ProAstroGear: Black CAT Mount for WO RedCat51 - Installation and Review
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- Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
- The ProAstroGear is a simple solution to mounting the ZWO EAF and ASI Air Pro on the William Optics RedCat51. It is a low-profile system, that gives you the ability to auto-focus the RedCat51. Not only does this system work with minimal backlash, but is well balanced and still allows you to use a guidescope over the center of the telescope. Aesthetically it also looks really nice, too. One of my favorite features is you do not need to use a riser, keeping the telescope closer to the dovetail.
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Great overview @AstroBlender. Thanks for creating and posting this. We have plenty more units on the way, as well as all of the other items in stock (WO Redcat, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAir-Pro), and we are ProAstroGear's exclusive US distributor for this BlackCat Mount.
I’m glad to see products coming back in stock, that’s great.
You always have the most informative videos and I appreciate how you never leave out any details. Astrophotography would be a lot more frustrating if we didn’t have you to guide us.
Oh thanks, that’s nice of you to say! I always try to think of myself as the viewer and what I would want to know.
Couldn't agree more! Well done Cody
Thanks Andy! I appreciate it.
Hi, I have a question I would like to ask. Is that autofocuser the new 5V version? I’m worried that if I bought the older version it wont fit the holder.
It’s the new 5V version yes. I think the 5V and old version are the same size though.
Thanks for the tutorial, I just bought the EAF Mount, and I have the exact same equipment except for the camera. I will be using the ASI183mm.
Awesome! I use the 183MC Pro on the RedCat51 as well.
Fantastic video! I just followed step-by-step, and the installation was a snap! Thanks for this resource!
Completely professional instructorial! All the wonderful detail an old noob like me needs to replicated. I do pray you have a video on the software side of the EAF
and the ASIAIR Plus.
Nice video and I really liked the close up of the gear rotating the focuser. I could see the backlash and in the comments see that it’s removed in the autofocus run. I use Nina so that’s done when you see it in the graph. Thumbs up
Just a note on the bit where you centre the mount at 7:18. For mine I had to adjust this so the that the EAF side was in closer to the scope as the cogs were too far apart.
Great. Now I need another part.
Never ends right?
Hi Cody, thank you very much for your great video. It was very helpful. What I want to say about the quality of the 3D printing material. It is really high quality material and I am sure that it can withstand quite high temperatures.
One more question. Do you use NINA and if so, how did you integrate the EAF? Thank you and best regards.
Great video! I'm new to astrophotography and have 2 questions about exposure. How did you come up with the expose times and ISO for your light frames? Just the histogram? Is it better to expose 4 minutes at ISO 400 or 2 minutes at ISO 800? Thank you
What's up AstroBlender! This video is great! I have nearly the same setup which I am trying to configure with my SkyguiderPro. However I am running into some balance/orientation issues with using the EFW in combination with a ZWO off axis guider. I know I am at the weight limit for the mount, but was wondering if you had any tips or tricks or suggestions on how to proceed. I either need to find a solution to my balance problem, or look into a beefier rig. Thoughts? Thank you for your great content!
Thanks for the great video. Since you have the hand controller for the EAF, you probably got the EAF advanced rather than the EAF standard. Is the thermometer function on the EAF standard useful at all?
I’ve been thinking about getting an EAF for my RedCat and this just sealed the deal! Thanks for an awesome video!
Sure thing! It works so well too. I shot the Lagoon with it about 10 days ago. Just to put it through its paces I had the ASI Air re-focus every 30 minutes, and it worked perfect all night. I definitely recommend it.
Great video as always Cody, thanks for sharing it. Question: I'm trying to choose between your RASA 8 setup and your Redcat 51 setup. Considering cost, ease of use, and image quality, which one would you recommend?
I love my RedCat51, especially using it for astronomy and birding, but I’d take the RASA for sure. The RASA 8 is my favorite telescope that I own. It is more expensive in almost every regard though.
Awesome nice, tidy rig. Could you please say the weight of that whole setup? I'm looking to get one for a low capacity mount that I have. Thanks.
Many thanks for this very helpful review. Do you think the focus ring movement can cover rgb focus as well as duo nb filter focus by one installation?
Very nice video. I appreciate the detail you include. I just ordered my Redcat today and really looking forward to receiving it. Are you still happy with this focuser setup? It appears there is some backlash when it switches direction which is to be expected on a relatively inexpensive drive system.
It works great! The ZWO auto-focus procedure nails it every time. I’m super happy with the set-up.
great video,
Kindly guide which ZWO mono camera will be best with Redcat 51?
Putting mine together currently...also have a custom wiring harness set direct from Finland and Lauri Turunen (He designed the Black Cat Mount)!!!
Awesome, enjoy!
Excellent
Hi Cody: Saw this on how to mount gear to Redcat. I’ve a related question. I just purchased a WIlliam Optics Flourostar 91mm and would like to mount both my ASIAir Pro and ZWO mini guide scope with camera to it. There are holes in the mounting rings but I have no idea what size they are or where to get any. That is where I’d like to mount the AAP. Suggestions, please.
Thanks for the great review! Now we don't need to shoot an installation video:) I added a link to your review to ProAstroGear site. I hope it's ok? - Lauri, ProAstroGear
Lauri, that’s fine with me! Thanks for making this cool product.
Great review 👏🏼
It looks like a perfect setup. I’m also looking into purchasing an astrophotography kit similar to this and I love how compact and sleek this is.
Can you please tell me what that entire setup as shown in the video, weighs? Including the camera and filter wheel.
I’d like to know if this would be suitable for the Star Adventurer GTi which has a max payload of 5kg.
I am running this set up on a skywatcher GTI now works fine. did add a 2 lb counter weight from I optron to for better balance. getting .7 to .5 guiding error.
I also just installed this setup on my Redcat51 that I use with the ZWO 183MC Pro and is mounted on an EQM-35 Pro. Its a really nice, simple and well thought out design that seems really well built. Haven't had a chance to fine tune the focus yet due to weather, but hopefully tonight will be the night.
Yep, I like innovative little things like this. Clever for sure!
Great video, Cody and my Redcat is coming tomorrow, with ProAstroGear unit, very excited! Can I please ask about the EAF control, I know you demonstrated with the hand controller, but I use the auto focus feature through the ASI AIR PRO...have you tried it that way too? I just wanted to make sure that as the EAF is going through its auto focus calibration steps for the V-curve, that the unit has enough travel back and forth to do this? You helpfully pointed out the need to the interlocking 'teeth' of the unit do not overrun their limits, so wanted to check that with the auto focus feature on the ASI AIR PRO, that it works ok? Hope that makes sense? Lol! I'm assuming it does, but want to get your take on it...excellent upload and extremely helpful! Best wishes to you and yours from across The Pond! :)
Yes, I use mine with the ASI Air autofocus feature as well. The key to installing is to get the RedCat focused on a star, then install. You will then have enough inward and outward travel for the V-curve. Mine works great, my FWHM is usually around 1.2-1.8 on the RedCat after autofocusing! :)
@@AstroBlender Cody, thanks so much for taking the time to answer my question and appreciate your help! Just what I suspected, but great to hear you confirm it...best wishes and stay safe! :)
This is my dream setup now but I would switch it out for the redcat 71
RC71 does look great!
AgenaAstro is my goto vender. If I bookmark your link, will that bookmark take me to your Agena link every time?
Same here, if they carry what I want. Yes, it should work, thanks!
There was a fair bit of backlash in that focuser gear...and by the look of the mount you cant adjust it out other that putting a shim under the ring on the focuser
Very nice video ! One downside I see is that it will be hard/impossible to fit the RedCat51 into the original case. How do you now store this telescope (e.g. when you use a different telescope) ?
I just put it in a backpack.
Hi Cody! I am considering to buy a REDCAT 51 and I found your review really helpful and you've convinced me this will be the right pick. However, I would like to ask you a few questions about cameras compatible with this telescope. I am using Canon 5D (DSLR) full frame and Canon R (MILC) full frame cameras and I'd like to know if either of them would work with this scope or do I have to buy a camera specifically made for astrophotography. Thank you very much for you answer and you time in advance. Have a nice day! :)
DSLR will work great with the RedCat! Check out my Petzval lens back-focus video for information on setting that up.
@@AstroBlender Hi Cody! Thank you very much for your answer.
What camera are you using with the redcat?
From the video I can see that there is a considerable amount of backlash between the gearwheel on the focuser ring and the gear on the EAF. In my world those two gears should be a lot closer to each other
That's my actual problem as well... I needed duct tape to get pressure and bringing the two gears closer to each other...
Great review..put my rigg together today. Short question.Where do you put the temperature probe on the mount? or on the telescope?
The EAF has an internal temperature probe, so you don’t need one.
@@AstroBlender Did you mean to say the internal temp probe was inside the EAF? Or did you mean inside the ASIAIR? There is a port for an external probe on the EAF.
If I set the redcat to "infinite focus" wouldn't that be easier than focusing on the stars?
Hi Cody, Do you know the approximate weight of your gear (not mount)? It is a very elegant setup.I love your setup but also have also been thinking about the Red Cat 71, but they don't have the electronic focuser or ProAstroGear out yet. Thanks for the video!
Hi Carol, with filter wheel, eaf, asi air pro, camera, guide scope and the mounting kit, it comes in at 8.8 lbs.
Good luck with your decision the RC71 looks amazing.
12:41 did you measure the backlash? It is visible there.
Literally just installed this today, a diagram in the box would of been handy. I just added it for attaching my asi air pro. Forgot to use the washers lol.
Is it worth adding the EAF when using a OSC camera? (183 mc pro). I also have a filter drawer installed for adding and removing 1 filter.
Absolutely, the EAF is vital for me in AP. Crisp focus, all night long.
Bit new to all this but I see a lot (or is it not a lot?) of rotation of the motor before it engages the track on the RedCat when changing direction (backlash?). Am i imagining things or is this actually a small amount? Does having that much backlash have any effect on autofocusing software? Thanks!
The autofocusing takes care of the backlash. :)
Hi Cody, great video! I think that the large gear is actually just long enough to cover the full travel of the RedCat focus ring. It makes The initial installation requires a bit more patience :) but afterwards you can change the camera and do not worry about being out of focus since you have access to the whole travelling range.
Cheers!
I tried this with the RedCat 51 II. There isn't enough distance in the gear to cover the full travel of the focus ring. I set mine to go to max infinity focus and as far the other way as I could so I can reach focus.
How easy is it to store the Redcat51 w/ this on there?
Hey there!!,
I have a similar setup. but i am using a Sky guider pro. Just so i understand this is basically a "auto focuser"? I might have missed it but will this still work?
I realize that this is just the mount. the actual Focuser is another item.
Thanks.
Update.. i ordered this unit and picked up my EAF Earlier.. Thanks..
I received my focuser today.. with no instructions. I'm grateful for this video. Do you know if the New Model ASIAIR is supposed to fit?
Thanks.
Hi thank you for this! It's good to have a complete video before purchasing to give us a clear overview. Really helpful! By the way, has anyone tried this black cat mount on Samyang 135f2 lens? The Redcat ring is compatible with Samyang 135 f2 lens and i am wondering if anyone has tried this black cat mount with the samyang lens. Thanks.
Literally wondering the same? Did you ever find out?
@@chriscausseaux4793 not yet. But most probably yes
@@guitarintune408 I'll find out soon enough when mine arrives Saturday.
Thanks Chris pls do let us know
Worked! The black cat lens ring needs to be affixed on the furthest edge of the Rokinon rubber focus ring towards the lens. Also used 8 of the provided washers, 4 per medium size bolt responsible for attaching the focuser to the black cat, on the inside of the focus housing for appropriate back spacing for the motor. That was the hardest part of the process… but straightforward.
Nice Video Cody! Why you call it the mount?
Thanks Ray! They call it the Black CAT Mount as it mounts on top of the RedCat51.
@@AstroBlender I get it now! I was kind of wondering all the way, what "mount" LOL Now, I can peacefully watch this video again.
This is an awesome product. Everything is self-contained. Do you get your zwo asi air very hot when using it?
Haha no worries! No, mine stays warm, but never really hot.
How does this compare to the deep sky dad EAF kit?
@tradde11 I ended up buying this one too. I like the design and compactness of it better that the DSD one I bought. I guess I will sell it on.
How do I put the cat back in the bag now? 🤣