Here is the main hardware I utilize for Astronomy.
Telescopes
Accessories
iOptron CEM60EC Mount
LOSMANDY GllG Mount
GEMINI I V2 Controller
Cameras
ZWO ASI120MC-S (Color)
ZWO ASI183MC (Color)
Piers
Imaging Accessories
More Equipment
Item |
Manufactor/Model |
Specs |
Comments |
Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain Aperture: 279.4 mm (11") Focal Length: 2,800 mm (110") Focal Ratio: f/10 Secondary Mirror Obs: 95mm = 12% Weight: 28 lbs Backfocus: 133.35mm (5.25")
|
|||
Type: Reflector, Fluorite Doublet Apochromat Part Number: TKA20582 Aperture: 60mm Resolution: 1.93" Focal Length: 355 mm Focal Ratio: f/5.9 Tube Weight: 1.4 kg (3.1lbs) Tube Diameter: 80 mm SN: SV05131
|
Currently used as finder/guide scope | ||
Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain Aperture: 150 mm (5.91") Focal Length: 1500 mm (59") Focal Ratio: f/10 Secondary Mirror Obs: 56mm = 37% Weight: Optical Tube Assembly (OTA): 8.0 lbs Tripod Weight: 9.0 lbs Mount Head Weight: 11.0 lbs Mount Head Details Type: Computerized Altude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm Load Capacity: 12 lbs
|
Accessories:
| ||
Type: Maksutov Cassegrain Catadioptric Aperture: 89mm (3.5") Focal Length: 1300mm Focal Ratio: f/14.4 OTA Weight: 3.43 lbs
|
|||
Type: Aperture: 40mm Weight: 395g Back Focus: 55mm 42mm rear threads With Reducer
Without Reducer
List Price: $399 |
Using as guidescope | ||
Type: Refractor Aperture: 30mm Focal Length: 120mm Focal Ratio: F4 Weight: 250g Back Focus: 0-22mm List Price: $399 |
|
Filters can be classified for broadly by intended usage:
Visual filters
Broadband - Intended targets emit broadband spectra (ie Galaxies, Globular Clusters, Open Clusters, Multiple Star Systems, Reflection Nebula)
Narrowband - Intended for Nebula that emit discrete Spectra (ie Orion Nebula, Veil Nebula, Lagoon Nebula, Crab Nebula, Dumbbell nebula)
Line - Single or multiple emission lines
OIII - Planetary Nebulas, some other nebulas including ones that might be viewed using the Narrowband filters
H-Beta - Specialized in a few distinct nebula (horse head)
Astrophotography
Broadband - Intended targets emit broadband spectra (ie Galaxies, Globular Clusters, Open Clusters, Multiple Star Systems, Reflection Nebula)
Narrowband - Intended for Nebula that emit discrete Spectra (ie Orion Nebula, Veil Nebula, Lagoon Nebula, Crab Nebula, Dumbbell nebula)
Line - Single or multiple emission lines
OIII - Planetary Nebulas, some other nebulas including ones that might be viewed using the Narrowband filters
H-Beta - Specialized in a few distinct nebula (horse head)
Planetary/Moon/Sun Imaging
Filter Resources
Item |
Size |
Class |
Application |
Chart(s) |
Comments |
1.25" 2.0" |
Broadband |
Multiple |
AKA: Moon & Skyglow filter Incorporated in Star Diagonal, great for moon, planetary, Blackbody Deep sky objects | ||
|
1.25" |
Broadband |
Visual |
A fairly aggressive filter, but still lets a little background in the field of view. I have found this as probably my favorite broadband filter (excluding the Baader Moon & Skyglow) for broadband targets in the city. | |
1.25" |
Broadband |
Visual |
This may be one of the most useful filters to own, great for visual observation of planets, the moon, black-body deep sky objects (galaxies, multiple star systems, globular clusters, open clusters), I incorporate this into my star diagonal so it is generally always in the optical train by default. | ||
1.25" |
Broadband |
Visual |
For smaller aperture telescopes (up to 5”), this filter is a less aggressive broadband filter. | ||
1.25" |
Narrowband |
Visual |
| ||
1.25" 2.0" |
Narrowband |
Visual |
This is an excellent filter for observing nebula. | ||
1.25" |
Narrowband |
Visual |
Untested at this point. | ||
1.25" |
Narrowband |
Multiple |
Haven’t had a chance to check this one out yet. | ||
1.25" |
Narrowband |
Visual |
--No Chart-- |
| |
1.25" |
Line |
Multiple |
| ||
1.25" |
Line |
Visual |
Filter Untested | ||
2.0" |
Broadband |
Imaging |
| ||
2.0" |
Line |
Imaging |
--No Chart--
|
Up to this point this has been my goto filter for imaging nebula. | |
2.0" |
Narrowband |
Imaging |
To be tested, this looks to be an interesting filter when combined with the Askar Color Magic Filter. | ||
2.0" |
Line |
Imaging |
This filter may work well with the Antlia Triband RGB filter. | ||
2.0" |
Line |
Imaging |
| ||
2.0 |
Narrowband |
Imaging |
This filter is no longer being sold and has been replaced with the IDAS LPS-D3. | ||
1.25" |
Line |
Imaging |
| ||
1.25" |
Line |
Imaging |
| ||
2.0" |
Specialized |
Imaging |
--No Chart-- |
This is a specialty filter used for capturing the ionized tail of comets. | |
1.25" |
Specialized |
Imaging |
Planetary, Moon & Sun | ||
1.25" |
Specialized |
Imaging |
Planetary, Moon & Sun | ||
2.0" |
Specialized |
Imaging |
Planetary, Moon & Sun |
Item |
Manufactor/Model |
Specs |
Comments |
Cost: $1,595 Purchased: 2021-02-12
Cost $185.00 Purchased 2021-02-12
|
EAGLE that combines, in one device, a powerful computer with Windows 10 Enterprise operative system to the most advanced power management system for telescopes to allow you to control any device (camera, mount, astrophotography accessories, etc.), also remotely and with any astrophotography software. | ||
Computer |
Cost $322 Purchased 2023-07-22
|
The ASIAIR Mini is a smart device that wirelessly controls your telescope rig and makes astrophotography easier than ever.
The ASIAIR Mini acts as the brain of your telescope rig by automatically pointing your GoTo equatorial mount, powering your camera and equipment, and controlling compatible ZWO accessories like the EAF, filter wheel, guide camera, and more.
The ASIAIR Mini is the younger sibling to the ZWO ASIAIR Plus, which offers even more features, though many users find the ASIAIR Mini suits all of their needs. | |
Strain Wave Gear Mount |
Including:
Purchase Price: $2,698 |
| |
Electronic Focuser |
Purchase Price: $180
Starizona QuickSwitch EAF Adapter Manual Purchase Price: $99 |
| |
Model: G11G Type: Equatorial Mount Payload: 60 lbs Controller: Gemini System V2 Mount Weight: 33lbs
List Price: $???
One piece worm (OPW) and gearboxes LOSMANDY Technical Support Page Resources |
Extras Include:
| ||
Controller |
Model: Gemini 2 Software Version: Upgrade Cost: $1,192.29 Losmandy Gemini Instructions Videos page
|
Extras Included | |
Max Payload: 220lbs Weight: 25.8 lbs
List Price: $598
|
| ||
USB Driver: ASCOM Platform Interface: USB 2.0 List Price: $500
|
Used for focus on OTA | ||
Focal Length: 540mm Focal Ratio: f/1.9 Image Circle: 35mm Mechanical Backfocus: Compression Factor: Weight: List Price: $1,299
|
| ||
Focal Length: 300mm Focal Ratio: f/2.0 Max Usable Sensor Size: 28mm Diagonal List Price: $628
|
| ||
Filter Slider for Starizona HyperStar 11 v4
|
| ||
EdgeHD Focal Reducer/Corrector
|
Focal Length: 1960mm Focal Ratio: f/7 Image Circle: 42mm Mechanical Backfocus: 146mm (5.75") Compression Factor: 0.7x Weight: 3.25 lbs List Price: $629.95
|
| |
Starizona Focal Reducer/Corrector |
Purchase Price $399
|
C6 | FL=1220mm | f/8 C8 | FL=1450mm | f7.1 | |
List Price: $294
|
These Powermates™ are a better choice for 2" diagonals than Barlows, since they are nearly Parfocal. They are threaded for 48mm filters and their performance is excellent with every 1¼" and 2" eyepiece we make (yes, even the 31mm Nagler Type 5!). Both the 2" eyepiece holder and the special 2" flat top adapter use our brass clamp rings for secure operation. And, it also has a very unique feature: you can unscrew the 2" eyepiece housing and screw on a special T-ring adapter for solid, compact attachment of CCD or camera equipment. | ||
|
List Price: $300
|
These Powermates™ are a better choice for 2" diagonals than Barlows, since they are nearly Parfocal. They are threaded for 48mm filters and their performance is excellent with every 1¼" and 2" eyepiece we make (yes, even the 31mm Nagler Type 5!). Both the 2" eyepiece holder and the special 2" flat top adapter use our brass clamp rings for secure operation. And, it also has a very unique feature: you can unscrew the 2" eyepiece housing and screw on a special T-ring adapter for solid, compact attachment of CCD or camera equipment. | |
Purchase Price: $146 |
ZWO Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector is used to reduce the effect of atmospheric dispersion on lunar and planetary images. Perhaps most useful on planets less than 60deg above the horizon. The lower the object the more this is helps. | ||
|
Purchase Price: $160 Weight: Finder = 310g, Base = 55g |
|
Item |
Manufactor/Model |
Specs |
Comments |
Tri-Stand |
P/N: 19338 Weight: 25lbs
|
Mount for Questar Telescope | |
Sesto Senso 2 Robotic Focusing Motor
Purchase: 2021-02-07 Price: $299
|
SESTO SENSO 2 - The highly accurate, advanced, vibration free, robotic focusing motor for your telescope!
Resolution: 0.7 um Weight: 380 grams |
Item |
Manufactor/Model |
Specs |
Comments |
|
ESATTO 2" robotic microfocuser
Purchase: 2021-03-29 Price: $645
|
Crayford Focuser
| |
ARCO 2" Robotic Rotator
Purchase: 2022-06-29 Price: $795
|
| ||
ZWO EFW 7x2" Filter Wheel List Price: $399 Purchase: 2021.03.05
|
| ||
ZWO EFW Mini List Price: $199 Purchased: 2022.06.28
|
|
Item |
Weight |
Comments |
Celestron C-11 HD Optical Tube Assembly (with Rails) |
30.6 lbs |
|
C-11 Dew Sheild |
2.5 lbs |
|
Laser Pointer and ECCO2 |
4.6 lbs |
|
ZWO ASI-6200 Imaging Camera |
1.6 lbs |
|
Cables (Estimate) |
1.5 lbs |
|
Baseline |
40.8 lbs |
Core configuration requirement |
|
|
|
Eagle 4S Imaging Computer |
4.6 lbs |
|
TPO 180 Guide Scope & Adjustable Mount |
2.1 lbs |
|
C-11 Visual Back |
0.7 lbs |
|
Celestron 0.7x Focal Reducer |
3.1 lbs |
|
T Adapter with Filter holder |
1.0 lbs |
|
ESATTO Focuser |
2.1 lbs |
|
Takhashi FS-60C Guide Scope & Adjustable platform |
6.2 lbs |
|
Starizona HyperStar |
3.1 lbs |
|
Filter Wheel |
|
|
|
|
|
Light: Primary Focus |
43.9 lbs |
| Baseline | TPO 180 | T Adapter | |
Light: Focal Reducer |
47.0 lbs |
| Baseline | TPO 180 | 0.7 FR | T Adapter | |
Light: HyperStar |
46.0 lbs |
| Baseline | TPO 180 | HyperStar | |
|
|
|
Med: Primary Focus w PC |
48.6 lbs |
| Baseline | Eagle 4S | TPO 180 | T Adapter | |
|
|
|
Heavy: HyperStar/PC |
47.5 lbs |
| Baseline | TPO 180 | Eagle 4S | |
Max Out: Focal Reducer, PC, Focuser |
56.8 lbs |
| Baseline | Takhashi FS-60C | Eagle 4S | 0.7 FR | ESATTO Focuser | |
Skyhunter Tracker Config Takhashi FS60C | ZWO 30F4 Guidescope | |
7.4 lbs |
Cameras : ZWO 6200MC (Imaging), ZWO 1774MM (Guiding) |
Skyhunter Tracker Config Takhashi FS60C | ZWO 30F4 Guidescope | |
5.8 lbs |
Cameras : ZWO 183MC (Imaging), ZWO 1774MM (Guiding)
|
Skyhunter Tracker Config Canon 5D MIV w 28-300mm Lens | ZWO 30F4 Guidescope | |
7.8 lbs |
Cameras : Canon 5D MIV (Imaging), ZWO 1774MM (Guiding)
|