- Steel Pier
- Telescope mount
- Computer
Observatory in Ballina
Images
Videos
Private observatory in the area of Ballina
This is a domestic observatory that contains in its small dome:
This observatory host a Celestron Rasa 36cm for which it is not possible to use an Off Axis Guider. Therefore, the GM3000 mount is ideal choice as in most case, it does not require guiding thanks to its absolute encodes.
PIER: Testar Pier 3000
Designed by Testar following the strict specification of 10Micron, our piers provide a solid base for mounts. Made from structural steel, hot dip galvanized for a long lasting corrosion protection and painted, this pier is designed to last. The base and the top steel plate have a thickness of 25mm, the tube is 9.3mm thick while the vertical reinforcements increase the frequency of resonance. In telescopes, low frequencies of resonance due to wind or motor tracking must be avoided.
MOUNT: 10Micron GM3000 HPS
10 Micron is leader in manufacturing precise telescope mounts. The success of their products is due to their astonishing experience in precision mechanics since 1960 and the use of absolute encoders that deliver a superior tracking capability. In most cases, 10Micron mounts do not require to be guided making their mounts ideal for astrophotography. The GM3000 has a payload capacity of 100kg.
COMPUTER: Prima Luce Lab Eagle
Embodied in a solid aluminium case, the Eagle combines a powerful computer with a handy power distribution system. Being compact and sturdy, it can connect directly on a telescope, drastically reducing the amount of cables hanging from the telescope.
FILTERS: Baader SHO 3.5-4nm f/2
Narrowband imaging requires particular attention when pursued on fast telescopes. The peak of transmission of these filters can shift significantly in optics which have a focal ratio faster than f/4. Baader developed 3 different solutions for narrowband imaging: filters for "standard" telescopes with focal ratio of f/4 and above, filters for fast telescopes and camera lenses that work at f/3 and filters optimised for f/2 instruments. The latter guarantees the maximum bandpass transmission in telescopes that works at f/2.
This project involved the installation on the GM3000 and the Rasa 36 in a 2.2m dome, a challenge considering the size of this telescope.
DESIGN: We needed to carefully simulate the different orientations of the tube to be sure to have enough clearance inside the dome. After calculating the offset to have the tube concentric to the dome when pointing toward the zenith, we noticed that the tube was positioned too forward. To overcome this issue, we provided a series of counterweights attached to the dovetail bar so we could slide down the telescope while keeping it in balance.
INSTALLATION: after delivering the mount and the pier via courier, we took care of the installation. It was not an easy job considerinf the size of the small hatch of the dome. We successfully completed the job and the telescope is controlled via network from the house of the owner.
This setup produced some astonishing images, and the author Rowan Prangley won the APOD ! You can find his Astrobin page here.
