The recent “live streaming” sessions over Facebook Live where a huge success and this can easily progress to “live” Zoom sessions. Lag was found to be minimal over the Asus ZenWiFi XT8 MESH network.
{May 2021}
Leads replaced by shorter ones and the whole layout now looks neat and tidy. ST80 replaced with a short guide scope which in turn will eventually have a StarAid Revolution B guiding solution. Imaging being conducted using 2x astro modified DSLR cameras one at 900mm focal length and the other at 430mm. All three telescopes while at differing focal lengths are each orientated in the same plane and roughly pointing in the same direction which will help target acquisition and tracking. There is also the option to do extreme closeup work on planets/lunar/solar using a pair of Maxview Scoptronix DSLR solutions.
{November 2021}
Well, the year has progressed very nicely, I have rebalanced the mount and added another operating position within the dome itself. The SkyShed Pod has had a new application of sealant and weatherproofing strips in an attempt to prevent rain getting in at the hinges. A new addition has been the StarAid Revolution Rev B and now all 3 scopes are aligned with each other (including the guide scope on top).
A further addition has been a Lunt LS60 Solar Telescope together with a SkyWatcher SolarQuest (portable tracking mount) for Solar observations/imaging. This is separate to the dome and can be taken out on location for Outreach events.
The large conifer in front of the dome has now been totally removed so I now have a mostly unobstructed view to the northwest (above the house).
Future plans:
I am now finally at the point of conducting “Live-streaming” events for STEM and Outreach. If it was not for Covid I would be having friends/visitors around and setting up a small imaging group but it is what it is for the time being.
{Note: I will be continuously updating this blog as “improvements” are made}
