TheSkySearchers

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!

Beautiful! Would you mind unlocking those photos? I wanted to zoom in but it asks me for my Flickr sign-in and I don't have one.

I was curious how the threaded rod works on the side of the plywood disc. The motor looks just like the ones I use, they are great for the purpose and run forever on batteries.

Nice Astrotrac knock-off! And the MW detail image is superb.

Nice first post, and for a DIY job some stunning images.

Awesome images

I believe I remember seeing that thread in AF
Congratulations for building

SkyHiker wrote: ↑Wed Oct 07, 2020 10:59 pm Beautiful! Would you mind unlocking those photos? I wanted to zoom in but it asks me for my Flickr sign-in and I don't have one.

I was curious how the threaded rod works on the side of the plywood disc.

Thanks! You'll get more details by following the link: https://francoisquesnel.wixsite.com/aq-track
I made the sector's teeth by molding the rod into curing epoxy.

Greenman wrote: ↑Wed Oct 07, 2020 11:03 pm Nice first post, and for a DIY job some stunning images.

Thank you, glad you like them.

Ylem wrote: ↑Wed Oct 07, 2020 11:31 pm Awesome images

I believe I remember seeing that thread in AF
Congratulations for building

Thanks! Yeah pretty happy with the result!

That's a nice looking tracker you got there. And it obviously works wonders with your camera. Very nice images!

BABO

BABOafrica wrote: ↑Tue Dec 22, 2020 4:06 am That's a nice looking tracker you got there. And it obviously works wonders with your camera. Very nice images!

BABO

Thanks, a fun project to do, glad you like it.