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Advice needed - 9/17/2016 7:40:25 AM

jlf1961

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Being a licensed HAM radio operator, I have already looked into, built (actually took three old C channel TV Sat dishes) a small phased array radio telescope, and built a home made antenna array to piggy back the 'space fence' signals (it is legal so you cant call NSA and have them raid my house.)

Now, Munchmonster, has at age four, discovered space.

Well, it is kinda my fault since I use a program called Celestia to get some ideas on where to aim the phased array, and he wants to actually look for himself.

Well, my el cheapo backyard tube just aint cutting it.

For one thing, the eyepiece is in an awkward spot for him (its a Newtonian scope) and getting him in position to actually look is a hassle for him and me.

Now the advice part.

I am lucky in that where I live the light pollution is fairly low.

I am tech savvy enough to know that I can actually put a high def weather proof camera on a tube, and transmit the images to any computer in the house.

So now the tube.

The most popular 'portable' (if you can call a total weight of 200 pounds portable) is a 12.5 inch Dobsonian scope.

However, mirrors of up to 24 inches are commercially available, though costly.

So here is my question:

Considering that I have already begun building the munchmonster a tree fort, and with a little creative (and smart) limb trimming, the roof (which has not been built yet) could provide a stable platform for a permanent tube location.

Now, if I go with a camera system, that means that the scope has to have a complete remote control system for everything from locating a point to focusing.

This is where I am clueless.

Everything I have looked at for focus control seems to be bigger than I want, even hardwired.

So anyone that has any experience in the field would be helpful.

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RE: Advice needed - 9/17/2016 8:13:20 AM

freedomdwarf1

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While I don't have direct experience of your project Jeff, have you looked into those bolt-on motor systems for satellite dishes??

They were all the rage over here about a decade or so ago.
I wonder if there's anything on ebay or something over there??

From memory, it was a basic motorised frame that you bolted your dish onto for those who wanted to point to different satellites other than the Sky one.

Hope that makes sense.

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RE: Advice needed - 9/17/2016 8:27:37 AM

bondageerone

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dear friend , if I may call you that, I asked you elsewhere, if you knew anything about KODI xx terri.

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RE: Advice needed - 9/17/2016 8:57:26 AM

freedomdwarf1

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Must have missed that.

The only thing I know about KODI is that I can't run it on most of my systems here.
In effect, that makes it redundant to me.

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RE: Advice needed - 9/17/2016 9:16:52 AM

bondageerone

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thanks...

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RE: Advice needed - 9/17/2016 9:40:49 AM

freedomdwarf1

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Just tried it on one of my systems that I can run it on....

It's interesting.
A bit like WMP in full-screen mode.
Has lots of mysterious add-ons - useful for some people.
I don't like the way you select a file to watch/listen though; I find it clumsy.

The advantage is that it runs on lots of different platforms.
Assuming the GUI is similar on all of them, I guess it makes for a common interface.
I can't check that because I don't have a tablet or a smartphone or anything Apple.

Meh. For me, it's a glorified WMP.
And seeing as it doesn't run on XP, I'll stick with what works for me.

ETA: Most videos/DVD's that I re-render with enhanced audio have a 500ms pre-load delay. That's quite normal.
In most video players, they get that info from the AVI stream and play quite happily.
WMP/VLP does this Ok. This one doesn't.
I have to delay the audio stream manually to put it in sync with the video.
For me, that's not good.
Just thought you'd like to know.

< Message edited by freedomdwarf1 -- 9/17/2016 10:14:56 AM >

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RE: Advice needed - 9/17/2016 10:51:43 AM

DocStrange

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What you need is a small stepper motor. By the time you buy the motor, controller and build yourself a mount you will most likely be in the $500 range. Not sure if you can do it cheaper than that.

I have seen astronomers with auto focus units have built. Here is link to a DIY kit you can buy.
http://www.holland-observatory.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/DIY-Astronomy-Electronic-Focuser-JSCAS.pdf

Edited to add:
You can use an Arduino or Raspberry PI unit for a controller.

Edited to add precision micro stepper motor:
https://starizona.com/acb/MicroTouch-Low-Profile-Stepper-Motor-P3360C745.aspx

< Message edited by DocStrange -- 9/17/2016 11:01:07 AM >

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RE: Advice needed - 9/17/2016 12:17:26 PM

freedomdwarf1

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That seems awfully expensive Doc.

The units I was refering to were only about $80~ish.
Perhaps inflation has made them more expensive. lol.
I'm sure Jeff can find a refurbished dish controller for a lot less than $500.

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RE: Advice needed - 9/17/2016 3:34:41 PM

jlf1961

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quote:

ORIGINAL: freedomdwarf1

That seems awfully expensive Doc.

The units I was refering to were only about $80~ish.
Perhaps inflation has made them more expensive. lol.
I'm sure Jeff can find a refurbished dish controller for a lot less than $500.

True, the problem is that the average dish controller is for a much lighter structure.

However, there is a solution, complicated as hell, involving building a turntable, and using an electric motor and a couple of gears. Once the system is set up, you calibrate it to a 360 degree rheostat type switch so that each point equals a set compass bearing.

It will work if everything is completely wireless.

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You cannot control who comes into your life, but you can control which airlock you throw them out of.

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RE: Advice needed - 9/18/2016 10:11:57 AM

DocStrange

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I was quoting prices for buying new components. If you can find salvage components that would be great.

A place near me, Mendelsons, in Dayton Ohio has a huge warehouse full of salvage items. You might find something there. I love to just walk through the place for hours to come up with ideas for projects. You can see there inventory online. It is constantly changing.
http://meci.com/

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RE: Advice needed - 9/19/2016 6:41:04 PM

AtUrCervix

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quote:

ORIGINAL: jlf1961

Being a licensed HAM radio operator, I have already looked into, built (actually took three old C channel TV Sat dishes) a small phased array radio telescope, and built a home made antenna array to piggy back the 'space fence' signals (it is legal so you cant call NSA and have them raid my house.)

Now, Munchmonster, has at age four, discovered space.

Well, it is kinda my fault since I use a program called Celestia to get some ideas on where to aim the phased array, and he wants to actually look for himself.

Well, my el cheapo backyard tube just aint cutting it.

For one thing, the eyepiece is in an awkward spot for him (its a Newtonian scope) and getting him in position to actually look is a hassle for him and me.

Now the advice part.

I am lucky in that where I live the light pollution is fairly low.

I am tech savvy enough to know that I can actually put a high def weather proof camera on a tube, and transmit the images to any computer in the house.

So now the tube.

The most popular 'portable' (if you can call a total weight of 200 pounds portable) is a 12.5 inch Dobsonian scope.

However, mirrors of up to 24 inches are commercially available, though costly.

So here is my question:

Considering that I have already begun building the munchmonster a tree fort, and with a little creative (and smart) limb trimming, the roof (which has not been built yet) could provide a stable platform for a permanent tube location.

Now, if I go with a camera system, that means that the scope has to have a complete remote control system for everything from locating a point to focusing.

This is where I am clueless.

Everything I have looked at for focus control seems to be bigger than I want, even hardwired.

So anyone that has any experience in the field would be helpful.

I don't understand a GAWDAMNED thing you just said (way the fuck light years beyond my primordial understanding)....but....I think it's cooler than SHIT that some backyard science guy probably has a better array, able to reach the outer and dark reaches (I'm sure....for pennies....equivalence) than what NASA had in even the 70's.

GO DUDE.....That's awesome!

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RE: Advice needed - 9/19/2016 8:29:33 PM

DesFIP

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You could also look at American Science & Surplus, www.sciplus.com

They hav the weirdest assortment of things and might well have something you can use.

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