Omg.. I spent so much time researching how to make it so that my scope with filterwheel and camera will balance on my eqr6 without the focuser being blocked.. looking into spacers and longer dove tails and didn't even think about rotating the scope lol
LOL! It took me a few steps before I realized that everything got simpler if I rotated the focuser to the top! (You should have seen how I was going to do it - U-G-L-Y!
I don’t use a full frame camera but my asi1600mm-pro is sharp to the corner of the field and the stars are very sharp. I have been trembly happy with the scope and it’s performance!
Hi Craig - Thanks! Those are cable sleeves that you can buy via Amazon. Nice to avoid snags. Here is a link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093LBVFJ8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Good video Patrick, looks like a great set-up. I use a WO GT81 (not disimilar to the Askar) and am thinking of moving from the SW EQ6-GT to the AM5 mount - what's the total weight of the rig + how does the AM5 handle it + do you still to do a meridian flip? Thanks.
Thanks, Graham! The OTA weighs around 12 lbs, and the AM5 handles it just fine. It is rated at 26 lbs without a counterweight and 44 lbs with a counterweight - so it is a strong little beast! Yes, I do a meridian flip, I just do it right at the meridian, not some degrees after it as is common with other mounts. There is a new version of firmware that allows for a flip past the meridian more like other mounts, but I have not yet installed and tested this yet. I find it to be vastly superior to my IOptron CEM26 mount - and lighter to carry around!
I don't think the 500 was available when I got my 400, but I did want something wider. Right now, the 400 covers about 2X the area of sky my AP130 covers, and my WO132 with a reducer sits smack dap in the middle of those two, so I like my coverage options that way.
I cut a custom piece of metal that I attached to the rings with screws. I then attached the powerbox to it with gel tape. This makes it simple - I have never had it fail - and it makes it easy if I want to modify things later....
I use Sequence Generator Pro on all of my platforms - this does what I want and has excellent error recovery capability. I've never used N.I.N.A., and because I run three platforms simultaneously and set them up each night in the driveway - It's good to have a common method of setup and running for each platform. I don't mind the PA camera - already have it, and I can set up PA fast and accurately - and all three platforms use consistent setup methods. I imagine if I had gone the N.I.N.A. route, I might have used its method, but for now, I am happy with how this works out for me.
The cleanest wiring setup I’ve ever seen. Nice job there - it inspires me to up my game. Thank you.
Thanks - glad you like it! I do like my wiring to be neat, but it does make changes in configuration a bit more fun!
All the best,
Pat
Thanks for the tour! Fantastic setup you have there. It's a very nifty rig! 👌🤩
Thanks Will!
Awesome little setup. I’m currently building a similar rig but based on the FRA300.
Thanks! These make for some fun little rigs!
Very nice, clear skies
Thank you!
Omg.. I spent so much time researching how to make it so that my scope with filterwheel and camera will balance on my eqr6 without the focuser being blocked.. looking into spacers and longer dove tails and didn't even think about rotating the scope lol
LOL! It took me a few steps before I realized that everything got simpler if I rotated the focuser to the top! (You should have seen how I was going to do it - U-G-L-Y!
Hello! Can you comment on the imaging quality of your Askar, regarding star shape in the corners and chromatic aberration? Many thanks!
I don’t use a full frame camera but my asi1600mm-pro is sharp to the corner of the field and the stars are very sharp. I have been trembly happy with the scope and it’s performance!
I like it. What are those long flexible sleeves that contain individual cables?
Hi Craig - Thanks! Those are cable sleeves that you can buy via Amazon. Nice to avoid snags. Here is a link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093LBVFJ8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Good video Patrick, looks like a great set-up. I use a WO GT81 (not disimilar to the Askar) and am thinking of moving from the SW EQ6-GT to the AM5 mount - what's the total weight of the rig + how does the AM5 handle it + do you still to do a meridian flip? Thanks.
Thanks, Graham!
The OTA weighs around 12 lbs, and the AM5 handles it just fine. It is rated at 26 lbs without a counterweight and 44 lbs with a counterweight - so it is a strong little beast! Yes, I do a meridian flip, I just do it right at the meridian, not some degrees after it as is common with other mounts. There is a new version of firmware that allows for a flip past the meridian more like other mounts, but I have not yet installed and tested this yet. I find it to be vastly superior to my IOptron CEM26 mount - and lighter to carry around!
Did you ever consider the FRA500 or was that not wide enough? I am trying to decide between the two
I don't think the 500 was available when I got my 400, but I did want something wider. Right now, the 400 covers about 2X the area of sky my AP130 covers, and my WO132 with a reducer sits smack dap in the middle of those two, so I like my coverage options that way.
I have the same setup but with a asi2600mc duo and primalucelab camera rotator. What bracket are you using to mount the Pegasus power box?
I cut a custom piece of metal that I attached to the rings with screws. I then attached the powerbox to it with gel tape. This makes it simple - I have never had it fail - and it makes it easy if I want to modify things later....
Oh that’s creative! I JUST used my zwo EAF bracket and managed to bolt it with a washer onto the side of the mounting rings.
How's N.I.N.A.'s 3 point polar alignment (so you can eliminate one more equipment)?
I use Sequence Generator Pro on all of my platforms - this does what I want and has excellent error recovery capability. I've never used N.I.N.A., and because I run three platforms simultaneously and set them up each night in the driveway - It's good to have a common method of setup and running for each platform. I don't mind the PA camera - already have it, and I can set up PA fast and accurately - and all three platforms use consistent setup methods. I imagine if I had gone the N.I.N.A. route, I might have used its method, but for now, I am happy with how this works out for me.
Is it controlled by mini computer or laptop?