So much data, shooting 2 targets I managed recently 21 hours of data, over 20Gb in the one night. I will definitely need to look into storage at some point.
Hi, wonderful setup :-) I see that the alto system is fixed on the fog shield. What is the fog shield you use and how is it fixed onto the tube ? alto + giotto is around 2kg.
Thank you, the dew shield is a 3D print of mine. It locks into the tube similar to the caps, it also has a cable management diffraction spike built into the shield to give it strength so it can support the weight of the alto Giotto combination.
Hi Steve Iv been using the eq8r pro for 2 years love it I also use green swamp server software and I shoot 5 min subs unguided also if u want get rid of another cable get the Bluetooth conector for the mount instead of the eqmod cable 3 rasas unbelievable 😅 can’t wait see wat u shoot we em
Looks like a beast of a mount for sure. On the plus side of not having an obsy for this setup yet, at least you can save on a gym membership as there is going to be a lot weight training from setting up each night. 💪
Figured this was gonna be next. One of my mounts is a CGXL, great mount but not beefy enough for what you’re doing. The EQ8R is a great choice, hopefully it serves you well! Clear skies! Btw.. Skywatcher and Celestron, same company more or less.
Steven, It's time for an observatory. I just can't see you lugging that lot out into the field! The EQ8-R is a beast. I love mine and it carries my Edge 9.25 as if it were a twig!. Enjoy!
I would love an observatory but that’s going to have to wait a while so I’ll be fairly buff 💪 by the time that happens lugging this gear around. That pier weighs a bit lol
@@StevenMorrisPhotography my EQ8 is in my observatory and it ain’t going anywhere. Just too damn heavy. It was a one way trip from the DHL van, up the stairs and onto the pier!
Steve the driver won’t download because the browser doesn’t trust it. You need to select “keep anyway” when trying as your browser may be trying to block it. I’ve run into the same thing.
HI Steven I've enjoyed your videos with the Rasa's. I also have the CGXL mount and really like it. You mentioned getting a Edge Hd. I have the 9.25 version and think it's a great scope. With the .7x reducer it makes the scope an F7 and Fl of 1635 I believe. Makes for a nice imaging set up. Anyway good luck with the new set up. Cs
Thank you for that, it’s always nice to get insight to those that are using specific equipment and their thoughts. I think the 9.25 is a nice scope that’s for sure!
You could check with Celestron to check if their StarSense (camera and handset) for Sky Watcher mounts is compatible with CPWI yet? You don't need to use the StarSense feature itself and even if it doesn't connect to CPWI, it at least brings back some familiarity back to you.
Hey Steve - I came across this as Ive been looking at a RASA 8 recently, especially with the weather being so bad down here in Victoria. Your triple setup is crazy but in a good way !! Do you leave your mount outside under a cover ?? You must get a great workout with this lot Clear skies. Ollie.
Hey Ollie, if you plan on getting a RASA 8 be prepared to spend more on this scope than anticipated and one major problem with them are reflections. I’m still trying to work out why that is the case with them, the cell the glass optics sit in, in the middle of the corrector is rather shiny and I’m thinking that causes reflections but it’s hard to test. I get bad reflections on very bright stars, currently doing some testing. As for the mount, most days I pack it up after a session. If the weather is good then I’ll leave it out and cover it out. Who needs a gym membership when you have a triple rasa setup.
@@StevenMorrisPhotography Hey Steve - Cheers for the tips on the RASA I've certainly heard a few similar stories with reflections. I'm also looking at possibly a Hyperstar V4 so not sure which way I'll go yet. Hope you make some progress with those reflection issues. Cheers Ollie
@AstroSoundscape hyperstar sounds nice being able to have the best of both worlds but a RASA I believe would have better performance. Always a compromise with this hobby. So far stacking has been able to remove the reflections, we will see with a brighter star on how that looks.
I love the Skywatcher mounts I use Greenswamp server rather than EQMOD as it's just better in my view with the AZ EQ6 GT & never had any issues, EQMOD for me can give out some grief from time to time like failing to shut down when trying to close the program for one. Using everything within NINA everything connects as should to the Celestron focuser but weird why the ASCOM drivers wont download. Even though the EQ8 may have some questionable cable management ideas the CGE pro I use has none of that so cable management at the moment is very hit & miss but it does throw the RASA 11 around without breaking a sweat & the max payload is 42KG so not to bad.
Thanks for some of that, I will certainly check out those drivers. It’s a bit weird not being able to download the ascom driver from the website, maybe a internet browser cache clear could fix the problem. That CGE though is a beast too
I use Greenswamp too. The latest update of Stellarium gave me all manners of grief and when I connected the mount, via eqmod, it would take 5-10 seconds for a key or mouse click to do anything. This is running on a 32Gb, Ryzen 7 mini PC beast, so it certainly wasn't the PC spec. Installed Greenswamp and it just works, flawlessly, I might add. Intergrates seemlessly with NINA etc. It's that simple. The UI is pleasing and overall it's seems an extremely stable platform. Highly recommended.
They all can be rather expensive, the hardest part is making sure they can support the weight without too much flex. Best bet is to shop around for individual items and create your own. Losmandy also do a dual saddle setup but I’m not sure of the costs.
Great mount, imhabe the same one, but they do suffer from backlash on the DEC axis, which can be a pain, I guide mine in one direction only, so it makes the problem moot, but it’s not ideal, personally with your set up I would have gone for the Ioptron CEM120, it’s also a beast, and with spring loaded worms so no real backlash….other than that the EQ8 is a great mint for big payloads…👍🏻
Back when I had my EQ8 there were these unique DEC/RA clutches that you would 'push-rotate-release' and repeat. You could continue to ratchet down the tightness and dial in just what you needed for smooth tracking. Does your mount still have that feature? I remember it worked great. BTW - your live stream this past weekend was fun and great learning. Hope to see you do it again. Thx
Hey Steve! Both Skywatcher and Celestron have the same parent company Synta! Actually when I and issue with my Skywatcher mount a year ago, I was working with Celestron support here in the US! You will also find that there are a lot of similarities between at least the mounts and refractors of both brands. I feel that the EQ8-R is a good fit for your setup without having to spend $10K plus on a more fancy mount. Good luck and Clear Skies! BTW, the rig looks awesome!
Thanks mate, yeah they are both built out the same factory from what I understand. I think that’s why you see similarities between the two but also there own. I agree mate the EQ8 is a good fit without breaking the bank that’s for sure.
I got the 9.25 standard evolution for planets. Almost got the 8"HD, and got the 9.25" $200 cheaper than the edge. The 9.25 has a flatter field of view than the standard 8" or 11". Seen a review between HD and Non HD, and frankly the price difference is not worth getting the Edge, for galaxies and planets the non HD is a non Brainerd, aperture rules. Also the HD addons, reducers, etc are so expensive. Have had a Skywatcher EQ6 R PRO for my 9.25" for awhile. Got that instead of using the evolution mount. So got the evolution mount still if I want to do simple visual or EAA. I really don't think unless your using the HD for DSO it's worth the cost, and even then compared to the standard 9.25, not a lot between the 8" HD and 9.25"
I think you need another Rasa for your Luminance 😂 All jokes beside, I specifically chose the EdgeHD 925 over the 800. Not only is bigger better in this case (duh), but the 925 has the same backfocus with and without the reducer, which makes life easier. And there’s more backfocus to play around with anyway.
I would have to get hands on with one first before making that decision. I’ve never seen one close up but I hear a lot of people are very happy with them.
@@StevenMorrisPhotography with the money you have spent on the triplet of everything, money can’t be an issue at all….I really don’t see that, the mount is where the money should be spent before anything else, it’s where good imaging starts…
So the bar is a PrimaluceLab 750mm bar however it’s not exactly ideal for a triple system as it does flex a bit and it’s an issue I’m trying to work on. The saddles are PrimaLuceLab also. Where can you buy depends on where you live. If your looking to build a similar system I would try and find a thicker plate or try to make one then mount the saddles on that. I might have to buy a second 750mm bar and bolt the two together to add more strength.
Yeah it’s a real issue especially when trying to align all three up on the one target. Thanks mate, I am proud of what I’ve built… just need to start churning out the images.
You definitely have reached the compulsive-obsessive stage of our hobby. Incredible rig. Clear skies, from Chile.
I most certainly have lol. Thank you so much, clear skies to you too!
Now you need an observatory for both of those mounts 😁🔭🔭 congrats!
Unfortunately that is a long way off at this stage. Thank you 😁
Steven Morris...your killing me!! What a setup!!
I kill myself trying to set it up and pack it down 🤣
Now you're just showing off!!! 😂😂 Congratulations.. Imaging with that setup is gonna be next level
I certainly hope so 😊
Impressive mount. Impressive setup. Must be interesting managing data from the imaging system.
So much data, shooting 2 targets I managed recently 21 hours of data, over 20Gb in the one night. I will definitely need to look into storage at some point.
@@StevenMorrisPhotography 👍 Sooner better than later
Hi, wonderful setup :-) I see that the alto system is fixed on the fog shield. What is the fog shield you use and how is it fixed onto the tube ? alto + giotto is around 2kg.
Thank you, the dew shield is a 3D print of mine. It locks into the tube similar to the caps, it also has a cable management diffraction spike built into the shield to give it strength so it can support the weight of the alto Giotto combination.
Hi Steve Iv been using the eq8r pro for 2 years love it I also use green swamp server software and I shoot 5 min subs unguided also if u want get rid of another cable get the Bluetooth conector for the mount instead of the eqmod cable
3 rasas unbelievable 😅 can’t wait see wat u shoot we em
Thanks for that, I didn’t know there was a Bluetooth connector for this mount. Something to look into.
Looks like a beast of a mount for sure. On the plus side of not having an obsy for this setup yet, at least you can save on a gym membership as there is going to be a lot weight training from setting up each night. 💪
Maybe I could get the gym junkies to set the mount up for me and they can pay me for the workout session. AstroFitness!
Very Very VERY Nice Steve..........! no more words needed 🙂
Thanks mate
Figured this was gonna be next. One of my mounts is a CGXL, great mount but not beefy enough for what you’re doing. The EQ8R is a great choice, hopefully it serves you well! Clear skies! Btw.. Skywatcher and Celestron, same company more or less.
Steven, It's time for an observatory. I just can't see you lugging that lot out into the field! The EQ8-R is a beast. I love mine and it carries my Edge 9.25 as if it were a twig!. Enjoy!
I would love an observatory but that’s going to have to wait a while so I’ll be fairly buff 💪 by the time that happens lugging this gear around. That pier weighs a bit lol
@@StevenMorrisPhotography my EQ8 is in my observatory and it ain’t going anywhere. Just too damn heavy. It was a one way trip from the DHL van, up the stairs and onto the pier!
Ha ha I could imagine that too.
Beautiful rig. Keep your CGX-L MOUNT Steve. I do planetary imaging with a Celestron 14" Edge HD on top of the CGX-L. Size counts in planetay imaging.
Oh man a 14” would be a beast! I would imagine galaxies look good too through that!
Steve the driver won’t download because the browser doesn’t trust it. You need to select “keep anyway” when trying as your browser may be trying to block it. I’ve run into the same thing.
Ok thanks, I will look into that.
HI Steven I've enjoyed your videos with the Rasa's. I also have the CGXL mount and really like it. You mentioned getting a Edge Hd. I have the 9.25 version and think it's a great scope. With the .7x reducer it makes the scope an F7 and Fl of 1635 I believe. Makes for a nice imaging set up. Anyway good luck with the new set up. Cs
Thank you for that, it’s always nice to get insight to those that are using specific equipment and their thoughts. I think the 9.25 is a nice scope that’s for sure!
You could check with Celestron to check if their StarSense (camera and handset) for Sky Watcher mounts is compatible with CPWI yet? You don't need to use the StarSense feature itself and even if it doesn't connect to CPWI, it at least brings back some familiarity back to you.
That is an idea but I’ll stick to learning the new mount, it’s not that hard…. Just different to what I’m used too.
Impressive setup, a little over the top for the average guy but very cool.
You are moving in right direction. Next stop is AP 1600 or 3200 GTO, ASA DDM100 or 10 micron 3000.
3x14” scopes will be better.
Hahaha I’m not sure I can afford that. Maybe it might be cheaper just to buy NASA lol 😂
Hey Steve - I came across this as Ive been looking at a RASA 8 recently, especially with the weather being so bad down here in Victoria. Your triple setup is crazy but in a good way !! Do you leave your mount outside under a cover ?? You must get a great workout with this lot
Clear skies.
Ollie.
Hey Ollie, if you plan on getting a RASA 8 be prepared to spend more on this scope than anticipated and one major problem with them are reflections. I’m still trying to work out why that is the case with them, the cell the glass optics sit in, in the middle of the corrector is rather shiny and I’m thinking that causes reflections but it’s hard to test. I get bad reflections on very bright stars, currently doing some testing.
As for the mount, most days I pack it up after a session. If the weather is good then I’ll leave it out and cover it out. Who needs a gym membership when you have a triple rasa setup.
@@StevenMorrisPhotography Hey Steve - Cheers for the tips on the RASA I've certainly heard a few similar stories with reflections. I'm also looking at possibly a Hyperstar V4 so not sure which way I'll go yet.
Hope you make some progress with those reflection issues.
Cheers
Ollie
@AstroSoundscape hyperstar sounds nice being able to have the best of both worlds but a RASA I believe would have better performance. Always a compromise with this hobby.
So far stacking has been able to remove the reflections, we will see with a brighter star on how that looks.
I love the Skywatcher mounts I use Greenswamp server rather than EQMOD as it's just better in my view with the AZ EQ6 GT & never had any issues, EQMOD for me can give out some grief from time to time like failing to shut down when trying to close the program for one. Using everything within NINA everything connects as should to the Celestron focuser but weird why the ASCOM drivers wont download.
Even though the EQ8 may have some questionable cable management ideas the CGE pro I use has none of that so cable management at the moment is very hit & miss but it does throw the RASA 11 around without breaking a sweat & the max payload is 42KG so not to bad.
Thanks for some of that, I will certainly check out those drivers.
It’s a bit weird not being able to download the ascom driver from the website, maybe a internet browser cache clear could fix the problem.
That CGE though is a beast too
I use Greenswamp too. The latest update of Stellarium gave me all manners of grief and when I connected the mount, via eqmod, it would take 5-10 seconds for a key or mouse click to do anything. This is running on a 32Gb, Ryzen 7 mini PC beast, so it certainly wasn't the PC spec. Installed Greenswamp and it just works, flawlessly, I might add. Intergrates seemlessly with NINA etc. It's that simple. The UI is pleasing and overall it's seems an extremely stable platform. Highly recommended.
Hi, can u point out what saddle system u r using , the red dovetails and clamps?
I am using primaluceLab equipment for the dovetail and saddles.
@@StevenMorrisPhotography thank you, can you recommend a less expansive dual setup system?
They all can be rather expensive, the hardest part is making sure they can support the weight without too much flex. Best bet is to shop around for individual items and create your own. Losmandy also do a dual saddle setup but I’m not sure of the costs.
Great mount, imhabe the same one, but they do suffer from backlash on the DEC axis, which can be a pain, I guide mine in one direction only, so it makes the problem moot, but it’s not ideal, personally with your set up I would have gone for the Ioptron CEM120, it’s also a beast, and with spring loaded worms so no real backlash….other than that the EQ8 is a great mint for big payloads…👍🏻
Very nice :D
Hope the new mount will work well.
Thank you and it’s performing well so far
Back when I had my EQ8 there were these unique DEC/RA clutches that you would 'push-rotate-release' and repeat. You could continue to ratchet down the tightness and dial in just what you needed for smooth tracking. Does your mount still have that feature? I remember it worked great. BTW - your live stream this past weekend was fun and great learning. Hope to see you do it again. Thx
I don’t think it has what your mentioning. I just seem to have leavers.
Ha ha dam that live stream was a learning curve lol glad you liked it.
Hey Steve! Both Skywatcher and Celestron have the same parent company Synta! Actually when I and issue with my Skywatcher mount a year ago, I was working with Celestron support here in the US! You will also find that there are a lot of similarities between at least the mounts and refractors of both brands. I feel that the EQ8-R is a good fit for your setup without having to spend $10K plus on a more fancy mount. Good luck and Clear Skies! BTW, the rig looks awesome!
Thanks mate, yeah they are both built out the same factory from what I understand. I think that’s why you see similarities between the two but also there own.
I agree mate the EQ8 is a good fit without breaking the bank that’s for sure.
Someday...🤩
I got the 9.25 standard evolution for planets. Almost got the 8"HD, and got the 9.25" $200 cheaper than the edge. The 9.25 has a flatter field of view than the standard 8" or 11". Seen a review between HD and Non HD, and frankly the price difference is not worth getting the Edge, for galaxies and planets the non HD is a non Brainerd, aperture rules. Also the HD addons, reducers, etc are so expensive. Have had a Skywatcher EQ6 R PRO for my 9.25" for awhile. Got that instead of using the evolution mount. So got the evolution mount still if I want to do simple visual or EAA. I really don't think unless your using the HD for DSO it's worth the cost, and even then compared to the standard 9.25, not a lot between the 8" HD and 9.25"
I think you need another Rasa for your Luminance 😂 All jokes beside, I specifically chose the EdgeHD 925 over the 800. Not only is bigger better in this case (duh), but the 925 has the same backfocus with and without the reducer, which makes life easier. And there’s more backfocus to play around with anyway.
That’s always handy to know about the EdgeHD 9.25.
Ha ha more RASA’s!
i am sure the skywatcher az gti could of done the job steve 😂 jezz awesome setup mate 👊👍
Haha I’m sure the Az GTi can handle more lol. Thanks mate.
Can you run through the software setup to capture multi cam imaging?
In a future video or description?
@@StevenMorrisPhotography a future video would be great. Thanks
May i ask why you did not go for a CEM120? It is way better then the SW, at least what people say
Cost, I got this at a good price so sometimes it comes down to price and affordability.
@@StevenMorrisPhotography Make sense, but would you go for the CEM120?
I would have to get hands on with one first before making that decision. I’ve never seen one close up but I hear a lot of people are very happy with them.
@@StevenMorrisPhotography with the money you have spent on the triplet of everything, money can’t be an issue at all….I really don’t see that, the mount is where the money should be spent before anything else, it’s where good imaging starts…
@@StevenMorrisPhotography Yep agreed, you have got a hell of a set up there mate! Well done💪need for speed🏎️
How long is the red dovetail plate that holds the 3 saddles and where can I buy it? Cheers
So the bar is a PrimaluceLab 750mm bar however it’s not exactly ideal for a triple system as it does flex a bit and it’s an issue I’m trying to work on. The saddles are PrimaLuceLab also.
Where can you buy depends on where you live. If your looking to build a similar system I would try and find a thicker plate or try to make one then mount the saddles on that. I might have to buy a second 750mm bar and bolt the two together to add more strength.
@@StevenMorrisPhotography yeah I was wondering about flex as well. Nice setup by the way !!
Yeah it’s a real issue especially when trying to align all three up on the one target.
Thanks mate, I am proud of what I’ve built… just need to start churning out the images.
Another two RASAs Ha S2 O3 Hb Colour.
🤣 need more RASA’s
Sorry, just noticed someone else made the suggestion too
The CGX-L would be perfect for a RASA 11....just sayin!
Mmmmm RASA nom nom nom