Show us your equipment!

[lazjen]

This came to my house today:

287632

It's a mighty beast and I'm really looking forward to putting it to use. :)

[Rainmaker]

That's a fine looking instrument :thumbsup: I'm sure you will enjoy it for its superb optics as well as its beautiful build quality. The Kruppax50 tube is fantastic at keeping the scope dew free and tube currents are almost non-existent.....

[lazjen]

Ah excellent news regarding the dew, I was wondering how that will go. The scope is familiar to you - it's #245.

[DJT]

This is my AP 130GTX which I spent some time with the other night.
Mounted on an FTX alt-az with a Samson tripod.

It came with an additional accessory..a very happy Chappy..

I really enjoyed doing a bit of cloud hopping and whilst not an experienced observer and despite some pretty poor conditions am looking forward to doing some more visual while I wait for adapters.

David

[MortonH]

Nice!

[Hans Tucker]

Decided to take this beauty out of its case for some much needed air time and a check over. I was obsessed with getting my hands on one of these scopes but go figure I don't use it hardly as much as the TEC160FL .. I even have neglected the newly acquired AP130GTX.

Anyway this is the famed APOMAX 130 f12 APO Refractor built by Fred Mrozek (former partner of AP) using a design from Dr Richard Buchroeder. Has a unique cell design in that it has a cover that fits over the lens cell rather than a cover over the Dew Shield. It also has a massive 4" Focuser which is aesthetically pleasing but not overly functional. I plan to replace this with a Feather Touch 3.5" Focuser.

[anj026]

This handy refractor is very versatile and can do low power wide field and high power lunar/planetary viewing. There is a reducer for astrophotography available however I am a visual observer so can't really comment on that aspect.

This model is sold under various brand names, TS, Astrotech, Technosky etc. Starfield is a Canadian brand that is available online through First Light Optics UK.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/starfield-telescopes/starfield-102mm-f7-ed-doublet-refractor.html

The packaging although not up to Takahashi standard, was double boxed with molded polystyrene support cradles and fully sealed in plastic wrap.

I purchased this a few weeks ago for a total cost of $1690 AUD delivered by DHL in 5 days to Perth from Devon UK. The price without VAT came to about $1440 plus around $250 charged by DHL for import charges and GST.

The telescope is light weight and compact. As delivered without diagonal or finder, it is only 24" (60cm) and will fit into an Oklop 80/600 bag. This makes it very light and easy to get out the door. I have tried it on a Vixen Porta mount (dodgy with the standard alloy legs), Vixen GPD2 (perfect), and the Rowan AZ100, (overkill but very nice).

Andy

[anj026]

Setting up tonight for some lunar viewing. Starfield 102 f7 on the Vixen GPD2/Berlebach Uni 18. Takahashi prism diagonal and Morpheus 17.5 and 6.5mm eyepieces.

Andy

[anj026]

My daughter took some snaps with her I phone 11 hand held through the 17.5mm Morpheus.

Andy

[Wilso]

Nice set up Anj, the new scope looks good!
How did the Berlebach Uni 18 tripod go?. I’ve been looking at the same one for my tsa 102 but with an alt/az mount

[anj026]

The Uni 18 is excellent. I can highly recommend it. I have used it with my TSA 120 on the Vixen GPD2. The Planet tripod is even stronger and more rigid but much heavier also.

I bought the Uni 18 from TS several years ago. It has been totally reliable and a pleasure to use. Their freight charges have gone up a lot in the last year or so.

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p10397_Berlebach-Tripod-UNI-18-with-Base-Adaptor-for-EQ5--Sphinx--Exos-----Mounts.html


It is also available from FLO with double clamps and longer legs.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/tripods/berlebach-uni-18-tripod-heq5-eq6.html

The freight charges are better at FLO currently. I bought the Planet tripod from FLO last year.


You can also buy direct from Berlebach in Germany which may be the best option if you want to choose from the various colour and accessory options.

https://www.berlebach.de/en/?bereich=details&id=139

Andy

[sfarndell]

I’m about to thin the herd to pay for for the new scopes, but took this for the memory book. The 12” and 16” skywatcher are new to the collection with the 10” and DIY scope my previous main scopes, and an 8” for the kids. Extra 8” came from a colleague who moved overseas. All scopes except the Saxon 200 are Goto, with most using OnStep.

[Tropo-Bob]

My latest, small telescope is a VoyagerMak 80mm F10.0

Its my lightest scope and very useful, especially when I want to have a quick look between clouds.

I sometimes check out for a recurrent Nova by checking the location of the 1893 Nova in Norma. The second image was taken through the scope for 15 seconds last night, before moonrise, on a roughly aligned EQ5 mount. The blur in globular NGC 5927. Though the image is far from perfect, it is good enough for me to see that the Nova has not recurred. One day, if I am lucky enough to catch it , I will have the images to prove it!

[FlashDrive]

TAK FS-60Q ... still yet to be used because of weather.

Col.

[Muzfox]

New setup. Askar 107 PHQ, 2600mm pro Antlia 3nm filters. Now to sort cabling.

[AdamJL]

That's awesome, Murray. I hear good things about that scope. It's enormous though, nearly as big as my Esprit 120.

Loving the scopes coming out of Sharpstar/Askar these days.

[Muzfox]

As it sits now, it's 9.1kg actually a good weight. Looong with the dew shield out tho lol

[Muzfox]

Setup is coming along. All that's left is to get the software configured and rough focus done. It's a beast for sure, comes in at 9.5kg as it sits now. I do have a pier extension I may have to use but looks like I can get past meridian a short time as it sits now without hitting leg. Will test in eqmod.

[croweater]

Gee that looks a nice set up Murray. I really like the green trim too.
Cheers, Richard

[Boozlefoot]

The old girls out for a meeting to discuss this lousy weather!
All in lovely condition, fully functional, my childhood ambitions achieved after 50 years waiting.......

TAL1 #0053 of 1992 - my sunspotter.
114 Unitron 60mm f15 May 1975 - my lunar scope.
R61 #610202 60mm f20 (c1960?) - my planetary scope.

[Wilso]

Very nice!:thumbsup:
I love the old scopes and mounts .
If you haven’t already looked check out Dave Trott on YouTube, he show cases a lot of classic scope and mounts.
Cheers

[pt1280]

I just got my new setup running smoothly and took my first proper image. 8 inch F5 newt on an iOptron GEM45 and a Touptek color version imx571 apsc camera attached. It's been quite the step-up for me.

[AdamJL]

Perfection! That is a stunning image.

[pt1280]

Continuing from my last thread...

Began the hobby two years ago with a SkyRover 72ed apo and a modded Canon 6D/unmodded Sony A7r3 on an iOptron CEM25p on my bortle 7 city balcony, with the aim for it to be nice and portable. Slowly moved on to a ZWO183mm, Sharpstar 150 f2.8 HNT, iOptron GEM45 and QHY168C, all aimed to be portable and efficient, but eventually, the focal length just doesn't cut it and now driving my 8inch f5 newt around...

[pt1280]

Thank you! This setup really works like a charm! Hope we get more clear skies!

[kkk26]

Rare and lovely scope, only Schmidt-Cassegrain made by Takahashi. The focal ratio is f/12. It was produced in 1989-1991. And said to be only one hundred TSC-225 in the world. I didn't even know this scope exists until accidentally owned it and really love it. Mighty planet killer.

Aperture: 225mm
Focal Length: 2700mm
Focal ratio: 12
Weight: 20lbs

[Hans Tucker]

Soooo envious. Breaking the 10th Astronomers Commandment ... "Thou Shall Not Covet Thy Peers Equipment"

[croweater]

Wish I could accidentally own a scope like that :)

[Crater101]

That's a really nice bit of gear....


Realised I hadn't thrown my hat in the ring here, hence the attachment.


- Skywatcher "Skymax" 150mm/1800 Mak-Cas on HEQ5 "Dual" Mount, Bluetti EB55, Lacerta power regulator to a Prima Luce Dew heater strip.

- Skywatcher "Startravel" 120mm/600 Refractor on unpowered EQ3-2 mount.



You can tell I'm primarily a visual type, can't you? Image taken prior to the arrival of the somewhat rroublesome Skywatcher Star Adventurer GTi.

[nikanj]

I'm new to the forum though I've been lurking for a while. Thought I'd share my modest setup.

Skywatcher 130 PDS
Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro
QHY294M
QHYCFW3
ZWO LRGB, HA, OIII and SII filters
SvBony SV106 60mm Guide Scope
ZWO ASI120MM Guide Cam
Baader MPCC MKIII
ZWO EAF

The 130 PDS is maybe the cheapest astrophotography scope on the Australian market but such amazing performance. Highly recommended.

[Rory]

I'm new also and have been in the hobby for about 3 months. I started with untracked and now have put together this little rig. I love it. It works well when it is dead calm, but is quite susceptible to wind. What is everyone's opinion on upgrading to a larger mount? how much could I expect this to help or should I focus on shielding the rig from the wind?
Cheers,
Rory


SA GTi
Evolux 82ed
ZWO guide 30mm
120mm
2600mcp
AA+
Eaf

[Rob72]

I’ve been in & out of visual Astronomy since Halleys comet last graced our skies & have had some decent equipment set ups leading up to this present cluster of metal & glass elements. I’m thoroughly enjoying rock solid stability & visual clarity that I previously hadn’t reached or achieved.

Content :)

[dikman]

Rob, not only does the gear look nice but that is a very atmospheric photo, it captures the feeling of a sunset on a lonely outback road in the middle of nowhere.:)

[KG8]

Well it's paid off, believe it. I've seen some nice amateur stuff and those pictures are right up there. f5, that's fast ;)
Love that mount too. I've been out of the loop for a few years and sold off my big stuff, EQ6 & 5, I just kept a Celestron C6 on a cheap $400 altaz mount. I'm an EP user only. But that red mount looks space age, I'll search your posts and see where you picked it up, they are 4 grand here in OZ are they? And what newt is that pt?


Again, well done mate.

[Rainmaker]

Picked up a little Grab&Go scope for my outreach astronomy sessions at Mt Stromlo…….

[DJ N]

Ooooh…. Very nice Matt. It will be interesting to hear how the views compare to the TOA, especially on lunar and planets.

Hoping you get some nice clear skies.

All the best

Daniel

[AlexN]

First astro rig since 2012...

Exceptionally happy with the results so far, I've produced 1 completed test image with the rig so far, ~5hrs worth of 5 min subs on M45 - which was the best M45 I've ever managed...
I've now started my first real long integration project and have amassed 10hrs of luminance on my target without a single trashed sub yet...

First light test image - M45 (https://www.astrobin.com/hobqa1/)

The Rig:
Losmandy G11 Gemini
Askar 65PHQ
SBIG ST-8300M with
FW5 CFW (Baader L, R, G, B, 7nm Ha)
ASI120MM Mini
SVBony 30mm f/4 guide scope
2x Cheap aliexpress dew heaters

Not in the pic, but part of the rig now:
MeLE Quieter 3c MiniPC
ZWO EAF
Touptek ATR3CMOS10300KPA (IMX294 colour camera)

The plan is that the ST8300M will get a full 3nm narrowband filter set, and I'll use the Touptek camera for colour targets, and shoot 3nm narrowband with the ST8300M.
As both cameras have a very similar sensor size and image scale, I should be able to blend narrowband data from the ST8300 into the colour images should I desire, and long term, perhaps get another 65PHQ and run them side by side for double the data collection on any given night. We'll see!

For now though - I must say I'm a very happy boy with the setup, it performs perfectly (as you'd expect, running a G11 with 5.4kg on it)...

Hopefully by the end of december I'll have the 30+hrs on my current target and have my first real project to show for it.

[Rainmaker]

It’s been cloudy since I got back home with this scope. It’s a William Optics Gran Turismo 153 F7.8. @ 1188mm, beautiful build quality and as a bonus it has the Feathertouch FTF3545B-A focuser and Baader Clicklock visual back, Baader Vario 60/250 finder…
:D

[AlexN]

That's a sensational bit of gear there!
I'd be very keen to get a hold of one of the original LZOS lensed WO FLT-110's or WO FLT-132 scopes from the mid 2000's... They were amazing! I can only imagine the GT 153 is SUPERB!

[FlashDrive]

Matt ....very nice Scope :)

William Optics make some beautiful Scopes.

Col...

[Rainmaker]

Still waiting to get under the stars with this one Alex, but it appears to be very well made.


Thanks Flash !

[davewr]

The family (rather unwisely) asked if I wanted to do a little window shopping in Akhihabara during a recent holiday to Japan, see if there was a uniquely "Japanese" item to bring home...

Had a great time fitting it into the carry on luggage

[m11]

That is a nice souvenir from Japan. :thumbsup:

I did a similar thing and ended up at Kyoei Osaka where I picked up a Tak 76mm DCU. I was concerned the airline might not let the scope be taken as cabin luggage as the box was quite long.

How did you go with your airline getting it back?

[davewr]

I went to Starbase.

They were very helpful, took it out of the cardboard box and everything.

I unscrewed the hood and focuser and then packed the 3 pieces into a small carry on suitcase. Was more worried about what was going to happen when I put the bag through the x-ray machine, was expecting the full pat down, didn't even blink.

[m11]

Ahh awesome. :thumbsup:

I think you can't go wrong with any of the Japanese Telescope shops - great service and super respectful. The AUD to Yen exchange is pretty good with the GST free purchase helps as well. :D

Ahh good idea to break the scope down to carry it through. I had my scope in the original box with double bubble wrap by Kyoei Osaka.

The only time I had any real questions was in Hong Kong in transit going through security. The security officer asked what was in the box and I explained what it was which I think he found interesting, ended chatting for 5 mins about stargazing to a few of them. My wife thinks they were just bored as it was late in the evening with no traffic. :P

[AstroViking]

Very nice thing to bring home, davewr!

I just got back from 4 weeks in Japan, and didn't really want to come home. The level of service you get over there, from the smallest 7-11 to the largest store, is so much greater than what we get here.

Cheers,
V

[gerardgallagher]

I remember seeing that last year and thinking "I wouldn't mind a holiday like that" :-)

[Rainmaker]

Made some custom mounting brackets for the Baader Vario 60mm finder and the SkySurferV RDF while waiting for the rains to pass…… She’s all dressed up with nowhere to go…..

[MortonH]

Have recently put this setup together.

- Celestron C8 from the '80s
- Stellarvue M2 mount with encoders and Nexus II
- EQ6 tripod

[anj026]

Just want to show off the new focuser adapter made by Joshua Bunn here in WA. This is an M114 to M95 adapter made to suit the FT 2535 focuser I had saved from a previous project.
Joshua is well known for his excellent machining service and I can say I am very impressed with this adapter.
Along with the new focuser, K-astec rings and dovetail and TOA130 lens cap I have done all I can to reduce the weight of the FS152. It is now 10.73kg as shown in the photos.
If you need adapters or other special machining projects done I highly recommend Joshua at SC Astro.

[AdamJL]

Josh is awesome to deal with.

[NCRAW]

Hi All

This arrived today. I blame a certain member here who resulted in me not wanting to pass this scope when the opportunity arose.

Been stressing about it for a week during bidding and transport.Yet to have a first light but as described, it presents in as new condition including the losmandy plate. Comes with black scope finder bracket.

I’ll let you guess the scope.

[AlexN]

Well... That explains a lot...

That's a Tak FC100DZ 100mm f/7.4 doublet!

[NCRAW]

Ahhh close but it's not. Notice the black focuser (not green). Also it's a F/9.0!

[Wilso]

Ooh very nice. :thumbsup:
Takahashi FC 100DL , bit of a Tak fan myself, have a TSA 102.

[NCRAW]

Well done. First batch.

TSA102 very niceee

[david booth]

this is one of my scopes a 8 inch f 20 folded refractor its colour free on the moon and is 18kgs love it on a g11 mount
the scope was made by barry adcock

[anj026]

That is amazing David. Is it a D&G lens? I sometimes miss my old 6" f15 even though it has been replaced with a more compact 6". Not sure I could handle an 8" even folded like yours. It is a pleasant fantasy anyway.:thumbsup:

[chrisp9au]

A friend in the UK asked me for a pic of my scopes,
so thought I would share it here on IIS.
I enjoy tinkering, and there's a fair bit of DIY here!
Cheers, Chris

[gl65]

Hi, I'm also a Takahashi tragic

[AlexN]

Realised it was time for an update...

Then realised these pics are out of date already....

THEN realised that in 2 weeks, any pics I take today will be out of date again.

In any case...

In the pics:
Askar 120APO with Askar 1x Field Flattener.
Player One Artemis C Pro (IMX294) CMOS camera.
Player One Filter Drawer
Player One M54 OAG.
Player One Sedna M IMX178 guide camera
Askar M54 backfocus adjuster.
Emcan Astro EM31 Pro mount
Mele Quieter 4C
Wanderer Astro Wander Box Ultimate V2.

The Player One Camera/Filter Drawer/OAG setup has since been replaced by a ZWO 1600MM Pro + EFW + OAG monochrome setup...

And currently in the post, is a Touptek ATR2600M, 7x36mm EFW and M54 OAG kit...

I thought I'd pick up the 1600MM exclusively for narrowband imaging, and adding luminance to colour data collected with the 294C... After shooting with it for 4 nights, I have decided that I'll move both the 294C, and the 1600MM along to new homes, and upgrade to a the IMX571 kit.

Silly to have gone through 4 cameras since November last year (I had the ST8300M with LRGB filters)

It went as it always does I guess...

I just got back into astrophotography and went straight to the ST8300M as it is the camera I had prior to taking my big break (2013~2023)

We had TERRIBLE weather, and I could not for the life of me capture a full colour image in 1 night, and in some cases, it would take a month worth of shooting through sucker holes to get anything.

Disheartened, I bought my colour camera and sold the ST8300M. It was frustrating, as I knew the benefit of mono, but I just wanted colour pics without cloud ruining it.

It then moved to winter - Narrowband season, and despite all the quality of the current crop of dual narrowband filters, I was simply not happy with the results (Especially the disparity between Ha and OIII captured per sub)...

So, wanting to shoot narrowband more and more, I thought I'd grab the 1600MM... Weather this december/january has been abysmal, but, still better than last year, so, I was able to give the 1600MM a good run, and really feel those mono camera benefits right out of the gate...

This pushed me to finally say, "you know what, I'd rather make 10~12 awesome images a year going 100% mono with a very high quality camera, than make 13~20 significantly lower quality images by blending mono lum/narrowband data from a 1600MM with colour data from the 294C"


M78 - 13h of 180s subs with the 294
Rho Ophiucchi - 2.75h of 180s subs with the 294
2070 - 8h of 300s subs with the 1600MM
Rosette - 7.55h of 300s subs with the 1600MM

[AG Hybrid]

Those are impressive results Alex. Also nice to see that scope reasonably priced!

[gregbradley]

My current setup.

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

Cool read...you are well stocked, you just need a dark mountain top now :D :thumbsup:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Did they come out of your Christmas Bon Bon's Greg...? :question:

...lucky duck :D

Mike

[Shawn]

Don,t ask my missus how much it cost, I hope she doesn't sell for that when I fall off the perch..
Left to right
ZWO AN5N with pier extension.
TC40 Carbon Tripod.
Redcat 51, sharing the same base plate with,
Nikon Z6 & 150 to 600 Sigma Lens.
ZWO 120 guide scope.
Bluetti portable Power station.
2 tablets for running both systems concurrently.
All in Tactix cases.


I am where I want to be with this setup..:)

[Pierre_C]

Thanks for sharing, Shawn.

I am impressed by not only the equipment, but also the neat fit into the cases and colour coordination.

Can you share any thoughts on handling the foam in the Tactix cases? I have been looking into them, and think I may need to do some serious foam cutting and removal like in your smaller case.

[JohnA]

WOW, that really is one very neat setup...LOVE IT

[Shawn]

I had a few pre requisites when I put this together, No case should exceed 7kg and all fit single layer on my back seat. The fact that the AN5N does not need a counterweight made it possible. So I designed the mounting plate for the redcat & the Nikon assy,s to go in the case fully assembled, the asiair is hidden underneath between the two optical assy,s. I wanted a kit that could be assembled and ready to go in 5 minutes, including PA. and yes its doable, there is not a lot of the original foam left in any of the cases. Its that pick and pluck stuff anyway, and you can glue it back in if you goof it up , with a couple of drops of fabric glue, In the smaller case there is only part of the outer ring of foam left, even half of the lower layer of foam has been removed leaving the bluetti is a nice fit along with a couple of 10 inch tablets, and sundry cables for backup, everything else is pre wired, as the AN5N only needs to be plugged into the Asiar,, as you are probably aware that connection is above the DEC axis on the N, so there is no chance of cable issues. Wireless to both the tablets, one from the Asiair mini, the other from the Nikon Z6, both separate wireless connects. I have to unplug the ASI 533 so so it fits in the case though. so its not quite assemble and go, buts its close enough for me..


The original AM5N box is a snug fit in the larger cases if you cut its lid off, again a snug fit with its pier extension with nearly all of the foam removed.. I posted the images with the gear in it so you could see how well it all fits.. Not in the picture is a 240W Solar blanket for charging the Bluetti during the day for remote imaging..


Can post better pics if you go this way..

[Shawn]

Thankyou John, blew the budget a bit though, a little north of 14k for a remote imaging setup. But I wont be changing anything soon, it all works very very well, and has exceeded my expectations.. Happy camper...

[JohnA]

Budgets are meant to be broken, just like rules :)

You have inspired me, so took a drive to bunnings and picked up 3 of those cases.

Thank you

[Shawn]

They are good value, I put a layer of 1cm thick sound deaden material in the bottom of the middle one, kind of like a hyper dense felt mat, and cut a hole exactly the same shape as my dovetail bar to locate in, it cant move anywhere once its in the case..

[JohnA]

apart from getting them home and finding one had half the foam missing, so another quick trip back to bunnings to get a replacement.

here are 3 i have setup so far

[Shawn]

Looking good John, One of mine had the rubber seal missing, a trip back to bunnies required here also. Good product for the money, but lousy QC...

[JohnA]

best of both worlds now.

The parts i needed to mod my evolution tripod arrived, and i can now mount the wave or the original mount to it.

Also have the zwo carbon tripod, which to date has done an amazing job managing the load of the c925 without any counter weights.

I can now have the celestron out and the seestar out at the same time

[volcanic]

Well I have this thing which is 12 inch reflector 3.3m long and due to the counterweight it is really heavy.
So I need to move house after 22 years and wonder should I just remove the counterweight or just disassemble the mirror and secondary and rebuild at my new location. I also have the fixed column for it also weighs a lot.

Maybe I should sell it as is - anybody know how much it might be worth.
Still coated well and collimated.
Few lenses and old school telrad.
Advice would be appreciated.

[volcanic]

Would there be interest in an F11?