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Discuss any astro equipment that does not have its own forum, such as focusers, finders, chairs, etc.
Topics: 281

281 Topics

2281 Posts

Last post Guide Camera Helical Focuser
by Graeme1858 View the latest post
Wed Aug 28, 2024 6:21 pm
The DIY corner
See sub forums to discuss "Do it yourself" projects.
Subforums: Home observatories, ATM, Other "Do It Yourself" projects
Topics: 286

286 Topics

3300 Posts

Last post Re: Solar power for observato…
by Mike Q View the latest post
Thu Aug 29, 2024 12:56 am

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Last post

Catsperch Chair Plans

Last post by RitcheyPark « Sat Aug 17, 2024 2:57 am
Replies: 20
by Lady Fraktor » Wed Jul 22, 2020 10:06 pm
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First post

If you want to try your wood working skills to build a observing chair.
Observing Chair Plans to Build.pdf

Last post

Looks like a great observing chair design. The only thing I would need extra is some sort of padding on the seat.
I'm so skinny I can't sit on a hard...
20 Replies

31426 Views

Last post by RitcheyPark
Sat Aug 17, 2024 2:57 am
Solar power for observatory

Last post by Mike Q « Thu Aug 29, 2024 12:56 am
Replies: 47
by Mike Q » Mon Jul 08, 2024 6:26 pm
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So has anyone tried plumbing in solar power to run their observatory? I would be interested in seeing what you did. I am thinking about putting up a...

Last post

Hi Mike

Rare earth magnets are strong but high winds on large solar panels will probably tear them away.

There are many structural adhesives that...
47 Replies

3524 Views

Last post by Mike Q
Thu Aug 29, 2024 12:56 am
Guide Camera Helical Focuser

Last post by Graeme1858 « Wed Aug 28, 2024 6:21 pm

by Graeme1858 » Wed Aug 28, 2024 6:21 pm

Look what came in the post today.

20240828_183757.jpg

That should help keep my guide stars nice and sharp.

Can't put it in yet though, I'm...

0 Replies

432 Views

Last post by Graeme1858
Wed Aug 28, 2024 6:21 pm
Telescope Transports

Last post by Mike Q « Sat Aug 17, 2024 11:15 pm
Replies: 14
by RitcheyPark » Sun Aug 11, 2024 8:33 pm

First post

Steve George just delivered 7 new telescope transport systems yesterday and helped us install them all. 3 refractors on tripods of various sizes and...

Last post

And here is the link to the video. This is Bushman's wife pulling almost 900 pounds

That's not a scope, THIS is the scope! :lol:

I was hoping...

14 Replies

835 Views

Last post by Mike Q
Sat Aug 17, 2024 11:15 pm
here are two essential .

Last post by Mike Q « Sat Aug 17, 2024 4:20 pm
Replies: 6
by messier 111 » Thu Aug 01, 2024 11:01 pm

First post

here are two essentials in my opinion.

the starbound chair is very practical for observation, in my opinion it saves your back and neck.
for what...

Last post

I guess i will be the odd man out. I have never seen a use for chair unless its with the frac looking high up and even then i dont sit on it i lean...

6 Replies

800 Views

Last post by Mike Q
Sat Aug 17, 2024 4:20 pm
New stuff inbound

Last post by RitcheyPark « Sat Aug 17, 2024 3:28 am
Replies: 10
by Mike Q » Wed Jul 24, 2024 10:27 am

First post

I decided to finally pull the trigger on a few items and the first wave will hit today and tomorrow. The wife has been using this cheap little pair...

Last post

My favorite binos are my 15x45 Cannon image stabilizers. It's true that the light grasp is rather small
but at 15 power and a stable image, objects...

10 Replies

869 Views

Last post by RitcheyPark
Sat Aug 17, 2024 3:28 am
Ready to Grind

Last post by yobbo89 « Sat Aug 10, 2024 1:07 pm
Replies: 24
by yobbo89 » Fri May 24, 2024 7:38 pm
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It took me all week to make this tool. 2 days waiting for the Plaster to fully cure, then 2 coats of epoxy and then gluing the tiles.. I think i...

Last post

It's been awhile since I've posted an updated, I've had to re grind at 25 micron 4 times due to scratching, all fixed from beveling the tool, using a...
24 Replies

2255 Views

Last post by yobbo89
Sat Aug 10, 2024 1:07 pm
New Rig Mod No.3 - Nichrome Wire and Duct Tape Heated Dew Band

Last post by OzEclipse « Wed Jul 24, 2024 9:37 pm
Replies: 13
by Graeme1858 » Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:17 pm

First post

With the Kentish relative humidity regularly in the over 90% range and the objective lens easily reaching the dew point when pointing at the cold...

Last post

On bigger lenses I use the wrap around Velcro usb heater bands but as you found, some things are too bulky for small lenses.

Joe

13 Replies

1352 Views

Last post by OzEclipse
Wed Jul 24, 2024 9:37 pm
New Rig Mod No.2 - ZWO EAF Fitting and Setup

Last post by Graeme1858 « Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:13 pm

by Graeme1858 » Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:13 pm

A new astrophotography telescope needs a new Electronic Auto Focuser to work well with a NINA capturing sequence, especially if the intention is to...

0 Replies

552 Views

Last post by Graeme1858
Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:13 pm
New Rig Mod No.1 - Celestron AVX Mount Axis Striction

Last post by Graeme1858 « Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:08 pm

by Graeme1858 » Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:08 pm

My new Grab n Go Rig is brilliant. I can't wait to use it some more. When I first got the mount the RA and Dec axes were quite stiff, so upon the...

0 Replies

544 Views

Last post by Graeme1858
Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:08 pm
Don't let condensation ruin your expensive kit…

Last post by messier 111 « Thu Jun 20, 2024 12:43 am
Replies: 1
by AstroShed » Wed Jun 19, 2024 9:32 am

First post

I know many people do have issues with condensation in their observatories, and I know domes can be very susceptible to it, and can be a real pain...

Last post

thx for the tips .

1 Replies

739 Views

Last post by messier 111
Thu Jun 20, 2024 12:43 am
Helena Observatory (re)build

Last post by Mike Q « Tue Jun 18, 2024 9:35 am
Replies: 82
by KathyNS » Thu Aug 03, 2023 8:32 pm
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It is time to start my thread on the (re)build of the Helena Observatory. It was formerly the Hall's Harbour Observatory, and before that the Baie...

Last post

What a cool thread. I wish i had a place where i could set up an observatory and leave my scopes set up and ready to go.
82 Replies

12593 Views

Last post by Mike Q
Tue Jun 18, 2024 9:35 am
SCT cart ideas

Last post by Mike Q « Mon Jun 17, 2024 9:13 am
Replies: 21
by Mike Q » Sun Mar 03, 2024 4:48 pm
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First post

Later on this year i will be getting into the SCT game. If you have made a cart for it out of wood, please drop a picture of it in your reply. I need...

Last post

After one use and several trips around the drive and yard i decided to add a support to where the wheels mount, it just helps keep the wheels from...
21 Replies

2542 Views

Last post by Mike Q
Mon Jun 17, 2024 9:13 am
My Place In Space - GifNet.US - A Private Observatory

Last post by chris_g « Sat Jun 15, 2024 5:10 pm
Replies: 10
by chris_g » Thu Mar 14, 2024 4:02 am

First post

Well Folks,

As I mentioned in my welcome post, I'm back. Maybe not as much as I was in the past, but for the time being, I am back. First, the...

Last post

Hello all,

My next update, I sold my old place a couple of weeks ago, so the budget is flush once again.

A construction company has been located...

10 Replies

1844 Views

Last post by chris_g
Sat Jun 15, 2024 5:10 pm
My new Anza observatory!

Last post by Bigzmey « Sun Jun 09, 2024 6:40 pm
Replies: 30
by Bigzmey » Tue May 21, 2024 1:45 am
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As many of you know, my favorite pastime is to hunt faint galaxies at the dark site in Anza desert. The site belongs to the Orange County Astronomers...

Last post

I did not get around to posting scope picture after all mods. Here it is waiting for the darkness.

20240607_201849.jpg
30 Replies

2306 Views

Last post by Bigzmey
Sun Jun 09, 2024 6:40 pm
3D Printing Astrophotography accessories

Last post by Xio1996 « Sat Jun 08, 2024 7:33 am
Replies: 1
by AstroShed » Fri Jun 07, 2024 5:19 pm

First post

A quick video showcasing some very useful 3D printed astrophotography accessories by myself and others, maybe take a look….

Last post

Great video Stewart and thanks for all the links in the description.

Looks like I will need to research 3D printers :icon-smile:

Many thanks....

1 Replies

712 Views

Last post by Xio1996
Sat Jun 08, 2024 7:33 am
Expensive lesson with Baader BBHS mirror diagonal

Last post by Bigzmey « Sun Jun 02, 2024 4:03 pm
Replies: 18
by Bigzmey » Mon May 13, 2024 8:56 pm

First post

Generally, I am very careful with optics. My diagonals would get some light dust after prolonged use which I remove with rubber bulb duster. So, I...

Last post

Lately I have been thinking the same Gabby. The droplets did look like if the coating bubbled.

Obviously, they were not there when I got the...

18 Replies

1940 Views

Last post by Bigzmey
Sun Jun 02, 2024 4:03 pm
Astroasis Motor Focuser review, part one the unboxing.

Last post by AstroShed « Sat Jun 01, 2024 2:31 pm

by AstroShed » Sat Jun 01, 2024 2:31 pm

Just put this review up on YouTube, if it’s of interest to anyone.
Got the focuser for my Esprit telescope as wanted to replace my old Pegasus motor,...

0 Replies

621 Views

Last post by AstroShed
Sat Jun 01, 2024 2:31 pm
Focuser sometimes does not engage

Last post by Gordon « Fri May 31, 2024 6:44 pm
Replies: 1
by Freelancer » Fri May 31, 2024 2:06 pm

First post

My 8 Orion Dob is a pleasure to use, except for one thing. When all the way in, the focuser seems to need help initially engaging the friction that...

Last post

Your focuser is a Crayford type focuser. You should be able to adjust the tension by tightening a small set screw just below the locking screw on the...

1 Replies

717 Views

Last post by Gordon
Fri May 31, 2024 6:44 pm
Telescope/ eyepiece storage

Last post by Graeme1858 « Fri May 31, 2024 2:05 pm
Replies: 15
by Lady Fraktor » Mon Sep 26, 2022 6:58 pm

First post

Now that I have moved my telescopes are no longer stored inside the home. I have a 1.5 x 3 metre shed I have built for storing everything.
The shed...

Last post

I'm new to the forum, so this post may be too late to help.

It's never too late to make a contribution!

15 Replies

3474 Views

Last post by Graeme1858
Fri May 31, 2024 2:05 pm
GSO linear bearing focuser slips with Quark and camera

Last post by Oldfracguy « Thu May 16, 2024 11:00 pm
Replies: 19
by Ben Cartwright SASS » Sat May 18, 2019 6:49 pm

First post

I finally realized how while the GSO 10-1 Crayfords are good they really can't handle a load. I put the Quark and a cooled camera about 2 1/2 pounds...

Last post

I had a somilar issue with one of these GSO Linear Bearing Focusers I bought used recently to replace the stock single-speed R&P focuser on a...

19 Replies

8016 Views

Last post by Oldfracguy
Thu May 16, 2024 11:00 pm
Apple Mac!

Last post by Altocumulus « Thu May 16, 2024 2:59 pm

by Altocumulus » Thu May 16, 2024 2:59 pm

My processing (Win) laptop ASUS ROG is getting a wee bit long in the tooth - has no USB3 ports - on its 5th battery (which lasts maybe 90...

0 Replies

649 Views

Last post by Altocumulus
Thu May 16, 2024 2:59 pm
Arduino Rain Sensor

Last post by Graeme1858 « Tue May 14, 2024 8:21 am
Replies: 8
by Graeme1858 » Thu Nov 02, 2023 3:46 pm

First post

I put an Arduino Rain Sensor for the observatory together earlier in the year. But when the weather heated up I dropped it and worked on an extractor...

Last post

Very interesting Graham. I had the bright idea yesterday to do exactly the same. Ordered all the bits then about 15 minutes had the Oh No moment when...

8 Replies

1873 Views

Last post by Graeme1858
Tue May 14, 2024 8:21 am
Bath interferometer laser

Last post by yobbo89 « Wed May 08, 2024 3:46 pm
Replies: 2
by yobbo89 » Sat Apr 27, 2024 4:20 pm

First post

I'm trying to setup my bath interferometer but just can't find a suitable laser, it seems the shape of the diode (rectangle) is projecting through...

Last post

Finished my xyz table.

I will start grinding soon, I have my mirror grinding stool setup aswell, just waiting for some wett stones I've ordered to...

2 Replies

1426 Views

Last post by yobbo89
Wed May 08, 2024 3:46 pm
Talentcell on CGX mount

Last post by I Am Marsha « Mon Apr 29, 2024 6:18 pm
Replies: 5
by I Am Marsha » Mon Apr 29, 2024 12:16 pm

First post

Wasn't sure where to post this so I posted in 2 places.
I would like to use a talentcell on my cgx mount. Does anyone here do this? Where and how do...

Last post

Thanks everyone. I found the perfect spot. No hanging cords and nothing under foot. Attached with a couple of bungee cords.

5 Replies

1179 Views

Last post by I Am Marsha
Mon Apr 29, 2024 6:18 pm

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