Astromaster 130eq MD - Modifications

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Sebushka
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Astromaster 130eq MD - Modifications

#1

Post by Sebushka »


Hello everyone
Today I would like to present you my recent mods to my telescope. Purpose was clear - make it astrophotography friendly - long exposures included.

1. Central marking main mirror:
(easier to collimate)

Image

2. Main mirror moved forward:
(in order to focus DSLR)

Image Image

3. Moded RA motor:
(measurable and consistent speed of RA movement )

Image Image Image Image Image Image

4. Finder scope 6x30:
(for visual control of tracking)

Image

5. Bahtinov mask:
(focusing)

Image Image

After modifications I had hard time using eyepieces for visual observation, as a focal plane has been moved away from secondary mirror.
I ended up with:

Image

and it works again!

I've been worried about balancing scope after adding "lots of metal" at the mirror side. However, heavy DSLR or / and heavy Zoomed eyepiece with extension fully compensates added weight.

Now I am waiting for clear skies... in perfect scenario I suppose to be able to track it in hours ;) but, perfection is a myth ;) so I am just hoping for 1 min exposures became a fact , maybe even longer ....????.... find out soon

That'll be it for now. If you find any of the mods useful, I can provide more detailed infos

thank you
Astromaster 130EQ MD
Seben 8-24 EP
Canon 1000D
Falcon 10x50
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bladekeeper
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Re: Astromaster 130eq MD - Modifications

#2

Post by bladekeeper »


Nice mods!

As for balancing, I seen other newtonian users orient the scope so that the extension tubes and camera are pointed down while in the home position. I believe that facilitates better balancing. :)
Bryan
Scopes: Apertura AD12 f/5; Celestron C6-R f/8; ES AR127 f/6.4; Stellarvue SV102T f/7; iOptron MC90 f/13.3; Orion ST80A f/5; ES ED80 f/6; Celestron Premium 80 f/11.4; Celestron C80 f/11.4; Unitron Model 142 f/16; Meade NG60 f/10
Mounts: Celestron AVX; Bresser EXOS-2; ES Twilight I; ES Twilight II; iOptron Cube-G; AZ3/wood tripod; Vixen Polaris
Binoculars: Pentax PCF WP II 10×50, Bresser Corvette 10×50, Bresser Hunter 16×50 and 8×40, Garrett Gemini 12×60 LW, Gordon 10×50, Apogee 20×100

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