Hardware and Configuration

Here is the main hardware I utilize for Astronomy.

 

 

Telescope Scopes

 

Item

Manufactor/Model

Specs

Comments

Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)

Celestron C-11 EdgeHD

Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain

Aperture: 279.4 mm (11")

Focal Length: 2,800 mm (110")

Focal Ratio: f/10

Secondary Mirror Obs: 95mm = 12%

Weight: 28 lbs

Backfocus: 133.35mm (5.25")

 

Manual

White Paper

How to collimate your SCT Telescope

Guide/Finder Scope

Takhashi FS-60C

Type: Reflector, Fluorite Doublet Apochromat

Part Number: TKA20582

Aperture: 60mm

Resolution: 1.93"

Focal Length: 355 mm

Focal Ratio: f/5.9

Tube Weight: 1.4 kg (3.1lbs)

Tube Diameter: 80 mm

SN: SV05131

Specifications

Photo/Visual System Chart

 

Currently used as finder/guide scope

Telescope

Celestron NexStar 6SE

Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain

Aperture: 150 mm (5.91")

Focal Length: 1500 mm (59")

Focal Ratio: f/10

Secondary Mirror Obs: 56mm = 37%

Weight:

  Optical Tube Assembly (OTA): 8.0 lbs

  Tripod Weight: 9.0 lbs

  Mount Head Weight: 11.0 lbs

Mount Head Details

  Type: Computerized Altude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm

  Load Capacity: 12 lbs

 

 

Complete Celestron NexStar+ SE Documentation

Accessories:

Telescope

Questar 3.5" Duplex

Type: Maksutov Cassegrain Catadioptric

Aperture: 89mm (3.5")

Focal Length: 1300mm

Focal Ratio: f/14.4

OTA Weight: 3.43 lbs

 

 

Company 7 Link

Guide Scope

TPO UltraWide 180 f/4.5 Astrophotography Lens & Guide Scope

Type:

Aperture: 40mm

Weight: 395g

Back Focus: 55mm

42mm rear threads

With Reducer

  • Focal Length: 180mm

  • Focal Ratio: f/4.5

  • BackFocus:55 mm

Without Reducer

  • Focal Length: 220mm

  • Focal Ratio: f/5.5

  • BackFocus:99 mm

List Price: $399

- Connection Diagram

Using as guidescope

Guide Scope

ZWO 30F4 Mini Guide Scope

Type: Refractor

Aperture: 30mm

Focal Length: 120mm

Focal Ratio: F4

Weight: 250g

Back Focus: 0-22mm

List Price: $399

- Connection Diagram

 

 

 

Eyepieces

Manufacture

Model

Design

Tube Size

Focal Length

AFOV

List

Comments

Tele Vue

EPL-55.0

Plossl

2.0"

55mm

50°

$256

 

Tele Vue

EN4-22.0

Nagler T4

2.0"

22mm

82°

$487

TeleVue Nagler Type 4 Info Sheet

Tele Vue

 

Nagler T4

2.0"

12mm

82°

$350

This model is no longer being sold, but has been replaced with the 13mm version

Tele Vue

EN6-09.0

Nagler T1?

2.0"

9mm

82°

$335

 

Vixen

LV30mm

N/A

2.0"

30mm

60°

N/A

 

Tele Vue

ENZ-0306

Nagler

1.25"

6mm - 3mm

50°

$430

Zoom from 6mm - 3mm (Great Piece)

Tele Vue

Unknown

Zoom

1.25"

8mm - 24mm

55°- 40°

N/A

This is similar to the CSZ-0824.  Both pieces are no longer sold

Tele Vue

Unknown

Plossl

1.25"

25mm

50°

N/A

Tele Vue

Unknown

Plossl

1.25"

15mm

50°

N/A

Tele Vue

ENA-07.0

Nagler

1.25"

7mm

82°

$335

Tele Vue

ENA-04.8

Nagler

1.25"

4.8mm

82°

N/A

Brandon

N/A

EFL

1.25"

32mm

°

$279

 

Brandon

N/A

EFL

1.25"

12mm

°

$279

 

Brandon

N/A

EFL

1.25"

8mm

°

$279

 

Orion

N/A

Plossl

1.25"

40mm

°

N/A

Specs

Orion

N/A

Lanthanum

1.25"

3.8mm

45°

N/A

 

Celestron

CEL-93398

 

2.0"

23mm

82°

N/A

 

Questar

EFL 32

Brandon

1.25"

32mm

45°

 

 

Questar

 

Brandon

1.25"

12mm

45°

 

 

Questar

 

Brandon

1.25"

8mm

45°

 

 

Baader

Zoom Mark IV

Zoom

2.0"/1.25"

8-24mm

53°- 38°

$450

Bundle includes Hyperion 2.25x Barlow Lens

 

Filters

 

Filters can be classified for broadly by intended usage:

 

Filter Resources

 

Item

Size

Class

Application

Chart(s)

Comments

Baader Neodymium

1.25"

2.0"

Broadband

Multiple

AKA: Moon & Skyglow filter

Incorporated in Star Diagonal, great for moon, planetary, Blackbody Deep sky objects

Lumicon Deep Sky

 

1.25"

Broadband

Visual

A fairly aggressive filter, but still lets a little background in the field of view.  I have found this as probably my favorite broadband filter (excluding the Baader Moon & Skyglow) for broadband targets in the city.

Orion Skyglow Broadband Filter

1.25"

Broadband

Visual

This may be one of the most useful filters to own, great for visual observation of planets, the moon, black-body deep sky objects (galaxies, multiple star systems, globular clusters, open clusters), I incorporate this into my star diagonal so it is generally always in the optical train by default.

Astronomik UHC-E

1.25"

Broadband

Visual

For smaller aperture telescopes (up to 5”), this filter is a less aggressive broadband filter.

Astronomik UHC

1.25"

Narrowband

Visual

 

DMG - NPB

1.25"

2.0"

Narrowband

Visual

This is an excellent filter for observing nebula.

Orion UltraBlock Narrowband

1.25"

Narrowband

Visual

Untested at this point.

Baader UHC-L Booster

1.25"

Narrowband

Multiple

Haven’t had a chance to check this one out yet.

Lumicon UHC

1.25"

Narrowband

Visual

--No Chart--

 

Baader O-III Super G

1.25"

Line

Multiple

 

Lumicon O-III

1.25"

Line

Visual

Filter Untested

Astronomik CLS-CCD

2.0"

Broadband

Imaging

 

OPT Radian Triad Ultra

2.0"

Line

Imaging

--No Chart--

 

Up to this point this has been my goto filter for imaging nebula.

Antlia Triband RGB Ultra Filter

2.0"

Narrowband

Imaging

To be tested, this looks to be an interesting filter when combined with the Askar Color Magic Filter.

Askar Colour Magic (OII + SII)

2.0"

Line

Imaging

This filter may work well with the Antlia Triband RGB filter.

Optolong L-eXtreme Dual-Band

2.0"

Line

Imaging

 

IDAS LPS-D2

2.0

Narrowband

Imaging

This filter is no longer being sold and has been replaced with the IDAS LPS-D3.

Lumicon Hydrogen-Alpha

1.25"

Line

Imaging

 

Lumicon H-Beta

1.25"

Line

Imaging

 

Lumicon Comet Filter

2.0"

Specialized

Imaging

--No Chart--

This is a specialty filter used for capturing the ionized tail of comets.

Astronomik ProPlanet 642

1.25"

Specialized

Imaging

Planetary, Moon & Sun

Astronomik ProPlanet 742

1.25"

Specialized

Imaging

Planetary, Moon & Sun

Astronomik ProPlanet 807

2.0"

Specialized

Imaging

Planetary, Moon & Sun

 

C-11 Accessories

Item

Manufactor/Model

Specs

Comments

Computer

Primalucelab

EAGLE4 S

 

 

  • Dual Core i3 processor (3.9 GHz)

  • 8GB Fast Memory (RAM)

  • 240 GB SSD

  • Tunderbolt 3 port

  • Sky Quality Meter
  • Windows 10 Enterprise
  • GPS
  • WIFI
  • 9 USB Ports (3 Type A, 1 Type C,  5 USB2)

 

Cost: $1,595

Purchased: 2021-02-12

 

12.8v 14A Adapter

Cost $185.00

Purchased 2021-02-12

 

 

Manual

PrimAluce Downloads Page

Video Description

 

EAGLE that combines, in one device, a powerful computer with Windows 10 Enterprise operative system to the most advanced power management system for telescopes to allow you to control any device (camera, mount, astrophotography accessories, etc.), also remotely and with any astrophotography software.

Computer

ZWO ASIAIR Pro

  • Wirelessly control your entire telescope rig with your phone or tablet

  • Controls and powers compatible cameras, mounts, autofocusers, filter wheels, dew heaters, and more

  • Plan and execute your entire night of imaging in advance with highly-customizable automation

  • Handles polar alignment, autofocus, plate solving, guiding, and more

  • Distributes 12V power to all of your astrophotography accessories

  • Internal storage and expandable with external storage for saving images

  • Works with ZWO cameras and many DSLR & mirrorless cameras

 

 

Cost $322

Purchased 2023-07-22

 

ASIAIR Mini Review

 

Manual

PrimAluce Downloads Page

Video Description

 

The ASIAIR Mini is a smart device that wirelessly controls your telescope rig and makes astrophotography easier than ever.

 

The ASIAIR Mini acts as the brain of your telescope rig by automatically pointing your GoTo equatorial mount, powering your camera and equipment, and controlling compatible ZWO accessories like the EAF, filter wheel, guide camera, and more.

 

The ASIAIR Mini is the younger sibling to the ZWO ASIAIR Plus, which offers even more features, though many users find the ASIAIR Mini suits all of their needs.

Strain Wave Gear Mount

ZWO AM5

Manual

Including:

  •  ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod

  • 6.3" mm Pier Extension

  • Counter Balance Bar

  • 10lb Counterweight

  • 12V 5A DC Adapter

 

Purchase Price: $2,698

 

Electronic Focuser

ZWO EAF Focuser

Manual

Purchase Price: $180

 

Starizona QuickSwitch EAF Adapter Manual

Purchase Price: $99

 

Mount

LOSMANDY GllG

 

Model: G11G

Type: Equatorial Mount

Payload: 60 lbs

Controller: Gemini System V2

Mount Weight: 33lbs

 

List Price: $???

 

One piece worm (OPW) and gearboxes

Sales Info

Parts Diagram

User Manual

Using the Polar Finder Scope

RA Counterweight Balance

LOSMANDY YouTube Channel

LOSMANDY Technical Support Page

LOSMANDY Store

Resources

- Wilmslow Astro Losmandy G11 & Gemini

Extras Include:

Controller

Gemini 2

 

Model: Gemini 2

Software Version:

Upgrade Cost: $1,192.29

Gemini-2 Quick Start Guide

Gemini-2 Videos page

Losmandy Gemini Instructions Videos page

LOSMANDY Store

Gemini-II User Group

 

Extras Included

Pier

iOptrion Tri-Pier

 

 

Max Payload: 220lbs

Weight: 25.8 lbs

 

List Price: $598

 

Instructions

 

AutoFocuser

Starizona  MicroTouch

 

USB Driver: ASCOM Platform

Interface: USB 2.0

List Price: $500

 

Manual

FocusMax Star List

Used for focus on OTA

HyperStar

Starizona HyperStar 11 v4

Focal Length: 540mm

Focal Ratio: f/1.9

Image Circle: 35mm

Mechanical Backfocus:

Compression Factor:

Weight:

List Price: $1,299

 

Manual

 

HyperStar

Starizona HyperStar 6 v4

Focal Length: 300mm

Focal Ratio: f/2.0

Max Usable Sensor Size: 28mm Diagonal

List Price: $628

 

Manual

 

HyperStar Filter Slider

Starizona HyperStar Filter Slider

Filter Slider for Starizona HyperStar 11 v4

  • Holds standard 2" mounted filters (M48 thread)*

  • Diameter: 3.10" (78.8mm)

  • Thickness: 0.69" (17.5mm)

  • Telescope Side Thread: Female M48

  • Camera Side Thread: Male T-Thread (M42)

  • Weight: 5 oz. (140g)

  • List Price: $129.00

 

EdgeHD Focal Reducer/Corrector

 

Celestron C-11 EdgeHD 0.7 Reducer

Focal Length: 1960mm

Focal Ratio: f/7

Image Circle: 42mm

Mechanical Backfocus: 146mm (5.75")

Compression Factor: 0.7x

Weight: 3.25 lbs

List Price: $629.95

 

Manual

 

Starizona Focal Reducer/Corrector

Starizona SCT 0.63 Corrector IV

 

 

Manual

 

Purchase Price $399

 

 

 

 

C6 | FL=1220mm | f/8

C8 | FL=1450mm | f7.1

TeleVue Powermates Barlow

Powermate 2x Barlow

 

List Price: $294

 

Magnification Chart

These Powermates™ are a better choice for 2" diagonals than Barlows, since they are nearly Parfocal. They are threaded for 48mm filters and their performance is excellent with every 1¼" and 2" eyepiece we make (yes, even the 31mm Nagler Type 5!). Both the 2" eyepiece holder and the special 2" flat top adapter use our brass clamp rings for secure operation. And, it also has a very unique feature: you can unscrew the 2" eyepiece housing and screw on a special T-ring adapter for solid, compact attachment of CCD or camera equipment.

TeleVue Powermates Barlow

 

Powermate 4x Barlow

 

List Price: $300

 

Magnification Chart

These Powermates™ are a better choice for 2" diagonals than Barlows, since they are nearly Parfocal. They are threaded for 48mm filters and their performance is excellent with every 1¼" and 2" eyepiece we make (yes, even the 31mm Nagler Type 5!). Both the 2" eyepiece holder and the special 2" flat top adapter use our brass clamp rings for secure operation. And, it also has a very unique feature: you can unscrew the 2" eyepiece housing and screw on a special T-ring adapter for solid, compact attachment of CCD or camera equipment.

Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector (ADC)

ZWO Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector (ADC)

Purchase Price: $146

Manual

Using the ZWO ADC on Venus

ZWO Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector is used to reduce the effect of atmospheric dispersion on lunar and planetary images.

Perhaps most useful on planets less than 60deg above the horizon.  The lower the object the more this is helps.

Baader Red Dot Finder

 

Baader Planetarium

SkySufer V Red-Dot Finder

Purchase Price: $160

Manual

Weight: Finder = 310g, Base = 55g

  • SkySurfer V works in dual function ("day &night"), as precise solar-finder as well as a classic Red Dot Finder.

  • LED with illumination with three bright settings for daylight use and eight much dimmer for nighttime use, so that no stars will be outshone.

  • Incl. RDM Red Dot Mount #2457010 (to mount onto most Celestron, Sky-Watcher and Vixen finder base) and Baader-Standard-Base #2457000 to mount on other telescopes. The SkySurfer V unit (without the RDM mount) also fits directly onto 11 mm Weaver micro gunrails and 20 mm Weaver/Picatinny rails

  • Water resistant and completely made of black anodized metal.

 

 

Cameras

Item

Manufactor/Model

Specs

Comments

Polar Alignment Aid

QHYCCD Polemaster

QHYCCD Polemaster

 

Resolution: 30 arc seconds

Possible Alignment Accuracy: 30 arc seconds

Field of View: 11deg x 8deg

List Price: $240

 

 

 

 

Manual

 

Camera

ZWO ASI6200MC Pro Color

ASI 6200MC Pro Color Camera

 

Bayer Pattern: RGGB

Read Noise: 1.2e- to 3.5e-

Pixel Size: 3.76 um

Well Capacity: 51.4ke-

Quantum  Efficiency (QE): 91%

Bit Depth: 16 bit

Dynamic Range: 14 stops

Sensor: Sony  IMX455 Full-Frame Format

Dark Current: 0.0003e-/p/s @ 0C

Window: AR mulit-layer

List Price: $3,500

Back Focus: 55mm

 

Manual

ASI Cooled Camera Quick Guide

ASI Cameras Software Manual

Additional Resources

 

Specifications Chart

Performance Charts

Whats in the box

Backfocus Solutions Chart

Camera Lens Connections Diagram

Dark Current Vs Temp Diagram

Mechanical Diagram

 

Camera

ZWO 174MM Mini (Mono)

ZWO 174MM Mini (Mono)

 

 

Resolution: 2.3 Mega Pixels (1736 x 1216)

Read Noise: 3.5e

Pixel Size: 5.86 um

Sensor Dimensions: 11.3 x 7.1mm

Quantum Efficency: peak at 77%

Bit Depth: 12 bit

Sensor: 1/1.2" CMOS IMX174LLJ/IMX174LQJ

Weight: 140g

List Price: $500

 

Quick Guide

Manual

Software Manual

 

Used mostly for Guild Camera, but should work fine for solar and moon imaging.

Camera

ZWO ASI120MC-S

ZWO ASI120MC-S

Color Camera

 

Resolution: 1.2 Mega Pixels (1280x960)

Bayer Pattern: GRBG

Read Noise: 4.0e

Pixel Size: 3.75 um

Sensor Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.6mm

Quantum Efficency: peak at 75%

Bit Depth: 12 bit

Sensor: AR0130CS

Weight: 100g

List Price: $149

 

Quick Guide

Manual

Software Manual

Used mostly for Solar System Objects Imaging

Camera

 

ZWO ASI183MC

 

ZWO ASI183MC

Color Camera

 

Sensor:

Resolution: 20.18 Mega Pixels (5,496 x 3,672)

Bayer Pattern: RGGB

Read Noise: 1.6e @ 30db gain

Pixel Size: 2.4 um

Diagonal: 15.9mm

Exposure Range: 32um - 2000s

Interface: USB3.0/USB2.0

Quantum Efficency: peak at 84%

Bit Depth: 12 bit

Sensor Dimensions: 62 x 36mm

Sensor: 1" CMOS IMX183CLK-J/COJ-J

Weight: 120g

List Price: $499

 

 

Manual

Used mostly for Solar System Objects Imaging

 

Lunt and Questar Accessories

Item

Manufactor/Model

Specs

Comments

Pier

Tri-Stand

 

 

P/N: 19338

Weight: 25lbs

 

Manual

Mount for Questar Telescope

Focuser

Primalucelab

SESTO SENSO 2

Sesto Senso 2 Robotic Focusing Motor

 

Purchase: 2021-02-07

Price: $299

 

Manual

PrimAluce Downloads Page

Video Description

SESTO SENSO 2 - The highly accurate, advanced, vibration free, robotic focusing motor for your telescope!

 

Resolution: 0.7 um

Weight: 380 grams

 

 

Imaging Accessories

Item

Manufactor/Model

Specs

Comments

Focuser

 

Primalucelab

ESATTO 2"

ESATTO 2" robotic microfocuser

 

Purchase: 2021-03-29

Price: $645

  • Thickness: 67mm

  • Tube Travel: 15mm

  • Load Capacity: 11lbs

  • Resolution: 0.04 microns per step

 

Manual

PrimAluce Downloads Page

Video Description

Crayford Focuser

 

Rotator

Primalucelab

ARCO 2" Robotic Rotator

ARCO 2" Robotic Rotator

 

Purchase: 2022-06-29

Price: $795

  • Thickness: 20mm

  • Free Aperture: 50.9mm

  • Weight: 435g

  • Resolution: 1 arc second

 

 

Dimensions Diagram

Manual

PrimAluce Downloads Page

Video Description

 

Filter Wheel

ZWO EFW (7x2")

ZWO EFW 7x2" Filter Wheel

List Price: $399

Purchase: 2021.03.05

 

EFW Quick Guide

ZWO Downloads Page

Video Description

 

 

 

  • EFW Filter Wheel Software Manual (Windows)

  • EFW Filter Wheel Software Manual (Linux & Mac)

  • BackFocus Diagrams

Filter Wheel

ZWO EFW mini

ZWO EFW Mini

List Price: $199

Purchased: 2022.06.28

 

EFW Quick Guide

ZWO Downloads Page

Video Description

 

  • EFW Filter Wheel Software Manual (Windows)

  • EFW Filter Wheel Software Manual (Linux & Mac)

  • BackFocus Diagrams

 

 

 

 

Accessories and Tools

Item

Manufactor/Model

Specs/Manuals/Instructions

Comments

HyperStar Laser Collimator

Hotech

- SCT Collimation Instructions

- HOTECH Advanced CT Laser Collimator Part 1.mp4

- HOTECH Advanced CT Laser Collimator Part 2.mp4

 

List Price: $530

Expensive, but allows collimation anytime indoors.

GoldFocus  Plus Mask

 

GoldAstro

- GoldFocus Help file

List Price: $139.99

Works pretty well in the field.  but Standard GoldFocus mask is best for checking focus.

Sky Quality Meter

Unihedron SQM-L Sky Quality Meter

 

Bortle scale

 

Manual

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weight Measurements

Item

Weight

Comments

Celestron C-11 HD Optical Tube Assembly (with Rails)

30.6 lbs

 

C-11 Dew Sheild

2.5 lbs

 

Laser Pointer and ECCO2

4.6 lbs

 

ZWO ASI-6200 Imaging Camera

1.6 lbs

 

Cables (Estimate)

1.5 lbs

 

Baseline

40.8 lbs

Core configuration requirement

 

 

 

Eagle 4S Imaging Computer

4.6 lbs

 

TPO 180 Guide Scope & Adjustable Mount

2.1 lbs

 

C-11 Visual Back

0.7 lbs

 

Celestron 0.7x Focal Reducer

3.1 lbs

 

T Adapter with Filter holder

1.0 lbs

 

ESATTO Focuser

2.1 lbs

 

Takhashi FS-60C Guide Scope & Adjustable platform

6.2 lbs

 

Starizona HyperStar

3.1 lbs

 

Filter Wheel

 

 

 

 

 

Light: Primary Focus

43.9 lbs

| Baseline | TPO 180 | T Adapter |

Light: Focal Reducer

47.0 lbs

| Baseline | TPO 180 | 0.7 FR | T Adapter |

Light: HyperStar

46.0 lbs

| Baseline | TPO 180 | HyperStar |

 

 

 

Med: Primary Focus w PC

48.6 lbs

| Baseline | Eagle 4S | TPO 180 | T Adapter |

 

 

 

Heavy: HyperStar/PC

47.5 lbs

| Baseline | TPO 180 | Eagle 4S |

Max Out: Focal Reducer, PC, Focuser

56.8 lbs

| Baseline | Takhashi FS-60C | Eagle 4S | 0.7 FR | ESATTO Focuser |

Skyhunter Tracker Config

  Takhashi FS60C | ZWO 30F4 Guidescope |

7.4 lbs

Cameras : ZWO 6200MC (Imaging), ZWO 1774MM  (Guiding)

Skyhunter Tracker Config

  Takhashi FS60C | ZWO 30F4 Guidescope |

5.8 lbs

Cameras : ZWO 183MC (Imaging), ZWO 1774MM  (Guiding)

 

Skyhunter Tracker Config

  Canon 5D MIV w 28-300mm Lens | ZWO 30F4 Guidescope |

7.8 lbs

Cameras : Canon 5D MIV (Imaging), ZWO 1774MM  (Guiding)

 

 

 

Astronomy

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