Hi Bob,
I too live in the DC area but decided to build a "shed" for my Classic 18" for visual observing in my moderately polluted backyard. A roll off seemed unnecessarily complicated so basically I built a 6x8 footprint wooden shed but with a much taller and wider door and steeper roof. I roll the assembled telescope in and out of the building. Voila! In a few minutes I can be up and observing. An assembled ?25" is going to be almost 2 feet taller than an 18" which a modified shed could accommodate.?
I also made a conscious choice to build the shed on top of a small wooden deck so that in snowy winter conditions I can roll the telescope out of the shed and observe from the cleared off deck. I don't have a special area of the deck to "isolate" the telescope but I did reinforce that part of the deck and find that if it is just me observing there is very little vibration transmitted from the deck to the telescope. A set of ramps that I use to wheel the disassembled telescope in and out of the back of my SUV also serve the dual purpose of providing a gentle slope to roll the telescope off the deck and onto the grass of the back yard. Two short bungy cords from the mirror box to the wheelbarrow handles mitigate any propensity of the OTA from "jumping" out of the mirror box (which has never happened to me but I have heard horror stories).
Good luck and clear skies!
Regards,
Rich
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I live near DC and have owned an18UC for 11 years, happily commuting to dark sky sites 50 miles west of town to do my observing. ?I've had great success with the 18UC but am now looking for a property west of town and when I find it, I'm also considering getting a 25" Classic. ?Depending on the property, I might be able to keep the 25" in a garage or shed, and roll it out for use. ?But if not, I may need to set up some kind of observatory or roll away shed to house the 25". ?I'd like to keep it as simple and as small as possible. ?I don't want to undertake a major construction project. ?I just want to be able to use the scope with minimal fuss. ?I intend to use it visually - no astrophotography. ?I'm aware that there are some commercial off the shelf products out there, but am guessing that most of them are too small for a 25"?
I'd appreciate hearing about what others have done.
Sincerely,
Bob Gardner
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Re: Planetary camera with iPad support
I haven’t tried this myself but ZWO has a product called ASIAIR that interfaces with their cameras and is controlled by mobile devices through WiFi.?
I use a ZWO ASI224MC camera with my obsession 20 for planetary imaging. Also adding a Powermate to the setup and atmospheric dispersion corrector
With Jupiter and Saturn so low in the sky this year atmospheric dispersion is a problem.?
Best!
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On Aug 28, 2020, at 8:16 AM, RichF via groups.io <rich_friedrich@...> wrote:
?Good day. I hope all is well with you and yours.
As Jupiter and Saturn take their majestic place in the evening sky -- and with Mars not far behind -- I am looking for a lightweight planetary camera that can be controlled with an iPad or iPhone and not a Windows PC. I want to use this on my Classic 18* Obsession from my moderately light polluted backyard in the Mid Atlantic.
Years ago I had an inexpensive Celestron ?webcam and using the various programs on Windows achieved modest results on Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon. I have the ability to use my iPhone 7 mounted in an afocal position to image the moon but am looking for a higher resolution and higher sensitivity camera the size of an eyepiece. And then I want to be able to control the camera and collect the images (usually a video stream) on my iPad for later processing on my desktop Mac.
I have hunted around the internet and CN but failed to find a solution. Any recommendations?
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my post.
Regards,
Rich
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Planetary camera with iPad support
Good day. I hope all is well with you and yours.
As Jupiter and Saturn take their majestic place in the evening sky -- and with Mars not far behind -- I am looking for a lightweight planetary camera that can be controlled with an iPad or iPhone and not a Windows PC. I want to use this on my Classic 18* Obsession from my moderately light polluted backyard in the Mid Atlantic.
Years ago I had an inexpensive Celestron ?webcam and using the various programs on Windows achieved modest results on Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon. I have the ability to use my iPhone 7 mounted in an afocal position to image the moon but am looking for a higher resolution and higher sensitivity camera the size of an eyepiece. And then I want to be able to control the camera and collect the images (usually a video stream) on my iPad for later processing on my desktop Mac.
I have hunted around the internet and CN but failed to find a solution. Any recommendations?
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my post.
Regards,
Rich
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Re: Converting an Obsession 20 " F5 to a F4 or F3.5
Hi David, as Charlie suggests you should have a reading of the book from Dave Krieg, "building large telescopes". Your main issue will be the balance of this new scope. As you will discover in the book, the altitude bearings are fixed at a very specific point on the mirror box where the scope is balanced according to the weight below and above and the distance to the rotation center of the bearings. Shortening the truss pole will bring the UTA closer and the scope will become bottom heavy unless you get the center of rotation closer from the mirror, elevating the mirror box from the rocker. Another issue will be to change the angle of the split boxes as the short truss tubes will have a different angle on the mirror box. The last question is related to the size of the secondary mirror to avoid strong vignetting of your primary. Getting the UTA closer to the mirror will raise no issue regarding the inner diameter of the UTA. As far as I know it seems a feasible project that requires some initial calculation but you will have the pleasure to use it more. I have the UC 22 f4.1 and this combination gives me also a 3steps ladder so i know what it means. Best luck for your project Frederic.
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Re: 22in UC transport/travel case?
My 18" UC came with the perfect packing case. Check with Obsession for options or manufacturer. I think it is a generic case that just happens to fit. Dave knows many suppliers. Otherwise, maybe carrying cases for electronics.
Mine is just a square. The mirror box sits on the bottom and everything else is sandwiched in.
Don Waters
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22in UC transport/travel case?
Hello all,
Does anybody have any information on a transport case for a 22in UC? I did a little search and it to get it on an airline flight I need to keep the outside dimensions of the case at or under 90 linear inches. Technically a cube of 30in would work but the depth of the storage case does not need to be 30 in.
Of course I would take the mirror out and not transport it with the mirror in it. I have not found a Pelican case big enough. Military Hardigg cases are a various sizes but I cannot find one to fit my needs. Has anybody been down this rathole before?
I have touched base with a few case manufacturers for custom built cases but all of them quote me at a price that I am not willing to pay (not quite yet), as I will have added costs for excess baggage with an airline.
I am located in Southeast Texas. Okie-Tex and TSP would not be that much of a problem to drive the distance but the Oregon Star arty I am hoping to fly closer to it before getting a rental vehicle.
Suggestions?
Regards,?
Frank
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Re: Converting an Obsession 20 " F5 to a F4 or F3.5
David, that would be an interesting project. ?I recommend the book by Dave Kriege and Richard Berry on Big DOB construction. ?That book takes the reader through the design and construction of a very similar Big Dob that resembles remarkably an Obsession Telescope. ?? ?I have the book and have used it many times through the years.?
Here’s a link.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Charlie Starks? Markless Astronomics?
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On Aug 15, 2020, at 2:07 AM, bro061 via groups.io <bro061@...> wrote:
?Hi Everyone,
I have a Obsession 20" F5 which I have had for along while it doesn't get much used due its size meaning? needing a 3 step ladder. I was thinking on converting it to a F4 or F3.5. I realize it will cost a lot of money but it is cheaper than new one of the 20" size. I have quotes for a F3.7 mirror for about 8k, a F3.5 for 7k and F4 for 6k. I would need new ota poles which I can buy from Obsession. Any words of wisdom and advice from the group.?
The main scope I use is my Obsession 15, which I love to use but the 20 does give some better views.
David Brown? email: bro061@...
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Converting an Obsession 20 " F5 to a F4 or F3.5
Hi Everyone,
I have a Obsession 20" F5 which I have had for along while it doesn't get much used due its size meaning? needing a 3 step ladder. I was thinking on converting it to a F4 or F3.5. I realize it will cost a lot of money but it is cheaper than new one of the 20" size. I have quotes for a F3.7 mirror for about 8k, a F3.5 for 7k and F4 for 6k. I would need new ota poles which I can buy from Obsession. Any words of wisdom and advice from the group.?
The main scope I use is my Obsession 15, which I love to use but the 20 does give some better views.
David Brown? email: bro061@...
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Thank you, Frédéric.? That’s very kind of you to say.? ? To everyone, I am happy to report that my website is now secure again, so if you go to it, you won’t receive a note about the certificate being expired. ? Thank you for your patience! ? Sincerely, ? Charlie Starks Markless? Astronomics Accessories for Obsession Telescopes and other Big Dobs 704-517-0838 (closed Sundays) ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Frédéric Ruciak Sent: Friday, July 31, 2020 10:18 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [ObsessionUsers] Stalks, Anyone ? Hi Charlie,
having installed the argo/Stellarcat stalks on my classic 15 and UC22 I can certifiy that these products are well tuned to the scopes and that your service is at the top even for those obsession's fans that are far abroad.
Thanks again. Frédéric
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AZ Encoder Problems on an 18" from '97
Hello everyone,
I'm hoping someone will be able to point me in the right direction. My AZ encoder continues to cause me grief. The original 4K encoder it self seems to be working. The two thumb screws on the mounting plate are loose. I use an NGC-MAX computer with the scope. Many times when I do the second star alignment I get error values of 2 to 4 making the calibration useless.?
I suspect the encoder gets stalled, or pinched, due to play between the AZ bearing and ground board. I've never been happy with the o-ring attachment method or the need to have the thumb screws loose.?
Has anyone else had this type of problem? If so what did you do to solve it?
Is there a connection kit that uses a belt to connect the encoder and the AZ bearing? If so from who makes it?
If I do update the AZ encoder it needs the o-ring notch in it, is there work around for that?
thanks for taking a look,
Joe
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1. So get the best suspension I can get?? 2. No ramp door. I have ramps. Plus after more than a decade of my old trailer, I've grown accustomed to using the rear deck as a work station. Plus, I would like to have the smallest foot print possible. A ramp won't allow for that.? 3. I think I heard you the first time.? 4. Those are on the quote.? 5. Sheesh. Fine. I'll get the best suspension I can get.? 6. Yes. Good reminder. My old trailer had them. Thanks!? 7. Dude. Enough already. I'll get the best suspension I can get. If you tell me one more time, out of spite I won't do it.? 8. Can't do a roof rack. The intent is to store in the garage.?
OK. That's it. Just out of spite and your constant nagging, I'm getting a leaf spring suspension! It's not like I'll crack a 30 or anything on dark, rural roads!?
;)?
-Dragan
Sent from my Samsung Note 10+
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-------- Original message -------- From: Lachlan MacDonald <lachlan4@...> Date: 8/1/20 7:22 PM (GMT-06:00) Subject: Re: [ObsessionUsers] Telescope trailer
1. Get the best suspension you can. 2. Get a ramp door on the back 3.?Get the best suspension you can. 4. Install tie down Hooks or rails? 5.?Get the best suspension you can. 6. Consider Dimmable red LED strip lighting on the inside, near the top but ?facing upwards to soften the glow? 7.?Get the best suspension you can. 8. Trailer roof racks are a handy option.?
Oh, and did I mention to get the best suspension you can?
On 31 Jul 2020, at 11:19, Dragan Nikin <dragannikin@...> wrote:
?
Since we've had so much recent traffic, let me try to continue it.?
Im in the market for a new telescope trailer. I've been doing my due diligence and researching different manufacturers and I've finally settled on a brand. I can't find exactly what i want and need so I'm going to have one 'custom made'. It'll be a regular 5x8 aluminum trailer with torsion axle with a few mods to make observing life comfortable.?
Here are my questions. 2 fold.?
1. Does anyone have any experience with insulation in an enclosed cargo trailer? It's a cheap option and I'd probably do it. I just wonder what some other scope owners may have to say about it. Do it? Avoid it??
2. What are your "must haves" when it comes to a trailer? Options? Opinions??
Thanks in advance and clear skies!?
-Dragan www.deepskyforum.com
Sent from my Samsung Note 10+
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I'll second what Lac infers about the suspension after having seen the carnage it can do to a 30 on the rural roads
of Oz.
Bob r
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1. Get the best suspension you can.
2. Get a ramp door on the back
3.?Get the best suspension you can.
4. Install tie down Hooks or rails?
5.?Get the best suspension you can.
6. Consider Dimmable red LED strip lighting on the inside, near the top but ?facing upwards to soften the glow?
7.?Get the best suspension you can.
8. Trailer roof racks are a handy option.?
Oh, and did I mention to get the best suspension you can?
On 31 Jul 2020, at 11:19, Dragan Nikin <dragannikin@...> wrote:
?
Since we've had so much recent traffic, let me try to continue it.?
Im in the market for a new telescope trailer. I've been doing my due diligence and researching different manufacturers and I've finally settled on a brand. I can't find exactly what i want and need so I'm going to have one 'custom made'. It'll
be a regular 5x8 aluminum trailer with torsion axle with a few mods to make observing life comfortable.?
Here are my questions. 2 fold.?
1. Does anyone have any experience with insulation in an enclosed cargo trailer? It's a cheap option and I'd probably do it. I just wonder what some other scope owners may have to say about it. Do it? Avoid it??
2. What are your "must haves" when it comes to a trailer? Options? Opinions??
Thanks in advance and clear skies!?
-Dragan
www.deepskyforum.com
Sent from my Samsung Note 10+
|
1. Get the best suspension you can. 2. Get a ramp door on the back 3.?Get the best suspension you can. 4. Install tie down Hooks or rails? 5.?Get the best suspension you can. 6. Consider Dimmable red LED strip lighting on the inside, near the top but ?facing upwards to soften the glow? 7.?Get the best suspension you can. 8. Trailer roof racks are a handy option.?
Oh, and did I mention to get the best suspension you can?
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On 31 Jul 2020, at 11:19, Dragan Nikin <dragannikin@...> wrote:
?
Since we've had so much recent traffic, let me try to continue it.?
Im in the market for a new telescope trailer. I've been doing my due diligence and researching different manufacturers and I've finally settled on a brand. I can't find exactly what i want and need so I'm going to have one 'custom made'. It'll be a regular 5x8 aluminum trailer with torsion axle with a few mods to make observing life comfortable.?
Here are my questions. 2 fold.?
1. Does anyone have any experience with insulation in an enclosed cargo trailer? It's a cheap option and I'd probably do it. I just wonder what some other scope owners may have to say about it. Do it? Avoid it??
2. What are your "must haves" when it comes to a trailer? Options? Opinions??
Thanks in advance and clear skies!?
-Dragan www.deepskyforum.com
Sent from my Samsung Note 10+
|
Dragan,
I have been using a 5x8 since 2004 and works very well. I have not tried insulating it but have though about it. I would guess using some kind of spray urethane foam for the job. That is assuming you will vacate it in the event of fire. You have made a good choice in the torsion axles. Also make sure they are genuine "Dexter" axles because of future parts availability. Should you ever need them. If you get one with the roof vent, you will need some upgrade there from the standard crank it up type. The covers don't seem to stay on at interstate speeds. I use a hooded like vent that fastens on top. That has served me well? in speeds in the upper 2 digits and the occasional jaunt? into low 3 digits. That brings up the aerodynamics of the front. I have a rounded type that needed some reinforcement. I just added in shelves? coped to fit the front to act a bracing. Now the front end stays round at travel speed. The V-type may be more robust. Ramp door in the back is worth the upgrade and save a lot of time. Don't scrimp on tires. If you plan on hauls long distances, say 1000 miles or more,? just plan on getting fresh tires a few years. Trailer tires seem to dry rot a faster pace the normal tires for some reason. If the tires are made in China, don't inflate them at the stamped pressure. If they say 65psi I run at say 55psi and they don't pop nearly as often. If I think of anything more I will post .
Have fun,
Bob r
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Hi Charlie,
having installed the argo/Stellarcat stalks on my classic 15 and UC22 I can certifiy that these products are well tuned to the scopes and that your service is at the top even for those obsession's fans that are far abroad.
Thanks again. Frédéric
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Thank you! Wasn't aware that this group existed.
Roger
15" Classic #118 (1994)
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Thanks! I’ll have a look!?
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On Jul 30, 2020, at 8:57 PM, Dragan Nikin <dragannikin@...> wrote:
?
I am gonna go with R&R Trailers in Michigan. They have a wonderful reputation at a very reasonable cost. Plus they allow me to get the features I need.?
-Dragan www.deepskyforum.com
Sent from my Samsung Note 10+
-------- Original message -------- From: "Netscape via groups.io" <P21932@...> Date: 7/30/20 10:36 PM (GMT-06:00) Subject: Re: [ObsessionUsers] Telescope trailer
I am curious which brand you chose. I am slso looking for a telescope trailer. With my relocation to Arizona there are so many more opportunities to get to decent dark skies.? On Jul 30, 2020, at 6:19 PM, Dragan Nikin <dragannikin@...> wrote:
?
Since we've had so much recent traffic, let me try to continue it.?
Im in the market for a new telescope trailer. I've been doing my due diligence and researching different manufacturers and I've finally settled on a brand. I can't find exactly what i want and need so I'm going to have one 'custom made'. It'll be a regular 5x8 aluminum trailer with torsion axle with a few mods to make observing life comfortable.?
Here are my questions. 2 fold.?
1. Does anyone have any experience with insulation in an enclosed cargo trailer? It's a cheap option and I'd probably do it. I just wonder what some other scope owners may have to say about it. Do it? Avoid it??
2. What are your "must haves" when it comes to a trailer? Options? Opinions??
Thanks in advance and clear skies!?
-Dragan www.deepskyforum.com
Sent from my Samsung Note 10+
|
I am gonna go with R&R Trailers in Michigan. They have a wonderful reputation at a very reasonable cost. Plus they allow me to get the features I need.?
-Dragan www.deepskyforum.com
Sent from my Samsung Note 10+
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message -------- From: "Netscape via groups.io" <P21932@...> Date: 7/30/20 10:36 PM (GMT-06:00) Subject: Re: [ObsessionUsers] Telescope trailer
I am curious which brand you chose. I am slso looking for a telescope trailer. With my relocation to Arizona there are so many more opportunities to get to decent dark skies.? On Jul 30, 2020, at 6:19 PM, Dragan Nikin <dragannikin@...> wrote:
?
Since we've had so much recent traffic, let me try to continue it.?
Im in the market for a new telescope trailer. I've been doing my due diligence and researching different manufacturers and I've finally settled on a brand. I can't find exactly what i want and need so I'm going to have one 'custom made'. It'll be a regular 5x8 aluminum trailer with torsion axle with a few mods to make observing life comfortable.?
Here are my questions. 2 fold.?
1. Does anyone have any experience with insulation in an enclosed cargo trailer? It's a cheap option and I'd probably do it. I just wonder what some other scope owners may have to say about it. Do it? Avoid it??
2. What are your "must haves" when it comes to a trailer? Options? Opinions??
Thanks in advance and clear skies!?
-Dragan www.deepskyforum.com
Sent from my Samsung Note 10+
|
I am curious which brand you chose. I am slso looking for a telescope trailer. With my relocation to Arizona there are so many more opportunities to get to decent dark skies.?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Jul 30, 2020, at 6:19 PM, Dragan Nikin <dragannikin@...> wrote:
?
Since we've had so much recent traffic, let me try to continue it.?
Im in the market for a new telescope trailer. I've been doing my due diligence and researching different manufacturers and I've finally settled on a brand. I can't find exactly what i want and need so I'm going to have one 'custom made'. It'll be a regular 5x8 aluminum trailer with torsion axle with a few mods to make observing life comfortable.?
Here are my questions. 2 fold.?
1. Does anyone have any experience with insulation in an enclosed cargo trailer? It's a cheap option and I'd probably do it. I just wonder what some other scope owners may have to say about it. Do it? Avoid it??
2. What are your "must haves" when it comes to a trailer? Options? Opinions??
Thanks in advance and clear skies!?
-Dragan www.deepskyforum.com
Sent from my Samsung Note 10+
|
Frédéric Ruciak
Frank Nowatzke
Dragan Nikin
bobrose500
Netscape