Well, the more I read, the more I think this is not a good idea. I'm unsure I can achieve focus unless I use eyepiece projection, regardless of the scope. Also, obviously, using a color sensor for H-Alpha will not produce good images. So, I would also enjoy any recommendation for a not-too-expensive dedicated monochrome camera. As for the scope, the Lunt 50mm looks more interesting since it can be upgraded. Any thoughts on the ASI678MM (or ASI178MM) for that purpose ..read more

I have a PW CDK 14 and was also considering replacing the overpriced ($750), closed source and failure prone Delta-T with a $25 Arduino that I can program myself. At this point I am controlling the fans and heaters with a Pegasus PB V3, but I am missing the access to the scope internal temperature sensors, so I cannot have a closed loop control.  The temperature sensors are connected to an RJ12 connector.  If somebody knows the type of temperature sensors used in the CDK14, I am happy to look at the spec sheets and try to reverse engineer the RJ12 pin out ..read more

I’ve recently started to look for entry-level H-Alpha solar telescopes, and I would like to know if it’s possible to use them with a DSLR-type camera and still get decent results. I’m using a Canon R7 (RF mount, but I also have an EF adapter). I’m sure most of you will recommend getting a dedicated astrophotography camera. While I might do that in the future, I’d like to stick with my Canon for now. Ideally, I would like to attach the camera directly to the scope, although I might consider eyepiece projection if that's the only option. So far, I've looked into these models: Daystar Solar ..read more

Ani Shastry (ashastry) Hi Kyle, If you haven’t received your scope yet, have you considered asking PlaneWave to wire your CDK for the Series 5 controller? That box does what the combination of the EFA + Delta T does, at half the price. Ani I'd much prefer a $40 box I can easily build myself, with 12v power, a reliable circuit board with good power management not prone to shorting, light weight, and a humidity sensor, which the Series 5 seems to still lack so far as I can tell ..read more

I forgot I had posted this.  The rotator turned out to be unusable in my case because I forgot to take the thickness of the canon EF adapter into account so it's simple impossible to achieve back focus. In the end I came up with a different solultion……………..I bought a scope that comes with a rotator ..read more

andrea tasselli (andreatax) Opposition is in Jan 2025 and it is going to be aphelic so Mars diameter isn't going to be large at all even then. At the moment is less than 5" and appearing just before dawn breaks and very low on top so, no, it's just wasted time ..read more

Mark Ellis (Lostone) Did a little checking on the Planewave main site here in the states and it's not even listed.  As what Ruediger mentioned it can be a wind catcher.  only place I see that it would be feasable would be in a remote observatory.  I think i'll stick with my spandex light shroud.  Atleast with it I can get to do some house cleaning when needed. You are right. Here a low cost advise: some just rap (tin) foil around the truss. Also p\black gift wrapping paper works well. Lightweight, light tight and removable. And all by the price of a euro or less ? What I al ..read more

Did a little checking on the Planewave main site here in the states and it's not even listed.  As what Ruediger mentioned it can be a wind catcher.  only place I see that it would be feasable would be in a remote observatory.  I think i'll stick with my spandex light shroud.  Atleast with it I can get to do some house cleaning when needed ..read more

Hi, Not new at all. This is out for years. Has many disadvantages: weight, thermal tube seeing, restricted access to interior, not easy to remove and some more. Baader was not recommending it, when I purchased my CDK. Makes only sense in very few situations ..read more

Ani Shastry (ashastry) Hi Kyle, If you haven’t received your scope yet, have you considered asking PlaneWave to wire your CDK for the Series 5 controller? That box does what the combination of the EFA + Delta T does, at half the price. Ani AFIK, the series 5 controller has no Hr sensor. Moreover it is only compatible to series 5 focuser (5x the price of Hedrick), which is totally overpriced, and not compatible to the Hedrick focuser. Last but not least it runs at 24V and not 12V, which is a serious drawback. IMHO, Series 5 gadgets are only reasonable for Delta Rhos. It is the continuation of ..read more