Ad Astra Observatory

Well, it only took 5 months, but I finally got Veronica to focus using the new RCC and the off-axis guider!

It’s for real this time.

The problem has been stated and restated, but essentially I have a problem with flexure, or so I believe, and to fix it I need to guide and image through the same scope. This will reduce the number of variables I have to deal with, and I think will keep me more flexible in the long run. I will be able to run with a guidescope if needed, OAG if needed, or even unguided (perish the thought).

On Aug 4, I bought an OAG, and picked up a new corrector that has extra backfocus required to run the OAG.

Well, one thing led to another led to another, including trying two different focusers, three sets of collimation bolts, and several trips (both overseas and domestic). All of this was quite effective at keeping me from being able to get things working right.

I finally hunkered down and worked the problem tonight, and I had some success!

Achieved:
– Got authorization from Orion to send back OAG for warranty repair (did I mention this whole experience has been a real trial?)
– Set up the variable spacer so that it’s the exact same length as the OAG (actually, 1.1mm longer, so when the spacer can focus, the OAG has some extra breathing room)
– Ripped out the primary mirror and added longer collimation bolts (my third set — 10-32 x 2” turn out to be long enough)

– The camera now comes to focus about 3/8” above the deck
– Figured out how to find stars in the OAG
– Figured out how to focus the OAG (needs a 17mm spacer to get the ST-4 to focus — a shorter spacer would work for eyepieces)
– And finally, Brought the OAG and the camera to focus at the same spot!

So. I’m nearly ready for a first light with the RCC, 5 short months after receipt.

Next steps:
– Send in the OAG. Once that gets back, I can start working the shoot-and-guide angle.
– Do an unguided first light with the RCC.
– Set up Pumpkin for imaging.
– Set up C9.25 for imaging. (low priority)

To get to first light, I need to:
– Get the mount powered back up (I’m running it in “Dob” mode at the moment)

– Get the laptop hooked up (autofocus and MaxIM)
– Clear out some space for a chair (still piles of boxes around)

To set up Pumpkin, I need to:
– Acquire a DMM, or
– Pull the DA and attach a DUP to the rings

To set up the C9.25, I need to:
– Collimate. I think I am going to do this with a normal star test, because my artificial star is also problematic, and the last thing I need right now is another excuse not to work my gear.

I can probably do first light and Pumpkin in one night, if all goes well.

And what a surprise, M42 is right there, waiting to be my first 300d-with-RCC image!

Oh, I just remembered that the Ha filter will probably throw things off a bit. I might drop ship a clip-in Ha filter…

It’s so good to be back on track!