Would you ?

[Altocumulus]

I have a WO 102GT that I, currently, use for Solar WL imaging.

Would you advise on whether it would be sensible/ideal/crazy, to use that as a base 'scope and place a bar between the mounting rings (about 177mm apart), add a suitable clamp and piggy-mount a Lunt LS 60 for use in Summer, replacing that Lunt with a Skymax 180 for Winter?

If so, any ideas on makes of bar etc - I keep looking for a sensibly priced bar/clamp combo.

Alternatively, just leave it at the one 'scope at a time......

Mount is a SW NEQ6-R pro, so should be ok with the weight of two 'scopes in a permanent fixed site.

[OhNo]

I say Why Not!!! However, I'd keep in mind the set up and take down that you'll be incorporating. The "hobby killer" for a lot of people is the never ending monotony of "getting ready" to do AP. The other issue, and you touched on it, is the weight of the new combination. While the mount will handle the extra burden, we as people are always getting older, and may eventually not be able to handle the weight of moving the thing at set-up/take down.

My point may be moot if you don't have to do anything too extraneous to do the AP you want to do. For me to make a logical, helpful analysis I'd need a wee bit more info on what you are using now. Are you using a pier or tripod, you mention a "permanent fixed site", please explain. Do you have to strip part of your rig down every time you use it to prevent the climate for wrecking something? Scotland does have a rep for it's climate....

While I mostly do DSO AP I do when the opportunity arises do a bit of WL Solar imaging. A used C8 I bought came with some goodies that make that possible. My current set-up allows me to put everything I need together in less than 10 minutes, and if I have to hustle to break it down (ie. freak thunderstorm) it can happen in about 4 minutes. However, I have the AP bug bad!!! I have chased opportunities through "sucker holes" in the clouds day or night!

In the end if you know your mount will handle the extra burden, and it makes you happy adding another scope to the WO do it. I too have done this, and it was on the cheap, I have built my own brackets for a few different things. But most into Astronomy don't have the pack-rat syndrome I have or the shop to make it all happen.

[10538]

Yes I agree! Why not give it a try. I don’t do AP but I mounted an ST80A on top of my 10” LX200. I use it as a wide field scope for star hopping and just enjoying a different view.

[OhNo]

I think I see where this is going, it may be a justification for another camera!!!! The paradox is that when the two scopes are on the mount, while viewing the sunspot both scopes could or will be used. However while catching Proms the WL scope is useless. But what better way to plug a scope than with a camera!!!!

Wish I had a Lunt or Quark.

[Lady Fraktor]

I think I see where this is going, it may be a justification for another camera!!!! The paradox is that when the two scopes are on the mount, while viewing the sunspot both scopes could or will be used. However while catching Proms the WL scope is useless. But what better way to plug a scope than with a camera!!!!

Wish I had a Lunt or Quark.

Camera?? I have never seen anyone spell okular that way before....

[Altocumulus]

I say Why Not!!! However, I'd keep in mind the set up and take down that you'll be incorporating. The "hobby killer" for a lot of people is the never ending monotony of "getting ready" to do AP. The other issue, and you touched on it, is the weight of the new combination. While the mount will handle the extra burden, we as people are always getting older, and may eventually not be able to handle the weight of moving the thing at set-up/take down.

My point may be moot if you don't have to do anything too extraneous to do the AP you want to do. For me to make a logical, helpful analysis I'd need a wee bit more info on what you are using now. Are you using a pier or tripod, you mention a "permanent fixed site", please explain. Do you have to strip part of your rig down every time you use it to prevent the climate for wrecking something? Scotland does have a rep for it's climate....

While I mostly do DSO AP I do when the opportunity arises do a bit of WL Solar imaging. A used C8 I bought came with some goodies that make that possible. My current set-up allows me to put everything I need together in less than 10 minutes, and if I have to hustle to break it down (ie. freak thunderstorm) it can happen in about 4 minutes. However, I have the AP bug bad!!! I have chased opportunities through "sucker holes" in the clouds day or night!

In the end if you know your mount will handle the extra burden, and it makes you happy adding another scope to the WO do it. I too have done this, and it was on the cheap, I have built my own brackets for a few different things. But most into Astronomy don't have the pack-rat syndrome I have or the shop to make it all happen.

Sorry I didn't realise anyone had responded! My notifications must have missed this one out!!!!

Why? Comparison of WL and Ha at the same time, even if the set up requires a smidgeon of slew depending on the camera.
In Winter, waiting for the Skymax to 'settle down, the 102 will be ready from the off!

Yes, I'm showing signs of age, but each 'scope will be moved individually; but it's a very valid point.

I've got a tripod as fixed as I can make it, sheltered inside a roll-on roll-off wooden box. 'scopes and cameras normally removed after each use. Cables, both power and USB signal in place to a 'warm' room!

Problem I'm coming up against is sourcing a reasonable bracket upon which to sit something like a WO saddle plate. WO do two very nice saddle handle bars, but one's way too short - the other way too long!

Oi! What you mean, it's always loverly and warm in Scotland ..... . . .... ..... .... . . ..... except when it's raining.

[Altocumulus]

I think I see where this is going, it may be a justification for another camera!!!! The paradox is that when the two scopes are on the mount, while viewing the sunspot both scopes could or will be used. However while catching Proms the WL scope is useless. But what better way to plug a scope than with a camera!!!!

Wish I had a Lunt or Quark.

Now, really!


:joking:


Why not! I have a NexImage5, 120MM and 174MM - at a pinch I could attach my Fuji XE1(Infra-red)/XE2. But there's always a case that can be made for a new toy - I've got lots of cloud, so other people must by buying stuff
The NE5 might become part of an allsky setup, nothing worse than concentrating in a warm room on what the telescope is showing and forgetting the rain clouds brewing! Caught me out once and I was outside then!!!! :twitch:

[Lady Fraktor]

A few years ago I had my PST mounted on the side of my 150mm f/8 so I could do white light with the Baader wedge and Ha with the PST.
I was a lot of fun observing that way

[smp]

A few years ago I had my PST mounted on the side of my 150mm f/8 so I could do white light with the Baader wedge and Ha with the PST.
I was a lot of fun observing that way

That sounds like it was an excellent visual setup, Gabby. Of course, with the quiescent Sun these days (months, years, ...) I don't think that white light observing is going to motivate a whole lot of new observers, and there's a bit of expense to getting into Ha viewing, which probably delays folks from jumping into it.

smp

[Lady Fraktor]

True though really good white light viewing can be quite expensive as well.
A high quality Herschel wedge is almost the price of a PST.

[smp]

... A high quality Herschel wedge is almost the price of a PST.

Ha! Since I've only done my white light observing with a front-mounted solar film, I was not aware that a good Herschel Wedge was also pricey. Thanks for filling me in about that.

smp

[SKEtrip]

Yes - I have an SKE80 Mounted atop the ES127 I've had an absolute blast with the set up - usually camera in the 80 whilst having the okular in the 127.
It was great for he solar eclipse - an absolute blast for capturing events (transits, NEO's, Lunar eclipses).

This was practice before the solar eclipse

And for the cruddy nights & TOADS everyone has probably seen this arrangement before

Scope Stuff will be a great place to look for the bits & pieces to mount it up. Keep us updated & post pics of the final rig!

Note: I did more work on the 80 than Orion did thus the new upgraded designation

[Lady Fraktor]

[quote="Lady Fraktor" post_id=7165 time=<a href="tel:1559230721">1559230721</a> user_id=60]
... A high quality Herschel wedge is almost the price of a PST.

Ha! Since I've only done my white light observing with a front-mounted solar film, I was not aware that a good Herschel Wedge was also pricey. Thanks for filling me in about that.

smp
[/quote]
The Baader film is excellent but the resolution difference with a wedge is another thing entirely.

Yes - I have an SKE80 Mounted atop the ES127 I've had an absolute blast with the set up - usually camera in the 80 whilst having the okular in the 127.
Was great for solar during the solar eclipse - an absolute blast for capturing events (transits, NEO's, Lunar eclipses).

IMG_20170528_163540.jpg

Umm, Steve the eyepiece is over to your left a bit....

[Lady Fraktor]

I have a WO 102GT that I, currently, use for Solar WL imaging.

Would you advise on whether it would be sensible/ideal/crazy, to use that as a base 'scope and place a bar between the mounting rings (about 177mm apart), add a suitable clamp and piggy-mount a Lunt LS 60 for use in Summer, replacing that Lunt with a Skymax 180 for Winter?

If so, any ideas on makes of bar etc - I keep looking for a sensibly priced bar/clamp combo.

Alternatively, just leave it at the one 'scope at a time......

Mount is a SW NEQ6-R pro, so should be ok with the weight of two 'scopes in a permanent fixed site.

Have you ever considered a side by side mounting?
180mm on one side and the WO/ Lunt on the other?

[SKEtrip]

Umm, Steve the eyepiece is over to your left a bit....

The ES solar filter was in the mail at the time.....probably with the cheques for your "Agema fund".
How's this?

[Lady Fraktor]

Saving the SV for yourself?
A great picture, I hope he enjoyed the views

[Altocumulus]

I have a WO 102GT that I, currently, use for Solar WL imaging.

Would you advise on whether it would be sensible/ideal/crazy, to use that as a base 'scope and place a bar between the mounting rings (about 177mm apart), add a suitable clamp and piggy-mount a Lunt LS 60 for use in Summer, replacing that Lunt with a Skymax 180 for Winter?

If so, any ideas on makes of bar etc - I keep looking for a sensibly priced bar/clamp combo.

Alternatively, just leave it at the one 'scope at a time......

Mount is a SW NEQ6-R pro, so should be ok with the weight of two 'scopes in a permanent fixed site.

Have you ever considered a side by side mounting?
180mm on one side and the WO/ Lunt on the other?

Considered. Yes - though I don't know how Swings and wotsits, especially with balancing. BUT it might be easier!!!! :veryconfused:

[Lady Fraktor]

https://www.admaccessories.com/product- ... e-by-side/

[Altocumulus]

https://www.admaccessories.com/product- ... e-by-side/

Aye - I've just been looking at those!

I'm just trying to work out how to fix them around my current setup.

Because of stuff recommended, that wasn't suitable, but not wanting to waste, I bolted a WO losmandy plate onto a spare dovetail - that slots into my NE6. A WO 4 inch saddle is bolted to the plate, for the scope and happily copes with the 60 and 102. (There's also a powerhub on the plate )

Some of the side-by-sides I've seen (or even most), fit the mount directly at 90degrees to normal, whereas I'd be looking for a side by side bolted to the losmandy.

Otherwise I turn the losmandy through 90 deg on the dovetail, and bolt two suitable saddles at each end..... :Think: I can foresee balancing issues, but it would mean I wouldn't waste the losmandy. (unless I'm approaching over-weight) :sigh: