Hi Roland Many of the filter wheels will not position filters exactly the same when turning in both directions. And turning in both directions is a feature implemented to save you 1 or 2 seconds at fi

main@ap-gto.groups.io Digest #2546 Hi Kevin Your mileage may vary, but I would recommend using at least a separate power source for the dew heater. Not only these devices switch on/off higher loads co

Gents For really cold temperatures, I do recommend to: a) For any thick power cables, use industrial silicone based insulated cables - these remain flexible (and are rated) down to -70C / - 94F b) To

Hi Guys Thank you for feedback. I think I will re-run PEC anyway after the worm mesh adjustment, now on the next full moon ;-) CS Pawel Lancucki

Hi guys I have a quick question. It is tome for periodic worm mesh adjustment on my AP1100 (not the new version with spring loaded worms). The adjustment process itself is easy enough, but I have a qu

Sorry for the late chime-in. Not sure it is exactly your problem, but new Tak FSQs are notorious for on one hand need for ultra precise focus to get good stars all over the frame and on the other, are

As the mount has undergone several heat / cold cycles, I would recommend to check tightness of various screws and bolts, dovetail saddle etc.. Also, if you are using a guiding cable, check / replace i

You do not need 2 boot systems. In Maxim you can pick a number of configurations. Maxim will remember all settings, including guider settings, plate solve, scope details etc. The only issue may be if

Hi Rolando In permanent observatory, it is worth keeping dew heaters always on with low power when equipment is not in use. Best Regards Pawel Lancucki

Did that for the Venus transit, here you can find some images of the setup: http://www.pbase.com/plancucki/a_trip_120606_tov I was using a mini-DV SONY video camera with 2x extender lens. Hardware was

Hi Mark (czesc Marek) Please ping me before you arrive, we will see how we could help. I am a part of informal but quite active circle of mainly imagers here, so either me or someone from my friends c

Hi Mark Quite interestingly, Central Europe is the place from where many amateurs actually organize various astro trips to escape typically mixed weather and light polluted skies ;-) You need to consi

And ATMed approach: http://www.pbase.com/plancucki/atm_tak_cwcar CS Pawel

German made GIRO-DX will also do. I do use GIRO-DX II and it supported both TOA130 and AP130EDFS (lighter than TOA) for visual use even on planets. Used on fixed height Tak NJP style tripod. CS Pawel

Hi Anthony I am planning to go for 2017 eclips eif all goes well. Did not yet consider the exact place. I recall an article in S&T detailing weather prospects and these were best for more western loca

> The dec gear doesn't turn at the sidereal rate. > > Rolando Why not? On my first outing with my Mach-1, I have accidentally messed with motor cables and was pretty surprised to see stars drifting ov

Hi Charlie Off course they do, but you do not find them on the "AP-UG" where there are people using triplets from Roland ;-) Anyone imaging with Takahashi FS series or Borg ED scopes is using a double

Ho Woody Not the rear elements. If you install the wedge on a non-driven scope and not keep the sun tracking, the solar image will drift towards focuser drawtube and other elements. TEC for instance s

Mike Definitively the wedge. I have been using it on my AP152 and the views were terrific and I had no issue getting info focus with Canon. Views are better than baader Astrosolar. But if you just wan

> Hi, > there is one important thing you have to consider. You have a GTOCP2 and this control box is not so good for pulse guiding as the newer GTOCP3 and 4! It can happen that your > configuration wi