Field Testing the EQHD Pier Adapter - 03-19-2010

On Friday March 19 the EQHD prototype went to Chiefland for a series of imaging sessions. There's actually not much to say! The two-piece adapter performed its job of providing a rock solid union between the Losmandy HD tripod and the Orion Atlas EQ-G mounthead. I chose to install the EQHD to my Atlas alt/az base before heading into the field. Setup was a easy and required a single allen key. Future user's may wish to invest in a set of Losmandy thumbknobs for a tool-less installation. The EQHD mounting holes are threaded to match stock Losmandy hardware. My initial polar alignment was checked frequently throughout the night as a means to sensor any shifting or movement of the support (none observed). Two imaging sessions were conducted on NGC2244 and NGC7000. Larger versions with image details are linked above.

I've heard from one individual who is planning to install his pre-ordered EQHD onto a permanent pier by matching the simple hole pattern in his upper plate. This adapter is capable of seperating and sandwiching on either side of an existing permanent pier plate such that an extremely solid mounting is created. More details on this adaptation along with photos of the installation are expected in the near future.

Imaging with the CMC Prototype - April 2009

The prototype conical mirror cell was installed into an 8" f/5 newtonian astrograph OTA for first light and subsequent imaging sessions. Details concerning equipment used and exposure settings for testing the prototype mirror cell are given below.

The test session took place in northern Florida at the Chiefland Astronomy Village. Here the entire imaging platform is pictured at the time of testing. The OTA is still unfinished but entirely functional for imaging and observing. The interior of the tube was flocked prior to first light and imaging, but no other cosmetic or performance enhancements had been applied.