CCD Sky Observatory

Observations of the night sky by an amateur astronomer

Home->Observatory->Mount and Telescope

Mount

I use a Takahashi EM-200 Temma 2 Jr. mount. I have found this to be a very stable platform for my imaging work. Takahashi is well known for its mechanical quality and my experience confirms this. There is an exceptionally helpful community of amateur astronomers using Takahashi mounts - many of whom monitor and contribute to the UncensoredTak Group on Yahoo. Any time that I've had a question I've found the people in this group to be helpful and sincere with their advice and counsel.

Prior to constructing my dome I would setup on my back porch each clear evening on top of a Takahashi tripod and JMI wheeley bars. I would roll the entire setup outside each evening. This arrangement worked well and in general I could move the whole assembly into position, polar align the mount, and be ready for imaging in about 30 minutes. I would definitely recommend the JMI wheeley bars for anyone planning to setup a tripod on a concrete surface.

Currently I have the mount setup on a permanent pier that a friend manufactured in his fabrication shop. I used a 12-inch diameter sonotube and a few bags on concrete to create a solid foundation for this pier.  This setup is rock solid and now I can be imaging in less than 10 minutes.

I use Chuck Faranda's ASCOM driver to control the mount from my observatory computer. Chuck is a talented developer and a really thoughtful person who constantly monitors the UncensoredTak Group to answer questions and provide advice.

Primary Imaging Telescope

My primary imaging telescope is a Takahashi FSQ-106ED.  The FSQ is a 106mm aperture, f/5 astrograph.  To automate focusing I use a RoboFocuser from Technical Innovations.

Prior to the FSQ my primary imaging scope was the Takahashi Sky90. The Sky90 is a 90mm aperture, f/8 fluorite apochromat with a 500mm focal length. It's a wonderful optical instrument that produces some outstanding images. I'm using the optional f/4.5 flattener/reducer and would recommend it as a necessity for any one planning on doing imaging using this telescope. With the flattener/reducer installed the focal length is 405mm. In order to achieve the correct metal back distance for my setup I use a spacer that I purchased from Adirondack Video Astronomy (I also purchased the telescope, mount, and filter wheel from these guys).

Guide Telescope

My guide scope is the SBIG eFinder which is 100mm focal length f/4 telescope that is more than adequate to produce satisfactory results for guiding my mount and primary telescope. I purchased the Borg 7315 miniature helical focuser and the Borg 7316 1-1/4" nosepiece from Astro Hutech to make focusing this optical assembly easier. I was sensitive to keeping my weight down and I've found this combination to be sturdy and light weight.

Prior to purchasing my Starfish guide camera I used the venerable SBIG STV Deluxe standalone auto guider. This was an incredibly accurate and easy to use device. I purchased the both the STV Deluxe and the eFinder from Oceanside Photo & Telescope.