Re: [APML] Wide-field on polar mount + astrophotography in Syria

[Gene Horr <genehorr@texas.net>]

"Leo S." wrote:

> My plan is to buy a Vixen GP-DX mount and drives and build a solid but
> low(for stability)support to put it on,and a plate to attach the cameras to
> the GP-DX. If two cameras work well i will try a 4 camera plate,perhaps
> even 6 eventually,so my main concern is will the GP-DX be able to work with
> this load(about 1KG per camera+lens). 

>From my experience 3 cameras should not be a problem.  For this type
of work IMO the GP-DX is a very good choice.  Low cost to start out
and as you grow your setup if you do have to move up to a bigger mount
you won't loose that much when selling it.  At so low a FL (depending
on exposure times) guiding probably isn't an issue.

> It would also be nice if i could mount my Nikkor 600/4 EDIF to experiment
> with that and perhaps later on buy a good scope for deep-sky
> photography,but for the moment if it works well with wide-field ill be very
> happy.

The 600mm FL will work, although IMO this is starting to come up to 
the limits of the mount.  

> I am trying to think what else would be good to take(aside from the obvious
> like film/tripod etc)... chemical "hand-warmers" to tape onto the lenses to
> prevent dew on the lenses instead of kendric dew remover/battery would be
> good i thought... anyone tried this/have any other tips suggestions?

Personally I would go with an electric heater.  You aren't trying to make
the lens warm just add a minute amount of heat to get it above ambient.
If Kendrick is too expensive you can make your own by just soldering 
resisters in series and covering with shrink-wrap.

Gene Horr
genehorr@texas.net

--  APML Archives at <http://astro.umsystem.edu/apml/>  ---
             Unsubscribe at <majordomo@seds.org>