Setting up an EQ Platform

Following up on last time where I talked about 'what even is an eq platform' - • What even is an EQ pla... This time I thought I'd show what it's like to actually set up an Equatorial Platform

[@notmyname327]

Really useful information. I was reading posts about platforms and even with pictures I couldn't understand how they work, now it's clear, thanks for showing all the details!

[@Fartymarty09]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this , has helped me tremendously 👍

[@jplacroix461]

Great information here Rob. I'm in the process of building my own from plans on the Internet. This helps a ton!

[@bonesshed.]

Can you share where the plans are please.

[@peterlewis1090]

Thanks Rob. Stll trying to work out which planets I can see from my back garden as the big 2 are still low down so I'm considering using it indoors and shooting out of my large window upstairs. At least I know the floor is flat!

[@StargazerRob]

I've heard that astrophotography from inside results in a lot of turbulence from the temperature difference, be interested to hear how you find it

[@oysterman555]

@@StargazerRob Will let you know. Jup/Sat aren't well placed from ground level. All my efforts to date have been from my 2nd floor and there's no heating on up there before I get started as it's mainly unoccupied.

[@ben1969350able]

You can repair your particle board holes where your feet attach with super glue and baking soda. Water resistant and soaks into the board and locks the fibers together.

[@LeeeB0]

thank you for this video. there seems to be so little easy to understand descriptions and examples of these EQ platforms for total beginners. You explained and actually showed it very well. Right now i am trying to decide if i should purchase one of these platforms. I wish i could buy your model here in the US though. There are not many options for an inexpensive EQ mount it seems.

[@StargazerRob]

Thank you Ludeape, glad it was useful to see in action. Yeah, they seem fairly niche

[@Digital__rb]

EQ tech platforms out of NY!

[@citizengkar7824]

During your platform alignment, to true North, do you allow for the magnetic declination (the relative difference between true & magnetic North, based on your global co-ordinates), which does vary? Nice clear, easy to understand video. Cheers. Your platform is definitely growing on me. Nice basic design, that's easy on the eye.

[@StargazerRob]

Thanks for the positive feedback! I don’t adjust for true north, I think they’re quite close for me, might be different for you

[@dw6528]

Thank you Rob! The roller which controls the movement - what is to prevent the top vertical arm from slipping downwards such that the movement is not controlled? Is the motorized roller on that side made out of hard rubber perhaps such that it won't slip? Also, I assume that the speed control potentiometer is part of a voltage control circuit? Do you know what the minimum and maximum voltages are for this particular motor? Sincere thanks!

[@StargazerRob]

Hi DW, thank you. There's a texture on the drive wheel that causes friction, preventing slipping. Don't know about the voltages sorry, David Lukehurst who built the platform for me may well be happy to answer that if you ask him directly

[@patindaytona]

Just got one. Will try to align it tonight. When it comes to leveling it is it just so the whole thing doesn't tip? (not having any alignment purpose). Depending on your latitude, i though it is supposed tilt (not level) towards true north?

[@stephanierolfe7579]

Hey! I just got one - an Asterion - I've only used the once but found getting the speed correct to be tricky....any tips or is it just practice practice practice? ......when the weather allows..... Thanks!

[@charlesburks3988]

Any links to get a eq platform in the USA. I can not not find anything. Thank you for any possible help. Clear skys happy hunting

[@bigdog1452]

Hello! I'm wondering if making one of these is worth it. Right now I'm using a 6 inch dob untracked and able to get like 15s videos on jupiter and try to get tons of them. My thought process is, that making a 130$ eq platform would be so much cheaper than a 700$ mount lol. Is it hard? Would It even track for like atleast 30s to a minute of the planets? Also would I be able to do EAA for deep space like m51 and other galaxies? Thanks!

[@StargazerRob]

I would think that even quite basic tracking would allow much longer for your planetary work. Higher precision would be good for deep sky. I don’t know how hard they are to make, I have no skills in that area 😅. Could work quite well for you potentially, with a 6” scope I’m thinking you’re probably working at a shorter focal length which makes things easier

[@esoxhnter]

When pointing north, should you account for magnetic declination?

[@StargazerRob]

Yeah certainly, if necessary. I don't find that it matters for my use

[@nkgabisengmafatshe3038]

Can you take an image for 10 to 15 seconds exposure with your Eq platform?

[@StargazerRob]

It'd be very unlikely I think, not necessarily impossible, but it doesn't track smoothly like a GEM

[@techworld8961]

New to the hobby. Does a goto Dobsonian eliminate the need for an equatorial platform for astrophotography?

[@wdavis6814]

This sort of mount uses the same equatorial principle that German equatorial mounts use; however, this sort of mount would be best suited for wide field astrophotography. If you're looking to photograph distant objects, like galaxies that aren't Andromeda, a proper polar alignment and autoguider are usually required to maintain the correct sidereal rate. There are excellent mounts, like iOptrons skyguider pro, that are still quite cheap. And there exists "Go-To" conversion kits (the $150 - $300 ones, not the cheapo plastic Celestron one) that do a phenomenal job if you want to buy a cheaper non-go-to mount to convert or just build your own.

[@Martinko_Pcik]

Hmm...this gives me doubts how much value this adds. I feel it barely tracks the target. This is push and go plus I guess. It doesn't precisely track the target any close to EQ mount

[@Digital__rb]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpLHdXlvjMaVppY Heres a vid of it in action, definitely a value to it, can get nice sections of video that can be compiled to crisp photos

[@CrossoverManiac]

0:25 - You need some leveling feet on it, preferably swivel leveling feet. watch?v=Hy1voOKNl6g

[@jimawhitaker]

Please fix or replace those feet. You are frightening me ♡

[@StargazerRob]

haha! Sorry! I've since un-dobsonianed that scope, foot problem solved