Do you have this setup HEQ5, 533MC, Evostar ED80?

11 replies602 views
Aquawind avatar
If so I would like to see your Gallery and try to learn what I can do and my limitations. I understand the artistic aspect of processing and personal preferences so this is a no judgement zone unless requested. These cloudy skies are so annoying but, there is so much to improve on.  Clear Skies!
Steve Spring avatar
Hi,

I have used the same rig except with an NEQ6. The only relevant difference between the mounts would be the guiding performance. The older images I have were with an ST80 as a guide scope. I later moved to an OAG.

Some of my images are taken with a C8 SCT and some with an Askar 180.

Take a look if you like, I'm not saying they are brilliant, but I'm happy enough with most of them smile

Clear skies

Steve
Helpful Respectful
Aquawind avatar
Steve:
Hi,

I have used the same rig except with an NEQ6. The only relevant difference between the mounts would be the guiding performance. The older images I have were with an ST80 as a guide scope. I later moved to an OAG.

Some of my images are taken with a C8 SCT and some with an Askar 180.

Take a look if you like, I'm not saying they are brilliant, but I'm happy enough with most of them

Clear skies

Steve

Nice work! I am imaging with the ED80 and use the ZWO mini as a guide scope. Actually your setup is not even close to mine.
Katelyn Beecroft avatar
My setup is very close - I have the Evostar 72Ed. I only just signed up for astrobin so my gallery only has two images uploaded, but I have an instagram account (same user name) that has all of my images.
Christophe avatar
Hello,

I have somthing similar to your setuo: I use a Evostar 80ED on a HEQ5 Pro with a 294MC Pro OSC camera.
And I guide with a 290mm on a 60mm quide scope ;)

chris
Aquawind avatar
Katelyn Beecroft:
My setup is very close - I have the Evostar 72Ed. I only just signed up for astrobin so my gallery only has two images uploaded, but I have an instagram account (same user name) that has all of my images.

Nice work Katelyn!
Aquawind avatar
Christophe:
Hello,

I have somthing similar to your setuo: I use a Evostar 80ED on a HEQ5 Pro with a 294MC Pro OSC camera.
And I guide with a 290mm on a 60mm quide scope ;)

chris

Very good! Clear Skies Chris!
Andrew Ford avatar
I started out with a HEQ5, Vixen R200SS and a ZWO ASI533MC. Worked great for 1.5years before I went mono with a 294MM and upgraded the mount to a GEM45. My biggest suggestions: Do the HEQ5 belt drive mod immediately. Get a Shoestring EQMOD cable and use NINA, throw the HEQ5's hand controller in a box and never look at it again. 
Lastly, I wish I had just spent more upfront and got something better than the HEQ5, something like the EQ6R or iOptron GEM26/45. The HEQ5 is an old-ass platform, and it shows its age. Simillarly priced offerings from iOptron are much better. I was hamstrung for upgrading my setup, as if I wanted to go for more focal length or larger aperture, I would have needed to upgrade the mount as well. Kicking myself for not having bought a better mount upfront.
Helpful Insightful Engaging
stooge75 avatar
The HEQ5 is an old-ass platform, and it shows its age. Simillarly priced offerings from iOptron are much better. I was hamstrung for upgrading my setup, as if I wanted to go for more focal length or larger aperture, I would have needed to upgrade the mount as well. Kicking myself for not having bought a better mount upfront.

Way to go putting newcomers off their heq5 pro bud
Andrew Ford avatar
Way to go putting newcomers off their heq5 pro bud


Don't get me wrong, the HEQ5 isn't terrible, mine served me well, but I'm just pointing out that it was a stumbling block to my upgrade path. Depends if OP foresees wanting to eventually upgrade to something larger/heavier or with more focal length in the future.   
It's a great entry level EQ mount that can get you fairly deep into the hobby, and they're reasonably priced. I'm just wishing I'd bought something a little heavier duty and more modern like the EQ6R or iOptron CEM/GEM's upfront
Helpful Insightful Respectful Engaging
Steve Spring avatar
I wouldn't get too hung up on the mount. With a. 85x reducer you are imaging at 1.52 arcseconds per pixel. That is easily achievable with an HEQ5, and even then we are assuming the seeing is good enough.

The original question by the op was for examples of what can be achieved with the existing set up. I've been doing this for 2 years and don't feel like I've outstripped any of my equipment fully. There are always other improvements to make mostly in post but constantly tweaking and making iterative changes to make everything as reliable as possible. That means that when the skies are clear, I'm in a position to maximise the data I can squeeze out of.

Most of this hobby for me is done in the time between clear skies, always something to improve on and as the op asked for, great to compare with others and see what is possible smile
Helpful
Aquawind avatar
Steve:
I wouldn't get too hung up on the mount. With a. 85x reducer you are imaging at 1.52 arcseconds per pixel. That is easily achievable with an HEQ5, and even then we are assuming the seeing is good enough.

The original question by the op was for examples of what can be achieved with the existing set up. I've been doing this for 2 years and don't feel like I've outstripped any of my equipment fully. There are always other improvements to make mostly in post but constantly tweaking and making iterative changes to make everything as reliable as possible. That means that when the skies are clear, I'm in a position to maximise the data I can squeeze out of.

Most of this hobby for me is done in the time between clear skies, always something to improve on and as the op asked for, great to compare with others and see what is possible

That is how I feel about it Steve. Simply maximizing my equipment along with clear skies and post processing. Doing the best I can do with what I have. Upgrades will come!