DIY astro tracker

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StargazerQ
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DIY astro tracker

#1

Post by StargazerQ »


A few years ago I found good tips on how to build a tracker in this forum (or astronomyforum.net actually). I've completed the project 2 years ago and thought I would share the results here since I got good insights from members especially on how to use Arduino boards to control the stepper.

Here is the tracker, as you can see I was inspired by the old Astrotrac mount which I tought would be stronger than the usual barn door.
Image

I'm pleased to say I have reached my objectives, the tracker can track my 135 mm lens, will run for 20 hours on 4 AA batteries and is really grab and go. I've put all the construction details here: https://francoisquesnel.wixsite.com/aq-track
Here are a couple of results

With Rokinon 135mm F2.0, 9 X 60 s iso 800
Image


With Sigma 35 mm F1.4, 10 X 90 s iso 400, using Starnet to make the MW and Rho Oph pop a bit more
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Clear skies!
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SkyHiker United States of America
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Re: DIY astro tracker

#2

Post by SkyHiker »


Beautiful! Would you mind unlocking those photos? I wanted to zoom in but it asks me for my Flickr sign-in and I don't have one.

I was curious how the threaded rod works on the side of the plywood disc. The motor looks just like the ones I use, they are great for the purpose and run forever on batteries.

Nice Astrotrac knock-off! And the MW detail image is superb.
... Henk. :D Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
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Greenman Great Britain
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Re: DIY astro tracker

#3

Post by Greenman »


Nice first post, and for a DIY job some stunning images.
Cheers,

Tony.

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Smart Scope: Dwarf II - Club and outreach work.

AP Refractor: Altair 72EDF Deluxe F6;1x & 0.8 Flatteners; Antares Versascope 60mm finder. ASIAir Pro.Li battery pack for grab & go.

Celestron AVX Mount; X-cel LX eyepieces & Barlows 2x 3x, ZWO 2” Filter holder,

Cameras: main DSO ASI533MC; DSO guide ASI120MM; Planetary ASI224MC; DSLR Canon EOS100 stock.

Filters: Astronomik IR cut; Optolong L-Pro; Optolong L-Enhance.

Binoculars: Celestron 15 x 70.

Latitude: 52.219853
Longitude: -1.034471
Accuracy: 5 m
Bortle 4 site. https://maps.google.com/?q=52.21985,-1.03447

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Ylem United States of America
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Re: DIY astro tracker

#4

Post by Ylem »


Awesome images :)

I believe I remember seeing that thread in AF
Congratulations for building :)
Clear Skies,
-Jeff :telescopewink:


Member; ASTRA-NJ



Orion 80ED
Celestron C5, 6SE, Celestar 8
Vixen Porta Mount ll
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StargazerQ
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Re: DIY astro tracker

#5

Post by StargazerQ »


SkyHiker wrote: Wed Oct 07, 2020 10:59 pm Beautiful! Would you mind unlocking those photos? I wanted to zoom in but it asks me for my Flickr sign-in and I don't have one.

I was curious how the threaded rod works on the side of the plywood disc.
Thanks! You'll get more details by following the link: https://francoisquesnel.wixsite.com/aq-track
I made the sector's teeth by molding the rod into curing epoxy.
Greenman wrote: Wed Oct 07, 2020 11:03 pm Nice first post, and for a DIY job some stunning images.
Thank you, glad you like them.
Ylem wrote: Wed Oct 07, 2020 11:31 pm Awesome images

I believe I remember seeing that thread in AF
Congratulations for building
Thanks! Yeah pretty happy with the result!
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BABOafrica Kenya
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Re: DIY astro tracker

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Post by BABOafrica »


That's a nice looking tracker you got there. And it obviously works wonders with your camera. Very nice images!

BABO
"In lumine tuo videbimus lumen."

Scopes: Stellarvue SV80 Raptor Carbon Fiber ED Doublet / Celestron SCT C8
Williams Optics 66mm APO / DIY 8" f/4 Newtonian astrograph / Nikon 180mm f/2.8
Mounts: Orion Atlas EQ-G / Celestron AVX / DIY mini-equatorial
Cameras: QHY163m / Fujifilm X-A1 (modded) / Fuji X-A2 (not modded) / Orion StarShoot Auto Guider
Filters: ZWO 7nm NB set / ZWO LRGB set / ZWO Dual Band / Astronomics UHC
StargazerQ
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Re: DIY astro tracker

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Post by StargazerQ »


BABOafrica wrote: Tue Dec 22, 2020 4:06 am That's a nice looking tracker you got there. And it obviously works wonders with your camera. Very nice images!

BABO
Thanks, a fun project to do, glad you like it.
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