Ad Astra Observatory

As always happens when I’ve been out of astronomy for awhile and then get back in, I immediately realize that there are several “small upgrades” that I could make to push my astronomy a little further in the direction I want it to go.

This year’s list includes:
– upgraded worm blocks for the Gemini (MFWB = $240, Losmandy = $300, Ovision = $500) GOT

– the RCC (don’t know if the guy wants it back or wants to sell it to me, but I have to have $ for that) PAID
– upgraded collimation tools (ie an autocollimator, $50)
– OIII and Hb filters (or SII or N = $180 per for clip-ins)
– green laser pointer = $50 (want toggle switch; be prepared to solder)
– new autoguider (convince myself I need to sell the ST-4), $250
– DSBS or Triad rig $300
– Orion X-Y Guider $200 (if I am still having problems finding guidestars)

And a few things not really in the realm of possibility, but I list them because sometimes miracles happen:

– a new camera (QHY9 mono = $1500, SXV-H9 (ST-8ish) = $1700, ST2000XM = $1700, ST-8 = $1500)
– a new mount (AP900 = $8000, AP Mach1GTO = $5000, AP400 = ?)

Things I need to sell:
– Orange C-8 + case + finder
– DC8 plates x 2
– EQ2 mount
– 3 or so Moonlite bits n bobs (maybe trade for truss parts)
– STI Stiletto for Nikon?

And major projects for the year:
– G-11 periodic error rework
– Trixie stiffening
– C9.25 collimation
– Gizmo project box