I got a second hand alt az/ equatorial mount. My 200mm newt tube looks huge on the mount but it does its work. Unfortunately importing the parts for a motorized dob mount would have costed me more. So finally I can take descent photographs. (provided that I finish the astroguider I'm building)
Thanks. Yes! I find that not having to constantly nudge the scope along makes observation so much more enjoyable. You can concentrate on the object as opposed to tracking.
¡Muchas gracias! Supongo que no somos muchos los astrónomos que estamos dispuestos a tomarnos la molestia de instalar manualmente una unidad de este tipo en un Dob. ¡Cielos despejados!
Wow, this is awesome. Thank you. What determines the compatibility of the kits? It almost seems like this could be adapted to fit almost any Dob. I am wanting to work with a 17.5" Discovery and this looks like the basic premise of the system will work well.
Thanks. Well, the compatibility list is in the comments so check that out. The Dob has to have altitude bearings like the one in the video (Not spring type).
@@StargazerMan Ahhh Okay, that's what I need. I will just have to adapt it to mine. The bearings are no problem on mine, they are just Teflon strips. I can change them out to roller bearings. This is going to be a great experiment. Thanks for your help.
No worries. Give Eric from Romer optics a message on Facebook messenger and tell him StargazerMan sent you in his direction. He's really awesome for helping order the right stuff.
@StargazerMan A video I would love to see you do is: 1) EZ GOTO 2) Astrophotography Camera like ZWO ASI294MC or ToupTek ATR294C 3) Stellarium 4) Sharpcap (autostacking live view)
The visual tracking is perfect (in the sense that I don't notice any movement even under high magnification). I've STILL not had a clear night long enough to set it up for planetary imaging. I'm excited to grab what I can of Jupiter right now but the weather is just being a pain as usual. I do plan to make an update video on using the 16'' to image - but just gotta wait. :-(
This looks really good , thanks for posting it is quite an inspiration. May I ask how much friction is there in your azimuth mount. I have a 12" dob with the same type of plywood box mount but I am worried I have too much friction in the bottom for a stepper to turn ? Just looking for your opinion. I could get some rollers and mod the bottom if needed I guess.
Thanks! I reckon for a 12" you'll not have any problems with the reccomended motor (ask Erik from Romer and he'll help you pick the right one, he's super friendly and knowledgeable) he's on Facebook Messenger if you search Romer Optics and really quick to reply. My 16" in this video is quite an effort to turn which is why I needed the higher torque motor. The drawback is that the stepper motors constantly draw current so I really only have the motors engaged when observing. I don't use the go-to from start to finish. When Im going to the next target, I disengage the clutch, select the object then hit go-to and manually slew. When I'm near the object I let go and the drives kick in for the final honing in.
@@StargazerMan Thanks very much for replying and thanks for the info. I'll reach out and contact him. This looks like an excellent project to do and coming up to the longest days in the year it seems like a good time as well. Dark Skys mate
Exactly what I am looking for! How much did all the parts add up? Not including the price of the telescope. Just all the parts to make the scope motorized. Thanks!
Hey. I really must add that total price to the video. As far as I recall in total I spent about $400. At the time you had to buy the stepper motors and drivers separately elsewhere but now Erik does the full Kit. If I were you I'd message him on Facebook Messenger (search Romer Optics) and get a direct quote for your scope. (Mention you saw my video ;-) ) romer-optics-llc.myshopify.com/products/ez-goto-complete-kit
Yes! This is exactly what it's intended for - object tracking. I have been waiting (and waiting) for a clear sky opportunity to use the Dob for some planetary imaging of Jupiter. The tracking should be good enough to keep the planet in frame.
@@StargazerMan If I remember correctly somewhere in the official manual states the diameter is about 300mm (it was written in inches) However, I wondered if it's true because without any gearbox the reduction rate (and steps per degree) would be too low for onstep standard. That's why I want to ask someone owning this product.
I see you're using the $150 kit, would the $360 complete kit come with everything I need or would I still have to buy some things? They're not super clear about it on the website. I would assume "complete kit" means you get everything you need but I'm not very well versed in goto systems. If you're able to answer it would be much appreciated.
Sure! I'll try my best to answer. I found it quite confusing also when I started looking at what what parts I needed. I bought an early version from Eric and ended up making the power board and doing a lot of trial and error making to get it right. BTW Eric is fantastic for help on Messenger. If I were to do it today I would jump at the complete kit. Simply because he's done 90% of it for you (the wiring / the boards etc). There will still be hands on stuff to do but IMHO it helps in the long run to learn to future manage the system. From looking at the list in the complete kit, other than a power source it looks good! Hope this answers your question! BTW - If you're not already, It'd really help the channel if you hit 🔔Subscribe🔔 Thanks!
Buenas, estaria muy interesado en montar un GoTo de este estilo para mi telescopio. Hay algun paso a paso a seguir y lista de la compra para poder realizarlo?? Donde comprar todos los componentes me refiero. Es un trabajazo, enhorabuena por ello!!
Gracias. Usted puede echar un vistazo aquí para la lista de piezas necesarias: romer-optics-llc.myshopify.com/collections/coma-fee-dobsonian Pero probablemente sea mejor enviar un mensaje a Erik directamente en Facebook Messanger y explicarle lo que quieres comprar y qué piezas necesitarás. No estoy seguro de si él está enviando fuera de los EE.UU., pero usted podría conseguir las piezas enviadas a alguien allí y envió entonces a usted. Eso es lo que hice.
Can i ask a question? Why did you dismantle the bearing? Would the large 1/4 steel cog fit with the standard bearing? Also how did you attach the at ans az sensors s?
Great questions and I can see I didn't make that very clear at all! So for the bearing. The 1/4 steel cig arm part has to be attached to the bearing. For it to fit, Romer Optics will machine your bearing and pre drill the holes somit can be attached. If you have a lathe machine you can do it yourself. For the encoders, on the altitude, they supply a small part that you replace on the bearing that allows a small cylindrical magnet to be screwed on to the center of the bearing. There is a bracket then sits over that magnet (time stamp 10:04 in the video, it's the silver part with the push to logo on it). This connects to a similar bracket that sits over the Azimuth magnet (again part is provided) see timestamp 10:10 same kind of bracket with flashing LED light. Hope this helps! Frank.
Looking to something like this with a 12” skywatcher dobsonian that uses the spring tension system, which is incompatible, are there any options I could use?
Dobsonians are not well suited for long exposure astrophotography I'm afraid! It is possible and I've seen some surprisingly good images but it's not something I'd recommend.
Starting next week Jupiter will be at a respectable altitude to allow me to test! I'm planning on doing a follow up video on imaging using the 16" and the ZWO 462MC camera.
Cool! Are the Nema17 motors sufficient for your 14''? I haven't use any cameras with the 16''...yet! I do plan on doing some planetary imaging now that it's tracking. I've a ZWO ASI462MC colour cam that I'll use.
@@StargazerMan Eric at Romer optics knew I had the 14" dob so he recommended right away to use the nema 23 for the alt and az and the nema 17 for my focuser. (ERIC IS AWESOME AND ANSWERED EVERY QUESTION I HAD!!!). It is completely silent when it moves around! FYI for anyone reading this I have a ZHUMELL 12" Dob, which is the same as an Apertura dob.
@@StargazerMan I bought a 40 volt weed wacker battery & charger. But I have not tried it yet only the Home outlet and extension cord. Also I need to buy a step down converter so it will step it down to roughly 20 Volts. Eric uses an 18 volt and says he gets a couple of hours on a smaller dob, so a 40 volt should maybe get 3-4 hours? We'll see.
I built one from scratch (go to 13:18 in the video) with a few lengths of timber, wheelbarrow wheels, a length of threaded bar for the axel, some washers and locknuts. The metal arms were leftover roof racks.
It's an old phone holder for the car. The windscreen siction cup and arm part broke so I kept the cradle part in case it might come in handy... which it did. L
I sure am. I'll be giving it one final long session as the nights are getting very short now. Tracking is holding its own. I've not yet tried any planetary imaging with it.. I've been a bit preoccupied testing new scopes!
I was actually going to try the onstep way before I landed on the EZ goto. Honesty, it pushed my limits on electronics as there was a steep learning curve for me. I had to trial a bunch of different motors to get the right balance between power draw and torque. It's definitely a hands on project. As for operation, that part I find easy.
Hey. No. The system is compatible with the following scopes; GSO Dob 8"~16" bearing model. (Also branded as StellaLyra / Zhumell Z series) Aperura AD8" ~ AD16" Orion SkyLine Dob Series Spring tension model scopes like the Skywatcher/Meade Light Bridge are not compatible.
Unfortuantly not. from the website: romer-optics-llc.myshopify.com/products/ez-goto-kit Compatible brands/models GSO Dob 8"~16" ( bearing model only ) Aperura AD8" ~ AD16" Orion SkyLine Dob Series Zhumell Z series * Any spring tension model is NOT compatible. * Skywatcher/Meade Light Bridge are NOT complatible.
Hey. If your GSO scope has a spring tensioner then no, only the bearing type are suitable for this. Hope this helps and if you've not subscribed please do as it helps grow the channel. Clear skies!
Eek. Sounds like you had or have collimation issues with a GSO scope? I found the collimation to be poor as the springs were quite 'light' for the 16" so I replaced them with stronger ones from "Bob's Knobs". Now the collimation is bang on and doesn't shift at all during the night.
This video is exactly what I was looking for! I have the exact same telescope and was looking to upgrade it!
Glad I could help!
I got a second hand alt az/ equatorial mount. My 200mm newt tube looks huge on the mount but it does its work. Unfortunately importing the parts for a motorized dob mount would have costed me more. So finally I can take descent photographs. (provided that I finish the astroguider I'm building)
This is a great video! I love my 8 inch dob, motorising it would make it even more powerful.
Thanks. Yes! I find that not having to constantly nudge the scope along makes observation so much more enjoyable. You can concentrate on the object as opposed to tracking.
This is awesome! I've been looking for a way to automate my dob. Looks like it'll work well on my Orion.
Go for it!
Let us know how it works out!
No entiendo como tiene pocos like, esta informacion vale mucho. Saludos
¡Muchas gracias! Supongo que no somos muchos los astrónomos que estamos dispuestos a tomarnos la molestia de instalar manualmente una unidad de este tipo en un Dob. ¡Cielos despejados!
This is amazing ❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thanks. You've been a big help.
You're welcome!
Wow, this is awesome. Thank you. What determines the compatibility of the kits? It almost seems like this could be adapted to fit almost any Dob. I am wanting to work with a 17.5" Discovery and this looks like the basic premise of the system will work well.
Thanks. Well, the compatibility list is in the comments so check that out. The Dob has to have altitude bearings like the one in the video (Not spring type).
@@StargazerMan Ahhh Okay, that's what I need. I will just have to adapt it to mine. The bearings are no problem on mine, they are just Teflon strips. I can change them out to roller bearings. This is going to be a great experiment. Thanks for your help.
No worries. Give Eric from Romer optics a message on Facebook messenger and tell him StargazerMan sent you in his direction. He's really awesome for helping order the right stuff.
@StargazerMan A video I would love to see you do is:
1) EZ GOTO
2) Astrophotography Camera like ZWO ASI294MC or ToupTek ATR294C
3) Stellarium
4) Sharpcap (autostacking live view)
Thanks! Challenge accepted. 😎
I'll put these to my list.
I have an ASI469MC.
@@StargazerMan Awesome! Can’t wait to see it!
wow this is awesome, exactly what i've been looking for
Cool! Hope it works out for you.
how is the tracking - can it keep images centered for EAA and/or light weight astrophotography?@@StargazerMan
The visual tracking is perfect (in the sense that I don't notice any movement even under high magnification).
I've STILL not had a clear night long enough to set it up for planetary imaging. I'm excited to grab what I can of Jupiter right now but the weather is just being a pain as usual. I do plan to make an update video on using the 16'' to image - but just gotta wait. :-(
This looks really good , thanks for posting it is quite an inspiration. May I ask how much friction is there in your azimuth mount. I have a 12" dob with the same type of plywood box mount but I am worried I have too much friction in the bottom for a stepper to turn ? Just looking for your opinion. I could get some rollers and mod the bottom if needed I guess.
Thanks! I reckon for a 12" you'll not have any problems with the reccomended motor (ask Erik from Romer and he'll help you pick the right one, he's super friendly and knowledgeable) he's on Facebook Messenger if you search Romer Optics and really quick to reply.
My 16" in this video is quite an effort to turn which is why I needed the higher torque motor. The drawback is that the stepper motors constantly draw current so I really only have the motors engaged when observing. I don't use the go-to from start to finish. When Im going to the next target, I disengage the clutch, select the object then hit go-to and manually slew. When I'm near the object I let go and the drives kick in for the final honing in.
@@StargazerMan Thanks very much for replying and thanks for the info. I'll reach out and contact him. This looks like an excellent project to do and coming up to the longest days in the year it seems like a good time as well. Dark Skys mate
Exactly what I am looking for! How much did all the parts add up? Not including the price of the telescope. Just all the parts to make the scope motorized. Thanks!
Hey. I really must add that total price to the video. As far as I recall in total I spent about $400. At the time you had to buy the stepper motors and drivers separately elsewhere but now Erik does the full Kit.
If I were you I'd message him on Facebook Messenger (search Romer Optics) and get a direct quote for your scope. (Mention you saw my video ;-) )
romer-optics-llc.myshopify.com/products/ez-goto-complete-kit
@@StargazerMan Thank you!
Great video - ty wb applying this to an Apertura 10 soon
Thanks! Let us know how it works out
Its so usefull system...
Just a query, does this sytem also track objects in sky? making dobs more usefull for astrophotography?
Yes! This is exactly what it's intended for - object tracking.
I have been waiting (and waiting) for a clear sky opportunity to use the Dob for some planetary imaging of Jupiter. The tracking should be good enough to keep the planet in frame.
@@StargazerMan that's great I will be waiting for your next video than....
This is a very cool addition!! What is the diameter of the Alt gear?
That's a good question. I'll need to measure it as I don't see it in any of the documentation online.
@@StargazerMan If I remember correctly somewhere in the official manual states the diameter is about 300mm (it was written in inches)
However, I wondered if it's true because without any gearbox the reduction rate (and steps per degree) would be too low for onstep standard.
That's why I want to ask someone owning this product.
Very good.👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you very much
I see you're using the $150 kit, would the $360 complete kit come with everything I need or would I still have to buy some things? They're not super clear about it on the website. I would assume "complete kit" means you get everything you need but I'm not very well versed in goto systems. If you're able to answer it would be much appreciated.
Sure! I'll try my best to answer.
I found it quite confusing also when I started looking at what what parts I needed. I bought an early version from Eric and ended up making the power board and doing a lot of trial and error making to get it right. BTW Eric is fantastic for help on Messenger. If I were to do it today I would jump at the complete kit. Simply because he's done 90% of it for you (the wiring / the boards etc). There will still be hands on stuff to do but IMHO it helps in the long run to learn to future manage the system. From looking at the list in the complete kit, other than a power source it looks good!
Hope this answers your question!
BTW - If you're not already, It'd really help the channel if you hit 🔔Subscribe🔔 Thanks!
@@StargazerMan Thank you. That helps alot!
Buenas, estaria muy interesado en montar un GoTo de este estilo para mi telescopio. Hay algun paso a paso a seguir y lista de la compra para poder realizarlo?? Donde comprar todos los componentes me refiero. Es un trabajazo, enhorabuena por ello!!
Gracias. Usted puede echar un vistazo aquí para la lista de piezas necesarias:
romer-optics-llc.myshopify.com/collections/coma-fee-dobsonian
Pero probablemente sea mejor enviar un mensaje a Erik directamente en Facebook Messanger y explicarle lo que quieres comprar y qué piezas necesitarás.
No estoy seguro de si él está enviando fuera de los EE.UU., pero usted podría conseguir las piezas enviadas a alguien allí y envió entonces a usted. Eso es lo que hice.
@@StargazerMan gracias le echare un vistazo
@@StargazerMan He hablado con él y no envía a fuera de EEUU, una lástima ya que tiene buena pinta y no conozco a nadie allá :(
Can i ask a question? Why did you dismantle the bearing? Would the large 1/4 steel cog fit with the standard bearing? Also how did you attach the at ans az sensors s?
Great questions and I can see I didn't make that very clear at all!
So for the bearing. The 1/4 steel cig arm part has to be attached to the bearing. For it to fit, Romer Optics will machine your bearing and pre drill the holes somit can be attached. If you have a lathe machine you can do it yourself.
For the encoders, on the altitude, they supply a small part that you replace on the bearing that allows a small cylindrical magnet to be screwed on to the center of the bearing. There is a bracket then sits over that magnet (time stamp 10:04 in the video, it's the silver part with the push to logo on it). This connects to a similar bracket that sits over the Azimuth magnet (again part is provided) see timestamp 10:10 same kind of bracket with flashing LED light.
Hope this helps! Frank.
Very good 👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you! Cheers!
Looking to something like this with a 12” skywatcher dobsonian that uses the spring tension system, which is incompatible, are there any options I could use?
Great video btw!
Can I use this for long exposure astrophotography ?
Dobsonians are not well suited for long exposure astrophotography I'm afraid! It is possible and I've seen some surprisingly good images but it's not something I'd recommend.
Is there any vibration in high magnification of planetary astrophotography? Or is the whole thing smooth?
Starting next week Jupiter will be at a respectable altitude to allow me to test! I'm planning on doing a follow up video on imaging using the 16" and the ZWO 462MC camera.
@@StargazerManwhere are you based in Ireland ?
Yip!@@johnmartin7297
Lol , I meant , where .. you sound corkish , int in this setup , love to pick your brains a bit on it , if you were up for that
Lol. Proud Limerick man! Ask away!
I've got a 14" dob and I installed the EZ GOTO system as well. Just waiting for some clear skies. What camera do you use with the 16"?
Cool! Are the Nema17 motors sufficient for your 14''? I haven't use any cameras with the 16''...yet!
I do plan on doing some planetary imaging now that it's tracking. I've a ZWO ASI462MC colour cam that I'll use.
@@StargazerMan Eric at Romer optics knew I had the 14" dob so he recommended right away to use the nema 23 for the alt and az and the nema 17 for my focuser. (ERIC IS AWESOME AND ANSWERED EVERY QUESTION I HAD!!!). It is completely silent when it moves around! FYI for anyone reading this I have a ZHUMELL 12" Dob, which is the same as an Apertura dob.
How do you power it? What is your battery life like?
@@StargazerMan I bought a 40 volt weed wacker battery & charger. But I have not tried it yet only the Home outlet and extension cord. Also I need to buy a step down converter so it will step it down to roughly 20 Volts. Eric uses an 18 volt and says he gets a couple of hours on a smaller dob, so a 40 volt should maybe get 3-4 hours? We'll see.
@natdiamond That's not bad. I get about the same from a 20Ah 12V have to step up to 20v
Hi. I have a broken Orion XT10G scope. The mount broken. Is there a way to use this process to get the mount to work again?
Thanks!
Unfortunately not Paul. The system doesn't work with the XT10G type of mount. Hope you have better luck fixing it. It's a great scope.
Hey could you tell me what is writen on the central chip on the ender pcb? That would help me a lot. Thanks
I'll take a look. Hang tough.
I am also trying to make a onstep goto,
I looked at Onstep. Seems a very capable system!
I have an 8” dob and I’m wondering what kit I should get. Since there’s quite the variety
Message Erik at Romer Optics on Facebook Messenger and he'll recommend the right kit for you. Tell him Frank sent you.
@ thanks man
What actually controls the motors, is there a micro controller of some kind, or does the apt on your phone do It?
The App controls everything. :-)
Could i just a 3d printer board ive got heaps of those
I don't understand. ,,🤔
Which wheelbarrow did you get for your telescope? I have a 16in
I built one from scratch (go to 13:18 in the video) with a few lengths of timber, wheelbarrow wheels, a length of threaded bar for the axel, some washers and locknuts. The metal arms were leftover roof racks.
New update for parts
facebook.com/share/p/ZTr5J9BLTstYnZZh/
Does it work with a 10 inch Skywatcher Flextube
Hey. No the EzGoto / PushTo isn't suitable for the Sky watcher flextube.
What do you use for the phone mount?
It's an old phone holder for the car. The windscreen siction cup and arm part broke so I kept the cradle part in case it might come in handy... which it did. L
Are you still using this? If so, how do you find its tracking accuracy?
I sure am. I'll be giving it one final long session as the nights are getting very short now. Tracking is holding its own. I've not yet tried any planetary imaging with it.. I've been a bit preoccupied testing new scopes!
@@StargazerMan do you recommend getting it? I have built a onstep setup but it's very tricky to use
I was actually going to try the onstep way before I landed on the EZ goto.
Honesty, it pushed my limits on electronics as there was a steep learning curve for me. I had to trial a bunch of different motors to get the right balance between power draw and torque. It's definitely a hands on project. As for operation, that part I find easy.
Can I do this to my Meade light bridge plus 12inch dob??
Hey. So the kit is not suitable for the light bridge scopes.
Will this work on a 12 inch meade lightbridge dob?
Hey. No. The system is compatible with the following scopes;
GSO Dob 8"~16" bearing model.
(Also branded as StellaLyra / Zhumell Z series)
Aperura AD8" ~ AD16"
Orion SkyLine Dob Series
Spring tension model scopes like the Skywatcher/Meade Light Bridge are not compatible.
Thanks for replying!@@StargazerMan
Works in skywatcher 200mm?
Unfortuantly not.
from the website:
romer-optics-llc.myshopify.com/products/ez-goto-kit
Compatible brands/models
GSO Dob 8"~16" ( bearing model only )
Aperura AD8" ~ AD16"
Orion SkyLine Dob Series
Zhumell Z series
* Any spring tension model is NOT compatible.
* Skywatcher/Meade Light Bridge are NOT complatible.
Will this work on a Orion XT10
Hey. No, it's not compatible with that model.
What exactly is this: 15:25 ?
That's a Rigel Quikfinder. th-cam.com/video/0p6_3Wgvyj4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=sRXYUJc94P9hRBqE
@@StargazerMan Thank you very much
Works on gso 6"?
Hey. If your GSO scope has a spring tensioner then no, only the bearing type are suitable for this.
Hope this helps and if you've not subscribed please do as it helps grow the channel. Clear skies!
Dont forget to collimate it everytime it moves 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Eek. Sounds like you had or have collimation issues with a GSO scope? I found the collimation to be poor as the springs were quite 'light' for the 16" so I replaced them with stronger ones from "Bob's Knobs". Now the collimation is bang on and doesn't shift at all during the night.
Good video! Getting close to 1k subs there... Have another 1.
Thank you!