Astrophotography - Tripods vs Motorized Mounts

I tried looking, but are there any resources for a DIY setup?

In this case, meaning both optics and mount in an integrated system. I can pretty easily work out the electronics, but the optic side of things is a bit foreign.

I just have plenty of spare CCDs, some lenses, motors, tripods, and the ICs/discrete components to hack it all together.

I suppose I could just look into the general topic and apply that, but its more time consuming than if someone else has done it obviously!

a reply to: wmd_2008

Yah, I was thinking a drinking straw taped to the edge of the hinge.

Not perfect, certainly not for really long exposures, but I'd say it'd be good for at least a minute or 2.

Certainly goes under the "shoe string budget" department.

a reply to: Serdgiam

I just posted this on the last page:

barn-door-tracker.co.uk...

It's a DIY Barn Door Tracker with motor, electronics and software.

a reply to: eriktheawful

Shoot yea!!!! No pun intended 😆

a reply to: eriktheawful

Hmm, missed that..

But, I'm talking DIY everything in an integrated, specialized system. Optics, mount, everything. I have cute lil CCDs just sitting in a drawer waiting for a home

There are even .stl files (3d printing) for typical dobsonian telescopes, general mounts, but not really something in this specific realm.

Like I said, I can do it from the ground up, but it will have to go on the back burner behind the back burner unless someone else has done it and shared their process.

a reply to: eriktheawful

Thanks for all the kind words I'm not really experienced with this type of photography, but believe me what a place to learn.. amazing skies. Got some good shots!

a reply to: eriktheawful

Thanks for all the kind words I'm not really experienced with this type of photography, but believe me what a place to learn.. amazing skies. Got some good shots!

a reply to: eriktheawful

LOL, I live in Denmark myself and haven't really tried this kind of photography here yet.. won't beat the totally black, clear sky of the outback though! and it was cool I got a shooting star, however way that's possible

a reply to: Serdgiam

Well, when it comes to the CCD's and making your own camera for going through the telescope, I'd recommend The CCD Camera Cookbook. Of course I've been out of the loop for this for a while, especially since CCDs for telescopes are commercially made now, and with DSLRs.

For the optics, whoa, if you mean building your own telescope, Google it, as there are lots and lots of plans out there, but that's a pretty hefty undertaking. You can buy parts to build one from some places like Agena AstroProducts and Hands On Optics. Orion used to sell parts way back when, but I think they've gotten out of the parts business except for upgrades.

You should find parts for making mounts and stuff like that also at those links.

Hope this helps.

Great thread. This is something that I've been wanting to get into for a long long time, looking at the night sky just interests me thinking of all the possibilities and what ifs that might exist way beyond our planet.

I think what would make this thread even better, especially for newcomers to this hobby like my self, is a list of cameras from entry level to the more high end fancy models.
The trickiest part I'm finding is what to buy, and also what not to buy. Being a beginner I obviously don't want to rush out and spend a few thousand dollars.

a reply to: eriktheawful

link1

link2

Like most people with a printer, I'm always looking for an excuse to use it. Its easily one of the best tools in my toolbox.

Buuuut, even just adapting a CCD into one of these designs can mean a lot of work. I think ill put it on the to-do list though. I tend to like building things myself, especially because I tend to have 90% of the parts on hand.

Currently have too many cool projects going on though Thanks for the help!

Whelps, this thread is a bit old, but thought it'd be a good place to post.

I wasn't really in the market, but I just recently got a Celestron 127 EQ for a good price. Wouldn't have been the one I'd pick normally, and I guess its missing mounting screws/nuts while being completely new otherwise, but.. it was $60. I felt that was a decent deal and went for it

Any tips on some neat, inexpensive mods?

a reply to: Serdgiam

Can't really help with that suggest you post on this thread as well it's worth a look if you haven't already seen it.

Calling all Astrophotographers, all skill levels. Post your work.