Posts Made By: ashton kaidi

Hi
Can anyone tell me what the PEC error on a MI250 is. Is it as good as an AP900 or the Tak NJP mount. I have placed an order and want to be sure it can carry a 30 Lbs load with excellent tracking for long exposure CCD. Any response is sincerely appreciated in advance.
Ashton

This is an unusuall question, but I am about to order a custom wheely from JIM's Mobile for my MI250. I was wondering,for stability reasons, if I should purchase the 3", 4" or the 5" wheels. I know its much easier to transport on larger wheels, but main concern is stability for CCD imaging
Any input is much appreciated
Ashton

This is an unusuall question, but I am about to order a custom wheely from JIM's Mobile for my MI250. I was wondering,for stability reasons, if I should purchase the 3", 4" or the 5" wheels. I know its much easier to transport on larger wheels, but main concern is stability for CCD imaging
Any input is much appreciated
Ashton

Hi
I am looking to purchase one of the large format SBIG CCD (STL 11000 or the STL 4020). I will be imaging using 3 different scope, the Tak FSQ, AP 155 and a C 9.25. Of these cameras, which do you feel would be a better all-around choice. I would like to obtain images with excellent resolution and my concern about the STL 11000 is the larger pixel size( 9 ). The STL 4020 has a smaller pixel size (7.4) and even in the binned mode should obtain good images. However, the FOV is significantlly smaller. Which do you feel is more important the FOV or the pixel size and which would be a better over all choice. Your input is greatly appreciated
Ashton

Hi
I am about to purchase one these cameras and would greatly appreciate your inputs.
The concern that I have with STL11K is the download time and large amount of memory it requires. It also has larger pixels (lower resolution) and costs $1500 more. STL4020 has smaller pixle size, faster download and needs less memory, but doesn't have the large FOV. I am looking to use thie camera with 3 scopes. The AP155, Tak FSQ and C9.25. I am looking to image nebulas and galaxies. Which one would you go for
Thanks a million
Ashton

Hi
I purchased a new FSQ106N and would like to be able to connect my SBIG camera to it via the 2" nosepiece. The problem is that the FSQ comes with a 1/14" setup and compression rings. Does any one know what adaptors I would need to purchase in order to be able to use the 2" setup. Your input is greatly appreciated
Ashton

Hi,
I have an 11 month old EM200 that I have had a great time imaging
with. However, for the last 2 weeks, I have had problems with polar
alignment and CCD guiding. I usually use the following sequence for
setup and alignment:

1. I perfectly balance the scope. The tripod is also close to being
level. I make sure the bubble on the back of the mount is perfectly
centered.

2. I use Pacific daylight savings time (I live in Anaheim, CA). I
usually set the alignment circles on the date and local time (ie. in
the Summer, if I am imaging at 10 PM on 7/10, I set the circle at
21:00 (an hour behind) 7/10 and in the winter months, I set it at 21:00 and 7/10.

3. I have my offst scale set at +3 since my location is 117W (anaheim,
CA)
4. I place polaris exactly in the center of the box at 2006.

5. I slew the scope to a known star (eg. Vega) and using the Sky 6, I
sync the mount on Vega.

6. Then, I ask the Sky to go to another star (eg. deneb or altair)
andd when the mount is done slewing the star is completely off field.

My Guiding CCD camera has a hard time correcting the errors and
therfore with any exposure over 5 min, there is a significant star
trail. I have also tried setting the hour an hour back or forward and the problem still exists

The puzzling problem, is that 3 months ago, I was not having any of these problems.

My mount has been well cared for and had not traveled. Somtething is causing the polar alignment to be off.

I would greatly appreciate your input
Ashton

Hi
I was wondering if anyone has information about the payload capacity of the new TOA 150B. I am planning on imaging remote and will need to use Focusmax. Can the focuser handle the FLI 16803 with CFW 5-7 and Astrodon MMOAG. Total wt for everything is around 14.2 lbs
Thanks
Ashton

Hi
I was wondering if anyone has information about the payload capacity of the new TOA 150B. I am planning on imaging remote and will need to use Focusmax. Can the focuser handle the FLI 16803 with CFW 5-7 and Astrodon MMOAG. Total wt for everything is around 14.2 lbs
Thanks
Ashton

Hi
I was wondering if anyone has information about the payload capacity of the new TOA 150B. I am planning on imaging remote and will need to use Focusmax. Can the focuser handle the FLI 16803 with CFW 5-7 and Astrodon MMOAG. Total wt for everything is around 14.2 lbs
Thanks
Ashton