special at Kmart last week.

Or was that a Tako-Tashi?

jase (Jason) · #16 29-08-2007, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comet Hunter

Thanks Jase, I found it in the manual. Hope you didn't type all that out by hand!

Yep

- Nah, don't be silly, I'm all for efficiency (copy and paste) - if you want to softcopy of the manual (ms word format) you can download it from my site - http://www.cosmicphotos.com/resources/robofocusins3.doc

The bracket looks good, was just a little concerned you were only operating on one screw!

UniPol · #17 29-08-2007, 07:58 PM

I want the Q Jase, it would fill the gap between my TOA-130 and Sky-90 nicely but alas, the coffers are very empty. Hope you have lots of fun with it.

Cheers,

Steve

jase (Jason) · #18 29-08-2007, 08:16 PM

Cheers Steve, but I've already had plenty of fun with mine. I'm sure Andrew is absolutely hanging out to feed his new Q some photons. Its a hungry scope with its wide field of view.
Any news on the remain kit Andrew (this side of Christmas

)?

Comet Hunter · #19 29-08-2007, 09:26 PM

Jase,

No new news on the CCD yet.

At this stage the mount will probably be just after xmas sometime. I've been ogling the Titans and AP's over the last few weeks, they'd be better suited for the setup we've talked about, but sadly these are well out of reach this time round. While the wait is disappointing, by the time it all comes together I'll hopefully be able to hit the ground running, somewhat.

I've been playing with the calibration of Robofocus. A stepsize of 4 (default) gives me a Max travel of ~1100. This sound about right?

jase (Jason) · #20 29-08-2007, 10:06 PM

Sounds good Andrew. I feel certain you'll hit the ground running considering you've got some time to work things through.

Yep, 4 steps is the default. 1100 sounds right for the total travel. I think I made mine around 1000 (stopping short of racking the focuser all the way in). Sounds like you're up and running. You may want to do some reading up on FocusMax or @Focus so you can start automating the focusing process. Over the course of the night you'll find the FSQ will shift focus considerably as the temperature changes so you'll need to refocus quite a few times a night. Automating the focusing process saves time and you can be rest assured that you've reached the CFZ every time providing the best achievable focus.