That's huge.

[QUOTE=Eric Hahl;12459325]Switched out a telescope with a faster one.QUOTE]

Do you use a USB connection to the AM5? I've now replaced FOUR USB type B ports on AM5 mounts. I think that the ports are not meant to have cables putting lateral force on them, all 4 had the center plastic part crack off. If you do (all 4 used ASIAir and I guess you need a cable between them?) find a way to do some stress relief, OR better get, get a short USB B to USB anything cable, and then plug your working cable into that, so you're not tugging on the port every time you setup and break down.

[QUOTE=Pazuzu;12459662] I had a similar issue with the power port on my CPC 800. It's just a wonky connection.

[QUOTE=Pazuzu;12459662] I have a power cable coming into the bottom portion of the mount. Then a power out and usb from the back of the saddle to the ASI Air. There are no loose cables on my setup.

Here is a labeled pic. ASI AIR is attached to bottom of dovetail so it moves with the scope. Power is supplied through the mount to the back of the DEC saddle.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1746561313.jpg

Last night I added the guide scope and also an electronic camera angle adjuster. Still have no stray cables hanging anywhere.

And the REDCAT can do full frame as well, so hugerer! LOL.

[QUOTE=Eric Hahl;12459997] You have the AM5N, the earlier version didn't have a saddle USB port, so you plugged in near the power in port. That connector is a weak point, the "N" version solves that.

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Ahh, got it.

Grabbed a solar shot yesterday. This is unprocessed

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1758480486.jpg

I have another one taken at very high gain to capture prominences

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1758481047.jpg


Now I need to stack the frames and overlay the two of them.

Very cool! When I bought my scope from Paz, I bought a solar filter. I want to do some solar observing. Seeing sunspots is very cool (I have solar binoculars). But, my lazy aß hasn't gotten out and done it.

It is much easier than stellar imaging like Eric does.

For those in the know this is of note. Al Nagler a true pioneer in the science of visual eyepieces has passed. He is the inventor of TeleVue eyepieces'. RIP Al.

Amateur Astronomy Innovator & Icon

It is with heavy hearts that we must inform the astronomical community and the members of RAC of the passing of Al Nagler. On Wednesday October 27th, he died quite suddenly and unexpectedly while working at TeleVue – a firm that he lovingly built, amongst people that he loved – and poetically, with a telescope in hand!

Al was, of course, the trailblazing founder of TeleVue Optics, as well as a senior director of the Rockland Astronomy Club. Since his involvement in the late 70s, he was instrumental in shaping the club into an organization of close to 500 members that continues to inspire people to appreciate astronomy and science, and to learn more about the universe.

Mr. Nagler was a restless and profound optical design talent and pioneer in his field, who revolutionized amateur astronomy with his steady succession of world-class eyepieces, telescopes and accessories. Nagler earned a degree in physics from the City College of New York. During his long successful career, he also provided specialized optics to NASA for the 70s lunar landings among many other accomplishments.

"Astronomy is the most wonderful pursuit," Nagler once said. "If we had more amateur astronomers in the world, we'd solve a lot of fundamental problems. The more people who enjoy and understand our place in the universe, the better our own planet will be. And if I am a Pied Piper in this regard, that's what I want to be."
Everyone loved Al. A gentle, affable, and genuine person, he was always ready to share his enthusiastic smile and quick wit, with a twinkle in his eyes. His son David stated it perfectly, "Al is now among his beloved stars and I'm sure he loves the wide-field view. He will be sorely missed. Remember his legacy, and keep looking up."

Al Nagler is survived by his wife Judi, his son and daughter in law David and Sandy Nagler, his daughter and son in law Meryl and Michael Budnick, his grandchildren, Allison Nagler-Manuel and husband Brian, and Marisa and Hayley Budnick and his great-grand-daughter Thea Manuel. Al was 90 years young.

Saw that the other day. RIP Al. I've had many of his fine products over the years.

Rainy and gray skies in the PNW have kept me from getting any images for the last few months. That changed late last week and I was able to get out under the stars again.

Captured a couple targets Friday and Saturday evenings.

The Jelly-fish nebula on Friday night...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1768840020.jpg

and the Horse-head on Saturday...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1768840062.jpg

Last night I went for a very faint subject. Haven't looked at the data yet. Hoping I got something worth processing.

Al Nagler had a huge impact on amateur astronomy and he will be sorely missed. I met him at the Riverside Telescope Makers Conference in Big Bear CA back in the 1990s and we had lunch together on the final day. He was pretty exhausted from 3 days of lectures, product demonstrations, and nights of observing so we talked a lot about kids, dogs and cars ;)

One of the champions of this hobby.