My DSO and planetary imaging setup

[iceman (Mike)]

I was out early last night and set everything up while it was still light, so I decided to take a few photos of my DSO imaging rig.

I've got the EQ6, and sitting on top in a side-by-side is the Saxon ED80 (the black one) and the no-name widefield refractor (the white one).

In the Saxon ED80 is the WO 0.8x type II reducer and my Canon 350D.
In the widefield refractor is the DMK21AF04 as the guide camera.

I'm using the Shoestring Astronomy GPUSB to connect to the EQ6 guide port, I've got a firewire powered hub to a PCMCIA firewire card to run the DMK21AF04, and a serial and USB cable going to the 350D to control the focus and acquisition of the objects.

I've also attached an older image of my planetary imaging setup for those that haven't seen it yet. The red thing is that is the external harddrive that I capture planetary data to.

Thanks for looking.

[gbeal]

Good looking setup Mike, crikey though, plenty of wires to trip over.
Next you will want the big guy mounted with the other two, and a dome.
Gary

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Looks like all you need now is an SCT to complete the quiver.....Oh and a G11 or similar

[iceman (Mike)]

Wash your mouth out Paul! oh except for the G11 bit..

I wish I could permanently mount it, Gary, but I just don't have the backyard for it. Unfortunately it's destined to always be "portable".

[Geoff45 (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by gbeal

Good looking setup Mike, crikey though, plenty of wires to trip over.
Next you will want the big guy mounted with the other two, and a dome.
Gary

I agree about the wires, so I've shown my solution in this thread.
Geoff

[h0ughy (David)]

LOL fist image I looked at (or more to the point was drawn to) was the big hunky white thing - then realised that was his planetary setup, took me a while to realise that you have some other scopes mike. At least your out there, and keen too.

[davidpretorius]

look out kids, dads in the back yard again, I don't want you all electrocuted.

[Mark]

Don't know why, but two or more refractors mounted together always says 'serious astronomy business' to me.

[Geoff45 (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by Mark

Don't know why, but two or more refractors mounted together always says 'serious astronomy business' to me.

Yup. Nobody buys a refractor unless they are serious, because reflectors give far better value for money. The thing is that refractors have class. It's a bit like buying a vintage car I suppose.

Geoff

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

I'll go buy a DS refractor now, cos I am serious.

[Lee]

Sounds like a good old cloudynights refractor vs reflector stoush coming on!

[niko]

I'm awaiting delivery of my GEM and refractor so look out anyone going to Snake Valley this weekend coz I'm gunna have a million questions!

niko

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

bring it on

[niko]

Thanks Andrew!



I'll be the guy with the furrowed brow and look of desperation!