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First tests with the AZEQ5 Equatorial Mount + Pimping it up!
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- Опубліковано 3 сер 2024
- I've been able to run the AZEQ5 I got (post-tuning!) through its paces with small and big imaging telescopes on it to see how well it guides, I've used in in Alt-Az and in Equatorial mode for planetary and solar as well - so how does it perform?
Let's find out! And at the same time, let's pimp the mount out for travel! :D
Link to he Carbon Tripod in this video (not affiliate): www.firstlightoptics.com/trip...
Thanks to Michael Lev for suggesting it to me! / @michaellevastro
OPT Affiliate Link to the Skywatcher AZ-EQ5: bit.ly/3ib4Jvq
General affiliate link to OPT: bit.ly/2OIw6jH
Other equipment I own (or similar/related):
Cameras
ZWO ASI1600MM Pro: bit.ly/2CLmHVV
ZWO ASI533MC Pro: bit.ly/3fKPmsv
Mounts
SkyWatcher EQ6-R Mount: bit.ly/2OEXkYl
iOptron AZ Mount Pro: bit.ly/33pogE9
Guiding
Skywatcher EvoGuide 50ED bit.ly/3jtiLtR
ZWO ASI178MM: bit.ly/30qqbFu
QHY MiniGuideScope: bit.ly/2WD6bOA
QHY5L-IIM: bit.ly/3jpcE9y
Focusers, filters, filter wheels
ZWO EAF: bit.ly/2OCp13U
ZWO EAF Advanced Bundle: bit.ly/2ODHjlt
ZWO EFW 8x1.25" Or 31mm: bit.ly/30oN3VD
ZWO EFW 7x36mm: bit.ly/2CrnhrY
ZWO Mini filter wheel: bit.ly/32v1JoZ
Astrodon filters: bit.ly/3fHiPne
Optics
Vixen R200SS + Coma corrector: bit.ly/2OFW8E0
Vixen R200SS: bit.ly/2OGq6YJ
Vixen PH Corrector / Reducer for R200SS: bit.ly/3fHicKo
Coronado SolarMax Solar Telescope: bit.ly/2ZIT9kv
Others
Artseky Flat Panel: bit.ly/3jtj8of
Telegizmos 365 Cover: bit.ly/2CMOrt8
Follow me!
My Instagram: / cuivlazygeek
My Facebook page: / cuivlazygeek
#astrophotography #skywatcher #AZ-EQ5
Have to say it again: you’re the opposite of being lazy! 🙂 Just another great video. Thank you and CS !
Selectively Lazy :D Thank you and clear skies!
Hi Cuiv - good to see your enthusiasm for the AZ-EQ5 continues! A trick to make the internal USB port work - you must use 115200 baud rate - no other rates work!
Oh wow, very interesting! Well, now that I'm using a EQDIR cable, I'll probably just stick with it, but this is very, very good to know, thank you so much!
EQMOD is definitely the way to go with eq5/6 variants. This looks like a nice setup you have there- I definitely want that tripod!
That tripod is absolutely beautiful! And it is shockingly light so that's a big bonus!
Good video, even better sunglasses!
Hahaha, thank you! 8-)
Can't wait for you to pimp the AZGTi. I have it and have a few you MUST get. FIRST get the ADM VPA-AZGT- V Series Dovetail Adapter for SkyWatcher AZ-GTi Mount, makes anything you attach to the head solid! Also the SkyWatcher S20530 Star Adventurer Latitude (EQ) Base, Telescope Accessory, Black & S20540 Star Adventurer Counter Weight Kit. 2 BEST upgrades their are Cuiv! Next you will need a M8 -1.25 Thread Adapter, Bushing, M12 -1.75 External Thread bushing as the AZGTi is a M12mm thread and the counter weight is a M8 thread, so this bushing lets me attach that counter weight to the AZGTi easy. Your video on the AZGTi tuning and pimping is the ONLY video I am waiting for on YT!!! P.S on mine AZGTi the RA in an area binds a bit, so going to tune that and will update you...
Thanks for the tips Christopher! So I used to have the AZ-GTi before I sold it when getting my ill-fated Crux Traveler, and I had the ADM dovetail adapter, but to be honest, I preferred the standard dovetail marring one. The connection and clamping just felt more solid! As for the wedge, yep, I have that. And for the CW bar, I used a local vendor's Vixen CW bar for AZGTi. Details coming!
The tuning video is coming in a week or so, I think! Weird that he RA binds, in theory it shouldn't as it is spring loaded...
Pin, Knob, Thing !.....I prefer to call it a Locating Peg or just Peg, another great informative Video thanks.
A peg! Yes! Thank you! I'm sure I'll forget the correct word again very soon :D
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Tattoo on forerhead usually helps with memory loss:)
Thanks for your videos. I am now considering getting this mount to replace my aging ZEQ25. I think you can now get back to your satellite tracking project, as this mount would be ideal for that application in AZ mode.
My pleasure nikivan! Overall I am quite satisfied with the mount (used it yesterday to take 60s unguided exposures at 135mm - not a big deal, but there was a huge amount of wind, and it performed well), but you will likely want to adjust the worm-gear mesh (video on that upcoming). And yes, using it to track satellites will be perfect!
If you do buy the mount, make sure to use my affiliate links ;) (Well, if it's convenient and makes sense and is in stock, etc. etc.) . But what is wrong with the ZEQ25? That's a pretty neat mount, even if it's aging!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Thanks for the reply. ZEQ25 is an amazing mount, and back in the day mine was tracking at 0.25" guided. However, it developed DEC backlash to the extent PHD2 calibration usually fails. It was serviced by iOptron, but the backlash issue remains. It now tracks at 1"-2.5", but very inconsistently. It is still good for visual and wide field photography, but I want better :)
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Forgot to mention, the ZEQ25 ASCOM driver doesn't work well with NINA. Other programs work OK, so it must be partially NINAs fault. I've raised the issue with NINAs team, but there wasn't much response, unfortunately.
@@nikivan Oh that is too bad on the backlash! As I remember, my ZEQ25 was quite wind-sensitive, so that would be the same with the AZ-EQ5. But it feels much more secure to put something like a C9.25 on the AZ-EQ5 than it did the ZEQ25. The alt-az mode is quite nice too, and overall after the BL adjustment it works quite well for me. I would not trust the ZEQ25 with my 8 inch newt, but the SW seems fine with it. So there are advantages with the AZ-EQ5, but then you are also used to iOptron, so that's something to consider too!
As for the problem in NINA as far as I heard there is a bug in the 3.11 drivers that iOptron won't fix. NINA devs have a policy that they do not work around around other people's bugs, and I think that's what's happening there (trying to force manufacturers to fix their issues rather than letting them release garbage drivers that need specific workarounds implemented by each imaging software). At least one user I've seen has used driver v2.4 with POTH successfully for the ZEQ25 and NINA... But it's jumping through hoops.
Thank you for the excellent review, to my understanding it looks like iOptron EZ go to mount is more robust and its software interface is better. Am I correct as I’m looking at buying one them soon!
The AZ Mount Pro is indeed more solid! But I ended up selling it... :)
You are such a geek..... well so am I ^^
Hehehe, it's good to be a geek!
Great vid Cuiv As always. I think people should also check out the belt driven Explore Scientific PMC8 mount, it never gets much exposure. For around $650 New. I have one. I did no mechanical tuning. It has my 200PDS Newt with guide cam etc.sitting on top and I regularly get below 0.5 Avr on PH2! with low winds.
I don't use the WiFi on it . I connect using a serial cable run it via Poth hub direct to its Ascom Driver. then use Stellerium via Poth to steer it. I Pre-Load it camera side to eliminate any backlash (In case there might be some, which there isn't). :)
Thanks Frooty! Is that mount the Exos 2 GT? I think it was the same thing as the LXD75. That mount, as well as the Meade LX85, aren't available in Japan to my knowledge... Plus I have enough mounts as it is now! :D I've never, ever, ever gotten 0.5" RMS or better with any mount, but that's due more to the terrible seeing here than anything else :D
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Yes that's the one . I think they did some mechanical changes. It works like a charm. Roger Roger on the seeing, it kills the tracking accuracy for sure. But I would give short exposure on the guide cam a try (even 1 sec ) and hysteresis low. IF using a heavy scope on it. Oh and also ( you probably do it already of course) but definitely use a dark subtraction frame on the guide cam!, very important.
I suspect the old Skywatcher grease debacle is akin to folk law these days. It seems there are many mechanically clueless astro photographers out there that simply regurgitate this old tale over and over to the point that it is now an accepted fact. Just because a grease is black does not disqualify it as a quality lubricant. In fact greases with molybdenum disulphide (which is black) in the formulation are among the best for lubricity if a bit messy to apply. The key to successful lubrication is to match the grease stiffness or mobility with the operating temperature. For a Telescope mount you want a mobile grease so it remains usable at low temperatures. Most greases are formulated for operation at medium to high speed and at greater than normal ambient temperatures since the rolling action of bearings generates heat. You have probably heard of the practice of heating the oil in motor sumps to decrease it's viscosity in regions of extreme cold.
BTW I would be painting the carbon legs or applying reflective tape so as to not trip over the tripod in the dark :)
Don't be so down on the synscan controller. It's dumbness is the reason EQ Mod can work. I wish eliminating the celestron hand controller were as simple CPWI not withstanding.
Yes I was very surprised that the RA axis grease seemed well applied and not gunky. The worm and gear had some gunkier grease with a green edge to it, but it didn't look bad at all!
I regreased pretty much simply to get practice for me :)
Excellent idea on the carbon tripod, I'll add some reflective tape! Thank you!
You're welcome Cuiv! Glad you like the Sightron, it's a wicked little thing.
Have you weighed the Az-EQ5 + Celestron 9.25 + counter weights to make sure you're not getting over 30Kg? looks like you're pushing the mount and legs a bit 😅😅
Oh come on Michael, where is your sense of adventure? Going into the unknown? Having pricey equipment crashing into the ground? That tripod is awesome indeed. Now the mount is 7.7kg + 1kg for CW bar + 7 kg of CW + 10 kg for OTA and eyepiece, we're still in the clear! I like pushing mounts. I once put my C9.25 on my old AZGTi (in Alt-Az mount). It wasn't the most stable thing ever, but it worked!
I might be a little bit of a prun compared to you then haha 😅
I just hate seeing equipment being destroyed, it really hits hard on the chompers.
But if i'll ever have your spirit, i'll try a Edge 14 on my CEM60, should technically hold it, i think...😁
Great video .. Now, if Optolong did sunglasses ....
Hahaha, oh man I would totally get those! Actually it would be so cool to have light pollution filtering sunglasses or binoculars. Mmmmmh :-)
Do you think the Sightron tripod would work with the new ZWO AM5? Looks like a better option than the ZWO tripod.
You hyper tuned it! So much for being lazy haha. Glad it helped though :D
It's all to avoid long term frustration :D Long term laziness, as always!
Do you know if the Carbon Fibre tripod would reduce or amplify ground vibrations as compared to the steel tripod? Certainly vibration pads would help
Yeah that's something I'm not sure about. I think Carbon can amplify vibrations very efficiently... The tripod did come with some rubber feet as well, so that's probably something I'm going to try!
CF will amplify, it doesn't absorb very well at all (trade off for being light). Big bulky steel is the way to go if you're at home. CF for travel though for sure
I think this is worth testing. It should be simple enough. Some type of calibrated vibration meter on top of both units, under load and with and without shock pads under the feet. The idea of a carbon tripod is tempting but if images are degraded then no. Thanks for your input.
concerning balance and guiding accuracy: best practice is to aim for least moment of inertia along the counter weight shaft, i e larger weight high up rather than less weight further out. might improve your guiding even further.
You're absolutely right (I actually mention that in my starting astrophoto video series :D) but I didn't have a nice CW to use besides the two (I have done that on my EQ6R). Still, it's pretty cool to be able to balance all that gear with those two puny counterweights!
When Robin Casady was selling counterweights, he provided this: Robin Casady / Counterweight Calculator. Astro-Physics also has a calculator for their products. Heaviest weight goes on the shaft first - as you mentioned.
I am thinking about exactly the same. The rod is so long that fully extended counter weights store a lot of kinetic energy making the mount oscillating. But I wish I could find a counterweight with a rubber "silent block" in the middle. I believe this would absorb oscillations e. g. after accidental touching of an eyepiece or after dslr shutter moving. But it looks nobody is making such thing.
Cool video Cuiv. I agree with Mathias - you are the opposite of lazy. I was most happy to get rid of the SynScan Hand Controller after getting the EQMOD cable although I though it was o.k. for what it did. That tripod looks impressive! One thing that you might consider is the SkyWatcher/Orion Extension (ua-cam.com/video/ocQMxTg3yx8/v-deo.html) as it gives you more room so your camera will never hit the leg no matter what orientation the telescope is in. - Cheers
Thanks Kurt! Yes I saw that extension in your video before, I'll be thinking about it. Right now it seems my Newt will be juuuuust OK without it, but I'll see! I don't yet have a proper refractor these days... Thanks for the tip!
Hi this for all advices, where did you get your carbon tripod which model? Thks
It's the Sightron Japan carbon tripod
What does the carbon tripod do to the center of gravity?
Been thinking about getting this mount. Do you still use the mount?
Why buy the AZ-EQ5 for more than the HEQ5? Will you ever use it in AZ mode?
It was cheaper than the HEQ5 when I bought it! It's lighter, and I do use it in AZ Mode :)
@@CuivTheLazyGeek is there any difference in the build quality between the AZ-HEQ5 and the HEQ5?
RA looks like it's over correcting, not all the time but definitely some very large swings. Maybe try reducing your RA aggression, I've always found the default 75 to be far too high. Also seems like it's not responding much to the first guide pulse so you could have your RA gear mesh a bit too tight. I wouldn't be too concerned about a little bit of RA backlash.... better to have that then an intermittently binding gear.
That and the placement of your counter weights. I know you're probably thinking about getting a bigger one so I'd be interested to see how that effects your RA.
Thank you so much for the analysis! I'll try reducing the RA aggression, and I've also slightly loosened the worm-gear meshing - so that should not be an issue.
I'll see how having a bigger weight higher up the shaft will help eventually! Should make reactivity better!
No photos at the end of the video! :(
Oooops, sorry, in the end I had put the images at the start of the video at 00:35! And he sun image is here: instagram.com/p/CDaMzJXpmTr/ . Sorry about that!
Perhaps try the wifi module and the skywatcher synscan app --- I've listed that option and others on a page I put together www.astrophotosite.com/tiki-index.php?page=Sky-Watcher_Mount_connection_options
Wow, that is such a detailed page, thanks so much for putting that together!! I actually have the Wifi module on order (but it's not in stock here...) so I should be able to use the SynScan app soon! I see you mention GreenSwamp on the page, have you tried GreenSwamp out? I'm quite interested in it!
Cuiv, The Lazy Geek I’ve tried it to see if it works but in Sydney we have had too much cloud in recent months since being allowed to get out with restrictions eased to waste much imagining time sitting out in the cold experimenting in place of capturing image data. Same goes with SGPro as I wanted to try nina as it saved files in a smaller file format that pixinsight can read which is important for my new full frame camera.
First again!
As always :D Thank you!
One should not need to regrease a new mount. This is not acceptable if it is indeed new.
The mount is new, and there was no need to regrease it really - I just did it for practice while disassembling the RA axis, as I had heard so many horror stories about SW grease. However, the grease was thin and light, and seemed quite well applied, so really there seemed to be no need - the only thing I would do if buying this mount again would be to adjust the worm-wheel mesh, which is quite easy to do! So the reagreasing was not out of necessity!
I'm an engineer. I can't help myself.... :(
@@Philip-KA4KOE Same here :D Not a mechanical engineer, but once I opened the mount for worm-gear mesh, I just HAD to go all the way and regrease everything :) No need though!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Sparky here. I am doubly cursed.
Curious, why didn't you just use the USB-B port for mount control? Works like a charm with EQMOD and my AZ-EQ6.
I had read that others had tried with the USB port on the mount directly for EQMOD, and couldn't get it to work - but they were able to get it to work via the USB port on the hand controller. Which are you using? I prefer to completely get rid of the hand controller if possible, so I went straight for the EQDIRECT cable. Curious how you're setup! Thank you!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek I directly connect to the mount's USB port (I assume your mount has one). The hand controller port will not work with EQMOD anyway. The mount should show up as a "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port" with a given COM port number under "Ports" in Window's device manager. If it doesn't, you may have to download and install the Prolific driver manually. This setup works in ASCOM with both EQMOD and SkyWatcher's SynScan App Driver. You just need to specify the reported Prolific COM port and you're good to go.
@@andrebremer7772 Thanks! And in that case, the hand controller can stay disconnected?
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Yup! I never have it connected. That thing gives me the hives.