Astromart

May 19, 2002 10:21 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Retrofit CG-5 handbox for autoguider?

Asked this in the Celestron forum but not sure it fits there so asking here too:
I have what I'm pretty sure are CG-5 dual axis drives on my SuperPolaris mount (it is 10 year old SPC102). I am using it
for "wide field" photography with camera riding piggyback on the optical tube. So, question, since I have a 201xt to use with my other scope, can I retrofit the control panel for the SuperPolaris mount's drive to take instructions from the 201xt?

Any help MOST appreciated!
Stuart

February 14, 2003 01:19 AM Forum: Meade

Piggyback capacity of 8" LX200 GPS

Posted By Stuart Heggie

If one had a REALLY heavy lens (400mm f3.5 on Nikon F2) and wanted to piggyback on an LX200 GPS, I am advised by Losmandy that I have to put equal counterweights underneath the OTA meaning it would be carrying almost 20 pounds. Does anyone know what it can carry?

Thanks!
Stuart

May 3, 2003 11:44 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Settings for ST-7Ei - beginning user

Posted By Stuart Heggie

I have just gotten my ST-7Ei (single chip) for use as an autoguider but also to put my toe in the water of imaging with a ccd camera.
I am curious if anyone using the same camera or similar can offer me some starting points for the various settings in the camera. I'll be using a 102mm f/10 Vixen guidescope for autoguiding and when my camera adapter arrives, attaching my Nikkor lenses to the camera (to see if they will autoguide but also to take widefield b&w images).

Help?

June 29, 2003 03:06 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

ST-7E Rotates in draw tube due to its weight

Posted By Stuart Heggie

I have a ST-7Ei and am using it as an autoguider right now but will attempt imaging with it soon. I am troubled by the fact that the weight isn't centred at the nosepiece so the camera wants to rotate under the torque caused by the centre of gravity being off-set from the nose. For guiding it is best to have the camera oriented so that the east/west and north/south axes are lined up with the mount (G-11 in my case).
Are there brackets or some kind of jig that people use to hold their cameras still?

Thanks for any help you can provide.
Stuart

January 14, 2005 12:01 AM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

My first post - Ruffed Grouse

Posted By Stuart Heggie

My first pic with my D70 and the 80-400mm VR Nikkor I just got from Tyler Allred. It is a Ruffed Grouse taken through my living room window on a cloudy and rainy day. 400mm f5.6 ISO200 at 1/250th. Modest curves/levels/usm in PS6.0.

January 17, 2005 12:01 AM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Nuthatch

Posted By Stuart Heggie

Okay - this one's for Tyler. Taken today with the 80-400mm VR lens at 400. Hand held. 1/320th at f5.6 and ISO 640.

Stuart

January 15, 2005 03:50 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

AR720 today

Posted By Stuart Heggie

Tyler, looks pretty good to me! What filter do you have on your C5?
Stuart

Tyler Allred said:

Taken with my C5 and Toucam. The conditions were pretty turbulent. I may do better looking for a single good frame, but here is a small stack.
Cheers,
Tyler

January 16, 2005 12:29 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos