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NexStar 8SE questions...

Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2019 3:49 am
by chomper
A few questions.

- Is the dedicated wedge for the 8SE worth the money? Seeing as the mount can track and align in EQ/Polar mode, I've been considering chucking one on for DSO photography (with focal reducer).
- Solar filters, again Celestron have one specifically for the 8" SCT but I can't find any reviews about it. Anyone on here used it before?
- The Celestron X-Cel eyepieces, bargain of the century or just okay for the money?

Re: NexStar 8SE questions...

Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2019 3:53 am
by Lady Fraktor
Yes and no, so people say it decreases stability a bit and they can be difficult to align.

Re: NexStar 8SE questions...

Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2019 4:49 am
by JayTee
1. For a C8 - kind of, for a C11 - no.
2. Most everybody uses a homemade solar filter using Baader solar film if all you're interested in is a white light image. I've made these for a number of my scopes.
3. They are a very good eyepiece for the money. Keep in mind there are both X-Cel eyepieces and X-Cel LX eyepieces I was referring to the X-Cel LX eyepieces.

Cheers,
JT

Re: NexStar 8SE questions...

Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2019 5:12 am
by Lady Fraktor
Sorry I missed the last question you asked but avoid the X-Cel, the X-Cel LX are good though.

Re: NexStar 8SE questions...

Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2019 6:52 am
by chomper
JayTee wrote: Tue Oct 08, 2019 4:49 am 1. For a C8 - kind of, for a C11 - no.
2. Most everybody uses a homemade solar filter using Baader solar film if all you're interested in is a white light image. I've made these for a number of my scopes.
3. They are a very good eyepiece for the money. Keep in mind there are both X-Cel eyepieces and X-Cel LX eyepieces I was referring to the X-Cel LX eyepieces.

Cheers,
JT

1. Something to consider regarding the wedge.
2. I've tried to source the Baader film but the two times I've ordered some, it's been stopped by Customs.
3. Celestron no longer sell the non-LX version. In Australia, an outfit called Saxon has the Cielo, the LX with their branding.

Re: NexStar 8SE questions...

Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2019 10:57 am
by chomper
I was having trouble getting accurate alignment of the 8SE spot on since I got it, the best I got was 15' at prime focus (via live view on my DSLR). Any object was literally a frame off.

Tonight though, I took the time to fully centre the stars in the alignment process (and clock was accurate to 1 second as compared to known atomic clock); it took three attempts but I finally had accurate alignment and tracking. I had Jupiter in view for a good half an hour and it didn't deviate at all in that time. Deep space objects were located almost at the centre of the frame. If it wasn't for my crappy power connector not being tight enough (and falling out of the power socket), I'd still be going. But then clouds rolled in and I was about to launch my power supply into orbit.

I need a decent lithium battery pack, the 12V 7AH SLA battery I'm not sure is cutting it.

Re: NexStar 8SE questions...

Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2019 3:25 pm
by Lady Fraktor
Strange about the Baader film, perhaps contact ozeclipse or Dean D here on the forums.
They are both from Australia and do solar so may be able to help you locate some.

If you are referring to the power connector at the mount the barrel ID needs to be 2.1mm
You can very carefully split the pin with a sharp knife to help hold the connector but a new cord would be better.

Re: NexStar 8SE questions...

Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2019 9:16 pm
by chomper
I'll look them up, thanks for the tip.


Just measured the ID of the centre pin hole, it's 2.5mm. Off to Jaycar...

Re: NexStar 8SE questions...

Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2019 5:04 am
by Lady Fraktor
chomper wrote: Tue Oct 08, 2019 9:16 pm I'll look them up, thanks for the tip.


Just measured the ID of the centre pin hole, it's 2.5mm. Off to Jaycar...
That would work perfectly for a Meade mount :)

Re: NexStar 8SE questions...

Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2019 6:00 am
by chomper
Haha, I used to have access to a 12" Meade LX200 back in the day, that was a beast of a thing but it was semi-permanently mounted in one of the worst possible spots, inner Melbourne!!!

I've made up a new connector and made the supply line a bit longer so I can have the battery on the ground. I'm now looking at making up a motorised focusing system...

Re: NexStar 8SE questions...

Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2019 4:34 pm
by Lady Fraktor
Excellent!
If you do make the focuser, perhaps make a posting in the DIY forum?
There are also others here that have done this mod before so may have suggestions for you.

Re: NexStar 8SE questions...

Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2019 1:27 am
by chomper
I've got a 12V high torque motor from another project lying around, I'd need to machine up a gear wheel to suit the focusing knob and a bracket to secure it to the OTA.