Good morning,
I am in the process of doing research to upgrade some of my equipment sitting in my closet collecting dust.
My current setup consists of a G11 running on the Explore Scientific PMC-8 system, an old TEC 140 with a robofocus, an FLI ML8300 with 7-pos FW, and ATIK guide camera. I did all my imaging through MaximDL and PHD2. The setup is about 11 years old and the last time I used it for imaging successfully was in 2021.
Overall its just a very clunky setup with too many pieces, I would like something neater and easier to transport and take apart.
I would like to downsize and upgrade some smaller pieces to newer equipment. I would like to keep using the mount, telescope, and main camera. I would like to upgrade the focuser, PMC-8 system, and the guide camera.
I never had much luck with the PMC-8 system, it seems like it was stuck in an eternal beta phase with not many bug fixes from the developers. From what I recall, it was 'open source' and the online community wasn't very helpful. I am interested in the ZWO ASIAir system; I like the idea of everything plugging neatly into this little box. I am not sure if it would even work with the PMC-8 system and I am considering returning to the Gemini system. However, I think I would run into a problem with the stepper motors and the DB9 connectors that run from the motors to the Gemini system box.
If I went with the ASIAir I would definitely replace the robofocus with ZWO's EAF.
The ATIK guide camera is too large and I think I would also downsize for a smaller guide camera from ZWO.
Would I run into a compatibility problem with the FLI CCD and the ASIAir? or does ASCOM take care of compatibility?
Last but not least, is everyone still using Maxim these days? I liked the interface and know it pretty well but I am open to trying new software.
I would appreciate advice and suggestions.
Best,
Lucas
I am in the process of doing research to upgrade some of my equipment sitting in my closet collecting dust.
My current setup consists of a G11 running on the Explore Scientific PMC-8 system, an old TEC 140 with a robofocus, an FLI ML8300 with 7-pos FW, and ATIK guide camera. I did all my imaging through MaximDL and PHD2. The setup is about 11 years old and the last time I used it for imaging successfully was in 2021.
Overall its just a very clunky setup with too many pieces, I would like something neater and easier to transport and take apart.
I would like to downsize and upgrade some smaller pieces to newer equipment. I would like to keep using the mount, telescope, and main camera. I would like to upgrade the focuser, PMC-8 system, and the guide camera.
I never had much luck with the PMC-8 system, it seems like it was stuck in an eternal beta phase with not many bug fixes from the developers. From what I recall, it was 'open source' and the online community wasn't very helpful. I am interested in the ZWO ASIAir system; I like the idea of everything plugging neatly into this little box. I am not sure if it would even work with the PMC-8 system and I am considering returning to the Gemini system. However, I think I would run into a problem with the stepper motors and the DB9 connectors that run from the motors to the Gemini system box.
If I went with the ASIAir I would definitely replace the robofocus with ZWO's EAF.
The ATIK guide camera is too large and I think I would also downsize for a smaller guide camera from ZWO.
Would I run into a compatibility problem with the FLI CCD and the ASIAir? or does ASCOM take care of compatibility?
Last but not least, is everyone still using Maxim these days? I liked the interface and know it pretty well but I am open to trying new software.
I would appreciate advice and suggestions.
Best,
Lucas
