AZ100 Motors First Light

[+Streetbob]

I finally managed to get out and try the new motor system on the AZ100.  As everything is already attached set up is quick.  It is a little heavier with the motors, but still evenly balanced making fitting to the tripod easy.

 

For initial alignment the scope needs to be horizontal and pointing due south.  For power I'm using an ioptron counter weight battery, which means there are no cable snag issues.  At the moment the use of Nexus DSC is still in development but should be available shortly, so I used the Rowan controller AP for alignment and SkySafari  for object searches.

 

Alignment is easy enough, basically point and click, though using an iPad is easier than a phone due to the larger screen.  The only fiddly part is aligning exactly using an illuminated eye piece rather than just a RDF.  You can't use the slow motion controls while the motors are powered, you need to use the virtual joystick.  This works well, but is a bit awkward holding an iPad, operating the virtual Joystick and looking through the eyepiece!

However after aligning and switching to SkySafari the goto was spot on.  Balancing the scope is important for smooth operation as well as making sure the dampers are set.  The motor are so quiet when slewing.

The advantage of SkySafari is being able to see on screen where you are pointing.  The disadvantage was where to put the iPad.  Maybe at sone stage I could work out away of attaching it to the mount.  And also if you use an observation list you have to select it each time rather than it staying open on the last used list.

 

It'll be interesting to compare with the Nexus DSC, which is a more compact and contained setup.

 

The photo is rather ropey, but it gives you the idea.  Thanks for your time.

 

 

[+Graham]

You should be able to make a bracket that attaches to the tube ring top flat surface.

The bracket can have a couple of ball joints allowing you to swivel the I pad in any direction you need it to be.

Easy enough to do. 👌

[+bryand]

I use a plastic map case and hang the iPad round my neck.

[+Bino-viewer]

Something like this may work : a tablet holder.

I think the original design was to hold a musicians chords, lyrics etc on a stand, but this has been adapted to hold a tablet iPad etc.

You would probably be able to clamp it on to the AZ100s counterweight bar if theres room.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09JVPPYKC?pd_rd_i=B09JVPPYKC&pf_rd_p=2fa5a177-ff58-47c1-b70e-97fbff1ec480&pf_rd_r=WFV49P6Q0WVGS8AKFWGG&pd_rd_wg=eWHXX&pd_rd_w=lAtWS&pd_rd_r=a8a8390d-38c9-48e5-babb-e798671ecada

 

 

One issue is that it may make the whole setup look a bit cluttered from an aesthetic point of view.

I've thought about an iPad holder for my DM6, but the mount is so minimalistic, theres literally nowhere to attach it.

 

So i simply just make use of the tray on the Berlebach (which is usually cluttered as well with eyepieces, batterys, coffee, gloves, glasses and everything else 😄)

 

 

 

[+Streetbob]

Thanks for your advice.

 

I was thinking of attaching it to the Nexus DSC shelf or where the shelf attaches.  I will look at using a map case for now.

 

I do like the minimalist look of the mount, which has been a bit compromised with the motors attached, but you can't have everything.