This FIXES my BIGGEST gripe with the REDCAT51 telescope!👍

Support me on Patreon!: / cuivlazygeek
EAF focuser mount
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Camera cable organizer
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Cable manager for ASIAIR mini
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Redcat51 Bahtinov Mask: www.ebay.co.uk... or www.ebay.co.uk...
Redcat 51 telescope: bit.ly/439wf3E
ZWO ASIAIR Mini: bit.ly/3OiGlv5
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My equipment
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[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Support me on Patreon!: www.patreon.com/cuivlazygeek EAF focuser mount www.etsy.com/listing/1163871474/ Camera cable organizer www.etsy.com/listing/985038855/ Cable manager for ASIAIR mini www.etsy.com/listing/1416774277/ Redcat51 Bahtinov Mask: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274951234332 or www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275840119898 Redcat 51 telescope: bit.ly/439wf3E ZWO ASIAIR Mini: bit.ly/3OiGlv5

[@Lacquerhead-TX]

I've been 3D printing accessories for my telescopes for years. Accessory rails for my iOptron piers, leg levelers for the same, all-sky camera and SQM meter housings, adapters, scope covers, etc. PETG is a pain to print but it does a fine job on mechanical parts. ASA is also a good material. I designed a focuser that used a cinema camera style Follow Focus rings which are essentially heavy rubber gears that you slide over the focus ring. That combined with a stepper and controller allows auto focus that you can easily disassemble to meet your same requirement.

[@nikivan]

This should be a pinned comment.

[@RodrigoPolo]

How can I contact the creator of this wonderful tool? I want to create something almost identical, but for a Tamron 150-600mm EF lens.

[@crawlbow6664]

RedCat Team combine!

[@simonpepper5053]

The Redcat was the first scope I got and it’s still my favourite. Thankfully I don’t need travel to image so the black cat mount suits me! Keep the videos coming Cuiv!

[@davehenzel2171]

I'm brand new to this and I'm putting together an order for my first setup. I decided to go with the RedCat 51 II with the ZWO EAF, and was curious how it was going to work together. This video is exactly what I needed to see and gives me a lot more confidence in this setup. Appreciate the video and your commitment to educating newbs!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Good choice!

[@t0bikage]

Hi! Just wondering if you ended up buying this and how it has held up. Would you recommend this to others?

[@perry3928]

Hi Cuiv and thanks. What a beautiful rig. I will be getting same setup. It's been cloudy here for months. Hesitant to get it in fear of prolonging this horrible weather lol.

[@heathbrook9478]

I traveled around Aus with a similar setup, using the gti sky watcher. I use to travel with a esprit’s 120 hahaha. I can vouch that this setup was great and I got some wonderful images especially while I worked in Uluru and northern South Australia. Also the fact that you can just pick up this setup as a whole and bring it inside when your finished is an added bonus.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yep, small and light has some incredible advantages!

[@TheJoshuaCarter]

Oh man, that's a nice portable rig. Gotta love these little scopes!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

It's a beautiful little thing :-)

[@tomhoskins4913]

Outstanding work. Cuiv. keep up the great work. It is great to see you come around to the ZWO side of the force.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks Tom! I think I've always acknowledged that the ASIAIR is very impressive - despite some limitations (some of which got fixed), but I still don't like the closed ecosystem :D

[@tomhoskins4913]

@Cuiv, The Lazy Geek It is th Apple 🍎 model, that is why I always went PC. I would be more upset if I did not like ZWO's other products. I was fortunate that I had ZWO camera s first.

[@TexasEngineerScotty]

One other thing I think will be nice is that there are some occasions I find when I want to adjust focus manually but cannot because my ZWO EAF is attached. With that set up it looks super easy to slip the belt off and do a manual adjustment without having to have the focusing attachment plugged in or having to deal with the lag of manually focusing through the ASIAIR interface.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Good point as well! Kind of a manual "clutch" solution. I wish the EAF had that :-)

[@GideonBAriel]

Just release the two nuts and focus manually. Don't forget to tying the nurs.

[@beatsntoons]

This looks great, thanks Cuiv. Always kept one eye on the Redcats. Ended up with an Askar FRA400 but that’s been giving me trouble so might look into one of these

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

What sort of issues do you have with the FRA400??

[@olly7248]

Excellent Cuiv, so tempted to swap out my fixed ring Redcat EAF setup 👍🏻

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Well, if what you have does work, don't fix it!! :P

[@olly7248]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek True, it works but the rig is quite cumbersome and difficult to balance as it has a lot of vertical extension with the extra pillar to space the EAF under the scope… I have a 2600mm Pro and 2” x 7 EFW at the back so anything that reduces the weight would be helpful… great video by the way, given me food for thought 👍🏻

[@Tom-i7m7i]

This is a great idea with the little slip in piece, as opposed to permanently mounting an entire ring. Like you said, this way lets you reverse the dew shield on the red cat for storage, and make it small for traveling. But I really like a competitors focusing system that puts the EAF bracket between the OTA and the Vixen dovetail. This way makes the width when lying flat small enough I can keep it in a smaller case. This system will not fit in my case, and I bought a Nanuk 920 just for it as the original WO soft case is not good enough.. If the two systems could marry and have the focus motor below the OTA but not have to put on a permanent ring, it would be ideal.

[@AntonioPena1]

Hello Cuiv, I have similar setup and I use NINa and ASIAIR as well, I like your focused mount, I use the one 3D printed with the ring and I have perfect focus always, your setup has missing important feature I use, a automatic Flat light and cover, has drivers for Nina and since I got it have perfect Flats with Redcat automated without hassle, also bias and darks, this is the flat light I use made by Deep Sky Dad Flat Field Panel for WO Redcat 51, you must check it and your setup will be completed. Thanks for sharing this focused mount, thinking on replacing mine, just because red. BTW I also bought Luke’s mask, since auto focus works 100%, I only used like you to validate.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Automated flats sounds like paradise!

[@stephanw196]

with this accessory in place would you choose the RedCat over the 61EDPH?

[@tonysauser7562]

I have similar setup. I would like to see a solar photo/viewing episode. Love your channel.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks for the idea :)

[@rashie]

👍👍- Gracias Cuiv!

[@BadYossa]

Whilst I'm saving up for my next scope, I've spaffed some cash on a 3D-printed rig for my Samyang 135, which takes a janky old D5100 DSLR or my spiffy new 585MC. I also have the autofocuser kit, which uses a ring/belt system similar to what you described. Only had it a few days and might get a chance to use it tonight. Whilst it is not an inconvenience to remove the belt and ring, as this lens will be permanently in the rig, I can see that these 3D printed rings are quite delicate and repeated swapping out could potentially damage the unit. I don't have access to a 3D printer and the supplier is Germany, which mean around 10 days for a replacement , with crazy fees/courier costs to get it to me in the UK. That use case alone makes me interested in an alternative or upgrade solution. Timing belts are readily available and cheap. Custom 3D parts are another thing altogether. A very useful and timely vid mate. Arigato gozaimasu Cuiv san

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That's a good point as well! Yeah 3D printed gears don't inspire confidence although in practice they should hold up quite well! But I did like the simplicity of the timing belt with that small tensioner, quite a smart way to deal with the problem

[@lukomatico]

Awesome bit of kit and a wonderful video as always! Looks better than the one we have on our redcat51 for sure (with the permanent ring as you mentioned) Also, imagine my surprise when I saw you'd shouted out my bahtinov mask haha! Thanks so much for that mate, really good of you 👍👍 Clear skies!

[@desmcmorrow2978]

Been using the deep sky dad system for last few years. Works flawlessly. However I get the point you are making about transportability. Now I am thinking that this might be a generic solution for attaching EAF to camera lenses. I have several absolutely super sigma lenses for Astro - 40mm and 18-35mm - which at f1.4 and f1.8 are tricky to manually focus. This may be a way to avoid having to print different focus rings for each and every lens. I was looking for a micro tensioner but this is a light bulb moment! Cheers, Des

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I hadn't realized there was that huge ecosystem of custom Redcat accessories! It's a shame that telescopes that come with helical focusers don't have a fully thought out solution by default (like the Askar 200 solution puts the EAF under the lens which is just bad design...)

[@desmcmorrow2978]

Indeed some of the solutions are really ingenious and make using the redcat even more of a pleasure. Best value scope in terms of quality per currency unit IMHO. Have an AM5 - also flawless - and an AM3 on order for a super portable setup. Thanks for all of the inspiring and informative videos. Cheers, Des

[@zborkz]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek The redcat 71 appears to have corrected that oversight with a built in geared ring for an EAF

[@marcusa3177]

Are those lenses fully-manual? Unless there are off-the-shelf scope rings that can fit said lenses, you'd still be printing a ring for each lens, and then there's the question of finding a timing belt with the right diameter. But hey - that's why conduit clamps exist, right? LOL Srsly though - I'd probably check for scope rings, and ask if the maker will sell a version of this such that the EAF bracket is just screwed into the M6 holes of said scope ring. Might just work, right?

[@zborkz]

@@marcusa3177 as far as a belt the diameter and teeth that is commonly used in 3d printing work perfectly with the ZWO AEF included gear assemblies

[@void_presence]

i've gone down the rabbit hole; I recently got an 8" dob; i have a Seestar S50 on the way; and this scope has caught my eye for if/when i get into 'real' astrophotography past the S50; super compact is a huge plus for me, plus it's RED--yes please. But it's going to be a while as i'll need to get an EQ mount for it too

[@MrGp3po]

Very cool EAF set up. Is it odd that my RedCat51 doesn't seem to drift in focus as the night cools? I use the Bhatinov mask to focus and it is always right on without adjustment. The RedCat51 is such a beautiful and high performance scope. So beautiful to crop photos and see images better than higher focal length scopes.

[@clearskiesastro1028]

Hi Cuiv, the ASIAIR backlash setting is really only used in manual focusing according to ZWO. The AF algorithm uses your AF step size and exposure time and thats' pretty much it, and it never reverses the focuser while finding the V curve, which is why backlash doesn't have any effect on it. Basically it only "backs up" before starting the V curve run, and then at the end of V-curve run to back up past the bottom of V-curve to find to final focus point. The amount it has to step back to get to that spot to start is big and so any normal or even large backlash amount will not have an adverse effect. I guess if one had a completely abnormal and massive amount of backlash, that the 2nd reverse to get past the V-curve bottom might not get past it, and fall on the "left side" by mistake instead of the right side of the V-curve, and then as its finding the fine focus point at the end, each successive iteration would yield a larger star size value. I'm not sure if the algorithm at that point would know it was on the wrong side of the V-curve and then backup even more to try a 2nd time, or just fail. Not sure how I would be able to test that scenario, if you have any ideas please message me directly.

[@ferenc-x7p]

There is a new RedCat coming out , the Redcat61 with a Rack&pinion focuser. I hope you get a sample of it, because the asking price currently nearly $1400 sounds way too much for me for a 60mm scope.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That's the internal focuser design version right? Yeah it does look like a beautiful scope!

[@gregmckay666]

Great looking rig but I'm waiting for the new RedCat that has the center-tube R&P focuser.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yes that looks awesome! Although since the knob will be right above the dovetail I'm worried about EAF compatibility

[@southbronxny5727]

I almost bought the redcat last month to make that dream setup.....but I resisted the impulse.....but it was hard.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

It's a beautiful scope... I was really surprised to see excellent star shapes in the corners of my APS-C sensor, I wish I had a full frame camera to do further tests with!

[@-Jeremiah-]

Cuiv! Love it. Chose the Redcat as my first scope because of the pluses you listed and the fact that I can add on things to improve my performance over time. That’s why I was so interested in the variable Askar? (That 60mm to 80mm scope you reviewed recently) Thanks for pointing out some things that I need keep in mind as I upgrade. Well… my Nikon, Redcat and star adventurer 2i are heading to the desert for a few days. I know it’s a full moon but it’s the American southwest, not Tokyo. Hehehe take care brother.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Oh wow enjoy your time in the desert!!

[@chinard]

I have been using the autofocus adapter from deepskydad for a while now just recently swapped it out for the latest model that once set up, can be installed and removed without tools and includes a tensioner knob which i quite a bit It doesn't let you reverse the dewshield like the one you demonstrated, but the tensioner looks more solid on the deepskydad focusser But yeah, once you have a competent focusser on the redcat, it can do amazing things

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Why do you even need a redcat if you have Tleilaxu eyes? :P although I guess they'd be just as affected by resolution limits!

[@mammouth2727]

Merci pour cette vidéo. J’ai le même setup mais avec le AM3 et je l’adore. Et oui… l’écosystème ZWO marche du tonnerre mais est plutôt fermé

[@gsevere2073]

I suppose I would have you do what I bought my Red51 for, which is mosaics of the Sadr region. I suppose a regular dslr and lens would work too but I couldn't help myself and bought the redcat 51 anyway. I love the idea of now having an auto fucus solution for this wonderful ota.

[@ciskje71]

1) PETG is not stronger than PLA but weeker under normal ambient temperature, PETG has a bigger glass transition temperature only. (a big pro for pieces that need to be outside in summer). PLA has a greater layer to layer adesion. 2) clearly the center line on the bahtinov mask image on asiair is slightly off center on the left

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks for the precision! Yeah PETG is more durable and more flexible as I understand it Someone else noted the same and did the calculation, the line is 0.93 pixels off center, which has effectively no effect. Could be due to the focuser, the ASIAIR focus algorithm, the sky not being fully dark yet, and other factors!

[@antn8387]

I just got a RedCat51, same set up except I need to choose a ZWO camera to with my kitty scope.

[@PMP5240-e3i]

Ive been using a Starlight Feathertouch focuser for years, similar belt drive

[@wacpet]

I just received the same system and just mounted it yesterday to my Redcat V2. I found the belt to be too loose with the pulley. Luckily I had a bigger pulley at hand and now ist seems to work perfectly.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That's actually disappointing. I hope you've provided feedback to the seller!

[@wacpet]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek Hey Cuive! Not yet, but I will do so today. What really astonished me was that it seems to fit with the redcat v1 that you are using in the video.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

@@wacpet I wonder if the redcat V2 focusing ring diameter has changed slightly...

[@wacpet]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek that’s what I thought, too. I measured my Redcats focusing ring diameter. It is about 75mm. The pulley I received with the mounting set has a diameter of about 9.5mm and the pulley I replaced it with is 12mm in diameter. With that pulley the belt fits like a glove around the Redcat.

[@johnceko2478]

@@wacpet Peter - I have a Gen 2 Redcat as well, and have the same issue with the belt being loose - where did you source that other pulley?

[@LogansAstro]

Looks like a great focusing solution - nice and tidy and as you say, allows for reversing the dew shield for travel. My biggest gripe with the Redcat51 is that is doesn't have a flat field as advertised and has shockingly distorted stars out towards the corners, even with a 4:3 sensor, which is a pity.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Wow that is weird! The one I have has a very impressive flat field, with perfect stars in the corners of my APS-C size sensor... Lottery again?

[@LogansAstro]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek I’m glad to hear yours is nice and flat. I even sent mine back to WO and they “fixed it” but the stars still wonky. Yes definitely the lottery.

[@tjsastrophotography125]

The new Redcat 61 fixes the focuser. The RedCat 61 corrects that and then some. Featuring the all-new, William Optics Internal Focus Design (WIFD)

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Finally!! One thing they don't fix is the price :-)

[@MikeJProto]

They also made the Redcat 51 gen 3, which is just the recat 51 but with the redcat 61 focusing system

[@MikeJProto]

​@@CuivTheLazyGeeki think the new recat 51 gen 3 is the same price as the regular redcat 51

[@jonathankelly5997]

Have you thought about doing a test using NINA autofocus with that setup - minus ASIAIR of course? I say because the NINA autofocus manual specifically mentions needing minimal backlash, and this looks like it has a fair amount ...

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I tested with NINA, good results thanks for Overshoot Backlash compensation !

[@ChristianPsencik]

Wow that’s a very slick setup.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

It is beautiful for sure :-)

[@azastro919]

So why not print a bracket that allows you to adjust the eaf itself for tension and remove the tension piece all together? That way you remove a piece that can get lost, and you remove an entire backlash piece.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

A timing belt directly on the focuser grip doesn't look like it would mesh well without putting an ungodly amount of tension in the belt, not sure I'd like that...

[@rmf11699]

Gotta put that into the budget so I can put it on my Redcat!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

It's a nice little solution!

[@robertgrenader858]

I have the ProAstro Gear focuser bracket on my RedCat and love the performance. But never mind, is the compact tripod on the AM5 an issue with your terrace and the high wall/railing?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I've lowered the tripod intentionally to help protect the setup from wind! It has been working great!

[@nikaxstrophotography]

If only the asiair worked with other cameras/focusers etc. they would sell 5-10 times more of these

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

They would... Even if it was unofficial "at your own risk" support (which could be an issue with the "it just works" image of the ASIAIR). Also they could lose out on the camera market, which I assume has far bigger margins!

[@olly7248]

They would sell less of their more expensive gear, that’s why… 😉

[@nikaxstrophotography]

@@olly7248 I wonder if another manufacturer who don't have a vested interest in camera can come up with a similar concept like the asiair and its simplicity

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

@@nikaxstrophotography I'm waiting to see how the Stellarmate Pro will end up being

[@nikaxstrophotography]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek here's hoping it will be as easy as the asiair

[@astroneil78]

It’s the only telescope I have that gives me perfect stars to the corners with a full frame camera. Even my fsq 85 can’t match the redcat in terms of optical performance.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I didn't mention it in the video, but the stars in the corner of the APS-C were absolutely perfect, truly impressive

[@astroneil78]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek definitely a keeper cuiv 👍👍 haha

[@frogliza9977]

Have you seen the new Redcat 61 that was announced? It has william optics new internal focuser, looks interesting!

[@andrebremer7772]

This looks like a decent solution! It’s not visible in the video, but did you observe any flex in the part holding the EAF when adjusting focus? That has been my major gripe with solutions like the Black-Cat EAF bracket. It wasn’t stiff enough and added an unholy amount of backlash to the focus mechanism.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Good point to check! I just double checked, I didn't see flex - was the backlash something that actually affected the focus?

[@andrebremer7772]

Good to know that PETG makes a difference here! While the Black-Cat sorta worked, it was hard to dial in consistent focus curves. I would get different focus positions for subsequent runs, etc…

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

@@andrebremer7772 I'll do some further tests to be sure!

[@jeffbrennan5394]

Curious to know what that set up would cost from ZWO? Thanks for sharing 👍

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I don't think ZWO offers a red cat focusing solution... But they should! Made with aluminium !

[@jeffbrennan5394]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek All the red had me thinking it was zwo. That set up is very impressive and the envy of many Astro enthusiasts.

[@Mainuh]

Great video Cuiv! Thank you. I am getting ready to sell my 10” dob and go back towards astrophotography. Been doing it off and on since the early 90’s. Spent many nights in frigid Maine in the dead of winter with a Meade 8” SCT LX-200 and Pentax K-1000 film camera. I think the Redcat 51 will be a nice portable solution. I’d love to have the AM5 mount for it, but having a hard time swallowing the price. Will likely go with a Skywatcher EQM-35i as I can but that, the Redcat 51, ZWO guide scope & camera (120) and ASIAir Plus for about the cost of the AM5 mount alone. Would just need a good astro camera. What camera would you recomend for my 1st astro camera? I do have (2) Nikon D5300 DSLR’s (one is astro modified) so I can start with DSLR. I used to have a WO Zenisthstar 73mm on Celestron AVX mount but I always struggled with getting sharp focus on my DSLR prime lenses. Hoping the ASIAir Plus will help resolve the focus issues. Also love the cable mamangement in this video! Already ordered the ASIAir plus cable manangement as well as the ASIAir mount. Thanks for another great video! We’re in Tucson AZ from Oct thru May and looking forward to getting back there and dabbling again in Astrophotography!

[@TomEEvans]

Cuiv, what camera are you using with the Redcat 51. I’m using the ASI 533, but I find it to be under-sampled. Is there an ASI camera/scope match you would recommend? (Yup, this is the nemesis of going to an ASI-only system).

[@jfalcon1977]

Another great video from Cuiv! I would like to add this to my RedCat but, ¿has any of you had bad experiences with erratic guiding due to flexure from this (or others) 3D plastic mount? I have read about it and makes me worry and doubt whether I should go for another alluminium based solution. But the ones I have seen unfortunately raise the OTA up and that is not great for balancing/stability either. I guess it is always a compromise but would like to know about real life usage with guiding. Thanks!

[@uanesdeiro]

Hi, even if I'm going a little off topic, I'd like to ask you a question: I've owned the RedCat51 for some time and I really like it, but for me it has a problem that I can't solve. WO states that it is correct up to FullFrame format, but for me this is not the case! With the Canon Eos 60D Reflex, the stars at the edges are deformed and if I use the ASI2600MMpro even worse and both are NOT FullFrame, but APSC, so this problem shouldn't exist. I thought that the BackFocus is not correct, but the shopkeeper told me that with this type of lens there is no need to correct this BackFocus. I tried to make some adjustments on the Tilt, but I can't improve the problem and the stars continue to be deformed at the edges and on the 4 corners the deformations don't sound the same, but each corner has a different deformation!!! Have you had the same problems? Or am I the one doing something wrong? Thank you for any response.

[@KevinRudd-w8s]

Looks good, think I may get one to replace my current home made electric focuser which only works as a remote manual control. Know what you mean about the ASI - I ended getting an Eagle LE for my main imiging set up as that supports all of the gear I use (including ZWO)

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Eagle looks truly amazing

[@erpagris1377]

How is the guiding with the guide scope connected to the 3-D printed bracket? I had a similar setup on my RedCat, the ZWO mini , ZWO focuser and ASIAir all on the 3D printed focuser bracket, and the guiding would go crazy during the focusing routine. Seemed like there was flexing. Ended up not using the 3D printed focusing setup nor the mini guide scope. I wish someone would make a bracket out of aluminum.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Aaah that's a good point! I didn't notice Any issue when I imaged with it but I'll test specifically and get back to you!

[@danielduesentriebjunior]

Shouldn't this also work on a Skywatcher 50 ED? Maybe with some self made adaptions?

[@uschi414]

Apart from the speed differences, how does the image quality compare to your C6 hyperstar? I expect the Redcat's corner stars are going to be better and I expect chromatic abberation of the Redcat to also be better. But is it enough better to get you to give up your C6 hyperstar in the light pollution Meca that is Tokyo where speed is king?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I was very impressed by the stars both in the corners and in the center for the Redcat. Absolutely perfect. The Hyperstar's advantage is in speed "only". It's a tough question. For a beginner though, I'd recommend Redcat over C6 even in Tokyo...

[@robertw1871]

Looks like a nice rig…

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

It is nice :-)

[@CDigata]

I went with the FRA300 instead ✨✨✨✨

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That's an excellent scope by all accounts :-)

[@marvinwhisman3333]

If you are still using this EAF belt drive, are you still happy with the performance. Trying to decide on belt drive vs gear drive. Thanks for any suggestions.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yep, still using it, and for the moment it's still working very well for me :) I'm sure gear drive would work very well as well - you do have backlash in both (from belt tension in one, from the gear in the other)

[@rmf11699]

Is that EAF focuser the standard or the advanced version?

[@KaidenBainAstro]

Do you have an opinion on the svbony mk105 maksutov scope?

[@KamiDavid]

I've been researching more about astrophotography and trying to get into it, im set on getting the RedCat 51 but I'd also like to know what the visuals are like for it. For the moon and planets. Does anyone know how well they look?

[@MrTurkeyfried]

Super sexy, super beautiful, super red 😂, I just got the star adventurer gti and I’m shooting with a mirrorless and an old canon fd lens. I’m processing in Siril and the whole experience has been absolutely rewarding. I appreciate a look into ultra portable setups as I would prefer to move in that direction. Astrobackyard may have gotten me with the narrative style sometime ago but you and Nebula Photos are now my favorite channels. I want to say thank you for taking the time to explain things so thoroughly and thoughtfully. A question: If you have a filter wheel can we see a full ZWO setup?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks Adrian! Currently I'm all in with OSC cameras so no filter wheel in the near future!

[@marcusa3177]

lemme guess - you're gonna buy another tube? I mean, red is the color of Nippon. And red paint makes your imaging train faster LOLJK. I personally prefer this layout over some rigs that put the focuser on top or at the bottom of the tube. If there's one thing I'd do to improve this focusing rig, it'd be adding provisions (e.g. threads, grooves) so I attach the small counterweights used by gimbals to allow for perfect balancing on all axes.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I'm still resisting!

[@marcusa3177]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek nooooo, join us in the red side loljk no that's the path to burnout and poverty, and it's not as if you already have multiple mounts all ready to go. Huh, I wonder if the makers of those rings are cool with making one-offs. I do have this vintage Nikon 300mm f4 in my cabinet, that FL is almost the midpoint between the roki's and the Svbony SV550. That would mean buying yet another EAF but hm, food for thought eh?

[@lupixus]

Nice design for the focuser mount. But let's be serious : that wasn't a perfect focus. That auto focus was a an offense to redcat's sharpness. You can clearly see that the middle spike is not in the center

[@lefterischristopoulos8848]

It's in the center ..it's perfect

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

You had me look back at the image and double check the raw frame (which I still have), it looks perfectly centered and in focus to me!! I'm actually super impressed by the sharpness of the Redcat all across the field of view!

[@mathersdavid5113]

You are correct. The vertical spike is too far to the left.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

@@lupixus hahaha I think we can both be right and wrong at the same time in this case :-) glad I wasn't insulting the Redcat!

[@lupixus]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek, insulting is not your thing (you are too lazy to insult something or someone 😝). Insulting is ZWO's thing. 😁

[@aradani3]

BEUATIFUL!!

[@deep_space_dave]

Every time I see this all red setup it is just beautiful! Who care if it even works, it is just nice to look at LOL (JK 🙂) Thanks for another great video! Clear Skies!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Hahaha lol buying astro gear just to look at it, that works too :)

[@scottrk4930]

Sounds like you would appreciate the chance to review the new StellarMate X ? Just ask Jasem to send you a sample . Hint hint .

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

This is funny, it appears to be a MeLe Quieter 2 with Stellarmate OS preinstalled! I'd be up for trying out the upcoming Stellarmate Pro though!

[@scottrk4930]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek Well spotted ! The Pro will be available in June . Hope you can get a sample to review .

[@zborkz]

I have a very sim setup, it's so light and so easy to move and setup it feels like cheating. I agree that the ASIAIR has made amazing progress, and it's viable solution if your are willing to commit to ZWO equipment limitations. How about that guiding with the AM5, mine has been outstanding.

[@BPPDan]

I do NOT like the asiair for two reasons. I have worse guiding than PHD2 + NINA. And the flats wizard with auto dark flats in NINA is SO good.

[@antonypage1442]

if nina had a phone app that would connect to mini pc. 🥰

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

You do have a web monitoring tool you can access from your phone :-)

[@antonypage1442]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek yes I use TeamViewer or RDP. But my screen is small and it's cumbersome to navigate. A simple interface like the asi air app would be awesome.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

@@antonypage1442 oh I'm taking about one of the NINA plugins - not remote desktop! Although it's monitoring only

[@viniguez487]

ASIAIR has its shortocmings but it is definitely the go to lazy astrophotographer setup.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Actually I found it really painful to have to physically go and get the subframes off the ASIAIR haha! I'm far lazier with NINA!

[@astroattorney]

I made a modification to the Redcat autofocus system that I have so I can also use it with my Pentax 70-200mm f2 lens. #chefskiss

[@Panotaker]

Personally, I think motorized focusers are ugly, so I don’t have any on any of my scopes, but I can see the convenience.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

For me it's a necessity to deal with focus shift throughout the night...

[@darrenwilliams414]

£81.91 for less than £3 worth of plastic yeah just buy your own 3d printer & print one yourself,,the point of 3d printer's is to print at home for a few pence not to pay someone else a extortionate amount to print it for you & there is a few on thingiverse, just buy your own 3d printer

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That's the problem with 3D printing, especially with difficult to work with materials like PETG, there's a lot of time spent printing, a lot of prints need to be discarded, the filament humidity needs to be well controlled (filament dehumidifiers, etc.), so it's very difficult to scale. I can't comment on the price, except that it seems in line with other solutions... and while 3D Printing it's amazing I found it's a bit of a rabbit hole like astrophotography is :-)

[@darrenwilliams414]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek 3d printing is very cheap £80 is way too much it's £10-£20 for a kg of filament & the electricity use is less than a pc

[@nikivan]

There is more to the economics of the 3D printing business than just the cost of filament and electricity. You are basically questioning why would anyone pay $45 for a steak at a restaurant when the price of the raw meat is only a few bucks.

[@darrenwilliams414]

@@nikivan because they are crazy & like being ripped off

[@darrenwilliams414]

@@nikivan also the only 3d printer business should be the printer not the print the point of 3d printers is to print at home for pennies

[@Oxizee]

Out of my price range, Redcat51 :(

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yeah the redcat itself isn't cheap...

[@anata5127]

This is a plot to push you towards ASAir. Be careful!

[@astroguypodcast]

Another great video! Thank you for posting it. I had a similar issue (focus) with my Samyang 135mm lens. Fortunately, a similar setup is available that works great. I have to thank you as well. I just published a video and I referenced you (and a few of my personal astrophotography influences) in it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnOpgWR9fKejeNk

[@ssrattus]

A comment is worth 10 likes :)

[@johnsmith-rd9rr]

It would be nice if you answered your email!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Sorry John I get a lot of emails and other messages on the social platforms, many of them quite long, detailed and asking for help or opinions, and require me to do some research before I can reply - I'm unfortunately just one man with a full time job besides my KZbin, and simply don't have the time or will to reply to everyone... When I do it is usually with significant delays.