How to handle a huge telescope OTA | One person Celestron C14 Assembly

[@whatmattersmost6725]

NOTE: YOU MUST HAVE THE C14 front cover/cap on, or you are putting all of the C14 weight on the corrector/rim. With the cover/cap it will put most of the pressure/weight on the tube. Also I would expect the mount motors to wear more as puts more strain on the mount drive.

[@the_space_koala]

hey, I did have the cap on of course. it's probably not visible as you don't see it from the front

[@whatmattersmost6725]

@@the_space_koala Good, this comment was mostly meant to other viewers as I would expect you would have had the cap on. Even that it's plastic cap.

[@the_space_koala]

@@whatmattersmost6725 the cap on mine is metallic! (maybe it's an older version?) My C11 edge has a plastic cap but the C14 is metallic

[@TonerLow]

I've only ever looked at stock photos of the C14. Seeing it next to someone like that really puts into perspective how big the OTA is.

[@the_space_koala]

it's larger than you expect when you think 35cm :D

[@dgreset]

Imagine I have a SC 16 inches (Meade) it is even bigger! But harder to move 33 kg !

[@TonerLow]

@@dgreset legendary, what sort of mount do you use?

[@the_space_koala]

@@dgreset wow that’s both a dream and a nightmare! So much light collected 🥹

[@kanefsky]

It still looks pretty compact until you see it with the official dew shield which doubles the size (even if it doesn't add much weight) :). Coming from refractors, I am jealous of the ability to just set it down on the ground or a table like that. I'm less jealous of having to wait for it to cool down and deal with collimation, mirror flop, etc. :)

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Field mounting a C14 solo is a scary task for anyone. I think I held my breath until you had those saddle knobs secured. Good job! I'm guessing you had that mount near its maximum if you loaded up that scope for AP. You are a very interesting lady, keep it up, Michael

[@the_space_koala]

thank you very much! interestingly, this mount is nowhere near its limit with this beast. Well, if I were to load a deep sky setup, I would be nearing the limit without counterweight. Then again, I can push it a lot further by adding a counterweight, if I wanted to.

[@chamithathukorala1985]

❤ I wish you will watch ed ting's c14 vedio ❤

[@WestwoodAstro]

I think I held my breath through the entire video. Great technique! As I'm getting older, my scopes are getting heavier. This definitely gives me some ideas.

[@the_space_koala]

glad you find it useful! now, breathe..... :)

[@shortexposureastrophotogra4988]

Reminds me of when I mounted a cabinet to the wall in my bathroom by myself! I put it on top of an old table that was nearly tall enough, then added books and such to raise it a bit more. Got it level and screwed it to the wall.

[@the_space_koala]

work smarter not harder!

[@AsKyOdA]

I remember asking for this. Thank you for sharing!! Poor drive sounded like it was struggling. Glad you were able to provide support. I hope you can share your planetary image flow when conditions permit. Thank you for the great content and info you provide

[@the_space_koala]

Thank you 😊 glad this can be useful to people. I don’t consider myself good at planetary but hopefully it can change this year if I get many decent nights to image with the C14

[@chamithathukorala1985]

I think gap between c11 and c14 is astronomical Life is much easy with c11 Thank you again ❤

[@photogazer]

Wow, that is a really inventive process to get the scope mounted. Of course, it helps to have a powerful mount to overcome the moment arm stressors on the mount as it lifts and unbalanced load from that position. Good work.

[@the_space_koala]

Yes of course I couldn’t do all this if I didn’t have this mount. Then again, I wouldn’t be carrying it around if I had another 40kg in mount weight to move. 😁 Surprisingly it’s not too much out of balance, the back part is super heavy!

[@plumberman19]

Just a very polite way to say, "you don't know what you're doing"? am I righhht eh eh, wink wink;) she knows what she's doing boss. Just relax and enjoy the show.

[@chamithathukorala1985]

Thank you mam , Now I can die happy with c11 ❤

[@the_space_koala]

I have an EdgeHD 11 and it is easily my most used scope! Large enough to collect amazing data but still small enough to deal with 😁

[@chamithathukorala1985]

​@@the_space_koala Ahh thats normal life ❤❤❤

[@Z06Fred]

Wow you make mounting that scope look so easy.

[@astrogarage2116]

That is an amazing mount to torque up that 50lb tube. Impressive idea, and thanks for the inspiration.

[@the_space_koala]

Thanks for saying that, glad you found it helpful

[@gwthomas52]

Necessity is the mother of invention. Well done.

[@the_space_koala]

Couldn’t have said it better, thanks

[@steppen57]

That is ingenious and scary at the same time. I would have thought you'd need the counterweight even on a RST-300. I guess not. I have a C8 and the rst-135 and I thought I was at the limit of what I could mount by myself, but this is a game changer. Thanks!

[@the_space_koala]

you're definitely not at the limit! I have imaged with my C11 EdgeHD (at f10) on my rst135 and I had great guiding. You do need a good tripod though and it's pushing it a bit. But with the C8 it should be a breeze, even without a counterweight

[@1stWingless]

Very nice job. I do wonder if getting a dovetail handle like the ones ADM make could let you get purchase lower down on the tube and prevent you from having to lift to your shoulders when trying to get it up to the bench. I just love seeing you using such a big scope out in a dark site instead of it sitting unused from the trouble of setup.

[@the_space_koala]

I was actually considering something like that, it would be quite a lot easier to lift it to the 45cm height of the stool that way!

[@2147B]

WOW, It's rare you see one of those bad boys. Would love to have that one day in my arsenal, you make it look easy!

[@the_space_koala]

I got this used on an online auction for a very good price! I didn’t think I would have one for many years to come but the opportunity came 😁

[@WilliFromEarth]

Well done, fellow Swiss stargazer! Cool, Rainbow mount & C14, perfect match!

[@the_space_koala]

Thank you 😊 🇨🇭

[@jamesmcclure265]

Thats how I mount the OTA to my CGE-1400 for years, except that I attach the counterweight bar and one counterweight first so that when I use the mount to lift the tube up it does not place undue strain on the drive motor. That is important

[@the_space_koala]

I don't need to use a counterweight with this mount - otherwise I fully agree!

[@Thunder_Dome45]

Neat. I almost bought an original C14, but it was too heavy for my EQ6R Pro. So I didn't get it. I got a Meade 10" LX200 and it's heavy. I can only imagine a 14 inch.

[@the_space_koala]

oh yes it would be way too heavy for an EQ6, you need the EQ8. The 10" sounds like a good compromise, quite large but manageable!

[@alanjs1]

Watch your corrector plate. When you first put it on the table the corrector plate was resting on the corner of the table. That's a lot of weight and a cracked pate would be a disaster. Which a scope that expensive it justifies a decent and wider table. I welded up a similar trolley and even a little gantry hoist for my bigger scopes.

[@the_space_koala]

The C14 has a metallic cap for the front and it sits on the also metallic border that’s like 5cm out from the corrector plate - I had it on 😁

[@grigoryvidishev1810]

I admire your courage and skills! This is kind of scope is observatory grade, should not be moved too much. Thank you for the video!

[@the_space_koala]

Thank you. Without an observatory I don’t have a choice though, this scope belongs in the mountains not on my light polluted balcony 😁

[@wesleydonnelly2141]

Seeing the C14 next to a person really illustrates just how ENORMOUS it is! You did brilliantly even getting it off the floor! So well done for working out such a simple practical technique for mounting a huge OTA by yourself, which us astro nerds often are at night! Thanks for another helpful and informative video. Clear Skies from Wes, Liverpool, England.

[@the_space_koala]

Thanks Wes for saying that, I’m glad it’s helpful!

[@wesleydonnelly2141]

@@the_space_koala ☺👍

[@michael.a.covington]

This suggests an invention! Instead of the portable stool, some kind of platform whose height can be changed, maybe motorized.

[@shubinternet]

Such thing does exist. They’re called server lifts, and they’re used in datacenters to install heavy rack mounted gear at heights that you couldn’t otherwise easily reach with just human power alone. In this case, I think I’d get long scissor jacks that can be battery powered, and skip most of the rest of the parts of a server lift.

[@the_space_koala]

So I’ve been researching lift tables over the past months and surely that would make it simpler. The only issue is that they don’t seem to make a lightweight one for this payload. The smallest ones that I found weigh 20kg just for the lift which defeats the purpose a bit 😁 plus now I have a chair to sit on haha

[@anata5127]

This technique is well known and there are 5-10 year-old videos for this method.

[@michael.a.covington]

@@anata5127 Yes, we know, but this video about it is still useful.

[@the_space_koala]

@@anata5127 there were no harmonic telescope mounts available for end users 10 years ago

[@SamaraLovesU2]

That’s how I mount my scopes in the observatory too. I use one of those observing chairs where you can adjust the seat up and down and I can get it right next to the pier.

[@the_space_koala]

that's real handy! I was thinking of an observing chair as well but at the end I went for something that takes up literally no space in my car :)

[@craiglowery4427]

Great video. I use a similar trick with my C14 Edge HD. I use a card table to match the OTA up with my CGX-L mount. I subscribed

[@the_space_koala]

thank you! yes that makes sense. Once you put on the counterweights it should be just as easy to lift!

[@user-ku4yk4ut4z]

brilliant very well done , great idea! I wonder though if that will do any damage to the gearing due to the severe imbalance , or does that mount care!!

[@the_space_koala]

no it's a harmonic mount, it's happy to carry up to 30kg without any counterweight

[@old_photons]

Resourceful! Well thought out strategy.

[@the_space_koala]

thank you I can't believe I didn't do this earlier :D

[@ricardoimparato7835]

😮Thanks for sharing. My concern is that mounting at the border of the tube can stress the mount a lot, specifically at the beginning when the mount starts lifting it. Ideally, it would be better if you mount at the middle of the the telescope to improve the balance.

[@1stWingless]

For this type of telescope she pretty much is lifting it at the balance point. The primary mirror the back of the scope likely weighs 35+ kg with the corrector plate, secondary and tube all being relatively light in comparison.

[@the_space_koala]

as the other person said it is quite balanced in this position. It is putting as much stress on the mount as when it has to do the meridian flip from one side to the other with the only difference being that it's pointing down not up

[@richlevenson6605]

Like they say, never underestimate the power of a female astronomer. Bravo! That's a helluva of a telescope. I used to have a Meade 10 inch Deep Space Scope and I thought that was big on my huge tripod with dual axis drives and more. Nice job!

[@the_space_koala]

thank you so much. haha do they say that? well I hope they do! clear skies

[@PeterWillmann-l2s]

That is simply impressive! Great problem solving.

[@the_space_koala]

Thanks!

[@bb001a]

With a little trial and error, some thick aluminium plate and angle you could probably make a hook like attachment to go on those black clamps and over the red saddle mount to hang and capture the scope, initally as an extra safety. Later with tweaks and refinement you should eventually be able to just plonk the scope on and snug it up quickly and efficiently without the stool.

[@the_space_koala]

I'm not able to lift up the scope and aim it at the right place - it is too large, I don't even see the "other side"

[@martiny1804]

Nice going, glad you can do that. Just a thought maybe drop the tripod legs down a bit so you dont need to have it "click" in. And sorry I would use the counter weigh.

[@the_space_koala]

the tripod legs are marked at 5cm in from their maximum position for the mount to be at the right height with the stool - and I have them extended to that length. If i closed them in any further I would be afraid to lose stability

[@johnkulczycki3021]

Kudos on this. Well done.

[@the_space_koala]

thank you :)

[@bbroastro]

This is a solid strategy and props to making it work as big scopes often will get left on shelves due to their impractical weight and size. Lawwwwd though! I'd want to have counter weights on just to minimise the topple risk. I've had tripods (non astro related, but I'm a photographer / videographer) topple before and you never think it'll happen until it does 😭

[@the_space_koala]

I see your point, this tripod is super stable though! I make it a point to not carry extra weight if I don’t have to 😁

[@bbroastro]

@@the_space_koala Hahah, I feel this! I totally trust you as you know your setup better than anyone else, especially us plebs in the comments 😅 C14 is a total beast, cannot wait to see some planetary shots from it :D

[@phvfx]

Clear skies. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@tullyfisher]

Very cool! Which camera are you using for planetary on this monster? cs :)

[@AstroDenny]

Not sure if I would trust that tripod! Do you weigh it down? It looks like you have a great systems there- Still have some scope envy!

[@the_space_koala]

hey, thanks! I actually linked the tripod's model in the description, it is super stable especially with the extra feet I added on them! I'd trust it with my life haha

[@ferenc-x7p]

Great job Luca! Looks like a good work out ! 😊 That tripod scares me though, looks light weight. Almost like I would think about attaching the tripod+ mount head to the scope, since that's the heaviest item of all, and somehow flip the whole thing upright. Again, I'm just sitting in a chair and thinking, not actually trying things out in the real world.

[@the_space_koala]

The problem is the “somehow flip the whole thing” part haha. I show how sturdy this tripod is in my “dark sky trip tips” video - no need to worry about that one 😊

[@anguskappa5637]

This is how I do it with my 10 inch Schmidt Newt. Best way to do it.

[@the_space_koala]

work smarter not harder!

[@astrotechnique1]

Bravo!! Great job 😊

[@the_space_koala]

Thank you! 😃

[@balintb2748]

Wonderful, thanks for sharing, Pete! I love your content.

[@the_space_koala]

hahahaha

[@StevenParrisWard]

Hi Luca, so nice to find your beautiful channel. I am considering buying an RST 300 harmonic mount, which I believe you have here, coupled with a carbon fibre supermount tripod. How do you find this set up? I was considering adding it to my RASA 11 as well as a Skywatcher 6inch refractor. I love the idea of a HD C14, but seeing this set up, the weight for me is a bit off putting. I would be a single observer too with no help. You manage it, but it looks a bit of a task and the strain on the motor initially to lift rather puts me off doing it that way. Like you I have alot of similar equipment so will really look forward to your videos helping me how to use it. I have an ASI air which is very useful. Best wishes Steve.

[@the_space_koala]

hey Steven! thank you. I find the rst300 amazing - it is my favorite mount. It is the only harmonic mount on the market currently that is able to handle such a payload without any issues. I wonder if for your RASA11 and the refractor even a smaller mount would be enough - of course that's up to you. The supermount is a godsend (I have both the Cyg42 and the Cyg48), it is just such high quality down to the last screw, it is absolutely worth it and I would never go back to one of those common carbon mounts unless the payload is very small

[@StevenParrisWard]

@@the_space_koala Hi Luca, So nice of you to reply. Your videos have already helped me a lot; especially on calibration frames. You have such a detailed, but clear way of explaining. I' m considering the RST300 over the RST135 as I originally had a Celestron Edge 11 inch. I was however considering an upgrade to Edge 14 inch later for planets. CYG54GRDLS was the tripod I was considering. I started life with a 3 inch age 12 and then graduated to a CPC 1100 but that was nightmare for weight as the OTA cannot be detached from the fork mount. I sold that eventually. Clear Skies for "baby Saturn" 💚

[@ColecoJoe]

I'm a little guy and have been wanting to get a bigger scope but have been avoiding it because of not being able to mount it. This gives me hope :)

[@the_space_koala]

Glad it does - once you buy a big tube you’ll make it happen cause you can’t just leave it to collect dust in the corner 😁

[@ColecoJoe]

@@the_space_koala Where did you get that little spacer looking attachment on the end of your rail?

[@the_space_koala]

@@ColecoJoe it came with my C14 that I bought used but I think you can buy it under the name "dovetail safety stop" or something similar

[@ColecoJoe]

@@the_space_koala ahh thanks, i've been trying to word it in my searches :)

[@gsevere2073]

Thank you for that. I like the method and think you'll save me some back pain in the future, though with a smaller beast to tame.

[@the_space_koala]

Oh I hope this will save you some literal and figurative pain 😁

[@nicholasgoodyear7552]

Mabe you could use a small trolly jack instead of the seat. That way you would not need to lift it so high at the start. Bolt a wooden platform onto the jack arm, lift the scope the few centimeters onto the platform then pump the jack up to the required hight. We lift very heavy upright hydralic rams using this method. I like the content of your channel, always informative.

[@the_space_koala]

thank you very much! I actually was looking at hydraulic lifts as it would make life easier, but they pretty much weigh just as much as the scope itself so it still wouldn't be a joyride to carry around, this is why I went for the stool

[@MrGp3po]

Good job finding a solution to a tough problem. A suggestion: perhaps a more stable platform would reduce the possibility of a disaster. I'm thinking one of those white plastic top tables that fold in the middle and the legs fold inside for easy carrying. I have a four foot model with legs that telescope and lock; the low position might be the ideal height for your task and the scope would easily slide into position without any possibility of tipping over. Also, it is much easier to lift with your legs than arms. A low stable platform to step up on would eliminate the need to lift with arms alone. The MGHH Folding Table 4FT, Plastic Table Height Adjustable Table for Picnic, Camping, Kitchen, Beach, Party, Outdoor Indoor, 47 x 24 x 29 Inch,White on Amazon is $25 and adjusts to 19", 24", or 29" and can hold 500 pounds. They also have a variety of stable platform type step stools or even those aerobic step platforms would be super stable and easy to step up on. You got me thinking how an old guy like me could handle a monster scope. Clear skies.

[@the_space_koala]

hey! thank you, all of these are valid ideas and I appreciate the suggestions, I may look into the step stool idea. The only thing is it's that many more things I have to bring around with me, pack/unpack everytime and even with this giant ass scope I'm trying to keep it as lean as possible :D

[@MrGp3po]

@@the_space_koala I’m thinking a permanent observatory, like a roll off, is in your future. ;)

[@the_space_koala]

may your prophecy be fulfilled :D

[@shubinternet]

So, even though that must be a really strong strain wave gear mount, I would be concerned about the assembly being way out of balance, if you don’t slide the tube much further down the rail. Do you not have these problems? What’s your secret?

[@the_space_koala]

Hey, the C14 has an extremely heavy back between the mirror and the cell holding it. I would say it would be in perfect balance with a deep sky cam and it’s almost perfect with the planetary!

[@bbroastro]

Just want to add to what Luca said, 14" scopes are ridiculously back heavy - more than you could ever imagine.

[@chamithathukorala1985]

Can you do mount vedio with c14 and guiding please

[@astroindianx]

Strong Mount 💪

[@rschellie]

I really enjoy your videos and I have learned a lot after watch many of the videos you have posted. I have a couple questions, first I have watch other content creators an some have mentioned that the harmonic drives don’t trace accurately enough for high focal lengths and that an equatorial mount are better, especially for imaging? I was surprised that you are using a carbon fiber tripod with your scope being so large, does it provide enough support for tracking DSO? Thanks!

[@the_space_koala]

Hey! Of course guiding is a must, but I have to say it guides really well! I regularly get errors of 0.25”-0.3” with this scope when the seeing is good. This tripod is also a quite particular one not your regular flimsy little carbon tripod, I linked it in the description, it is extremely stable!

[@retiche]

Good job on mounting it alone! But you have a lot of courage to put that beast on that mount without counterweights. If you unlock by mistake the clutch, it will be history

[@the_space_koala]

thank you! there is no clutch on harmonic mounts

[@TL1000S97]

Impressive work from a dedicated "AstroGirl"! I am a little worried about how you are able to get the scope rail "flush" with the losmandy saddle though. It looked like you have found a way that make the scope/rail "click" into place when the mount started to lift. 👍

[@the_space_koala]

yes it's definitely not easy lining it up perfectly on uneven terrain but with the black clip thing that is screwed into the losmandy bar it works!

[@blobrana8515]

I would recommend not putting any pressure on the front corrector plate. So a larger surface area stool would be better if you need to do this method - or have the front cover fitted. Personally i would get a strap to hook onto the scope handles, and hang the scope around my neck like a massive medallion. Then attach the scope to the dovetail mount. You can stand on a small step if your mounting is too high, or simply adjust the length of the strap.

[@the_space_koala]

There’s no pressure on the plate whatsoever - it has a metallic cover that is sitting on an also metallic ring that protrudes like 5cm from the corrector! The strap around my neck idea sounds like a sure way to injure my back 😁 there’s just no way I’m strong enough for that!

[@blobrana8515]

@@the_space_koala yeah, there is a possibility of choking oneself with the strap too! 🙂

[@blobrana8515]

Come to think of it - i would build a shed observatory around the scope so i didn't have to lift it...

[@alfredobeltran611]

Very good technique. Which harmonic mount do you have? Do you need to balance it for imaging at native focal length?

[@the_space_koala]

it is the rainbow astro rst300 (linked in the description). It is more or less balanced the way I show it here. With such a large weight that is all concentrated in the back a small change by adding a camera or dew shield is negligible so I don't actively balance

[@alfredobeltran611]

Thank you

[@keithcharles2113]

Very impressive!

[@the_space_koala]

Thank you!

[@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy]

Very ingenious. It looks almost like the scope weighs more than you do! Ha. Nicely done. I'm betting Saturn is looking great through it. - Patrick -

[@the_space_koala]

Hey Patrick, thanks! I have seen some incredible views with this beast

[@johnlancashire9843]

good god my heart was in my mouth ... well done,

[@the_space_koala]

mine too! more for the physical exertion than the nerves though, lol

[@ma-fi1nu]

Nice work and creative.. I would suggest that you have that mount spiked with that C14 on it..

[@the_space_koala]

No no this mount could carry up to 50kg 😊

[@gazza9839]

Well done and I love that idea, so youre not putting yhe scope on the mount, youre pitting the mount on the scope 😊

[@the_space_koala]

In fact I’m “mounting” my scope 😁😁

[@ApoorvaIyer]

What a small portable rig 😂 Jokes aside do you worry about the center of balance on the tripod without the counterweight?

[@the_space_koala]

not really! The tripod has relatively long legs so my barycenter always remains well within the "triangle" of the legs

[@gcampagn]

What about the counter-weights? You're really straining your telescope mount if you don't use counter-weights to counter-balance your telescope. I always put the counter-weights on my mount first BEFORE I load my Celestron 11 inch HD scope on it.

[@the_space_koala]

strain wave gear mounts do not require counterweights - the motor is under no strain whatsoever

[@gcampagn]

@@the_space_koala Wow! I really did not know this! No counter-weights required? I have a CGEM DX mount for my 11 inch and I have to use counter-weights. I will certainly be doing research on this type of mount. By the way, what's the weight of a mount like this one that you're using?

[@the_space_koala]

This one weighs about 9kg and can carry approx up to 30kg without a counterweight. It’s linked in the description

[@jonathanpearceff]

You almost need something like a scissors jack with a flat surface, so you can wind the jacks handle and lift the scope.

[@the_space_koala]

I looked into hydraulic lift tables but they're just as heavy as the scope :D

[@Carl-ro1ub]

Search for Motorcycle lift stand. The ones for motorcross bikes. They're only cheap. They are lower than your stool but with a lever, lift a lot higher. You would need to fix a board to the top of it, similar in size to your scope. Might work better. Sweet scope BTW ! wow.

[@the_space_koala]

I looked into those but they weigh as much as the scope itself 😁

[@Carl-ro1ub]

@@the_space_koala Nooo, they're small. Lift with one hand, easy.

[@the_space_koala]

@@Carl-ro1ub do you have a model for me to check out?

[@Carl-ro1ub]

@@the_space_koala I loaded a link but it must have been removed 😞 Look for ones specific to motorcross bikes or trials bikes. Its a small rectangular platform that is raised by a manual lever at one side. They're a one person lift easy.

[@ziggyfrnds]

I was going to ask how you balance that thing in dec but then I realized you have a harmonic mount :) BTW aren't you afraid that thing will tip over? How do you make sure the setup remains in balance? Because it looks like the mount head itself is much lighter than the OTA. Thanks for sharing BTW

[@the_space_koala]

the tripod I use here is a very nice one. I also got the extra feet for it which are a bit heavier and extremely stable. This thing would definitely not tip over in any condition in which I would be imaging with such a focal length. Of course if it's very windy it may be risky when the tube is near the meridian but I don't think I would be able to image in those conditions anyway!

[@ziggyfrnds]

@@the_space_koala thanks for the quick reply. You have a new subscriber. Also your other videos are interesting too. You go into so much detail it's difficult for a beginner like me to keep up but totally worth it 😁

[@the_space_koala]

@@ziggyfrnds thank you very much! yes the "deep dive" series is meant to be exhaustive. However, I am currently working on a beginner-friendly series, still addressing technically crucial questions but in a more easily digestible, structured way

[@tubedude54]

Please use a counterweight to balance not only the polar axis but also the tripod! I kept waiting for the entire rig to topple over!

[@the_space_koala]

Hope you’re not too disappointed it didn’t! 😉 it is actually very stable as is!

[@tubedude54]

@@the_space_koala Well... you have easily $20k sitting on that tripod... just step back and look at it hanging there to one side... I'd hate to hear that it took a dive...

[@ТимурНорматов-ь1у]

Ahhh, there's a proofreader. You propped him up on the edge of the chair. My heart almost stopped

[@VisionCommunications]

Nice job!

[@the_space_koala]

Thanks!

[@Alan-vk6bk]

Your alot braver than I'd be!!!

[@the_space_koala]

It’s this or the tube sits in the corner :(

[@christophdunkel1562]

I got a similar setup but fail to platesolve with nina with any of the recommended plate solvers. How are you doing this?

[@the_space_koala]

I have never had an issue with that, not even at f/11 - unless you're using a tiny sensor? Of course a plate solve won't work for something like a planet. In Nina I recommend using ASTAP and if you're having difficulty you can always download the larger star database for fainter reference stars!

[@muayaddrdentist2313]

This make my bones suffering it's better for observatory otherwise it may be damaged or the mount wear soon😊

[@the_space_koala]

it is not even remotely challenging for the mount :) I do wish for an obsy though

[@Norm42551]

It still looks a little risky to me. I have my mount, counterweights and 14” Meade OTA on wheels. I agree with a previous comment that someone should devise a portable hoist with either handcrank or small motor that can lift and hold the OTA while it is being seated on the mount.

[@the_space_koala]

That would be nice but definitely much less portable, I guess 😊 I need to throw all this in my car to go to my dark site. A lift that is heavier then the OTA doesn’t solve my problem unfortunately

[@the_space_koala]

That would be nice but definitely much less portable, I guess 😊 I need to throw all this in my car to go to my dark site. A lift that is heavier then the OTA doesn’t solve my problem unfortunately

[@santiagomadruga4298]

Good technic...and impressive tripod A shame is so expensive.

[@the_space_koala]

I know, tell me about it! It's great but I wish it was more affordable.

[@dgreset]

Even if your mount is able to handle it easily, you should put a counterweight to have the center of gravity above the tripod ;-)

[@the_space_koala]

it is above the tripod

[@fritzarken74]

Funziona, non vedo alcun problema, sicuramente sai dove é grossomodo il baricentro del C14, che a vederlo cosi sembra sbilanciato ma credo che lo specchio pesi un bel po' ... Neggia, bel posto.

[@the_space_koala]

oltre lo specchio, la cella che lo tiene pesa tantissimo. Quindi centrando quella parte rimane comunque più o meno bilanciato anche se si aggiunge una camera sul retro o qualcosa sul fronte. Almeno abbastanza bilanciato per una montatura che non richiedere un bilancio preciso

[@WilliFromEarth]

Do you have a guide scope?

[@the_space_koala]

I don’t use guide scopes, for deep sky I use an OAG (off axis guider)

[@WilliFromEarth]

@@the_space_koala Me, too. Askar OAG is great.

[@kajouman]

no counterweight? 🧐

[@the_space_koala]

nope, the scope is about 21kg as shown here, the mount can go up to 30kg without a counterweight, and the tripod is very stable

[@kajouman]

@@the_space_koala wow.

[@mikehardy8247]

This is scary as hell. One stong harmonic drive!

[@the_space_koala]

It is scary when you first see it but I’ve had this mount for 2 years and I absolutely trust it 😁

[@mikehardy8247]

This isn't a puny AM5. Considering it's capabilites and price, I now better understand. Hope your tripod is tip proof.

[@the_space_koala]

Yes the tripod is also a very nice one (CYG48)

[@jackfrost4033]

Don’t let me down 😮

[@the_space_koala]

I can't tell if you typed this before or after the operation lol

[@byronoh8857]

If I knew your technique I wouldn't have sold my HD11. Thanks.

[@the_space_koala]

glad this helps! With my C11 I don't usually do this though, I find I can easily mount it by pointing the mount to the west and placing it on top horizontally.

[@seguendoilvento]

From my little experience and my little intuition, I recommend a bigger chair so that the C14 can rest on it entirely

[@the_space_koala]

yeah something sturdier would be nice for sure!

[@karisabnyi3137]

Where you get the money for this? :)

[@the_space_koala]

Like I said it was 10 bucks! 😁 jokes aside second hand market and in general being financially irresponsible 😁

[@Birko64]

Hi Lusa. It is scary just watching you. Not sure I would trust a $10000 scope to a $10 stool ! I get a cold sweat just lifting my C8 onto my EQ6 !! You are brave.

[@the_space_koala]

Really! I’ve never had a C8 but I have a RASA 8, it must be around the same weight, no?

[@skycr1819]

How can be possible put the telescope on the floor without anything 🤐

[@the_space_koala]

It has a metallic cap on the front

[@perry92964]

my father told me all the time when i was young, "you dont have to work hard if you work smart"

[@John-fy7hx]

💯👏👏👏

[@ajlbeer]

Epic!!!!

[@steveking2034]

Is it stable with this tripod

[@the_space_koala]

yes it is very stable.

[@kukuriku73]

I hope it will never fall over 😮

[@the_space_koala]

God I hope so too 😁 I hold on to it on the stool and the tripod is super stable!

[@robertsonsid]

Wow. Being older in Canada I like grab and go. Otherwise, I would just stay inside. Clear skies.

[@the_space_koala]

Everything is grab and go if you try hard enough 😁 but I fully get it!

[@Lord_Volkner]

Technical Specs for C14: Focal length: 3910 mm ... WOW! Aperture: 355.5 Focal ratio: f/11 Highest useful magnification:: 840x ... WOW! weight: 46 lbs (21 kg) # of people who own one: 4

[@the_space_koala]

Hahaha then I know all the owners! We should form an exclusive club

[@Lord_Volkner]

@@the_space_koala Save a spot in the club house for me. I suspect I'll be a member in a few more years.

[@michaelkohl2250]

Wow this looks like a nightmare. Thank got I'm a tall man, I usually hold my c14 with one hand and screw with the other haha

[@oakleywindowcleaning]

Holy smokes, that C14 is ferkin’ mahoosive…..

[@oakleywindowcleaning]

Love that though. I’m thinking a C14 could be a fun investment….

[@StarPicturesMiami]

I was very nervous watching you do this. . .

[@the_space_koala]

hahah I was very nervous the first time I tried it! I feel more confident now

[@nikaxstrophotography]

What mount is this?

[@the_space_koala]

it is a rainbow astro - it is linked in the description

[@nikaxstrophotography]

@@the_space_koala thank you :)

[@paulbenoit249]

Maybe this is me, but I would be dead scred to put a C14 on top of such a flimsy set up, especially having the scope center of gravity stepping out of the triangle support resulting in the whole thing tipping over!! This is the scary part in general about harmanic drive, no need to balance, hence by default not in balance.

[@the_space_koala]

what makes you think this setup is flimsy? It is actually very stable. the legs of this tripod are quite long, the tube is within the legs even at meridian

[@paulbenoit249]

@@the_space_koala We use to see C14s rather on CGXL style mounts with tripods tubes that are 70mm wide, but fine if 48mm diameter tubes are rigid enough to support what I suspect could end up being at least 25kg load (not counting the mount) once all the accessories are mounted on. Now and eventhough the tube appears to be still within the legs area when at meridian, would not take much of a hit in the tube for the whole thing to lose balance. Personally I keep harmonic mounts for light set up (small refractors, lenses, ...) to make the package as small and light possible, but use a conventional (actually not that convention, Avalon mount) design for heavier loads like my 10"RC, ....call me old school, that is fine!

[@the_space_koala]

@@paulbenoit249 sure, traditional GEM mounts are great (probably many are a lot better in accuracy than this) and I’m sure I’ll get one if I have a fixed setup. When I bought the C14 it came with a CGEM DX and I had absolutely 0 desire to deal with that so I sold it 😁 the tripod can support up to 180kg so this payload is not a challenge for it, and it’s also well under the capacity of the mount. I used this setup with a double OTA config before with my C11 and a 130mm refractor, overall much heavier and longer and had no issues in stability there either.

[@sHuRuLuNi]

You need an observatory :)

[@the_space_koala]

I do, but I live in a very light polluted place, it would be a real waste of a C14 :D

[@MikeLikesChannel]

And I thought the C11 was a beast.

[@the_space_koala]

I have to say the C11 is the telescope that I use the absolute most! It's large but manageable and I like the field of view I get with it

[@Evelis-v7n]

What?…..!! the telescope unprotected on the ground!? When I herd the noise hitting even gently the hard surface, I couldn’t continue the video..

[@the_space_koala]

It has a metallic cap on the front

[@paulomribeirojr]

You may have just resurrected an old tube that I've had tossed in a corner for the same reason.

[@the_space_koala]

Oh poor little (big) C14!!

[@peterknight1245]

I actually have a 9.25 on order, but now I think I should have gone bigger...

[@the_space_koala]

are you thinking you definitely want to make your life harder? :D

[@peterknight1245]

@@the_space_koala Yes, life will be harder, but I'll have severe buyer's remorse if I don't get the biggest scope I can get :) Actually, though, I'm limited by my AM5 mount, so I think I need to stick with the 9.25 for now. That mount looks amazing.

[@the_space_koala]

that's a good choice. I have imaged with my C11 on my RST135 (which has the same motor as the AM5) but it's super sensitive to wind and it only worked well on a stable pier. So the C9.25 may be the sweet spot for you!

[@crazyblingo]

🔭🌟👍💓

[@woody5109]

Good job Miss Koala

[@the_space_koala]

Thank you 🐨