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46 entries.
wrote on January 3, 2026
at
7:34 PM
I live in Quebec and have a Celestron Nexstar SLT127 telescope controlled with a Beelink computer, Neximage5 on guider scope, SVBony 505 camera on main scope and a celestron focuser. I made a small observatory with a Suncast horizontal Shed and motorized the top part with an actuator motor. Just needing a driver to control some Tuya receptacles for extra accessories so I can use NINA to automate all my instruments and the observatory.
Clear Skies!
Clear Skies!
wrote on January 3, 2026
at
7:34 PM
I live in Quebec and have a Celestron Nexstar SLT127 telescope controlled with a Beelink computer, Neximage5 on guider scope, SVBony 505 camera on main scope and a celestron focuser. I made a small observatory with a Suncast horizontal Shed and motorized the top part with an actuator motor. Just needing a driver to control some Tuya receptacles for extra accessories so I can use NINA to automate all my instruments and the observatory.
Clear Skies!
Clear Skies!
wrote on October 27, 2025
at
6:23 PM
Just found your CN post about smart switches. I'm looking forward to learning about them.
wrote on September 29, 2025
at
1:04 PM
Reading about the various clutch issues other have had with their CPC 1100. I will start checking the different suggestions in this guestbook. Thank you. Fred
wrote on March 29, 2025
at
11:16 PM
Hi, found this site while looking for a laser pointer holder for a green laser I purchased from aliexpress.com.
It is a simple cylinder 18mm is diameter but 40mm in length.
Clicked on a holder in a search and here I am!
Cheers and blessings.
It is a simple cylinder 18mm is diameter but 40mm in length.
Clicked on a holder in a search and here I am!
Cheers and blessings.
wrote on March 12, 2025
at
1:44 AM
Nice Site, thought I would take a look at process of cleaning and repacking elevation bearings assy. Pete
wrote on January 17, 2025
at
10:45 PM
I'm at the start of the Hill Country over in Boerne. I found you Observatory from one of your posts in Cloudy Nights. I am just starting to look everything over.
Thanks for the webpage.
Thanks for the webpage.
Admin Reply by: Michael Foegelle
Welcome! Hope you find something useful here.
wrote on January 13, 2025
at
3:45 PM
Struggling with a number of issues with my CPC 1100HD and am very grateful to you for any advice you might be able to offer. Looking forward to having a look round your site!
Admin Reply by: Michael Foegelle
Happy to help if I can. Hope you find something useful here.
wrote on November 15, 2024
at
2:03 PM
Hi! Just trying to learn more about the CPC fork mount, so I am checking out your website!
wrote on November 4, 2024
at
2:20 PM
Enjoyed visiting the site. Great equipment setup and pics.
wrote on September 5, 2024
at
5:43 PM
Our City Astronomer, Eric McLaughlin, asked us to visit your website for information about cleaning Green’s azimuth bearing.
wrote on July 7, 2024
at
5:44 PM
Thanks for putting this up. I have an older 9.25 of a vintage I'm unsure about (The hand controller is a Nextstar* not a Nextstar+) anyway, I bought it for the OTA which is carbon fiber! and beautiful. On the bottom of the arms are 4 huge phillips head screws, I have to get a screwdriver upgrade!
wrote on February 20, 2024
at
8:12 AM
Hi Michael
Not sure if you still watch for postings on your guest book here.
Trying to get in imaging with this crazy weather is a real challenge. Clouds and wind are making it rough. I’m working on my solar imaging skills, getting ready for the eclipse . Will send you regular email.
Take care
Not sure if you still watch for postings on your guest book here.
Trying to get in imaging with this crazy weather is a real challenge. Clouds and wind are making it rough. I’m working on my solar imaging skills, getting ready for the eclipse . Will send you regular email.
Take care
wrote on June 14, 2023
at
1:29 PM
Michael,
Thanks for posting blog. As I look around, hope to find tidbits on optimizing my new CPC1100 HD for planet photography. It augments my trusty EQ mounted C8. No prior alt/az experience, undecided on purchase of a wedge, but having fun with the mount. Field rotation is manageable.
Primary concern is that the CPC tracking is not great at f/20 with small sensor planet camera in place, and no clear guidance on how to improve. CPC adjustment secrets? Skip the wedge and go straight to EQ mount? A fool's errand?
All the Best!
Dave Stokes
Thanks for posting blog. As I look around, hope to find tidbits on optimizing my new CPC1100 HD for planet photography. It augments my trusty EQ mounted C8. No prior alt/az experience, undecided on purchase of a wedge, but having fun with the mount. Field rotation is manageable.
Primary concern is that the CPC tracking is not great at f/20 with small sensor planet camera in place, and no clear guidance on how to improve. CPC adjustment secrets? Skip the wedge and go straight to EQ mount? A fool's errand?
All the Best!
Dave Stokes
Admin Reply by: Michael Foegelle
Hi Dave,
Sorry for the delayed reply. At the end of the day, you'll probably be happier with a good equatorial mount if you're going to get into astrophotography, but then again, you'll probably do more imaging with a piggyback refractor to get the wide fields. I see you already have a C8 on an EQ mount, so the C11 will just increase your light capture. It would also make a great Fastar OTA, but I haven't made that jump yet either. (ALMOST did for a used system at a steal a month or so ago, but I really didn't need another project!)
However, planetary imaging is always a challenge, especially if you're trying to push the magnification beyond your seeing (which I always want to do!). For planetary, it's critical to have a high speed sampling rate (i.e. > 100 frames/second) so that you can capture thousands of frames quickly. Then field rotation won't matter. It's then up to your post processing software to find and stack the best frames from your frame collection of mostly garbage! =)
Hope that helps,
Michael
Sorry for the delayed reply. At the end of the day, you'll probably be happier with a good equatorial mount if you're going to get into astrophotography, but then again, you'll probably do more imaging with a piggyback refractor to get the wide fields. I see you already have a C8 on an EQ mount, so the C11 will just increase your light capture. It would also make a great Fastar OTA, but I haven't made that jump yet either. (ALMOST did for a used system at a steal a month or so ago, but I really didn't need another project!)
However, planetary imaging is always a challenge, especially if you're trying to push the magnification beyond your seeing (which I always want to do!). For planetary, it's critical to have a high speed sampling rate (i.e. > 100 frames/second) so that you can capture thousands of frames quickly. Then field rotation won't matter. It's then up to your post processing software to find and stack the best frames from your frame collection of mostly garbage! =)
Hope that helps,
Michael
wrote on May 18, 2023
at
11:42 AM
Cool stuff Michael! Nice pics. And I agree....the travel & hassle to get to the last solar eclipse was worth it.
wrote on May 4, 2023
at
12:26 PM
Hi Michael
Hope you’re getting the new house and pool finished off so you can get back to the fun Astronomy stuff. Im sure you’ve noticed the weather has been against us lately. I’ve managed a few days with my Lunt 60 mm but not much in evenings. I did get lucky and was able to stay at padre island long enough to see the latest star ship launch.wow. Take care
Hope you’re getting the new house and pool finished off so you can get back to the fun Astronomy stuff. Im sure you’ve noticed the weather has been against us lately. I’ve managed a few days with my Lunt 60 mm but not much in evenings. I did get lucky and was able to stay at padre island long enough to see the latest star ship launch.wow. Take care
wrote on March 31, 2023
at
4:43 AM
Nice site !
wrote on March 4, 2023
at
1:27 PM
got here from Cloudy Nights
wrote on February 3, 2023
at
10:10 PM
Hello, since my All Sky camera model was suffering from condensation inside the dome, I searched the web for inspiration. That's how I came across your website. I really like your concept of the new All Sky camera, I think it elegantly solves the previously mentioned moisture condensation. Thank you for sharing it. I think it is very useful for people like me. I would also like to ask if you still have 3D models of the parts, as I am not very skilled in 3D drawing.
wrote on January 7, 2023
at
9:13 PM
New to astronomy
