It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

Discuss your home observatory!
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JayTee United States of America
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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#81

Post by JayTee »


As it turns out, it is very propitious that I'm getting a new building because after having a meeting with the garage door installation foreman (last Friday), there were some major design changes. The biggest one is that the North wall (the high wall) will no longer have the roll-up-roof (RUR) mounted to it. The west wall will now be home to the rolled-up roof. This simple move solved a lot of issues, #1 being that nothing will add to the North wall height. Also, the installer believes that we can certainly get to "weatherproof" and might get very close to "waterproof" with the roof being oriented in this new direction, wouldn't that be amazing. So, good things are coming out of a seemingly depressing episode.

Here's the new mockup of what it should look like.
New Roof Obsy.jpg

New Roof Obsy 2.jpg
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#82

Post by JayTee »


Here it is, the new building is on the slab and set in place. It is both glued and bolted to the slab. This is the last day it will be without an observing room roof.

Tomorrow is a big day. The roof gets installed and I will know once and for all if my idea is viable or if it was an expensive mistake. I got my fingers crossed for the former not the latter.

So in keeping with this post here is the last picture of the correct building with no observing room roof.
20221006_170432~2.jpg
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#83

Post by pakarinen »


Looks good. Good luck!
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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#84

Post by Juno16 »


Hope that all goes well today JT!

Man, you sure have a beautiful place!
Jim

Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro with Rowan Belt Mod
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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#85

Post by KathyNS »


Looks good! The change in roof design makes total sense, and it should work well. I hope the installation goes well.
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Gordon United States of America
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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#86

Post by Gordon »


It's really moving along now!!!

For some reason the song "short people" popped into my head with I saw the picture.....
Gordon
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED80CF, Skywatcher 200 Quattro Imaging Newt, SeeStar S50 for EAA.
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JayTee United States of America
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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#87

Post by JayTee »


Gordon wrote: Fri Oct 07, 2022 5:36 pm"short people"
That is apropos for this building. It was always a trade-off between using higher walls that block out more of the sky or hitting your head. I went with hitting your head!

BTW, the name of this building is the "Rimrock Observatory." "Tall people need not apply!!!" :lol: :dance:
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#88

Post by Gordon »


JayTee wrote: Fri Oct 07, 2022 5:49 pm BTW, the name of this building is the "Rimrock Observatory." "Tall people need not apply!!!" :lol: :dance:

:laughing-rollingyellow:
Gordon
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED80CF, Skywatcher 200 Quattro Imaging Newt, SeeStar S50 for EAA.
Mounts: Orion Atlas EQ-g mount & Skywatcher EQ5 Pro.
ZWO mini guider.
Image cameras: ZWO ASI1600 MM Cool, ZWO ASI533mc-Pro, ZWO ASI174mm-C (for use with my Quark chromosphere), ZWO ASI120MC
Filters: LRGB, Ha 7nm, O-III 7nm, S-II 7nm
Eyepieces: a few.
Primary software: Cartes du Ciel, N.I.N.A, StarTools V1.4.

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JayTee United States of America
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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#89

Post by JayTee »


I can't believe that the Obsy is essentially done! Yesterday, I had the electrician, RUR installers, and a roofing guy all out at the same time (by coincidence only). It actually dawned on me that I'm putting up a roof and never got a roofer involved. That all changed yesterday. He decided that he only needs to install flashing all around the RUR (just the edges not the drum). Its function is to further waterproof the roof and protect the exposed wood around the RUR frame. His cost for doing this was very reasonable (roofers are usually VERY expensive).

Many lessons were learned during this project. In my planning and simulations, I managed to address and account for about 75% of all the problems that could be encountered. The other 25% were mostly "wouldn't it be nice if..."

There are still a few tweaks that need to be made, they are for convenience only. Today is clean up the inside with tomorrow being "move in" day.

Here's what it looks like closed and open.


RUR Closed.jpg

RUR Open.jpg

Here's the coolest part.


IT DOES NOT LEAK!!! And the flashing isn't even installed yet!
Yay.

The next post will show an opening the roof vid with all the occupants (the scopes) set in place. Followed by the first light!
Cheers,

PS, I'm padding all the tops of the door frames! Ouch²
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#90

Post by Bigzmey »


Congrats JT! It was quite a journey.
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#91

Post by SkyHiker »


The first sardine can style observatory. Looks great! Congratulations, I hope it works well for you.
... Henk. :D Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#92

Post by JayTee »


SkyHiker wrote: Sun Oct 09, 2022 1:07 am The first sardine can style observatory.
I just hope it's not as stinky!
Bigzmey wrote: Sat Oct 08, 2022 11:05 pm Congrats JT! It was quite a journey.
I'm sitting here right now after cleaning out all the construction debris and it still hasn't sunk in that it's finished, I did it. I've been thinking about this observatory since 2016!

Thanks, Henk and Andrey.

And thank the Astro Supreme Beings that these are not posthumous congratulations!
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#93

Post by jrkirkham »


It's very attractive.
Rob
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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#94

Post by KathyNS »


That's a fine-looking observatory. Congratulations! Looking forward to first light.
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DSO AP: Orion 200mm f/4 Newtonian Astrograph; ATIK 383L+; EFW2 filter wheel; Astrodon Ha,Oiii,LRGB filters; KWIQ/QHY5 guide scope; Planetary AP: Celestron C-11; ZWO ASI120MC; Portable: Celestron C-8 on HEQ5 pro; C-90 on wedge; 20x80 binos; Etc: Canon 350D; Various EPs, etc. Obs: 8' Exploradome; iOptron CEM60 (pier); Helena Observatory (H2O) Astrobin
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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#95

Post by Frankskywatcher »


JayTee wrote: Sun Oct 09, 2022 1:42 am
SkyHiker wrote: Sun Oct 09, 2022 1:07 am The first sardine can style observatory.
I just hope it's not as stinky!
Bigzmey wrote: Sat Oct 08, 2022 11:05 pm Congrats JT! It was quite a journey.
I'm sitting here right now after cleaning out all the construction debris and it still hasn't sunk in that it's finished, I did it. I've been thinking about this observatory since 2016!

Thanks, Henk and Andrey.

And thank the Astro Supreme Beings that these are not posthumous congratulations!
I’m so happy for you and that thing looks awesome and last but not least I’m actually a little jealous I wish I had a set up like that that is awesome!
Gee if I had known there was so much to see I would have started decades ago ! :Astronomer1:

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JayTee United States of America
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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#96

Post by JayTee »


Thank you all very much for your kind to comments.

Here's one thing I hadn't thought of yet, what do I put on the floor of the observing room? It's a given that the warm room will be carpeted but do I put down outdoor carpet, do I put down gym mats, or just leave it as concrete?
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#97

Post by SkyHiker »


So how do you open and close it? I would think there is a downward torque so to open it you would have to pull it at the bottom. If it were pushed by the motor, it would undoubtedly bind up at the bottom and possibly destroy itself. I see a yellow string hanging off the bottom, is that how you pull it open? Even when the sideways motion was easier to construct, gravity now can't help with automated opening and closing, I think it requires auxiliary manual operation.
... Henk. :D Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#98

Post by JayTee »


The roof was always planned to be a manual open and close. Believe it or not the opening direction is by far the easiest and requires little effort because of the spring tension in the drum. The roof closing is a little bit problematic for the last two inches to get to a point where I can engage the locking latch. That's one of the tweaks we'll be working on in the next few days. I think I have a temporary solution that may work. Basically the spring inside the drum has to have a small amount of tension on it so the roof rolls up all the way. It's that amount of tension that's causing the last 2 inches to be difficult. Remember this is our first attempt at this so we have a few bugs left to iron out.

Once the flashing gets installed next Thursday we'll have a better idea as to how the leading edge should be configured and the receptacle into which it will rest.
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#99

Post by OzEclipse »


JayTee wrote: Sun Oct 09, 2022 5:58 pm Thank you all very much for your kind to comments.

Here's one thing I hadn't thought of yet, what do I put on the floor of the observing room? It's a given that the warm room will be carpeted but do I put down outdoor carpet, do I put down gym mats, or just leave it as concrete?
Unless you are going to change into dry "observatory shoes," carpet might just build up moisture and eventually develop mould brought in from snow or dew or just wet ground. I wouldn't put down carpet but rather some anti fatigue matting or other flooring unaffected by moisture. You could put down a thick vinyl with foam insulating underlay.

Looking great. I am jealous.

Joe
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Amateur astronomer since 1978...................Web site : http://joe-cali.com/
Scopes: ATM 18" Dob, Vixen VC200L, ATM 6"f7, Stellarvue 102ED, Saxon ED80, WO M70 ED, Orion 102 Maksutov, ST80.
Mounts: Takahashi EM-200, iOptron iEQ45, Push dobsonian with Nexus DSC, three homemade EQ's.
Eyepieces: TV Naglers 31, 17, 12, 7; Denkmeier D21 & D14; Pentax XW10, XW5, Unitron 40mm Kellner, Meade Or 25,12
Cameras : Pentax K1, K5, K01, K10D / VIDEO CAMS : TacosBD, Lihmsec.
Cam/guider/controllers: Lacerta MGEN 3, SW Synguider, Simulation Curriculum SkyFi 3+Sky safari
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Re: It's Finally Time To Build My Observatory

#100

Post by JayTee »


This will be my last post in this thread unless you all have questions.

The observatory is functionally complete except for a few minor finishing touches. It's been a heck of a ride and quite a journey provided by this project. Here are some pics to show you what the final configuration looks like and how lucky and blessed I am to have such a building at my disposal.

Let's start with the floor, I covered it with closed-cell foam anti-fatigue mats, cut to size, and taped together.
Padded Floor.jpg

After hitting my head way too many times to remember, the door frames also got padding using hot water pipe foam insulation stapled in place. There will be a nameplate attached above this door on the outside. I'll take a picture after I get it in its place.
Padded Door 1.jpg
Padded Door 2.jpg

Then it was time to start moving all the gear into the OR (observing room). I've decided on two different equipment configurations. Configuration #1 is the CEM70 with 6RC on it for AP and the CPC1100 (C11) for either visual or planetary/lunar AP.
OR OTA Config 1.jpg

The C11 will always stay set up but I will switch out OTA's on the CEM70 depending on what is currently being imaged. So this image shows the C6R riding the CEM70 as configuration #2.

OR OTA Config 2.jpg

Lastly, roof clearance and creature comforts. The 6RC and C6R leave about 3" (7.6 cm) clearance with the closed roof. The C11 poses no conflict with the roof.

Clearance Plus.jpg

Taking a look at everyone in their place it does seem a bit crowded but there is maneuvering room around both scopes (just be careful!)
OR Closed Up.jpg

Finally, the warm room (WR), it looks cramped but the picture does not adequately show that when you are sitting in the Captain's chair your head is nowhere near the ceiling as long as you get up facing the window! It's behind me in this picture.

Warm Room Organized Rot.jpg

That pretty much sums up the adventure. Thank you all for your input and insights. You all helped build this structure! And it goes without saying that if you are ever in Northern Idaho, the OR is always open!

Cheers,

PS, last Friday was opening night and the cloud gods slapped me down hard with an inch of rain and total cloud cover. In fact, it is still cloudy and raining. I'll give you all a first light as soon as the sky lets me. jt
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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