Supercharge Your Newtonian! - Backyard Universe Upgrade Kit

[@rmuhlack]

I have also upgraded my Skywatcher 200PDS with the Backyard Universe primary mirror mask and secondary mirror spider, together with the BU 3D printed secondary mirror cover. All together I think its made a big difference to the diffraction pattern and star shapes that the scope produces, as well as vastly improving collimation stability. Well worth the upgrade.

[@lukomatico]

Good to hear that mate!! - super upgrades :-)

[@viewintospace]

I did not watch the video yet (will do later) but already this: YOUR CLIPART ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!! So cool!!!!!! 😎

[@lukomatico]

Thanks Sascha, glad you like it haha!! :-D

[@Jcorban08]

What an brilliant idea to make this video! It was very helpful to see installation upgrades. Now you make me want to buy a newt!

[@lukomatico]

So happy to hear you found it useful my friend, thank you very much for taking the time to leave a positive message!! 👍👍

[@richardnellyer2334]

Already done this to my 200P-DS collimation is super stable now and it really stiffens up the tube. Great upgrade!!

[@lukomatico]

Excellent to hear that mate!! it seems very solid indeed now :-D

[@KevinRudd-w8s]

Hi Luke, just my way of doing jobs like this. First remove the primary mirror cell and keep somewhere safe and covered. Then support the tube on the mount - you will then be able to support the tube at any orientation you wish while working on the secondary mirror spider. I have been thinking about upgrading my old SW 150P for a while now but haven't got round to it. As I just spent most of my annual astronomy budget on a new refractor it probably will stay on the to do list for a while longer. There was nothing boring about this video Luke, I found it very interesting, I actually wish there were more videos on upgrading existing gear.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much for the kind message! - I've definitely done work like this with the tube left on a mount before, it's very good advice you offer :-) I only did it on the floor so I could get it somewhere well-lit and filmable for KZbin, otherwise I'd be doing it your way! Cheers!

[@ekalbkr]

Thanks Luka! I'm looking at getting a SW reflector and know this needs to be done. It always helps to see someone else do it first!

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much for watching mate!

[@markparsons8494]

I did the mirror mask this weekend on my Quattro 150 - waiting for the replacement spider I ordered to come in. Very timely to see this in my feed. Thanks for the video Luke!

[@lukomatico]

That is awesome! I'm impressed by the parts I must say 👍

[@deep_space_dave]

As always, excellent video. Pretty awesome that there's a nice upgrade path for that scope. Can't wait to see the images you capture with it! Clear Skies!

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much Dave my friend!! :-D It should be fun to do some upcoming comparisons now!

[@Astro_Shed]

Great video Luke, looks like a great upgrade..looks like that spider you removed left a web on your primary mirror….😂😂👍🏻

[@lukomatico]

Haha, no kidding!! :-D maybe I'll have to do a cleaning video, it did look bad on camera!! 😅

[@tomatomaeg]

Good stuff. I got my 6" Quattro with this kit too. Took the time for flocking and painting parts at the same time. My newt is now a absolute imaging weapon

[@lukomatico]

Excellent advice!! I really should have done all that too, but I guess this way I can see how much of an upgrade just those parts are at least, before doing the other stuff! 👍

[@tomatomaeg]

Well the 6" has no baffles so it kinda has to be done. Lint rolled the flocking like crazy and it still gives off some fibers. A paint solution would be better but damn it can be a hassle. I only painted the focuser base, its adapter plate, and various nuts/bolts and the steel plate for the guide shoe inside the tube. Looks like ur secondary has some more enthusiastic deburring by skywatcher. Mine as a slightly bigger gauge. I edge painted it but chose a sharpie for the control and its too reflective :( @@lukomatico Newt modding is FUN. Oh yeah thanks for the tip about the rear light leak, just plugged mine up too

[@lukomatico]

Thank you for sharing!! They are a lot of work, but a lot of fun hey! :-D Clear skies!

[@grahamwhite75a]

Luke love your KZbin thumbnail with the flames coming out of the newt! Love it.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks mate, glad you like it haha! :-D

[@MrGeert1972]

You will love it I have done that to my 150p Quattro and I love it. I also did flock the interior off my tube cause I didn’t have the baffling. And it made a Hugh difference.

[@lukomatico]

Brilliant, so glad to hear it's been a worthy upgrade path!! :-) it seems very stable now!

[@MrGeert1972]

@@lukomatico it will hold collimation much better. You won’t be disappointed

[@GoldenJackalTutorial]

Luke, my man, I just ordered this and I found your video in the recommended when scrolling through KZbin. The cookies are working brilliantly lol. Will upgrade my 10" SkyWatcher Newton and I literally can't wait to snap a picture of a bright star, to see those sharp diffraction spikes go way across the entire image. Will also flock the inside with some matte adhesive velour for less tube reflection (cause there are many). Nice to see an installation video before doing the upgrade myself. Thanks for the video, cheers 🍺

[@lukomatico]

Excellent mate!! - congratulations on the upgrades, I think you'll like them!! :-) Clear skies!

[@boaty1968]

A worthwhile upgrade Luke , I upgraded my 200p the same but for a fraction of the price using a well known Chinese market place , very well made too

[@lukomatico]

Interesting to know mate!! I didn't know about the alternatives available, cheers!

[@LogansAstro]

Looks like a very nice upgrade for the Newt.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks ever so much Logan!! :-D

[@gflasman]

I nearly got a heart attack when you were holding all these things over the primary! Horror movie material right there :D

[@OlliesSpace]

Thats looks a super cool upgrade Luke. I was forever chasing collimation on my 150pds but this looks like it would help a lot, Ill bear in mind should I return to the Newt one day. BTW I laughed reading comments, doesn't matter how many times you explain you're doing it this way just for a video somebody always likes to point out how it should be done. I can virtually feel your eyes rolling reading them. 😂 Clear skies mate.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much Ollie!! :-D I'm sure they mean well haha, well - at least I hope so xD Be well dude!

[@withintheviewfinder5994]

Beautiful work on the thumbnail and great video as always, Luke. I have considered installing a mirror mask in my Explore Scientific 152mm Maksutov-Newtonion to reduce diffraction spikes and I like the idea of a metal mask instead of a plastic mask. Thanks for sharing the details on how you did this. Wkr - Henning

[@lukomatico]

Thank you so much Henning!! :-) I think it would be a great upgrade for the mak-newt, they are beautiful scopes so deserve to be perfected! Clear skies to you my friend!

[@SimonsAstro]

Nicely done Luke! Good upgrade, clear skies mate👍

[@lukomatico]

Clear skies my friend!! 👍👍

[@Tony-Elliott]

Great instructions mate will be good to see how much improvement this upgrade makes,

[@lukomatico]

Thanks mate!! The secondary collimation was much easier and I like the appearance of the spikes on this 👍 more to come!

[@stephenjonesbodon]

Thoroughly enjoy your videos mate. Need more on your reflector/s. I remember the 250pds days. Really interested in your mods, ie your electrical tape . Maybe a video on how you attach your image train, coma corrector etc. No filter wheel , back focus. I watch all your videos but I subscribed today as I really like the ol reflectors. Great stuff.

[@lukomatico]

Hey thanks so much for that mate, I really appreciate the support!! :-D I'll have a look into more videos about the newt if people are enjoying them! Clear skies!

[@kyzercube]

Love the video. I've also got a SW 200p, but the last thing I want is for flames roaring out of it 🤣

[@lukomatico]

Well it'd certainly keep the dew at bay at least!! 😂😂

[@petecarpenter1068]

Thanks Luke, as I have this scope it was a very worthwhile watch for me, however please, please do some content on how to collimate these correctly. I’ve seen lots of peoples opinions but they don’t demonstrate like you do. I believe you’ve said in the past that you have the Farpoint kit as do I, but even Farpoint couldn’t tell me definitively how to use their tools correctly especially the automatic collimating tool which is in no way “automatic”. Cheers mate.

[@lukomatico]

Thank you so much Pete!! I'll have to think about how best to try and film the process while describing what's going on well, it can be challenging! 😅 Hope you're doing well mate 🙏

[@PhilPassmore]

Hi Luke, great video as ever. Just wanted to point out that Pozidrive and Phillips screws are NOT the same, and it can really pay, especially on tight fittings to make sure you use the correct one so it fits the 'cross' as closely as possible.

[@lukomatico]

Absolutely true mate aye, bad habit of mine! 👍

[@kanellosdimitropoulos9759]

Very nice tutorial Luke, have the parts, waiting for some flocking paper to do this mod to my 150p as well! Hope it goes smoothly as yours! 👊

[@lukomatico]

Superb mate!! That sounds like you're doing a proper upgrade, should be a huge improvement! :-)

[@petesastrophotography]

Great guide Luke. I spied these a couple of days ago on the FLO website. Machining the spider from a solid piece of aluminium is definitely the way to go. It's a pity Skywatcher don't do this themselves, with their buying power I bet they could produce them a lot cheaper than Backyard Universe can do them for. I think these paired with the Backyard Universe carbon tubes would create a really nice scope.

[@lukomatico]

Oh mate absolutely yeah, I wish they upgraded the current line of newts and just put out better products - as they come from the box they are pretty poor aren't they! Thank you for watching my friend!

[@seanod42]

You can get a secondary mirror cover also

[@MountainFisher]

I had my 150mm or 6 inch mirror refigured and it turned out 1/12th wave and .98 Strehl with a 96% reflectivity recoat (what I sent my mirrors in for in the first place). So I turned a $125 pawn shop C6-N into Takahashi quality optics and I had to put a decent focuser on it. One guy in my club loves to use it for photography and he says its clarity is second to none. I love it for visual at high power in dark skies outside town in Bortle three/two skies. Now that's a supercharge. I'm a retired engineer and I changed my vanes from the 1mm thick steel by 8mm wide it came with to .8mm thick titanium by 10mm wide and can tighten tension to a medium tension. The Titanium I used is anodized flat black and is stiffer than the steel. So I then put a stiffening ring around the outside of the front as most of my collimation was from the front flexing and it looks like your spider will deal with that issue too. My secondary mirror is set back from the front more than yours is and I still put a 150mm dew shield made from thin plastic. I replaced all Phillips screws with Allen hex head screws as I did not like having to push hard on a Phillips head to get it loose. Way too easy to slip and hit my mirror. I'm surprised you didn't replace yours. You actually cleaned your mirror off camera didn't you?😁 Know the difference between Skywatcher and Celestron is? Not much anymore as they're both owned by Synta of Taiwan. Each company has a different focus though. Celestron has the SCTs, while SW has the upscale refractors. I have a SW 127mm Mak and bought my son a Celestron Nexstar 127 SLT go-to setup and they are the same scope, just a different paint job. I was surprised. I must say I prefer the Celestron Nexstar to Skywatcher Synscan. My favorite control system is the iOptron Go2Nova, fits my needs better with its 112,000 objects database as I like searching out multiple star systems. If they don't have it no one else does and it is easier for me to remember. I printed out their function cascade and it is totally intuitive. Also computer upgradeable if you want to put in a new catalogue.

[@uschi414]

Have you had a chance to image with the Quattro after the upgrade? I'd be interested to hear your opinion of the star shapes and diffraction spikes with the new spider and mirror mask.

[@uschi414]

And just for anyone else watching this considering the upgrade, I just installed my Backyard Universe secondary and primary mirror mask on my 10” newt and had no problem getting either of the white end rings off. But I did have a bit of a fit removing the mirror clips. There are 6 of them on the 10” and the screws had a weak threadlocker on them. It took my considerable work to remove the 12 screws holding the 6 clips. But once they were removed, they went back in a lot easier.

[@lukomatico]

Hey mate! Sorry about the late reply, - I've been happy with the backyard universe parts for sure, I'm just a bit tired of my newt in general though lately, perhaps a carbon tube would help but it's more expense still haha! Cheers!

[@uschi414]

@@lukomatico no worries - it was an older video and you replied relatively quickly! Sorry to hear you’re tired of your newt. But this is a hobby (even if you’re making a job of it with KZbin) and it’s suppose to be fun. Either it will draw out a spark from you again, or it won’t. As long as you have fun with whatever scope scope you’re shooting with that’s what matters.

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

Nice upgrade mate I've been thinking about doing the same to my 250P, maybe I will after this years galaxy season.

[@lukomatico]

Well worth it if you're having issues with collimation stability I'd say! :-) Clear skies mate!

[@RumourHasitYT]

As long as the your happy with the result it up to you how you tackle it. I learned that with my Mak180 video. I got loads of comments about what I was doing wrong 😂

[@lukomatico]

Haha!! Agreed mate, I'm sure everyone means well though 🙏 no harm done!

[@seanod42]

I have put them on my 150p quattro

[@tangotango256]

At 17:55 why isn't that mirror clean ???

[@jensleuteritz6827]

Didn't knew you still have a SW newt besides your other partly much better scopes. I did the same upgrades last autumn and really like the image quality now. It's fun to tune your own telescope and a newtonian is so good to practice tuning. Would be a bit boring without it 😅

[@lukomatico]

I agree mate, tinkering can be a whole lot of fun can't it! :-D that said, there are some days I yearn for the simplicity of a refractor again lol!

[@mikasorjonen]

I 3d printed those parts my 150P

[@jimwoods3575]

I saw this upgrade a few months back and it looks great. I personally love the diffraction spikes but I really hate collimation. My question is does this actually make collimation easier? I feel the SW secondary mirror spider vane combo is garbage. I have to collimate every single time i use the scope... even from last night to today with no movement at all it will be out significantly. This question isn't solely to you Luke, but to others that may read this. The 200P is a great Newt and I enjoy using it. Thanks for any response :)

[@lukomatico]

Hey Jim! Great question mate, it does make collimation a little easier, but most importantly it's more stable so collimation will be held for longer 👍 I feel it's a worthwhile upgrade if you love the scope and plan to keep it long term, but if you are perhaps thinking of a change soon then I'd not bother - that's my gut feeling! All the best mate

[@jimwoods3575]

@@lukomatico Thank you for responding. It's been a love hate relationship with the 200P. Great focal length, great images when all is working well and it surprisingly held focus very well (before the EAF went on.) The collimation has always been the toughest part. The spider vane upgrade will likely be next and hopefully soon. Hope your skies have been clear!

[@Jim_Astro]

Great work like always, thanks

[@lukomatico]

Thanks so much my friend!! :-)

[@philleng480]

Will be interesting to see the difference the spider makes. Primary mask got done a long time ago cos the diffraction spikes were horrible. Will it be a £200 improvement, we will see. I noticed you had the 2ry heater cable floating above the OTA aperture, is that better than running it along the back of the vein (which I do but it disturbs the diffraction spikes ... again). Is the new vein wide enough to put it on top? Nice one and thank you.

[@lukomatico]

Thanks mate!! - I got the opportunity to test it and I'm very happy so far, - I think it's worth the money if you're sufficiently frustrated with the stock spider, haha!! :-D RE: the heater cable, along a vane would be great preferable to what I did, mine as shown here was just a pretty temporary measure. I think the vane is wide enough to 70% hide the wire!

[@mikeharden7904]

I don't remember seeing any other video about that Skywatcher Newtonian from you. Did you replace the focuser? If so, what brand?

[@lukomatico]

Hey Mike! - it's just the standard focuser :-) I did straighten it up a bit though and sort the pinion tension, from factory it was pretty badly setup. There's a few vids about the scope on my channel if you ever fancy watching them!

[@seanod42]

Hi Luke. Can you tell me how you fixed your mini pc to your scope it looks better than what i used if they are available to perches can you let me know where you got it from thanks Sean

[@lukomatico]

Hey Sean! - it was just a small 3d printed clamp really mate, I printed it out from some files online and made a few modifications to work with the mini PC, so it's a custom solution!

[@qx3V45p]

Loosen the spider before trying to remove the front ring. Ring should be cast aluminum... These kits can be had for much less $$$ from Ali Express BTW.

[@lukomatico]

Great advice there on the front ring, I'll remember that one! 👍👍 Re: the kits on AliExpress, I'll have to check those out - I had no idea!

[@hanasparuh7031]

I bought a set from Aliexpress a few weeks ago for around £80 - the spider is perfect but the mirror mask was made of cardboard or some other soft material and wasn't even painted black... Still a lot cheaper than the local stockists

[@qx3V45p]

@@hanasparuh7031 Almost sounds like laser cut Acrylic with the protective paper covering still attached :P

[@hanasparuh7031]

@@qx3V45p I thought the same thing but tried removing the paper no luck and ended up just painting it matte black...

[@anata5127]

What about selling this scope and RASA11; and getting Tak Epsilon 160ED, which has all these upgrades and unparalleled quality.

[@lukomatico]

It's a tough question! - I like the Epsilon range and would love to test one out myself someday, but I don't feel massively driven to make it happen in a hurry! I do enjoy my other scopes still :-D

[@CMOS-Astrophoto]

Brave man 😀

[@lukomatico]

There's a fine line between brave and foolish! I wonder which side of the line I'm on? :-D haha! Thanks for watching bud!

[@nxu5107]

Thanks for this. Do they do the upgrade for Orion Optics scopes?

[@lukomatico]

They do indeed I think, you'd have to contact them to make sure but I think the GSO kit will be the right one for an Orion 👍

[@nxu5107]

Many thanks for the response Luke. You and Cuiv are an absolute blessing to this hobby,.Thanks for all your efforts.

[@astroshooter1960]

I got rid of an 8 inch newt because of the problems I was having with .... I should have kept it and tried this on it...😢

[@lukomatico]

Ahh I don't blame you at all for being frustrated with your old newt mate, they're hard scopes to love I think, haha! Clear skies 👍👍

[@filipdziegielewski4742]

I have both already:)

[@lukomatico]

Excellent!! Hope you are enjoying them :-)

[@filipdziegielewski4742]

@@lukomatico Of course. Especially the cnc spider does an amazing job. Currently, I already have a Baader diamond extractor, which is waiting for replacement, because unfortunately the one I have is not of sufficient quality and there is quite a significant tilt in the focuser. Although the new BXT is very good at repairing stars, I personally prefer that the script didn't interfere with it and it was just fine :) Regards and I wish the channel to develop as best as possible

[@Zealor365]

Hopefully you cleaned the secondary while it was out...

[@lukomatico]

The secondary was ok, but admittedly that primary did look rather dirty on camera, haha!! 😅

[@southbronxny5727]

I can't believe you didn't that dirty mirror. A least a little blower. I don't have newt but maybe one day.

[@lukomatico]

Hehe, it wasn't as bad as that overhead light & camera angle made it look I promise! :-P

[@matadorbeagles1120]

I have an Explore Scientific N208CF. Thinking of installing Backyard Universe CNC Spider. Have you found the CNC Spider holds collimation better than the original tensioned spider? I am also looking to replace the stock focuser with a Baader Diamond Steeltrack as there is a little play and slop in the stock focuser when loaded with Astrophotography gear. THANKS

[@lukomatico]

Hey there! I've certainly found it holds collimation way better than the stock spider, no comparison! :-) Hope that helps!

[@tangotango256]

Ummmm as a 40 year experience auto technician some blue Loctite is in order, those screws are awfully loose on the primary mirror I would think it would be best to secure them as they are semi permanent ....Just a thought

[@mark2220]

Wish someone would make these for GSO Newts 😑

[@MrLewis-oj4ms]

If you click the link to Backyard Universe in the description, they actually make this same set for GSO Newts.

[@mark2220]

@@MrLewis-oj4ms My hero. I guess I assumed since I only ever saw this being done on Sky Watchers. Thanks!

[@lukomatico]

Thanks for watching!! 👍

[@PtiteSerra]

Hi Luke, thank you for the video :) I have been meaning to upgrade my 200p with Backyard Universe kit for quite some time now. Do you have any tips for setting up the proper offset when collimating the secondary after installing the kit? I am worried about this part >_

[@lukomatico]

Hey Serra! Thanks for watching :-D the offset is built-in on these secondary mirrors, the secondary mirror itself is mounted offset on the stalk at factory 👍 (you can slightly control centering of the secondary mirror with the original spider though, this upgrade should just be naturally centered) Hope that helps!

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Nice.

[@lukomatico]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@nikaxstrophotography]

That mirror is doing things to my OCD , pretty sure it had cobwebs :)

[@lukomatico]

Sorry mate, haha! It did look bad on camera hey 😅

[@jesuspineiro1622]

You have me very nervous seeing how you are manipulating pieces right on the primary mirror 😅

[@lukomatico]

Sorry haha!! :-D Hope you are doing well my friend 🙏

[@joakimastro]

I havnent had a Newtonian for a year but I watched the entire video..

[@lukomatico]

That's going above and beyond man, tusen takk!

[@evemitchellanderson]

You didn't clean it 😭

[@robertgrenader858]

OMG, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease clean that primary mirror. Looking at it was painful.

[@lukomatico]

It looks preeeeeeety bad on camera doesn't it, haha!! - Maybe time for a mirror cleaning video.. Clear skies mate!

[@clipper99]

Pardon my ignorance here, but can we just talk a little bit about that primary mirror? Obviously, you’re not concerned about what to me looks like an extraordinary amount of dirt and cat hair? Human hair? Scratches? I’m just wondering why something that looks apparently so filthy can produce such a great image. Lol.

[@lukomatico]

Hey mate! That's a good question! - the camera angle here with hard lighting overhead made it look far worse than it really is, the hair/scratches are actually just some small spider webs, no harm 👍 Shining a powerful light at your optics can make you pretty much cringe with how dirty it'll look after just one season of regular use, but it's really only a few percent of reflectivity being lost/ light scattered 👍 Folk with remote observatories that can't cap their scopes, now those will be some dirrrrtttyy optics!! 😅 Hope that helps!

[@clipper99]

@@lukomatico Thanks, it does! Cheers!

[@TheRickFoxes]

ouch .. i can't watch.... the risk of dropping something on the mirror scares me too much

[@lukomatico]

You must have missed it but I do warn against doing this three separate times in the video, I'm doing it upright for filming purposes only!

[@ijontichy7179]

It was horrifying to watch you doing all that unscrewing over the mirror! Luke don't do that again, please.

[@lukomatico]

You must have missed it but I do warn against doing this three separate times in the video, I'm doing it upright for filming purposes only!

[@edwardgill1042]

Myself as well! Suggest removing the primary first, since you had to anyway, and putting it safely aside. Then the secondary upgrade, then the primary ring upgrade. Thanks for the demo anyway.

[@ijontichy7179]

@@lukomatico No, Luke, I heard it alright. But it hurt watch it anyway! Don't do it for filming either :)

[@musa7606]

You can always put a towel over the primary

[@lukomatico]

That's fair, haha - all good!

[@shubinternet]

Yeah, I couldn't watch that. The entire video I was able to force myself to watch, I kept looking down the tube to see what you would be drawing. Please do not ever do this again, especially not for filming purposes. If you want to film something like this again, find a different way to show it on-screen, and don't keep waving objects over the end of the vertical tube.

[@lukomatico]

Haha, it really wasn't all that bad mate 😅 it's not like I took an angle grinder to the mirror or something! Just trying to help people as best I can, even if it meant a slightly higher risk during filming. Cheers anyway, hope you have a nice day 👍

[@wesleyjohnson597]

jesus christ clean that mirror

[@lukomatico]

Haha, enjoy - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5K9i6qChL-tb6ssi=YO64xWN4Nl28gofU

[@Indigenouslandbasedknowledge]

I could not even enjoy this video as I was cringing the whole time watching you hold all those objects above the primary mirror. Plan and prepare better.

[@lukomatico]

You must have missed it but I do warn against doing this three separate times in the video, I'm doing it upright for filming purposes only!

[@Indigenouslandbasedknowledge]

@@lukomatico no, I heard it every time you said it but still couldn’t. There is no purpose for that is all.