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EQUIPMENT AND TECHNICAL

The Author and the "Observatory"
 
My Observational and Astro-Photography setup

 

Notes: All wires secured and ty-wrapped, drilled guidescope ring, Velcro mounted guider power-box and 4-way dew distributor, selectable voltage dew power box from Radio Shack (hung here just for the picture).

 The Equipment List

* Mount - Meade LXD 650
* Main Scope - Meade 5" refractor at F9 (1140mm FL)
* Finderscope - 8x50
* Guide Scope - Meade 90mm refractor at F11 (990mm FL)
* Guide Scope mounting - 2 Rings separated about 14" mounted to top of the (standard Meade) main scope cradle. The top cradle half comes predrilled with (3) in-line 1/4 10 standard photo threaded holes. Both rings are from Orion. Rear ring is a 90mm model, fitting snugly around guidescope. Front ring is the Orion 4.5" (for reflectors)  model that I drilled and tapped 3 evenly spaced holes and use 1/4 10 screw thread thumbscrews so that I can adjust the pointing of the front of the guidescope to some extent. This adds some flexibility to pick guide stars off axis from main scope. I use a spacer under on the rear ring so that the centerline of the rear ring is centered to the front ring. When all the adjustments are snugged down, the guidescope seems pretty ridged to the main scope and mount. If I move or tap the guidescope, the mount and/or main scope also moves. Flexure seems minimal, if at all. Guidescope tube is protected by a 1" wide flat thin steel ring, with self stick furniture protector, wrapped around guidescope where the front thumbscrew guide ring is located.
* Guider - 216XT in Standalone mode.
* Guider eyepiece - Meade 9mm Illuminated reticle (Para focal with 216XT).
* Dew Control - Homemade Dew Heaters installed on Main Scope, Guidescope, Finder (objective and viewer) and a separate Velcro heater for eyepieces, selectable voltage power box from Radio Shack feeding distributor
* All wiring securely mounted and ty-wrapped.
* Camera - Pentax K-1000
* Photo Adapter - 2" slide tube.
* Meade Electric Focuser (don't leave home without it).
* Other modifications - extra hole drilled and tapped at 90 deg. in guidescope focuser 1 1/4 adapter for securing the Guider.
 

More Detailed Pictures of the Setup

 

Dual counterweight system. Heavy weight closer to pivot center adds stability. Hanging dew power box for picture, normally on ground next to battery.

Guidescope protective ring made from strap steel with furniture protection padding underneath. Dew Distributor Box and wiring.

Homemade guidescope strap, rings from Orion, homemade spacer for rear guidescope ring, homemade dew heater. Front ring drilled and tapped 1/4"- 10 by author. Strap protects guidescope while adjustment bolts can be left bare metal ends for added rigidity.

Setup in Piggyback configuration. Protective caps added to front adjustment bolts. Camera mounting bolt length proper for centerline height. Rear ring top flips up to allow viewing thru camera finder.