DIY Astrophotography "Mission Control" in a Box

[@igoreq4495]

Your channel is sonething this community needed, something cheap and straight forward

[@Cheapass-tro]

Thanks. Yeah I saw the gap. Not many cheap out in this game. I'll try and keep it up!

[@SimonsAstro]

Great idea Nugsy! Nice to be able to pick up one box and know everything you need is all there safely inside👍 Clear skies!

[@Cheapass-tro]

Thanks Simon, though not really necessary when you have your kit set up in an observatory.

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

Nice one Nugsy cracking idea that, I've seen people use cases in a similar manner when solar imaging but not deep sky. Clear skies!!

[@Cheapass-tro]

Cheers. It's great if like me you keep your mount set up but bring in the laptop etc.

[@joelsweatman1503]

Thats quite a case you have there, keeps everything organized and portable.

[@Cheapass-tro]

Thanks man.

[@avt_astro206]

Absolutely Impressive Construct!! It should be convenient for you to setup and Start imaging!

[@Cheapass-tro]

Thanks Avanteesh (just saw your Barlow video).

[@KevinRudd-w8s]

Nice and tidy set up you've built there nuggsy - great idea. I would suggest that you consider installing a dew heater supply though ( you don't have to buy a controller as these can be very easily home built for a few pounds ) I learnt the hard way that it was not a good idea to attempt imaging when it's damp without dew heating for the scope.

[@Cheapass-tro]

I agree. I currently only have one, 5v USB dew heater for a lenss, but the USB hubs don't power it - I have to use a USB adapter plug for it. A DIY dew heater or two for the Newt is on my project list...

[@derrymurphy3944]

Another top vid mate I may do something of a sort when I get my asiair back they couldn’t fix it so issued me a new one and have to wait for wife to visit to bring it back

[@Cheapass-tro]

Stupid Brexit! Nice one Derry.

[@joeyg9872]

great video! i have an obs , but iwanted to comment just to help!😉

[@Cheapass-tro]

Thanks very much! They do indeed help.

[@travlon5101]

Great ideas here... I like when everything is in one location (box). I'm not familiar with the unit "On Step". What is that for, or is there a different name for it?

[@Cheapass-tro]

Hi and thanks. OnStep is an open source DIY project for telescope GOTO controllers. See my video on DIY tracking & GOTO options for the basics. I also have 3 videos showing how I did it all for under £200.

[@travlon5101]

@@Cheapass-tro Oh, yes... I forgot that that was the name for the controller. I did watch that video. Just didn't build one because I have a GOTO mount already .. Thanks.

[@Tony-Elliott]

Grest idea , must make your setup and take down time much faster

[@Cheapass-tro]

Piece of cake!

[@HyperX07]

Hey bro I can't watch your videos every day now because I got time from studies hardly. I will surely watch your videos after my exam .

[@Cheapass-tro]

They'll still be here. Good luck with your exam.

[@HyperX07]

Thanks and sm to you too for your astrophotography journey

[@ROY-COLLEY]

Hi Nugsy, I did ask you about Starting in Astrophotography but up to now still haven't got a reply. It sounds like your in the same neck of the woods as me. Is there a Astro club here in Cardiff ? Also any chance of a meet up maybe you can clear up a few questions on what I should buy. I'm thinking of a Skywatcher 130. But I don't want to go down a rabbit hole and get lost. Cheers mate.

[@Cheapass-tro]

Hi SmokeyDragon. Sorry you didn't get a reply, but in fairness I didn't get your question until this. There are no 'held for review comments'. I too have had comments disappear after posting them. So, I've no idea about Cardiff Astronomy clubs, and I don't live there to meet. As for the Astromaster - It's one I'd be careful of TBH. Whilst Celestron do make some of the finest scopes in the world, they aren't as good when it comes to budget scopes as other makes, yet they're plastered all over Amazon and Ebay. There has been some debate as to whether the Astromaster 130 is fitted with a spherical mirror or a parabolic mirror. A cheaper spherical mirror is most likely, which will not focus all of the light together properly and therefore not give crisp focus on planets. A parabolic mirror takes more to produce and does focus light correctly. In most 130mm reflectors they will be parabolic, but maybe not that Celestron model. A Skywatcher 130P will be parabolic, that's what the P stands for. If the advert doesn't state parabolic it probably isn't. The Skywatcher 130P also comes in a few variants - The 'Heritage' (collapsible dob), and solid tubes in two lengths, either 650mm or 900mm. The 130/650 would be better suited to astrophotography at F5 - If it can be brought to focus with your camera? My recommendation if you can manage it would be the Skywatcher 130PDS model (£240ish) which is made to reach focus in astrophotography and has a better 2" focuser. Still thinking of getting one myself... If you're on Facebook, add me as 'Welsh Nugsy' (welsh flag profile pic) and feel free to check with me as you shop around - Or just continue here.

[@HyperX07]

Hey bro where are you. I am waiting for your great vids

[@Cheapass-tro]

Aww. Nice to know ya miss me! I posted an apology on my channel's community tab. Basically I'm busy for a bit but I'll be back...

[@HyperX07]

Oh ok