Show us your tubes - My C8, Z73 and brand-new ST80

[chris_g]

When I first ordered the C8 back in May, I ended up having to order another prism stalk for the OAG, meat paws syndrome. That took several months to show up, I was patient up until about a month ago, when the Orion ST80 showed up in stock. The prism showed up around the same time the as the Orion did. So now the best of both worlds on one mount, the ST80 will be used for EAA. I added a Primaluce saddle clamp which then got my astro PC mounted to it, it's fanless so no issues with that. It got an OS upgrade from 10 to 11, thanks to the manufacturer. It rides on the bottom in front. The EQ-6's saddle allows for some pretty decent cable management, all the cabling runs through the saddle, except for power. I left the powered USB hub on the top rail to allow for power to my Canon. I figure the box will be a good candidate for an upgrade, no need for a USB hub though, there are currently five power cables spiderwebbed out everywhere. It balanced with the weights fully extended until I added the cabling. The extension bar was all that was needed. That puts the weight right at 22 pounds, I'll be adding another camera to it for the ST80 after the new year. The EQ6 is a beast and can handle it! The Z73 rides on an AZ-EQ5, it will also be getting a dedicated astro PC after the new year as well. I have plans to get my 80ED back up and running again as well but that is in the future. I do want another tube to shoot at a focal length of about 800 or 900. I'll probably end up selling the 80ED to fund that one, though that will be hard, it's my first scope!

I hope to take the C8 out tomorrow night for it's maiden voyage in this configuration, technically not first light for it but it will be like it for me. and it will be first light for the ST80.

Clear Skies,
Chris

[messier 111]

very nice setup , thx .

[JayTee]

Here are two of the many configurations I have the privilege to employ.

The C11 with the 6RC

The C11 with the C6R

[chris_g]

@JayTee, I love the yard cannon next to the light bucket, that is so cool!