DIY astro tracker
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2020 9:33 pm
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.
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
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
Clear skies!
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.
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
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
Clear skies!