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Other Accessories
Discuss any astro equipment that does not have its own forum, such as focusers, finders, chairs, etc.
Topics: 251

251 Topics

1983 Posts

Last post Re: Phone & Celestron adaptor
by Frankskywatcher View the latest post
Wed Mar 15, 2023 6:25 pm
The DIY corner
See sub forums to discuss "Do it yourself" projects.
Subforums: Home observatories, ATM, Other "Do It Yourself" projects
Topics: 241

241 Topics

2448 Posts

Last post Making a new solar filter for…
by OzEclipse View the latest post
Sun Mar 12, 2023 8:44 am

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Last post

Catsperch Chair Plans

Last post by PhilPhree « Mon Oct 04, 2021 4:36 pm
Replies: 19
by Lady Fraktor » Wed Jul 22, 2020 10:06 pm

First post

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

Last post

Hello !
Fine work, and very useful !
Speaking of Denver chair , it seems that Denver is an creative city. In France, we have sabot de Denver...

19 Replies

25698 Views

Last post by PhilPhree
Mon Oct 04, 2021 4:36 pm
Phone & Celestron adaptor

Last post by Frankskywatcher « Wed Mar 15, 2023 6:25 pm
Replies: 9
by Frankskywatcher » Sun Jan 15, 2023 2:01 pm

First post

I received a smart phone adapter for Christmas I know it’s a cheap one but it was so aggravating and frustrating trying to just line up the camera on...

Last post

I have kinda given up on the whole idea it’s more of a pain in the @ss than anything !
Thanks Pakarainen for showing us that other adapter.

9 Replies

236 Views

Last post by Frankskywatcher
Wed Mar 15, 2023 6:25 pm
Making a new solar filter for my ED80 refractor

Last post by OzEclipse « Sun Mar 12, 2023 8:44 am

by OzEclipse » Sun Mar 12, 2023 8:44 am

Some of you will have had me respond to your posts about solar filters by pointing you to an article on my website about constructing a holder for...

0 Replies

59 Views

Last post by OzEclipse
Sun Mar 12, 2023 8:44 am
Making the ExploraDome rotate easier

Last post by John Fitzgerald « Wed Mar 08, 2023 2:25 am
Replies: 9
by John Fitzgerald » Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:40 pm

First post

This is what I found before my wheel change a few months ago:

Depending on the position of my ExploraDome, it took between 10 and 25 pounds of...

Last post

I have worked on, and tweaked my dome rotation some more. With some new wheels, spacers, and bearings, and trial and error, it now rotates so easily,...

9 Replies

127 Views

Last post by John Fitzgerald
Wed Mar 08, 2023 2:25 am
Meade #627 Flip-Mirror; Replacement Mirror

Last post by Richard « Fri Feb 17, 2023 2:46 pm
Replies: 4
by a100171 » Thu Feb 16, 2023 8:13 pm

First post

Not sure if anyone has used one of these flip-mirror devices. I have grown somewhat attached to this unit since getting it (used) a couple years...

Last post

I have never seen this on a refractor , can you post a pick for us ignorant of this

4 Replies

73 Views

Last post by Richard
Fri Feb 17, 2023 2:46 pm
Solar filter

Last post by Lady Fraktor « Thu Feb 16, 2023 5:19 am
Replies: 1
by Nakedgun » Thu Feb 16, 2023 3:02 am

First post

~

Prior to today, I have always used front-mounted glass or film based white light solar filters on my scopes, and have a half-dozen of them around...

Last post

I have been using a Baader Herschel wedge for quite a few years now. Absolutely love viewing with it.
The resolution is definitely a step above films...

1 Replies

43 Views

Last post by Lady Fraktor
Thu Feb 16, 2023 5:19 am
do you know this site .

Last post by pakarinen « Mon Feb 13, 2023 2:02 pm
Replies: 7
by messier 111 » Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:51 pm

First post

I found this by chance, I think it might be useful.

Last post

I just found the planisphere. Not bad for a quick view app.

7 Replies

167 Views

Last post by pakarinen
Mon Feb 13, 2023 2:02 pm
Rimrock's Newest Accessories

Last post by JayTee « Sun Feb 12, 2023 4:56 am

by JayTee » Sun Feb 12, 2023 4:56 am

I have an old Dell Latitude laptop that was designated for Observatory use but it needed upgrading. The drive was full and too small and the machine...

0 Replies

88 Views

Last post by JayTee
Sun Feb 12, 2023 4:56 am
Nexstar 8i corrector plate observations

Last post by JayTee « Sat Feb 11, 2023 6:33 pm
Replies: 9
by MaxBlancke » Tue Feb 07, 2023 12:13 am

First post

So, considering my previously posted issues with the front end of my Nexstar 8i SE, I thought it prudent to take some measurements. When reinstalling...

Last post

The solution for me turned out to be marking the center of the secondary and lining everything up by using a borescope in the viewing tube. Once it...

9 Replies

99 Views

Last post by JayTee
Sat Feb 11, 2023 6:33 pm
2 nights of clear skies!

Last post by Lady Fraktor « Fri Feb 10, 2023 10:06 pm
Replies: 2
by Lady Fraktor » Fri Feb 10, 2023 9:08 pm

First post

Superb skies for a second night, though clouded in tonight.

Telescopes used were TAL 100RS on the Vixen SXP and Antares 105 mm on the Vixen AXJ....

Last post

6/ 7th magnitude on good steady night, using a camera definitely goes deeper.

2 Replies

58 Views

Last post by Lady Fraktor
Fri Feb 10, 2023 10:06 pm
Some tests and viewing (finally)

Last post by Juno16 « Fri Feb 10, 2023 8:51 pm
Replies: 5
by Lady Fraktor » Wed Feb 08, 2023 7:40 pm

First post

I finally got some reasonably clear skies to do some long awaited viewing and decided to do a bit of testing as well on some pieces of kit since it...

Last post

Sounds like a nice evening Gabby and my condolences for your losses last year.

Glad that you got out and had an enjoyable time! I grew up in the NE...

5 Replies

100 Views

Last post by Juno16
Fri Feb 10, 2023 8:51 pm
Building a fixed post mirror grinding machine

Last post by PatWilc « Thu Feb 09, 2023 7:35 pm
Replies: 31
by Kanadalainen » Thu Aug 15, 2019 12:55 pm
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2
First post

Hello all,

I'm fascinated by those who can grind and figure their own mirrors for reflecting telescopes. With the availability of kits to finish...

Last post

How has your mirror grinding been going? Great machine I am thinking of trying to build one. I am hand grinding a 16 F6 right now but it is going...
31 Replies

22263 Views

Last post by PatWilc
Thu Feb 09, 2023 7:35 pm
Accessory rail for Nexstar 8i SE

Last post by Lady Fraktor « Tue Feb 07, 2023 7:06 pm
Replies: 2
by MaxBlancke » Tue Feb 07, 2023 12:31 am

First post

Last week, I discovered that the plastic mount for the sighting scope on my 8i SE had broken off and disappeared. I thought it best to install a...

Last post

A good idea!

2 Replies

73 Views

Last post by Lady Fraktor
Tue Feb 07, 2023 7:06 pm
Nexstar 81 SE secondary and corrector plate issues

Last post by MaxBlancke « Mon Feb 06, 2023 12:57 am
Replies: 2
by MaxBlancke » Sun Feb 05, 2023 4:33 am

First post

I am a pretty casual amateur, and usually only bring the telescope out for special occasions. We did so recently for the comet, and I discovered some...

Last post

I did not even think of posing images, although I ought to post some of my rail when it is finished. There is nothing visibly wrong with my...

2 Replies

60 Views

Last post by MaxBlancke
Mon Feb 06, 2023 12:57 am
SkyFi 3 Wireless Telescope controller

Last post by Oldfort « Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:46 pm
Replies: 3
by OzEclipse » Wed Jan 25, 2023 6:30 am

First post

After 6 years, my SkyFi router would not charge. GULP!
The symptom was that when connected to the USB charger the charge indicator was flashing...

Last post

Thanks Joe, that's reassuring.

3 Replies

117 Views

Last post by Oldfort
Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:46 pm
12v Talent cell

Last post by Bigzmey « Mon Jan 23, 2023 4:45 pm
Replies: 1
by Ylem » Mon Jan 23, 2023 4:34 pm

First post

I picked this up for easy power for my Nexstar mount;

I Velcro-ed it to the top so no more cord wrap issues. It also has USB for phone/tablet...

Last post

I use one of those for my AZGti mount. Works like a charm!

1 Replies

74 Views

Last post by Bigzmey
Mon Jan 23, 2023 4:45 pm
connecting and powering up

Last post by Gordon « Sat Jan 21, 2023 5:57 pm
Replies: 1
by JeffBevan » Fri Jan 20, 2023 8:02 pm

First post

What is the procedure or consensus on powering up your observatory when running remotely. It seems as if each device has its own peculiarities in...

Last post

I normally plug everything in on the remote location, then turn on the power, and finally turn on the computer. So far I haven't had any issues...

1 Replies

111 Views

Last post by Gordon
Sat Jan 21, 2023 5:57 pm
DOB/ upgrades

Last post by Lady Fraktor « Thu Dec 29, 2022 8:43 pm
Replies: 1
by Frankskywatcher » Thu Dec 29, 2022 2:59 pm

First post

This is an upgrade kit offered at Highpoint scientific.

Last post

A interesting video but I think they left out some important parts.
A good start though.

I would include a light shield and tube baffles.
A light...

1 Replies

139 Views

Last post by Lady Fraktor
Thu Dec 29, 2022 8:43 pm
Alt / Az mounting my OMC140

Last post by John Baars « Sat Dec 24, 2022 10:30 pm
Replies: 3
by John Baars » Sat Dec 24, 2022 2:40 pm

First post

My OMC140 ( 140mm Maksutov) was actually always a tad heavy for the Alt/Az mount my GrabnGo 102mm Maksutov normally sits on.
The little 102mm Mak has...

Last post

Well done John! I do the same with ES Twilight 1 when observing with 8 SCT, improves observing considerably. Unfortunately, it does not work with...

3 Replies

206 Views

Last post by John Baars
Sat Dec 24, 2022 10:30 pm
The Best Light Bulb -- Ever?

Last post by JayTee « Mon Dec 12, 2022 10:40 pm

by JayTee » Mon Dec 12, 2022 10:40 pm

I was searching Amazon for headlamps for observing and came across the Vont RGB Smart Light Bulb. OMG, it is perfect for any observing situation...

0 Replies

138 Views

Last post by JayTee
Mon Dec 12, 2022 10:40 pm
Here is some DIY inspiration for you

Last post by Michael131313 « Sun Dec 11, 2022 2:23 pm
Replies: 5
by Chich » Sun Dec 04, 2022 11:46 pm

First post

This young fellow built himself a telescope out of pop cans and his father's old magnifying glass.

Last post

That's great. Thanks for the post.

5 Replies

219 Views

Last post by Michael131313
Sun Dec 11, 2022 2:23 pm
Low Budget Solar Viewer

Last post by Lady Fraktor « Thu Dec 01, 2022 5:25 am
Replies: 2
by chartram » Thu Dec 01, 2022 1:35 am

First post

Hello,

Apologies if this has been covered already. This is a super cheap DIY solar viewing setup.

Ingredients:

- 3gal bucket
- ultra flat black...

Last post

Very cool!
This is something like a solar funnel?

I use refractors from achro doublets to oil spaced triplet with a herschel wedge without issue....

2 Replies

187 Views

Last post by Lady Fraktor
Thu Dec 01, 2022 5:25 am
New insulation- jacket for 140 mm Maksutov

Last post by messier 111 « Tue Nov 29, 2022 2:48 pm
Replies: 5
by John Baars » Mon Nov 28, 2022 2:24 pm

First post

Well, if you're still busy sticking radiator foil behind the radiators of the heating, you might as well replace the old insulation jacket of the...

Last post

what ? don't you look at the stars in a tuxedo?
seriously if it works why not.
you can spend more time looking at the stars.
good thing.

5 Replies

224 Views

Last post by messier 111
Tue Nov 29, 2022 2:48 pm
Rain sensor

Last post by SparWeb « Mon Nov 28, 2022 6:39 am
Replies: 21
by KathyNS » Sat Sep 26, 2020 1:48 pm
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2
First post

I have been using a wet-leaf water sensor to detect rain, in order to auto-close my dome if the weather tanks. It is reliable and sensitive, and it...

Last post

Thanks for confirming. I expected things like snow and hoarfrost would confuse it, but then again, those are conditions where you want to button up...
21 Replies

17924 Views

Last post by SparWeb
Mon Nov 28, 2022 6:39 am
Mike's Low-Budget Home Observatory (WIP)

Last post by Rasalgethi « Sun Nov 27, 2022 6:12 pm
Replies: 51
by chartram » Mon May 31, 2021 1:15 am
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First post

Hello everyone!

I am SUPER excited to finally be in the beginning stages of my low-budget, low-tech DIY roll-off! Hopefully, documenting my progress...

Last post

Guess what I am trying to say is that this is the best $1,845 I've spent on this hobby- this shed has more than paid for itself in its first year of...
51 Replies

26087 Views

Last post by Rasalgethi
Sun Nov 27, 2022 6:12 pm

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