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Currently, my imaging is based on the Astro-Physics Mach1GTO mount. The mount easily handles the 35+ pounds that I load on it and guides like a dream. The mount sits on an AP Eagle adjustable pier. See here for a more thorough writeup of my mount/pier setup.
The scopes attach to the mount using a custom made ADM saddle plate that can handle either Losmandy style or Vixen style dovetails. This comes in handy since my C9.25 has the Losmandy style and the other two scopes have the Vixen style. Anthony makes really great stuff for a great price. I wish I had found him earlier on.
Guiding software is PHD guiding from Stark Labs, since the Lodestar plugin for CCDSoft just plain won't work.
Guiding is done through the OAG port of the QSI 583WSG using the Stalight Xpress Lodestar - arguably the most sensitive guider available.
Current imaging scopes are:
Widefield - Orion ED80 reduced by the William Optics 0.8 reducer/flattener vII to an imaging fl of 480mm.
Medium Focal Length - APM/TMB design 130/780 APO CNC LW II tube refractor with 3.5" Feathertouch focuser with Starlight Motorized Focuser
Long Focal Length - Celestron 9.25 reduced 0.63 to 1480mm
Current camera is the QSI 583WSG mono CCD. It's a great camera and a great chip. The company provides great service. The only drawback is the long download times - approaching 25 seconds for a full frame.
The scopes attach to the mount using a custom made ADM saddle plate that can handle either Losmandy style or Vixen style dovetails. This comes in handy since my C9.25 has the Losmandy style and the other two scopes have the Vixen style. Anthony makes really great stuff for a great price. I wish I had found him earlier on.
Guiding software is PHD guiding from Stark Labs, since the Lodestar plugin for CCDSoft just plain won't work.
Guiding is done through the OAG port of the QSI 583WSG using the Stalight Xpress Lodestar - arguably the most sensitive guider available.
Current imaging scopes are:
Widefield - Orion ED80 reduced by the William Optics 0.8 reducer/flattener vII to an imaging fl of 480mm.
Medium Focal Length - APM/TMB design 130/780 APO CNC LW II tube refractor with 3.5" Feathertouch focuser with Starlight Motorized Focuser
Long Focal Length - Celestron 9.25 reduced 0.63 to 1480mm
Current camera is the QSI 583WSG mono CCD. It's a great camera and a great chip. The company provides great service. The only drawback is the long download times - approaching 25 seconds for a full frame.
© Hunter Wilson
