New SkyWatcher scope.

[Gordon]

I just added a new SkyWatcher 8 inch Quattro imaging scope to my collection.

My old SW245n (10" newt) was just getting too heavy to work with. I emailed the local club to see if there's any interest in buying it. I really don't want to try to ship this monster.

Pictures when I can get a clear night!

[JayTee]

Congrats Gordon,

That is a great-looking OTA. I know it will produce remarkable results.

It's interesting that they (SW) sell this as an "Astrograph" knowing full well that it will need a coma corrector to get the best results from it. Because they bill it as an "Astrograph", why don't they just include one (matched to the optics) as part of this kit?

[Gordon]

Congrats Gordon,

That is a great-looking OTA. I know it will produce remarkable results.

It's interesting that they (SW) sell this as an "Astrograph" knowing full well that it will need a coma corrector to get the best results from it. Because they bill it as an "Astrograph", why don't they just include one (matched to the optics) as part of this kit?

Nope, but I have mine from the 10 inch, hopefully it will work.

[Bigzmey]

Congrats on the new glass Gordon!

[messier 111]

congrat , can't wait to see those pics , thx .

[SkyHiker]

Congrats Gordon,

That is a great-looking OTA. I know it will produce remarkable results.

It's interesting that they (SW) sell this as an "Astrograph" knowing full well that it will need a coma corrector to get the best results from it. Because they bill it as an "Astrograph", why don't they just include one (matched to the optics) as part of this kit?

The point of an astrograph is that the focal plane is pushed out far enough to be able to use a camera. Coma correctors are not a one-size-fits-all so customers can choose their own.

[Ylem]

Congratulations Gordon, that ota should serve you well

[helicon]

Nice pick up and I hope you get some good work from the scope.

[Gordon]

Well,
First light went pretty much as expected. I had set up the scope using the focuser that came with it. Now I knew that Crayford focusers typically slip when you add the extra weight of a camera, but the stock one felt like it could handle some weight with ease, (mistake #1). I thought I would try imaging without the coma corrector (mistake #2). The addition of the mini computer and power box went well and I found it much easier to handle than the heavier 10".

After setting up NINA with the corrected information I started trying to 'auto focus', this is when I discovered the "Crayford" was doing exactly what I figured, slipping just enough to make it impossible to autofocus, after messing with the focus for about 30 minutes I got an 'acceptable' focus and shot 15 each Lum, and RGB at 30 seconds each (gotta love a fast scope!).

Here's some images of the setup and the final results.

[SkyHiker]

That's a really nice system! I don't see any coma, I think you said you used the CC of the 10". What CC is that?

I have been struggling with my 12" Newt astrograph because of internal flexure - when I move the scope around, I can see the laser dot move all over the place. An 8" system would be much more forgiving, easier to use with better results. Like your system, or Kathy's, for instance. Live and learn!

[Bigzmey]

Congrats on the first light Gordon! That's too bad that the stock focuser is inadequate, but it often the case. Do you have replacement in mind?

[Gordon]

That's a really nice system! I don't see any coma, I think you said you used the CC of the 10". What CC is that?

I have been struggling with my 12" Newt astrograph because of internal flexure - when I move the scope around, I can see the laser dot move all over the place. An 8" system would be much more forgiving, easier to use with better results. Like your system, or Kathy's, for instance. Live and learn!

The coma is there. On the 4 corners. I used this corrector https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/2 ... tons).html on my 10 inch and it worked great!

[Gordon]

Congrats on the first light Gordon! That's too bad that the stock focuser is inadequate, but it often the case. Do you have replacement in mind?

I used this on the 10 inch scope https://antares.space/products/focusers ... icro-focus and it worked great. I pulled it off the 10 inch and yesterday I swapped it to the 8 inch, so “problem solved”.
The ZWO EAF works great with it!

[Lady Fraktor]

Very nice Gordon, hopefully no more issues to deal with.

[pakarinen]

I emailed the local club to see if there's any interest in buying it. I really don't want to try to ship this monster.

I lucked out and had a club member who wanted my ST120 about an hour after I posted it on the club forum. Nowhere near as big, but I didn't want to ship mine either.

[helicon]

Glad the focuser capacity issue is worked out. Nice M33, too.