Thanks to the helical focuser on the finder/guider scope in Vernet, we can accurately tell the difference in focus position for various eyepieces etc as follows. Furthest in is the USB camera I’ve adapted so call that position 0 Svbony graticule +6mm Altair ( when inserted up to the end […]
Astronomy
8 posts
Introduction Astronomy really deals with six categories of object Stars Galaxies Nebulae Planets The moon The sun Each has different challenges and different equipment requirements and there’s no way a single setup can optimise everything. However, my purpose is not to compete with the serious amateurs who live under dark […]
Summary of our setup The synscan HEQ5 mount can be controlled through the handset, but the serial protocol supported by the mount can also be used to interface directly to a computer. The main connection is an 8 pin RJ45 connector with pinouts as follows ( and colours based on […]
The measurement of time is a fascinating subject, Superficially simple and commonplace, it develops more and more complexity the more you look into it. In learning what I needed to know to design a sundial, I found myself delving into the subject and often frustrated that the information I needed […]
LX 90 weight The telescope assembly weighs approx 14.5 kg with no eyepieces etc. The tripod is approx 8kg. Wedge 4.5kg. The exact weight you have to lug around depends of course on what is attached…. LX 90 focussing The LX90 focusser works by moving the mirror. Turning the focusser […]
The focuser on the ETX70 works by moving the objective along the barrel. Turning the focuser clockwise shortens the barrel and moves the objective closer to the eyepieces. So if you move the focuser clockwise, and then pull an eyepiece out of the holder, you will regain focus. Because closer […]
The camera adapter has a t2 male thread at the top (wide end) which screws into the adapter for the camera. It has a t2 female thread at the bottom which screws into a t2 mount. An eyepiece goes into the barrel at the bottom ( from the inside ) […]
Broadly speaking, I subscribe to the argument that as an amateur, you should care primarily about using a telescope you look into rather than as a way of capturing images on a computer. That doesn’t mean I’m not interested in astrophotography, but nothing quite beats the visceral impact of seeing […]