Love seeing the equipment behind the master. I really need to look at the Mele's. Awesome setups and even awesomer images that come from those setups. CS
Pretty cool. Enjoyed the walkthrough. I need to streamline my gear. I’m rotating three setups across one mount. That forces me to create imaging rigs a lot like Amy does from Amy’s Astro. I especially like the dew not strap as opposed to having a dew heater built in to the shield. I wish I had purchased them for all my scopes. As is I have to d/c and unwind cord on shields for breakdowns or struggle getting them through a door. Things you realize afterwards. Thanks for sharing. I personally enjoy seeing how everyone goes about setups.
Thanks Garnett! I really like the concept of having set rigs... of considering the scope and mount as a single unit. It is expensive.. and I think running 3 mounts at once is my limit but it's nice keeping a dialed in rig together. Plus the amount of data i get helps keep me busy during those long stretches of cloudy weather.
I would especially highlight the astrophotos with the C8 setup, they are really one of the best on astrobin, at one time they influenced me very much, I am looking forward to new ones!
Some really nice setups James! I've got a shiny brand new AT115 that I can't wait to get out in the field. I hope spring rolls in with lots of clear nights for us all!!
dam' bro ... wishing you all the clear skies you can get!!! I paired Mt TS 115 with the Samyang 135 and am waiting for the summer ... in the meantime I took the imx585 and paired it with the 115/800 and am galaxy hunting ... my C11 is still an ongoing project ... I know ... we all have one ... I got the optec 0.5 reducer but am missing the correct spacers and adaptors to make it work... in due time ... go get them James!!! CS
@@DSOImager yup it does! I wish I could show you a work in progress 😊 I tried this combo with M42 also yup Fov kinda restricted but really neat image even at that high resolution!
Some great setups there James! I really like your Askar rig, I love the Petzval design, no backfocus or flattners to worry about! I’ve just finished building my second rig, the Askar FRA 400, a video will be out on that soon! Nice Astro Tech 115, I’m a refractor guy! But saying that, I wouldn’t say no to an Edge HD🤣🤣 Clear skies!
Adding up those three very impressive rigs. What would estimate is the total cost? I've got a few upgrades planned for my gear. An SSD upgrade with Win10 Pro on the way for my desktop, and a mini pc and a hand controller for my AzGTi (wifi bites wind!). Oh, and a new sheet of Baader film to do white light with the Sharpstar130. :)
Enjoying your channel and excellent reviews. Thanks for your expertise! I'm just getting started with EAA and have a question. I have an Astro-Tech 115EDT and have attached the Astro-Tech .8 reducer/flattener. For a camera I have started with a very basic ZWO asi224mc, like the one on your guidescope. I do not yet have a filter wheel in the optical train. My question is, what is the spacing needed between the reducer and the camera to achieve focus. The reducer described on Astronomics is correct for attaching a dslr. But what is the added spacing needed to attach a cmos camera? You have a filter wheel. I guess I'm asking how many millimeters does it add to allow you to achieve focus? Thanks for your consideration!
Thank you Marv! So the backfocus distance from the reducer is 55mm. The sensor inside the asi224mc is 12.5mm back. So subtrack 12.5 from 55, which is 42.5mm. So whatever spaces/extenders you have, you need it to add up to 42.5. Since the sensor on the 224MC is very small, you don't need to get that distance perfect. With a larger sensor you would see some coma around the edges, but I double you would see that on the 224. ZWO has a handy article show how to get the 55mm but it only applies to the cooled cameras (do a google search for "zwo 55mm backfocus" and you should find it). The only difference between these cooled camera's and the planetary cameras is the distance the sensor is back. The planetary cams are 12.5mm and the cooled cameras are 6.5mm. Hope this helps!
Thanks Ernie! I found a power cable on amazon that lets me get power from the Pegasus power box. The cable I order is this one: QIUCABLE Type-C to DC Power Cable - 3ft 12V USB-C Plug to DC 5.5 x 2.1mm Male Charging Cable, Connect USB-PD Power Bank to Power Any 12 Volts Device, with DC Converter Adapters for Router CCTV LED
Please tell me what is your approximate RMS value on eq6-r with C8. Have you done its bulkhead and setup? Most of the great photos were taken on the eq6-r, but it's a bit heavy. They advise you to buy a zwo am5 without backlash, but I have looked through the reviews and the RMS value of the reviews is about 0.7. I would like a 10-minute exposure.
RMS is very dependent on seeing and wind. With good seeing I get RMS values in the .5s with the C8/EQ6 combo. Average would probably be in the .7s. Data is still usable in the .8s. Once you get to 1" the data is really soft. With the dew shield, the scope is like a wind sail. Once the wind gets over 7 mph the RMS is over 1" and the data is garbage. I have not traveled with an eq6.. and don't really want to LOL. I do want to hit a B1 site this year.. so we'll see how it goes.
They came with Windows 11 installed. Windows 11 does have the ability to act as a mobile hotspot, although I have never tested that out. I have mine connected to my home's wifi.
Honestly, I don't know the brand/model. It was given to me by one of my friends. I took it to a local metal shop to have a plate welded to the top with holes lined up for the Starizona eq6 pier adapter.
There are two main reasons I run mini PCs instead of the asiair: 1) With the asi air you are locked into the ZWO ecosystem. If I were to pick up a non zwo camera (one from qhy for example) I would not be able to run it with the asiair. 2) I am running SGP for capture software which has more features. Many others run NINA and its the same.. there are additional/advanced sequence options. An asiair would make things easier for a beginner, you just have to make sure you get all zwo components.
Yes.. they stay outside. In the mornings after an imaging run I cover them with TeleGizmos 365 covers. If there's going to be a storm.. or an extended stretch of poor weather I will bring the scopes/electronics in. The mounts remain outside under the covers. If we're due for some really bad/severe weather I'll bring them in, but that hasn't happened in the past 3 years.
@@anata5127 I've not experienced any problems over the past 3 years. The covers have a radiant barrier.. while it still gets hot under there.. it keeps it from getting too hot. I don't cover the scopes until an hour or so after the sun comes up. Any dew from the night has been cooked off.. and morning temps are not too high by then to cause issues with the scopes.
@@DSOImager Great to know. I keep scope the same way like you, but no electronic. I take it off before covering with Telegizmos. However, I am worry about July-August in San Antonio. It will be very hot under cover. At least, 15 degree higher than outside. So, I think I will be using AVX in summer, when I can move scope-mount tripod together under shade. I will not be able to do this with my big system.
@@anata5127 It's a legit concern. It's the electronics I worry the most about. As long as I can get the computers turned off before noon I figure I should be good. In the evenings I uncover the scopes/electronics at sunset and let them cool down a bit before turning them on.
Nice triple setup covering all the bases with those focal lengths.
Thanks! That was the goal. :)
Love seeing the equipment behind the master. I really need to look at the Mele's. Awesome setups and even awesomer images that come from those setups. CS
Thanks Jason! Yea.. those Mele's are doing pretty good. Will probably get a 3rd eventually.
Pretty cool. Enjoyed the walkthrough. I need to streamline my gear. I’m rotating three setups across one mount. That forces me to create imaging rigs a lot like Amy does from Amy’s Astro. I especially like the dew not strap as opposed to having a dew heater built in to the shield. I wish I had purchased them for all my scopes. As is I have to d/c and unwind cord on shields for breakdowns or struggle getting them through a door. Things you realize afterwards. Thanks for sharing. I personally enjoy seeing how everyone goes about setups.
Thanks Garnett! I really like the concept of having set rigs... of considering the scope and mount as a single unit. It is expensive.. and I think running 3 mounts at once is my limit but it's nice keeping a dialed in rig together. Plus the amount of data i get helps keep me busy during those long stretches of cloudy weather.
Nice triplets!! Thanks for providing details of all imaging trains. That helps a helps a lot. Wish you a lot of clear skies in 2023!
Thanks Pawan! Same to you.. CS!
I would especially highlight the astrophotos with the C8 setup, they are really one of the best on astrobin, at one time they influenced me very much, I am looking forward to new ones!
Thanks Met! Yes.. my Edge 8 has provided me with some really excellent data. Love that scope! CS! :)
Thanks for the video, James--that's quite a fine fleet!
Thanks Matt!
Some really nice setups James! I've got a shiny brand new AT115 that I can't wait to get out in the field. I hope spring rolls in with lots of clear nights for us all!!
Thanks Joe! Grats on the the AT115EDT! :)
Looking good James and a nice selection. You're a brave man going with three rigs ! Two is too much for me ! :)
Don't let the number of rigs scare you.. it's very easy.. low stress.. relaxing even.. when everything works ;) lol!
Enjoyed the content. As someone new to Astro imaging, I can really appreciate the effort you took to showcase your rig line up.
Thanks Miguel! It's such an awesome and rewarding hobby :)
dam' bro ... wishing you all the clear skies you can get!!!
I paired Mt TS 115 with the Samyang 135 and am waiting for the summer ... in the meantime I took the imx585 and paired it with the 115/800 and am galaxy hunting ...
my C11 is still an ongoing project ... I know ... we all have one ... I got the optec 0.5 reducer but am missing the correct spacers and adaptors to make it work... in due time ...
go get them James!!! CS
Thanks Alex! I bet the 585 with the 115 works out real well this galaxy season. CS!
@@DSOImager yup it does!
I wish I could show you a work in progress 😊
I tried this combo with M42 also
yup Fov kinda restricted but really neat image even at that high resolution!
Some great setups there James! I really like your Askar rig, I love the Petzval design, no backfocus or flattners to worry about! I’ve just finished building my second rig, the Askar FRA 400, a video will be out on that soon! Nice Astro Tech 115, I’m a refractor guy! But saying that, I wouldn’t say no to an Edge HD🤣🤣
Clear skies!
Thanks Simon! The no back focus thing can not be understated! No fiddling around with spacers trying to dial in those corner stars! 😀 CS!
Nice Gear James!
Thanks Avanteesh!
Adding up those three very impressive rigs. What would estimate is the total cost?
I've got a few upgrades planned for my gear. An SSD upgrade with Win10 Pro on the way for my desktop, and a mini pc and a hand controller for my AzGTi (wifi bites wind!). Oh, and a new sheet of Baader film to do white light with the Sharpstar130. :)
Thanks Baz! Some rough math probably puts it all in the ~$15k range... spread over a few years. :)
Well worth the investment. As I like to tell people, this hobby is far less expensive than golf and is more rewarding. :)
@@davidleejenkins Agreed! :)
Enjoying your channel and excellent reviews. Thanks for your expertise! I'm just getting started with EAA and have a question.
I have an Astro-Tech 115EDT and have attached the Astro-Tech .8 reducer/flattener. For a camera I have started with a very basic ZWO asi224mc, like the one on your guidescope. I do not yet have a filter wheel in the optical train.
My question is, what is the spacing needed between the reducer and the camera to achieve focus. The reducer described on Astronomics is correct for attaching a dslr. But what is the added spacing needed to attach a cmos camera? You have a filter wheel. I guess I'm asking how many millimeters does it add to allow you to achieve focus?
Thanks for your consideration!
Thank you Marv! So the backfocus distance from the reducer is 55mm. The sensor inside the asi224mc is 12.5mm back. So subtrack 12.5 from 55, which is 42.5mm. So whatever spaces/extenders you have, you need it to add up to 42.5.
Since the sensor on the 224MC is very small, you don't need to get that distance perfect. With a larger sensor you would see some coma around the edges, but I double you would see that on the 224.
ZWO has a handy article show how to get the 55mm but it only applies to the cooled cameras (do a google search for "zwo 55mm backfocus" and you should find it). The only difference between these cooled camera's and the planetary cameras is the distance the sensor is back. The planetary cams are 12.5mm and the cooled cameras are 6.5mm.
Hope this helps!
It certainly does! Many thanks!!
You have some nice setups! How do you power the MeLe quieter 3's?
Thanks Ernie! I found a power cable on amazon that lets me get power from the Pegasus power box. The cable I order is this one: QIUCABLE Type-C to DC Power Cable - 3ft 12V USB-C Plug to DC 5.5 x 2.1mm Male Charging Cable, Connect USB-PD Power Bank to Power Any 12 Volts Device, with DC Converter Adapters for Router CCTV LED
Please tell me what is your approximate RMS value on eq6-r with C8. Have you done its bulkhead and setup? Most of the great photos were taken on the eq6-r, but it's a bit heavy. They advise you to buy a zwo am5 without backlash, but I have looked through the reviews and the RMS value of the reviews is about 0.7. I would like a 10-minute exposure.
RMS is very dependent on seeing and wind. With good seeing I get RMS values in the .5s with the C8/EQ6 combo. Average would probably be in the .7s. Data is still usable in the .8s. Once you get to 1" the data is really soft. With the dew shield, the scope is like a wind sail. Once the wind gets over 7 mph the RMS is over 1" and the data is garbage. I have not traveled with an eq6.. and don't really want to LOL. I do want to hit a B1 site this year.. so we'll see how it goes.
Nice rigs! Question: on the mini PCs, do they provide their own wifi hotspots?
They came with Windows 11 installed. Windows 11 does have the ability to act as a mobile hotspot, although I have never tested that out. I have mine connected to my home's wifi.
Nice video James. What controlling software do you use? NINA?
Thanks Craig. I am using SGP on all three rigs.
What's the pier the 115/EQ6 combo is riding on?
Honestly, I don't know the brand/model. It was given to me by one of my friends. I took it to a local metal shop to have a plate welded to the top with holes lined up for the Starizona eq6 pier adapter.
I have a beginner question why you are using a Mini PC instead of a ZWO ASIAIR controller? What's the pros and cons for both?
There are two main reasons I run mini PCs instead of the asiair:
1) With the asi air you are locked into the ZWO ecosystem. If I were to pick up a non zwo camera (one from qhy for example) I would not be able to run it with the asiair.
2) I am running SGP for capture software which has more features. Many others run NINA and its the same.. there are additional/advanced sequence options.
An asiair would make things easier for a beginner, you just have to make sure you get all zwo components.
@@DSOImager Thank you so much!
Do you leave these rigs outside? If yes, do you cover them? Do you do leave outside during any season of the year?
Yes.. they stay outside. In the mornings after an imaging run I cover them with TeleGizmos 365 covers. If there's going to be a storm.. or an extended stretch of poor weather I will bring the scopes/electronics in. The mounts remain outside under the covers. If we're due for some really bad/severe weather I'll bring them in, but that hasn't happened in the past 3 years.
@@DSOImager What about hot weather? You keep scopes under sun if outside >95? Dew? Dew under Telegizmo could damage telescopes and electronics.
@@anata5127 I've not experienced any problems over the past 3 years. The covers have a radiant barrier.. while it still gets hot under there.. it keeps it from getting too hot. I don't cover the scopes until an hour or so after the sun comes up. Any dew from the night has been cooked off.. and morning temps are not too high by then to cause issues with the scopes.
@@DSOImager Great to know. I keep scope the same way like you, but no electronic. I take it off before covering with Telegizmos. However, I am worry about July-August in San Antonio. It will be very hot under cover. At least, 15 degree higher than outside.
So, I think I will be using AVX in summer, when I can move scope-mount tripod together under shade. I will not be able to do this with my big system.
@@anata5127 It's a legit concern. It's the electronics I worry the most about. As long as I can get the computers turned off before noon I figure I should be good. In the evenings I uncover the scopes/electronics at sunset and let them cool down a bit before turning them on.