Information about astronomy accessories
ZWO SeeStar smart telescopes have become very popular. Their ability to be run in equatorial mode has improved their abilities considerably but putting them in EQ mode is difficult. We put together a small kit of parts you will need to do it without encountering problems.
In this blog we put together a deep-sky, cooled camera and lens rig for wide-field autoguided imaging. We used components that fit together without having to drill new holes. This will go onto a go-to equatorial mount and give us long exposures with any camera lens. It also provides extra mounting points for autofocus motors, computers, or other components.
PegasusAstro focus, power and dew heater controllers use a range of temperature and environmental sensors. Knowing which one goes with what product can be confusing. Bill’s written a handy list for you.
USB-C is becoming an industry standard in astrophotography as it can use fewer cables by sharing power and data. However, some components need higher voltages through that USB-C cable. If you plug a 12V cable into a component that needs 5V you can cause damage. Please be careful!
Getting deep images of the Milky Way can take a lot of power from your DSLR’s battery. Using a dummy battery to power your camera means you can leave it running all night and you won’t have to change batteries. You power the dummy battery with a PegasusAstro DSLR Buddy, and that means you can also run a dew heater strap from the mains, or a big battery.
The Move-Shoot-Move Tridaptor phone holder is an all-metal holder which is adjustable in three axes. We tested some eyepieces with the holder and discussed some of the criteria you should use when deciding which one of the many phone holders you should choose.
Bill used the Benro Polaris tracking mount to get images of comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. This post tells the story of the expedition. He also reviews the Polaris.
There are lots of different adapters available for all sorts of different jobs. PegasusAstro adapters have a consistent way of defining what’s on either ends, so you don’t end up scratching your head.
The Move Shoot Move wedge goes between a Nomad (or other) star tracker and your tripod. It allows you to polar align. This wedge is made from CNC aluminium and provides the smooth movements you need for precise alignment.
With a dome, you can simply open it up and begin imaging. But if you want to sleep as well, you need something keeping an eye on the weather so the dome will close if it’s about to rain. In this blog I’ve described a couple of gadgets that can do all that for you. I also talk about a couple of options to put the system together.
With a shutter release cable you can fire your camera remotely without touching it. They’re very useful in photography, especially macrophotography and astrophotography. They are available for a huge range of cameras. Choosing the correct shutter release cable for your camera can be difficult. Here is a list of available cables.
ZWO SeeStar smart telescopes have become very popular. Their ability to be run in equatorial mode has improved their abilities considerably but putting them in EQ mode is difficult. We put together a small kit of parts you will need to do it without encountering problems.
Macrophotography with a WeMacro Rail provides the depth of focus normal macro lenses can’t achieve. But managing lighting is still a difficult process, especially in such a cramped area. This article shows the effect of a couple of gadgets that help you see while posing your subject and diffuse harsh lighting during the exposure run.
Eclipses have been seen as an omen by nearly every civilization. Being able accurately predict an eclipse would give a leader immense persuasive power. Ancient astrologers noticed that solar eclipses followed a pattern. Get it right and you’re in for a promotion. Get it wrong and things might not be so good.