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Astrophotographs


Luna (The Moon) First Light - Sunday, October 21, 2007


Luna (The Moon)
This picture was taken through a Nagler5 31 mm eyepiece on a 16” Lightbridge telescope.   The camera was a 3.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-Shot held up to the eyepiece (no mount or tripod used).   The flash and redeye eliminator caused the color streaks at the bottom.   (I was in a hurry and couldn't find the manual to figure out how to disable both.)


Astronomy Equipment


Telescope


Meade 16” Lightbridge Dobsonian Telescope

Nagler5 31mm
Primary Mirror: 16” (406mm)
Focal Length: 1829mm (72”)
Focal Ratio: f/4.5
Description Text

Binocular

Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 Binocular

Skymaster 20x80
Angular Field of View: 3.2º
Exit Pupil: 4mm
Eye Relief: 17mm
Mount: Manfrotto 3011 Tripod with 3126 Head
Description Text

Eyepieces


TeleVue EN5-31.0

Nagler5 31mm
Type: Nagler 5
Focal Length: 31mm
Barrel Size: 2”
Apparent Field of View: 82º
Eye Relief: 19mm
Magnification: 59.0x
Exit Pupil: 6.9mm
True Field of View: 1.4º
Weight: 2.20lbs
Description Text

TeleVue EN5-26.0

Nagler5 26mm
Type: Nagler 5
Focal Length: 26mm
Barrel Size: 2”
Apparent Field of View: 82º
Eye Relief: 16mm
Magnification: 70.3x
Exit Pupil: 5.8mm
True Field of View: 1.2º
Weight: 1.60lbs
Description Text

TeleVue EN5-20.0

Nagler5 20mm
Type: Nagler 5
Focal Length: 20mm
Barrel Size: 2”
Apparent Field of View: 82º
Eye Relief: 12mm
Magnification: 91.5x
Exit Pupil: 4.4mm
True Field of View: 0.9º
Weight: 1.04lbs
Description Text

TeleVue EN4-17.0

Nagler4 17mm
Type: Nagler 4
Focal Length: 17mm
Barrel Size: 2”
Apparent Field of View: 82º
Eye Relief: 17mm
Magnification: 107.6x
Exit Pupil: 3.8mm
True Field of View: 0.8º
Weight: 1.60lbs
Description Text

TeleVue ETH-13.0

Ethos 13mm
Type: Ethos
Focal Length: 13mm
Barrel Size: 2” & 1.25”
Apparent Field of View: 100º
Eye Relief: 15mm
Magnification: 140.7x
Exit Pupil: 2.9mm
True Field of View: 0.7º
Weight: 1.25lbs
Description Text

TeleVue EN6-09.0

Nagler6 9mm
Type: Nagler 6
Focal Length: 9mm
Barrel Size: 1.25”
Apparent Field of View: 82º
Eye Relief: 12mm
Magnification: 203.2x
Exit Pupil: 2.0mm
True Field of View: 0.4º
Weight: 0.42lbs
Description Text

TeleVue EN6-07.0

Nagler6 7mm
Type: Nagler 6
Focal Length: 7mm
Barrel Size: 1.25”
Apparent Field of View: 82º
Eye Relief: 12mm
Magnification: 261.3x
Exit Pupil: 1.6mm
True Field of View: 0.3º
Weight: 0.50lbs
Description Text

TeleVue EN6-05.0

Nagler6 5mm
Type: Nagler 6
Focal Length: 5mm
Barrel Size: 1.25”
Apparent Field of View: 82º
Eye Relief: 12mm
Magnification: 365.8x
Exit Pupil: 1.1mm
True Field of View: 0.2º
Weight: 0.49lbs
Description Text

TeleVue PMT-2200

Powermate 2X
Type: Powermate (similar to a Barlow)
Barrel Size: 2”
Magnification: 2.0x
Weight: 1.20lbs
Description Text

TeleVue PMT-4201

Powermate 4X
Type: Powermate (similar to a Barlow)
Barrel Size: 2”
Magnification: 4.0x
Weight: 1.20lbs
Description Text

Filters


Orion UltraBlock Narrowband Light-Pollution Filter - 2”

UltraBlock
Description Text

Orion SkyGlow Broadband Filter - 2”

SkyGlow
Description Text

Orion Hydrogen-Beta Nebula Filter - 2”

HBeta
Description Text

Orion Oxygen-III Nebula Filter - 2”

OxygenIII
Description Text

Orion Moon Filter 13% - 2”

Moon Filter
Description Text

Accessories


JMI Wheeley Bar Dolly for 16” Lightbridge

JMI Wheeley Bar LB16
Description Text

Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium

Celestron Skyscout
Description Text

Orion SkyLine Green Laser Pointer

Orion Laser Pointer
Description Text

Celestron Night Vision LED Flashlight

Celestron Night Vision LED Flashlight
Description Text

Starbound Observing Chair

Celestron Night Vision LED Flashlight
Description Text

Imaginova Starry Night Pro Plus v. 6 Astronomy Program (Macintosh)

Starry Night Pro Plus
Description Text

AstroZap Light Shroud for 16” Lightbridge

AstroZap Light Shroud
Description Text

Collimation Tools


Glatter Barlow/Holographic 635nm Laser - 2”

Glatter Laser
Description Text

CatsEye Teletube XL Sight Tube - 2”

Sight Tube
Description Text

CatsEye Blackcat XL Cheshire - 2”

Cheshire
Description Text

CatsEye Infinity XL Autocollimator - 2”

Autocollimator
Description Text


Modifications


Bob's Knobs for 16” Lightbridge Secondary Mirror

Bobs Knobs

On the 16” Lightbridge, Meade includes collimation and mirror locking knobs on the primary.   However, the secondary tilt screws are Phillips head.   I have also seen Allen wrench heads on some Lightbridges.   It is too easy to drop an Allen wrench or a Phillips screwdriver.   And Murphy's law, it's going to land right on the primary mirror.   In addition, you can forget to bring a tool to a remote location.   The best solution is to replace the screws with Bob's Knobs.   Very easy installation.

Bob's Knobs

Oregon Rule Co. Dials for Altitude and Azimuth

Dial 1

Description Text

Oregon Rule Co. Dials

Solus Adjustable Levelers (VG-511B-02-S12) for JMI Wheeley Bar

VG-511B-02-S12

Level 5

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

There are three leveling bolts on the JMI Wheeley Bar.   Each of these bolts are terminated with a nut, large washer, another nut, and a rubber end cap.   The problem is that when the Wheeley Bar is off road, the rubber end cap can sink into soft ground.   I've actually lost one by not realizing that the end cap was buried in the mud.
I replaced the rubber end cap with an adjustable leveler from a company called Solus (link below).   The part number I used was VG-511B-02-S12.   This leveler is 4” in diameter.   It contains a 1/2”-13 socket that the leveler bolt screws into.
The rubber end cap has a surface area of 0.8 square inches.   The Solus leveler has a surface area of about 12.5 square inches.   The weight of the Lightbridge, the Wheeler Bar, and accessories is about 180 pounds.   That means that each leveling bolt has to support about 60 pounds.   The rubber end cap has about 75 pounds per square inch distributed.   The Solus leveler distributes about 5 pounds per square inch.
To keep dirt off the end of leveler, I attached a round (4.25” by 1” thick) piece of wood to the leveler (using screws through the lag bolt holes).   When needed, this wood can be easily replaced.

Solus Levelers

Pipe Insulation on Tow Handle of JMI Wheeley Bar

JMI Wheeley Bar Tow Handle Modification

The bend in the Wheeley Bar handle was getting scraped up when down on my driveway.   I slipped on a piece of 1” I.D. x 27- ½” pipe insulation over the handle for protection.


T Handle Ball Lock Pin on Tow Handle of JMI Wheeley Bar

T Handle

T Handle

T Handle

I have a JMI Wheeley Bar dolly for my 16" Lightbridge.   I'm always tripping over the handle.   JMI recommends removing the handle while observing.   The problem is that the handle is held on by a Clevis pin and hitch pin clip.   Both are easy to lose.   Both are difficult to put back on in the dark.   I think I have found a better solution.   I replaced the Clevis pin and hitch pin clip with a "T Handle Ball Lock Pin".   I ordered this from Carr Lane.   Their part number is #CL-4-BLPT-1.25.   This is one piece, no hitch pin to lose.   Just push the blue button and remove the pin.   The T Handle comes with a ring.   This allows the T Handle to be attached to the Wheeley Bar with a small (short) lanyard.

Carr Lane

ScopeStuff Counterweight System for 16” Lightbridge

ScopeStuff Counterweights 1

ScopeStuff Counterweights 2

The sum of all torques is equal to zero.   Each torque is equal to the distance (center of gravity) from the fulcrum of each component multiplied by its weight.   This means that torques on one side of the fulcrum are assumed to be negative, the other side positive.   Stated another way, torques on one side of the fulcrum need to equal torques on the other side to be balanced.  
On the 16” Lightbridge, the eyepiece is 45” from the fulcrum.   The rear of the OTA is about 15” from the fulcrum.   This means the any weight at the eyepiece has a 3 to 1 mechanical advantage over any weight added to the rear.   If you have a two-pound eyepiece, you need six pounds at the rear to achieve the same balance as no eyepiece.   If you use heavy eyepieces, I would recommend buying several extra weights for the ScopeStuff system.
I use three of the ScopeStuff rails placed around the rear OTA.   One is placed on the top of tube.   The other two on the bottom.   The rails are placed at about 120° apart.   The two bottom rails a placed to fit into the corners of the base assembly (when the scope is at zenith) to prevent mechanical interference.   I have six one-pound weights and six two pound weights.   This balances six pounds of eyepieces with 18 pounds of weights.

ScopeStuff Counterweight System

Brass Inserts and Knobs to Attach Eyepiece Tray

Eyepiece Tray 1

Eyepiece Tray 2

Remove eyepiece tray with Phillips screwdriver.   Drill an ¼” hole with a drill in the pre-drilled holes for the eyepiece tray.   The holes should be no deeper then 0.4”.   Make sure that the drill is held level.   Screw an 8-32 brass insert into each hole.   It is easiest if a brass insert mandrel is used.   Attach the eyepiece tray with two 8-32 x 0.375” knurled knobs.   Other size kurled knobs and brass inserts could be used.


Argo Navis Computer System and Encoder

Argo Navis 1

Argo Navis 2

Argo Navis 3

Argo Navis 4

After checking out a number of digital setting circles, I decided to go with the Argo Navis system.   It took less than an hour to install and setup.   I was using the system the first night.

Argo Navis - Wildcard Innovations

This is a download of four files that (when loaded into Starry Night) highlights the Alignment Stars for Argo Navis.

Download ReadMe text file
Download Text Description used by Starry Night
Download Source for Starry Night Alignment Stars
Download compiled version of Starry Night Alignment Stars

Wiring Encoders

Wiring 1

Wiring 2

Wiring 3

Wiring 4

Wiring 5

Marked the Altitude encoder with a yellow dot.   Labeled the altitude encoder cable with yellow heat shrink.   Marked the Azimuth encoder with a red dot.   Labeled the Azimuth encoder cable with red heat shrink.   Shortened cables to correct lengths by replacing RJ-11 connectors.   Connected an RJ-45 coupler (F/F) to cable assembly.   Coupler was secured to base with double stick mounting tape.   Connected Argo Navis computer with a straight through Ethernet cable.   I preferred a 7 foot SuperFlat Cat6 Ethernet patch cable made by Cables Unlimited.   I choose a white cable to make it easier to see in the dark.   Cables Unlimited part number UTP-1800-07W.

Cables Unlimited

Keyspan Computer Serial Port Interface

Keyspan

Description Text

Keyspan Computer Serial Port Interface

JMI Event Horizon (EV-1nM) Focuser

JMI Focuser Front

JMI Focuser Rear

Direct replacement for the version shipped with 16” Lightbridge.   No drilling required.   The advantages are: motorized focus control (reduces motion at high magnifications), less play between eyepiece, drawtube, and/or 1.25” adaptor, reduced backlash (especially when using heavy eyepieces), lighted indicator to aid in setting focus when changing eyepieces.

The JMI focuser used has the following options:
EV.BODY - Standard Modular Body (Option B)
EV.BASN - Newtonian Base (Option N)
EV.DT46 - 4.6” Length Drawtube (Option 46)
EV.DRVD - Dual Speed with Drive Indicator (Option D)
EV.PUSH - Pusher Bearing (Option P)
EV.KNBR - Rubber-Gripped Gold Knobs (Option R)
EV.MTR - Motor Control (Option M)
EV.A2-1.25 - First Output Adapter, 1.25” Eyepiece (Option E)
EVUPGLED - Illumination Dial Upgrade (Option I)

JMI Telescopes

Labeling Truss Tubes

Label 1

Used a label maker to label truss tubes.   Can't swear that it helps collimation, but it does help in reassembly.


Using Heat Shrink Tubing to Cover Truss Tubes

Heat Shrink 1

Heat Shrink 2

Heat Shrink 3

Instead of painting the truss tubes black or slipping on thick pipe insulation, I decided to use heat shrink tubing (HST).   The tubing is 2 to 1 standard wall polyolefin HST.   It is flat black in color.   The nominal I.D. is 1-½” tubing.   After shrinking, the I.D. is ¾”.   This makes a nice tight fit for the 1” truss tubes.   The HST is shrunk with a heat gun.   It is available from the link below in a 50' spool.   Each truss tube requires an 32” long piece of HST.

BuyHeatShrink.com

Astrophotography Attachments

ScopeTronix 2

T-Ring Adapter for Canon



ScopeTronix 3

2” Telenegative Lens (1.6x)



ScopeTronix 23

1.25” Telenegative Lens (1.6x)



ScopeTronix 4

2” Tube Extension



ScopeTronix 24

1.25” Tube Extension



ScopeTronix 5

1.25” Eyepiece Adapter



ScopeTronix 6

2” MaxView II Upper Housing



ScopeTronix 7

2” MaxView II Lower Housing



ScopeTronix 26

1.25” MaxView Upper Housing



ScopeTronix 25

1.25” MaxView Lower Housing



ScopeTronix 15

T to 1.25” Port Adapter



Under Construction

T to 2” Port Adapter



ScopeTronix31.jpg

T-Threaded Eyeguard



Under Construction

1.25” Eyepiece Extension (30mm)



Under Construction

1.25” Reverse T Adapter



ScopeTronix32.jpg

Televue 2” Eyepiece Barrel Extender (EBX-2120)



ScopeTronix 29

Small 2” Eyepiece Extension (1.5” Long)



ScopeTronix 19

Medium 2” Eyepiece Extension (2” Long)



ScopeTronix 20

Large 2” Eyepiece Extension (3” Long)



ScopeTronix 21

IR Blocking Filter



ScopeTronix 18

C Mount to 1.25” Port



ScopeTronix 17

C Mount to T Mount Adapter



ScopeTronix 8

ScopeTronix 10

ScopeTronix 11

ScopeTronix 1

ScopeTronix 9

ScopeTronix 12

ScopeTronix 13

ScopeTronix 14

ScopeTronix 27

ScopeTronix 28

Assembly 3

Assembly 5

Assembly 4

Grayscale Wedge


This is an 18 step grayscale wedge from an [R, G, B] of [00, 00, 00] to [FF, FF, FF] in increments of [10, 10, 10] steps.   For best viewing of images, you should adjust your screen brightness and contrast to be able to see the changes of all 18 shades of gray.



Color Channel


This is a color channels palette. There are three [R, G, B] channels displayed, plus black [00, 00, 00].  The three colors are red [FF, 00, 00], green [00, FF, 00], and blue [00, 00, FF].  White [FF, FF, FF] is displayed as the color between the boxes.



Text Description


Quantaray (QAL-1318) Aluminum Case for Scope Accessories

Scope Case 1

Scope Case 2

These cases are easy to configure.   They are great for transporting accessories around town.   I would NOT use these cases to ship delicate accessories via an airline.

Quantaray Aluminum Cases


Astronomy Software (OS X)


Planetarium Software

Starry Night (Pro Plus)


Astrophotography

Keith's AstroImager
Keith's Image Stacker
Adobe Photoshop


Digital Setting Circles

Argoload (Argo Navis)


Astronomy Links


Tools