How long to setup your backyard equipment? - Forums

Topic starter

Sep 14, 2022

This is aimed at those people who have to keep their astro kit inside their homes and set up in the backyard when the weather is good:

I just wondered how long it takes people to set up the hardware/power etc. prior to doing a polar alignment. My sequence goes something like this:

* Take tripod out to the same spot I always use, point it roughly north and level it
* Take out the mount, attach it and tighten it down to the tripod, Connect power and USB FTDI cables to mount.
* Carry 3x5Kg counterbalance weights out trying not to drop them on my feet and put them roughly where they usually sit on the bar.
* Take out OTA rings which have cables attached. Attach cables to power and USB connections that are on legs.
* Take out OTA and put it in rings. Connect camera power and USB, guidecam USB and focusser temp sensor.
* Balance the OTA in 3 axes. Usually a two minute job as post it notes all over my OTA show me how to position it; just fine tweaking of the weights and position.
* Run power extension cable from house to the whole setup.

On a good day, and dogs-allowing, I can do that in 15 minutes, but that is on a good day.

Anyone have any tips to speed up the process without leaving equipment outside?

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Jay Sanchez

Sep 14, 2022

Basically, I follow the same procedure. You might save a minute, if you mark your legs or just leave it at the same extension - no need to check level after that.

I also have a permanent table setup outside, made from scrap wood and tree limbs - ready to set a plastic tub with a laptop on top of it. That's another 1 minute saved from having to set up a table.

I take references pics for different rig setup, sorted in albums on my phone that I refer to when setting up.

It's the little time saver things that can add up. Clear skies!

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CrestwoodSky

Sep 14, 2022

I am in the process of building an ROR observatory (well, actually paying someone to build it, because I am both lazy and all thumbs), so hopefully I won't be carrying the rig in and out of the house much longer.

However, right now, my setup timing is roughly the same as yours - about 15 minutes to carry everything outside, connect the power cord, the USB cables (three 30' active repeater cables which I elegantly run out the window of the room in which the PC is located), and then another 5-10 minutes to polar align the mount. So, I don't think I have any tricks that will streamline your process any further. 15 minutes is probably as quick as it can reasonably get.

Takedown time is similar (minus the polar alignment).

While I like to say I have the process down to a science, it's a real pain and the mount seems to get heavier with every passing year. Also, the dogs like to dig holes in the backyard. Some night I will step in one, drop the rig, and break an ankle.

That's why I am building the observatory.

Well Written Engaging

Jonny Bravo

Sep 14, 2022

My process:

1. Open garage door
2. Carry TV tray, camp chair, Jackery 500 to end of driveway
3. Carry rig to end of driveway
4. Plug cable from Pegasus Pocket Power Box Advance into Jackery
5. Check balance in RA/Dec

Maybe 5 minutes. To fully be up and running:

1. Remote into mini PC
2. Launch iOptron Commander
3. Search Zero Position (Commander)
4. Reset mount settings twice (Commander bug)
5. Launch NINA
6. Turn on all equipment in NINA
7. Take quick test image to see if focus is close enough. Run AF if not
8. TPPA
9. Slew to 0 Dec / 190ish az
10. Run PHD2 calibration
11. Start imaging sequence

Maybe another 5 to 10 minutes.

The biggest time saver for me is having the rig fully assembled in my garage and just carrying it back and forth that way. Pretty much one of the primary reasons I bought the CEM40

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GalacticRAVE

Sep 14, 2022

I have everything on a trolley. So the procedure is: put out the ramp, roll out the scope (~80kg), fix it with the adjustment screws, plug in the power extension. Done. So ~10 minutes. Dawn time used for polar alignment, focusing etc, usually take the first shot during nautical dawn so for final debugging and checking that everything is working. If things go well, I take already a set of flats, otherwise do that at the end of the night.

Matthias

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Andy Wray

Topic starter

Sep 14, 2022 · Edited: Sep 14, 2022

Jonny Bravo:
The biggest time saver for me is having the rig fully assembled in my garage and just carrying it back and forth that way. Pretty much one of the primary reasons I bought the CEM40 .

Errm ... my setup weighs 41Kg in total ... I might need to do some body building to carry it out intact in one go. What do you think the chances are of a 63 year-old managing that? I think I could just about carry it, but I have steps to go down to get to its location. I think I might skip that one for now ;)

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GalacticRAVE

Sep 14, 2022

Andy Wray:
Jonny Bravo:
The biggest time saver for me is having the rig fully assembled in my garage and just carrying it back and forth that way. Pretty much one of the primary reasons I bought the CEM40 .

Errm ... my setup weighs 41Kg in total ... I might need to do some body building to carry it out intact. What do you think the chances are of a 63 year-old managing that?

Carrying? The wheel was invented some 4000 years ago

Andy Wray

Topic starter

Sep 14, 2022

I am in the process of building an ROR observatory (well, actually paying someone to build it, because I am both lazy and all thumbs), so hopefully I won't be carrying the rig in and out of the house much longer.

However, right now, my setup timing is roughly the same as yours - about 15 minutes to carry everything outside, connect the power cord, the USB cables (three 30' active repeater cables which I elegantly run out the window of the room in which the PC is located), and then another 5-10 minutes to polar align the mount. So, I don't think I have any tricks that will streamline your process any further. 15 minutes is probably as quick as it can reasonably get.

Takedown time is similar (minus the polar alignment).

While I like to say I have the process down to a science, it's a real pain and the mount seems to get heavier with every passing year. Also, the dogs like to dig holes in the backyard. Some night I will step in one, drop the rig, and break an ankle.

That's why I am building the observatory.

FWIW: I used to use those active USB repeater cables and the best move I made was to buy a miniPC strapped to the tripod leg to run all the control software (NINA/PHD2 etc.). I just remote into it via wifi.

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Scott Badger

Sep 14, 2022

I have a small observatory now, but before that I used to leave the mount & tripod outside covered with a Telegizmos cover. I was never quite comfortable leaving the OTA, camera etc. out as well, but without them the cover probably did an even better job protecting the mount. In any case, several pieces of gear (including the heaviest) that you don't need to lug out and no PA. I had no problems from high humidity and 100+ F temps to snow storms and -20F. It was only in wind over 50mph that I thought the 'sail' effect of the cover might be an issue and brought it all in.

Cheers,
Scott

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andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Sep 14, 2022

You must be all very very zippy in setting up. It takes me no less than 10 min just to remove the cover, bring out the laptop, connect cables and power supply, switch power on, remove caps and attach dew shield, switch on the mount and connect it to the laptop and then power up NINA… and wait until everything is up and running. This with no need to PA or anything as everything is all set-up ready-ish to go.

Engaging Supportive

Eddie Bagwell

Sep 14, 2022 · Edited: Sep 14, 2022

I have the tripod, extension and mount all bolted together (no bubble balancing necessary) and move to as a unit about 20 feet from my shop to paint marked ceramic plates dug into the ground. PA is always very close. I then add the 2 weights, telescope and pole master to the mount. Balance, then bring out the power and USB cables. The telescope and accessories are already prewired with the Pegasus power box advance. In all it probably takes me about 20 minutes to set up as I don't get in too much of a hurry for fear of dropping something. Wait until dark to PA and focus with a Bahtinov mask/EAF, another 10 minutes. Ready to Go!

The EAF is worth its weight in gold.

Doesn't seem too bad now that I use plate solving. In the past, I would do a 3-star alignment that added another 30 minutes to the setup and still had problems finding DSOs.

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Ed Dixon

Sep 14, 2022 · Edited: Sep 14, 2022

Mine is simpler. I store the tripod with the mount already attached. There is no counterweight. I have my scope already set up with camera attached, EAF focuser attached, and guide scope/camera already mounted. Everything is already pre wired on scope. Only connection is a power cord for the camera cooler and a single USB cable to a tripod mounted USB hub. Tripod has a single power cord to 110V and a single USB cable that goes to scope based miniPC.

Level tripod/mount
COnnect power and miniPC
Do a PA
Add scope
Slew to a target and sync to align

It’s ready to go then.

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starfield

Sep 14, 2022 · Edited: Sep 14, 2022

About 15 minutes for me too. Most of the time is spent lugging the EQ6R out onto some pavers in the backyard. I've hooked a mini-PC onto a lossmandy plate on my OTA with a Pegasus powerbox. The whole unit goes out in on piece, connect the mount, connect power and everything is up and running. If I'm shooting multiple nights and it's looking to get really damp, I'll bring the OTA inside and leave everything else setup under a cover. Then it only takes 5 minutes to get everything hooked back up.

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Stjepan Prugovečki

Sep 14, 2022 · Edited: Sep 14, 2022

I never measured the time. My mount is permanently mounted on a pier.
For me , this is the sequence
-uncover the mount
-bring the scope and fix it to the mount
I keep the scope with everything mounted on (mini PC, guider scope, filter wheel, cameras, dew heaters ..)
-check the balance (counerweights ale always on the mount)
-start iOptron Commander, search 0 position
-Start NINA
All is perhaps in less than 10min including camera cooling, focus is usually close to spot on.

This is valid for Esprit 120 on CEM70G

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Benny Colyn

Sep 14, 2022

15-20 minutes from start to first sub:

Mount (AZ-EQ6) + tripod are in the (sturdy, dry) garden shed. Carry the setup maybe 10m to the regular spot, don't level it - it does not matter. 2nd trip to the shed gets the counterweights and power cord (already plugged in).
Fetch the imaging train from inside the house, fully prepared/assembled with camera and put it on the mount. There's markings I drew to get it roughly balanced immediately.
Remove dust covers, fine tune the balance
Fetch the electronics box (contains power supplies + mini pc) from inside the house, plug it into the extension cord (mains) on the one hand, and into the mount (12V+USB) and PA powerbox of the OTA (12V+USB) on the other. No spaghetti since the 2 pairs of cables are bundled with cable loom. Mini PC BIOS is set to boot on power restore.
Polar alignment with sharpcap pro (can be very quick and accurate with a bit of practice)
Back inside, load SGP (switching to NINA soon, but till now SGP 3.1), start new sequence with proper profile and import the observing list from telescopius (prepared during the day(s) before). Cool the camera, autofocus while cooling and go.
Get a beer and watch the subs roll in

A speedy setup is one part routine (always the same steps, I can do them in my sleep) and one part preparation (imaging train ready to go, target list prepared, cables kept neat, etc)

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AstroNikko

Sep 15, 2022 · Edited: Sep 15, 2022

Takes me the better part of an hour to get all set up before polar alignment, but that's going from completely set up in the office, tearing it down, carrying each bit of kit up stairs, around the house and out to the telescope pad out back, and re-assembling. I'll usually spend the night before or sometime earlier in the day setting up the payload and cabling so I don't have to figure it out that night, along with any software and Windows updates.

This is for a Meade 8" SCT configured for planetary on a CEM120 with Tri-Pier 360, but similar for my AVX and other payloads as well.

Teardown:
- Remove power and data cables from mount and place with laptop.
- Remove handset and place with laptop.
- Disconnect payload cables and coil around payload to keep from dangling.
- Remove payload and place on desk.
- Remove counterweight and counterweight shaft.
- Remove mount head and stand upright on ground.

Setup:
- Carry tri-pier out to the pad.
- Level the tri-pier using torpedo level.
- Carry mount head out, install, and check level.
- Carry out counterweight and shaft.
- Install counterweight shaft.
- Roughly install counterweight.
- Carry out and install payload.
- Connect up payload cables to mount.
- Carry out power station and toolkit.
- Carry out laptop gear and cables.
- Install hand controller.
- Connect up GPS receiver.
- Connect up power cables to power station (3x individually labeled).
- Connect up data cables to USB hub (4x individually labeled).
- Connect USB hub to computer.
- Balance payload on all 3-axes.

At this point I usually let the scope cool down for at least 45min before powering things up and starting polar alignment. Dew shield and dew straps remained in place when moving the payload. I use an Astrozap dustcover over the end of the dew shield to keep the objective clean. If there's a risk of dew setting in early, I might run the dew heaters while the OTA is still acclimating.

Polar alignment, guiding calibration, and framing can take up to another hour. If I get started around 6pm, I might start my imaging run by 9pm on a good night.

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Andy Wray

Topic starter

Sep 15, 2022

Benny Colyn:
don't level it - it does not matter.

For me at least, the only reason for levelling it is that the altitude will be close to where it needs to be for when I do polar alignment. It only takes 1 minute to get it level, so why not?

Benny Colyn

Sep 15, 2022

Andy Wray:
Benny Colyn:
don't level it - it does not matter.

For me at least, the only reason for levelling it is that the altitude will be close to where it needs to be for when I do polar alignment. It only takes 1 minute to get it level, so why not?

*It's minute saved off the setup time (if not more), one less item to remember, one less tool to fetch (a decent level, the one on the mount is so borked it's not worth bothering with).

And ultimately it really doesn't matter - if I am far off the pole Sharpcap will still solve, tell me and I will adjust it. A large or small adjustment at this stage is practically the same. I've never been so far off by eyeballing the initial PA that the solve fails. Maybe this is due to the fact that I never extend the tripod legs - doing so greatly reduced the sturdiness of the rig and it reduces portabilty (need to get through the door) - and with a largely flat surface (a nice flat lawn) it's always it least within a couple of degrees of the right altitude.

Again, I try to eliminate as many steps as possible. A minute spent levelling is a wasted minute.

John Hayes

Frequent contributor

Sep 15, 2022 · Edited: Sep 15, 2022

Before I sent it to Chile, I used to run this 20" scope on my driveway.

Here's a break down of what it took.

1) Open garage door................................................................................ 1 minute
2) Deploy extension cord......................................................................... 1 minute
3) Roll out scope and screw down leveling screws............................... 2 minutes
3) Roll out control cabinet and plug it in................................................ 1 minute
4) Plug in USB and power cables............................................................. 1 minute
5) Connect to PC, initialize the L500, and connect all software........... 3 minutes (cooling for main camera started)
5) Use Pole Master to polar align............................................................ 5 minutes
6) Do a quick 60-point sky model............................................................ 8-10 minutes
7) Start imaging......................................................................................... T + 22-24 minutes

That's not to bad for around 700 pounds piece of equipment! Short of a permanent installation, roll-out is about as fast (and easy) as it gets.

- John

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kuechlew

Sep 15, 2022

No backyard for me, unfortunately. Once I arrive at my stargazing location I manage to setup within about 15 minutes too if "setup" means putting all parts together. Biggest timesavers for me were to reduce the number of parts I need to assemble to 6
1) Tripod with pier extension - gets setup first
2) Powerbox - gets attached to the tripod next
3) Mini-PC - gets attached to the tripod and connected to the powerbox
4) Tracker with counterweight unit - gets mounted to the tripod pier
5) OTA, camera, EAF, guide scope and guide cam as one unit with cables already attached - gets mounted and balanced on the tracker. Markings help to balance quickly. Cables get connected to the powerbox and the mini pc
6) Battery - gets connected to the powerbox

In the beginning I had only OTA and camera connected (no EAF at that time) and then assembled all the other parts including the cable connections on location. Took me another 10 to 15 minutes, in particular to sort out the cable management.

Before I can start imaging I have to polar align which is a breeze with iPolar and usually takes less than 5 minutes. Then I have to focus my guide scope and my astrocam. While they are already mounted there may be slight shifts from transportation. Focusing the astrocam is quickly done by the EAF, the manual process for the guide scope usually takes only slight adjustments so within another 5 minutes I'm done with this step. With my tracker I have to manually center the target which is an iteration of manual movements and plate solving. Takes me typically 3-4 iterations to get the target in fov and then another 3-6 iterations to perform the fine tuning of object orientation and placement for imaging. This can easily take 15-30 minutes, in particular when shooting a narrowband image where you need long exposures for the final fine tuning to see the object. This needs to be repeated when performing a meridian flip in the night and it is the only thing I really dislike with my tracker. Since I touched my rig, I have to check polar alignment again which thanks to iPolar is a matter of seconds. Buying a real mount at some point will yield me an additional 30 - 60 minutes of integration time per session by automated center and slew.

Then I start PHD2 and afterwards NINA takes over. I usually check every 30 minutes if guiding is ok and whether polar alignment is still good - via PHD2 trend line and iPolar. Otherwise I enjoy the stars.

Clear skies
Wolfgang

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Steven

Sep 15, 2022 · Edited: Sep 15, 2022

As for your setup, hard to say without really seeing it.

Maybe trying to keep the tripod and connected mount together? (if you can deal with the weight)
Maybe, instead of levelling the tripod. You can take an afternoon to level and mark the spot you place your tripod on. With some big floor tiles or something, since you always use the same spot anyway.. So level the ground once, instead of the tripod every time.
Maybe reduce cable faff, where possible, spend some bucks on USB cables in various lengths. and/or USB hubs, so instead of connecting 4-5 cables everywhere. Bring it all down to 1 hub / 1 connection that's always on the scope and can stay attached.
Maybe leave the newt in the rings, if possible.
maybe, invest at laying a permanent outdoor power outlet close to your imaging location. reducing the need to run long cables everywhere.
Maybe, if possible, consider leaving some equipment closer to your imaging location. Tripod legs and counterweights aren't that sensitive. And could perhaps be kept in a shed or outdoor storage box closer to your imaging location.

Either way, I don't treat it as a race. And the speed doesn't really matter, it just helps.
But if you want to make the most of the imaging time, do whatever you can do during the daytime. - that will nett you the biggest benefit in "speed", and you don't have to rush things then. - But I wouldn't sweat it if you're already doing most in 15 minutes.
Any "improvement" that you're getting are going to be seconds. Maybe a few minutes at most. So I wouldn't worry too much about 15 minutes, it's not a race.

I maybe take about 6-7 minutes?. 10-15 if I'm setting up 2-3 rigs.
20 minutes to get fully set up and polar aligned on 2-3 rigs

I have the benefit that my rigs are "semi permanent"
as in - the scope stays on the mount and I lift the entire thing in one go.
or - I disconnect the 1-2 cables and take the scope off the mount, but all gear like camera, guiders, EAF, filters, cables, asiair, etc all stay attached to the scope, and all get lifted off in one go.. Even on my bigger newtonian.

And I have 3 of everything, with entire "cable trees" per rig, leading to only 1 power or USB plug running down that stays attached too.. so I never have to do any big teardown or buildup of the rigs. And everything can be connected/disconnected by only 1-2 main cables.

counterweights also stay attached to the mount, same for tripods.
I'm a big enough guy to lift the EQ6-R + tripod + counterweight in one go. (awkwardly, but possible)

So most of the time it's;
- placing the mount
- attach the scope (no need to balance, as counterweights are still in place, and mounting plate is marked for the other axis)
- attach the 1-2 cables and run a power cord
- done.
then of course, polar align and calibration.

On my small rig it's even easier. As I don't even take off the scope and I lift the entire thing in one go.
- plop it down
- add power (1x 12v)
- done.

Then I tend to leave the rigs outside as long as there are clear nights ahead. I use big BBQ amazon covers to cover the rigs,
because adding the word "telescope" to a cover, makes it 3-4 times as expensive. And it works just as well for the few days outside in nice weather (obviously, not in rain) - but, then it's less then a minute setup after, only removing the cover, turning it on, removing dust covers.

So, semi-permanent and as little teardown/buildup as possible is the "key" to speed.

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Konstantin Firsov

Sep 15, 2022

Well, basically I do the same steps as Andy.
But my sequence also always includes loading all my stuff into a car and driving 70 km away to a darker place.
What I really do like the most - is my morning sequence

You have to get up at somewhat 5:30 o'clock and pack everything back into the car. Sometimes it's necessary to wipe off water or ice first. Then I drink my tea and drive 70 km back home. Further on I unload all the stuff at home, do my morning shower, put the suit on and at 8:30 I must be at work

In cold months I usually put my LiFePO4 battery on a warmed passenger seat on my way back. It makes the battery warm enough to start charging immediately when I arrive home.
I have some tricks to speed up setting up in the field, like marking all the parts in their balanced position.

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CrestwoodSky

Sep 15, 2022

Andy Wray:
I am in the process of building an ROR observatory (well, actually paying someone to build it, because I am both lazy and all thumbs), so hopefully I won't be carrying the rig in and out of the house much longer.

However, right now, my setup timing is roughly the same as yours - about 15 minutes to carry everything outside, connect the power cord, the USB cables (three 30' active repeater cables which I elegantly run out the window of the room in which the PC is located), and then another 5-10 minutes to polar align the mount. So, I don't think I have any tricks that will streamline your process any further. 15 minutes is probably as quick as it can reasonably get.

Takedown time is similar (minus the polar alignment).

While I like to say I have the process down to a science, it's a real pain and the mount seems to get heavier with every passing year. Also, the dogs like to dig holes in the backyard. Some night I will step in one, drop the rig, and break an ankle.

That's why I am building the observatory.

FWIW: I used to use those active USB repeater cables and the best move I made was to buy a miniPC strapped to the tripod leg to run all the control software (NINA/PHD2 etc.). I just remote into it via wifi.

That does sound better than the long cables. Fortunately the observatory will (hopefully) be completed within the next two weeks and then 30' USB cables will be but a distant memory for me.

Well Written

Michael Ring

Sep 15, 2022

I did not yet measure time but I guess I am in the same ballpark as anybody else here. One thing I try to do and what really helps is to bring a camping chair out in the field.
I am sitting on this chair with the notebook on my knees while doing PA with Nina. Because the position is so relaxed I am better at doing the just right adjustment of the knobs so alignment is pretty fast.

Michael

Concise

kuechlew

Sep 15, 2022

Michael Ring:
I did not yet measure time but I guess I am in the same ballpark as anybody else here. One thing I try to do and what really helps is to bring a camping chair out in the field.
I am sitting on this chair with the notebook on my knees while doing PA with Nina. Because the position is so relaxed I am better at doing the just right adjustment of the knobs so alignment is pretty fast.

Michael

While far from being as cozy as a camping chair there is not much that can compete with a "walkstool" in terms of low weight and low size while still robust and reasonably comfortable: Walk Stool Basic Three Legged Walk Stool - Black, 50 cm : Amazon.de: Sports & Outdoors
Now as nights get colder I actually prefer to stand and walk a bit on occasion.

Clear skies
Wolfgang