4 replies to this topic

[Malakai]

About:

 

 

This is a _really_ low cost astrophotography device implementation, simple to build and not intended to do complicated (i.e. long exposition, tracking) photography. My main inspiration to build it was my nephew )

 

 

Just love this using a Telescope that's under $50. Now that's inexpensive  with accessories 

 

http://tinyurl.com/ndayc7q telescope on Amazon Prime

 

Intro build @ http://blog.dragon-tortuga.net/?p=1263

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not sure but if this works would double it's magnification:

 

 

 

 

With some servo's and a bit of hacking it should be possible to auto track your target.

 

Check out this build. It does use a more advanced telescope but that could be an upgrade for later.

 

http://www.raspberry...e-camera-board/

 

 

The following is just an example. Note it uses a $700 Telescope and a PC. Just here for a reference.  http://www.celestron...rized-telescope.

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We even have a node-telescope-server

 

https://www.npmjs.or...elescope-server

 

 

[soocold]

That is really cool I could always try to set this up at my grandparents house out in country. amazing night skys, I wonder if there is a way to weatherproof the setup so it could sit out and transmit wirelessly....

[Malakai]

Without tracking it might not be the best to leave it outside. However a simple cover with UV protection are available online you would just have to shroud the exposed opening from the elements.

[Malakai]

Same scope a bit better specs and not much more. Think I'd go the extra $15 and get it.

 

 

 

Comparisons.

 

Firstscope $46.95

 

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Optical Design Newtonian Reflector Aperture (mm) 76 mm (2.99 in) Focal Length 300 mm (12 in) Focal Ratio 3.95 Focal Length of Eyepiece 1 (mm) 20 mm (0.79 in) Magnification of Eyepiece 1 15 x Focal Length of Eyepiece 2 (mm) 4 mm (0.16 in) Magnification of Eyepiece 2 75 x Highest Useful Magnification 180 x Lowest Useful Magnification 11 x Limiting Stellar Magnitude 11.9 Resolution (Rayleigh) 1.83 arc seconds Resolution (Dawes) 1.53 arc seconds Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye) 118 x Warranty 2-year Telescope Warranty
 

 

 

 

 

Cosmos $59.95

 

Optical Design Newtonian Reflector Aperture (mm) 76 mm (2.99 in) Telescope Type Manual Focal Length 300 mm (12 in) Focal Ratio 3.95 Focal Length of Eyepiece 2 (mm) Kellner 10 mm (0 in) Finderscope StarPointer Tripod None Highest Useful Magnification 180 x Lowest Useful Magnification 11 x Limiting Stellar Magnitude 11.9

 

 

This special edition of our bestselling FirstScope offers several upgrades over the original, including 2 Kellner eyepieces and a red dot StarPointer finderscope. Since it weighs just 4.3 pounds, the COSMOS FirstScope is the perfect companion for camping trips, and all your outdoor adventures.

Inspired by COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey, the telescope tube is adorned with a custom, special-edition wrap featuring the COSMOS eye nebula design. When not in use, this unique telescope is stylish enough to be a decorative fixture on your bookshelf or desk. You’ll also receive a beautiful Cosmic Calendar poster with images from the show, and a free planetarium app for your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

 

[johnlgalt]

Very nice project there.

 

Unfortunately, it was overcast all night, and I was unable to see last night's eclipse.  But this is a neat way to set up a really small setup for astro-viewing.

 

Now off to find a project for gathering weather data in my back yard