Hi all

Being my first post to this site other than "hello" I thought I'd introduce my gear. I've finally brought my latest imaging rig into existence. The main scope is a C8, but the C8 won't stay long as it's due to be replaced with a Tak FSQ-106 in the next 3 months or so. Until then this'll do.

The setup:

1) Celestron C8 with Meade f/6.3 focal reducer and WO red dot finder.
2) William Optics Megrez 80SD guide scope with WO red dot finder and guide camera (not shown)
3) Takahashi FS60-C used as visual finder in this capacity since cameras block the other two when trying to center objects for the cameras
4) Canon 350D on C8 at prime focus
5) Nikon D40 on RHS of saddle plate w/Nikkor 300ED f/4.5 prime lens for widefild or a 105mm f/2.5 prime lens for ultra-widefield.
6) Losmandy G-11 mount with custom jarrah side-saddle plate (very solid)

Heating this apparatus are 9 (nine) individual home-made heaters running off one of my variable pulse-width controllers.

I plan to photograph the entire Messier Catalog over time with this setup just for something to do. The main camera (350D) will be doing the high-mag work at prime focus and the Nikon taking contextual wide-field shots of the region around the object/s at exactly the same time. The rotation and axial alignment of the two cameras are pretty well matched. The Tak is also axially aligned with the C8 so that I can use it to visually fine-tune my composition for both cameras seeing that I can't actually see out of the camera scopes.

Should work well when I decide on my guide camera and purchase it. While the Agent webcam is good - it's noticeably less sensitive than the Orion/QHY autoguider. There is an Orion in our club already, so I think I'll probably go for the QHY just to see the difference in the cable, if any.

Once I have that in hand then it's out huntin' Messiers! (NO goto!)

The fun begins!

Attached Images

	scopeb.sized.jpg (125.1 KB, 32 views)
	scopea.sized.jpg (108.9 KB, 27 views)

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Holy sh... *ahem*

very nice setup, good job dave man (Y)

It would be nice if your next investment is a year round observatory. I imagine lugging that setup around can take some effort. Thanks for letting us peek at it.

Freakin' amazing.

I envy you.

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