Post a picture of your rig!

[PM01]

Well of course it's optical bliss. It's an AP! :)

Strangely enough, one of the nature magazines didn't publish my AP shots. They're all Takahashi FSQ106. I'll send them some eagles shots with the AP - that should make it into publishing.

[markjpcs]

Lets see them! Well maybe in the Bird forum but let us know and post a link.

[strgazr27]

Thanks to my wife, my best friend and my neighbor I have managed to get the CGEPro all setup. Currently it's carrying an AT8RC and a TMB 80SS with Carbon Fiber tube. In the picture the AT8 has the stock GSO focuser but both scopes now carry Feathertouch focusers. I'm not getting out as much as rolling the roof back is a killer. I'm looking at some form of motorizing the roof very soon.

Due to the height of my roll off's roof I needed to shorten the Pro's height significantly. This meant finding a way to get rid of the electronics pier which would save almost 8" in height. The "Box" is what I came up with.

If anyone is interested the QHY8 in the picture is going up for sale. I am going back to a DSLR :) A cooled Canon from CentralDS.

Thanks for looking!

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p348307143.jpg

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p52762131.jpg

[markjpcs]

Very nice!

How does that baby perform?

[markjpcs]

I decided that piggyback was just too stressful on the mount so I purchased a Robin Cassady Tandem16 and now have them mounted in a side-by-side arrangement.

It eliminated 1 18lb counterweight and the damping time is virtually nill.

http://www.pcsincnet.com/AP130GT_TEC200_SBS1.JPG

http://www.pcsincnet.com/AP130GT_TEC200_SBS2.JPG

[strgazr27]

BEAUTIFUL !! Truly a work of Art.

[Nighthound]

[wiping drool]

That's a rock solid dream rig you've got there Mark. Beautiful.

Once I switched to side-by-side and learned to perfect balance, it was like I had a new mount. Tracking was much more consistent and my keeper exposures increased quite a bit.

[markjpcs]

Bob,

What exactly did you do to your new mount?

http://strgazr27.zenfolio.com/p1055828563/e176b9e04

Where did you find that box?

And how is that puppy working out for you?

[Kadath]

As the OP of this thread I'd just like to state how much I hate you all! One day something like this will be mine, until then I'll live vicariously through your wallets.

[Catanonia]

Here is mine


Skywatcher ED120 Diamond Black
SkyWatcher ED80 Pro II guide with rings
NEQ6 Pro mount
QHY5 Guide CCD
EOS 350D modded imaging camera.

[troypiggo]

Very nice. Those tubes/extensions on the guide scope - are they required for the QHY5 to get focus? Looks like a lot. How do you find the QHY5? Assume you plug it into your laptop and mount? Can you plug it just into your laptop and use EQMOD and/or some other guiding software?

[Celestron]

Here is mine


Skywatcher ED120 Diamond Black
SkyWatcher ED80 Pro II guide with rings
NEQ6 Pro mount
QHY5 Guide CCD
EOS 350D modded imaging camera.

I think i can safely say "YOUR HOOKED BIG TIME" !!!

[markjpcs]

Here is mine


Skywatcher ED120 Diamond Black
SkyWatcher ED80 Pro II guide with rings
NEQ6 Pro mount
QHY5 Guide CCD
EOS 350D modded imaging camera.

Why do you use a tripod in your observatory? A pier would provide much better stability.

Nice setup!

[Catanonia]

Using a tripod as not 100% sure if the scope will stay in this location. The concrete slabs are independent to the others around them with holes drilled for the tripod legs. It can't move and so far I have had no vibration issues. Also piers cost money and are pernament, need to get it past the missus 1st :)

As for the QHY5, it is close to the ED80 focus extension point to get the CCD in focus. I think it 'might' just work without the extension tube, but the tube makes it much much easier. In this picture the QHY5 was actually at the ccd focal point.

I use PHD guiding at the moment, and to be honest, the QHY5 just plugs and goes after you focus. 100% brilliant. The mount is controlled directly by the QHY5 ST4 cable with it's onboard mount port / driver. So no need for ASCOM. QHY5 plugs direct into USB on lappy via PHD :)

I would 100% recommend the QHY5 as a guide scope for anyone.

[Catanonia]

I think i can safely say "YOUR HOOKED BIG TIME" !!!


mmm, ya think so :)

[jetcode]

that is an amazing rig and the images are amazing too ...

[Eng27DCFD]

Here is mine


Skywatcher ED120 Diamond Black
SkyWatcher ED80 Pro II guide with rings
NEQ6 Pro mount
QHY5 Guide CCD
EOS 350D modded imaging camera.
I see no reason for one person to have all of that, so I will email you my address and you can just send me the "Little" scope! Just kidding, but that is impressive.

[Catanonia]

I see no reason for one person to have all of that, so I will email you my address and you can just send me the "Little" scope! Just kidding, but that is impressive.

LOL, how about you send me £1000 as a retainer :)

wow, quite an old thread.

Rig has changed a bit now to include a side by side ADM mounting bar and a EOS 1000D modded DSLR.

Also added on top a Sony A700 500 - 1000mm DSLR

[PM01]

I no longer own the 130EDT or the Tak fluorite. I do however own the following now...

Astro Physics 155 EDFS w/4 inch focuser and TCC155 reducer flattener. Also with the regular flattener and 2.7 inch focuser in case I feel like switching them out.

Takahashi FSQ106ED with all the trimmings. This includes the .73 reducer and the new 1.6x.

And JUST received early last week, the new Astro Physics 130 Gran Turismo. Only scopes within the last 6 months have a new type of broadband coating, as confirmed by the man himself. BETTER than the old coating by quite a bit. I drove over to AP and picked it up - also met the crew there. Fun stuff.

Total wait time for the scope - under 9 years.

[Catanonia]

My rig has completely changed too, such old thread :)

Now a MN190, ED80, WO66 and a QHY9 CCD :)

[PM01]

Your opinions of the QHY9? Heard that was a sweet cam!

[Mark Brim]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/6012295527_f1e84aaaea_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/markbrim/6012295527/)
My Astro Set Up (http://www.flickr.com/photos/markbrim/6012295527/) by markbrim (http://www.flickr.com/people/markbrim/), on Flickr
My astrophotography set up:
Big Camulet Tripod
Canon 7D
Canon 400 2.8 L ( NOT MINE! i didnt even manage to get any images with this, Its pretty heavy n hard to handle atm)
Astrotrac TT320x AG
Manfrotto Ball and Gear Heads
Im only a beginner and have only had a chance to use it 5/6 times since buying the Astrotrac! But i love it!

[martyn_bannister]

Are we looking at your outfit or the astro gear? :)

Sorry, no offence! Nice setup.

Given the cost and weight of the heads and tripod, how would you rate the astrotrac against a conventional tracking EQ mount?

PS, if you can't get on with the lens, can I borrow it for a couple of weeks :)

[katodog]

Not into astronomy anymore, sold all of my gear years ago. But here are some of my old setups:


Meade 12" LX200R, William Optics Megrez 110mm ED, Denk PowerSwitch, ADM weight and dovetail systems, 7" LCD, etc...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/IMG_0529.jpg



Meade LXD-75 AR6-AT with Astro Tech 80mm piggy-backed...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/AT80Piggy01.jpg


LX200R with Orion 100mm achro...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/DSCF1667.jpg


Meade AR5...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/DSCF4528.jpg


Celestron 12" Dob...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/DSCF4540.jpg


Meade SN6...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/DSCF4552.jpg


Meade ETX-90...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/ETX90005.jpg



And a lot of other scopes, still looking for pics of them. Had around $50,000 worth of astro gear before I sold it all.

[katodog]

Coronado PST...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/PST03Medium.jpg

[Mark Brim]

Are we looking at your outfit or the astro gear? :)

Sorry, no offence! Nice setup.

Given the cost and weight of the heads and tripod, how would you rate the astrotrac against a conventional tracking EQ mount?

PS, if you can't get on with the lens, can I borrow it for a couple of weeks :)

Lol, this is the only image i have of my rig!! taken by my friend whos 400mm 2.8 it is!! So sorry for me being in the picture!

The mount + Heads werent cheap, but Its SO fast to set up and get imaging! I can be up and aligning the mount in under 5 mins! I have never used a conventional telescope or mount before so im not sure on the easy or time of set up, but i have held one and their not light!
The mount itself is light and when the tripod and heads + my camera and lenses are packed in a bag, the total weight isnt anything to worry about, Although i have never wandered far from my car!

[martyn_bannister]

Lol, this is the only image i have of my rig!! taken by my friend whos 400mm 2.8 it is!! So sorry for me being in the picture!

The mount + Heads werent cheap, but Its SO fast to set up and get imaging! I can be up and aligning the mount in under 5 mins! I have never used a conventional telescope or mount before so im not sure on the easy or time of set up, but i have held one and their not light!
The mount itself is light and when the tripod and heads + my camera and lenses are packed in a bag, the total weight isnt anything to worry about, Although i have never wandered far from my car!
I'm going to have to get to a star party where one of these is in evidence and check it out. Everyone seems to think they are brill, so I must be missing something.

[troypiggo]

Finally got around to shooting my current setup at the 2011 Queensland Astrofest.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/6016953213_02204e2397_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/troypiggo/6016953213/)

That's my laptop tent on the left.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/6016953847_9367cf4e10_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/troypiggo/6016953847/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/6016954487_d43e5b714f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/troypiggo/6016954487/)

[mtbdudex]

My astrophotography set up:
Big Camulet Tripod
Canon 7D
Canon 400 2.8 L ( NOT MINE! i didnt even manage to get any images with this, Its pretty heavy n hard to handle atm)
Astrotrac TT320x AG
Manfrotto Ball and Gear Heads
Im only a beginner and have only had a chance to use it 5/6 times since buying the Astrotrac! But i love it!

Mark - is that a dew shield extending the 400L length OR is the 400L that big?

Nice to hear good things about that Astrotrac.
If you don't want go-to/etc seems perfect for widefield portable set-up's, like in backpacking to remote/dark areas.

I've sunk my $$ into gear for this year, but for future that is on my short list.

[mtbdudex]

Finally got around to shooting my current setup at the 2011 Queensland Astrofest.


Nice gear Troy, it's winter for you now correct?
Does not look to cold in these picts.

[Mark Brim]

Mark - is that a dew shield extending the 400L length OR is the 400L that big?

Nice to hear good things about that Astrotrac.
If you don't want go-to/etc seems perfect for widefield portable set-up's, like in backpacking to remote/dark areas.

I've sunk my $$ into gear for this year, but for future that is on my short list.

It is the Lens Hood yes, Lol
But dont get me wrong..This Lens Is HUGE!!! And heavy!

[troypiggo]

Nice gear Troy, it's winter for you now correct?
Does not look to cold in these picts.

Yes, winter here now. Daytime temps around 15-20 degrees celcius, overnight was dropping to 0-5 I think. Pretty mild winters here around Brisane and Sunshine Coast. I still wear shorts during day when not working and a jumper is sometimes not required. :D

[JHPhotoguy]

New member here but I've been doing AP for several years now. This is my old rig:
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/jhphotography84/IMG_0732.jpg

Vixen ED80sf on an Orion Atlas EQ-G. My imaging camera was a 50D and was using an LVI 2 autoguider. I've just sold most of that setup however and have an Explore Scientific 152 Mak-Newt on the way. Still using the Atlas EQ-G, new autoguider is the KWIQ guider package and upgraded my cam to a 5D MkII. Seeing I'm going back to school for digital photography I also bought the 24-105mm f/4L, the 70-200mm f/2.8L USM II and the EF 2x III extender which I will use to do some wide-field stuff.

[babel_fish]

This is my old rig:


Still using the Atlas EQ-G



Amazing how well done that Atlas EQ-G is for the money. Like you, I've had a few renditions of my "rig", however the Atlas always ends up staying. I use EQMOD as well.

And welcome to POTN :)

[viktorcech]

my eq3-2 with canon eos 450d, 100mm

http://foto.podstromami.com/albums/astro/montaz.jpg

[JHPhotoguy]

It really is a great mount. I don't really ever see myself upgrading to another mount unless I decide to go for a big lightbucket. I've had 3 OTA's on the mount: XLT127, SN10 & ED80Sf and it handled them all very nicely.

Thanks for the welcome as well!

[babel_fish]

...SN10... and it handled...very nicely.

Thanks for the welcome as well!

NP :)

I would love to get a compound Newtonian in that aperture range but wow, I think I calculated that I would need 2 more CW's that the 2 or 3 I use now if I went with an OTA that heavy.

How did the heavy SN10 handle on the Atlas for AP work? Is that why you don't have it anymore :cool:

[JHPhotoguy]

The Atlas handled the SN10 pretty well. Did not really use it much for AP seeing the focuser was crap and also could not bring DSLR's into focus. I ended up trading it for the Vixen. I did use it for some AP with a DSLR hooked up to a Hyperion and it seemed to handle it pretty well.

[dougj7]

Losmandy GM8 with WO FLT98 and 66mm scopes.

[JHPhotoguy]

My new baby, just waiting on the autoguider now to arrive and I am all set to go.

http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/jhphotography84/IMG_0985.jpg

http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/jhphotography84/IMG_0984.jpg

[archer1960]

I cleaned up my rig with by making cable bundles using some spiral cable wrap, and it's a whole lot easier to setup now, and I don't have nearly the worries about accidentally hooking a wire while slewing or adjusting something.

http://www.davidkerber.com/picposts/AstronomyAndSpace/DSCF1061_resized.JPG

http://www.davidkerber.com/picposts/AstronomyAndSpace/DSCF1065_resized.JPG

[TC_Fenua]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4294974018_516702f01e_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ippatsu71/4294974018/sizes/o/in/set-72157623213208910/)
My C14 on the Titan mount

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5976417194_9f0e3a6711_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ippatsu71/5976417194/sizes/o/in/set-72157623213208910/)
Home made 660mm f/4 dobson

There is a C8 on a G11 also, and a Zenithstar 66, but no pictures. Only the C14 is mine, but I have access to all anytime I want :D

Anyone is more than welcome to come visit us at our club in Tahiti, we do astronomy tour/visit of the Southern Sky quite often, and it's free ;)
PM me for contact infos, for those interested :)

Edit: Shot with the C14

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5981075080_c749983d10_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ippatsu71/5981075080/sizes/o/in/set-72157623131239346/)

Not bad for a Celestron I guess :p

[Celestron]

I should say not !! Thats a great looking Mars for the size you have here ! Great detail .

[Jeff]

I cleaned up my rig with by making cable bundles using some spiral cable wrap, and it's a whole lot easier to setup now, and I don't have nearly the worries about accidentally hooking a wire while slewing or adjusting something.



That cable wrap is a fantastic idea. I know what I'm doing tomorrow!