Comments for Frank's Astronomy

Comment on Our new observatory! by Frank Kane

Frank Kane — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 18:49:28 +0000

In reply to Kevin.

Sorry it took me so long to see this comment! DDW isn’t perfect, but it works… usually. Its software hasn’t been updated in a very long time, but it does the job. I use the ASCOM driver in conjunction with the Dome add-on in TheSkyX. Voyager does seem to be gaining popularity but if you have a Paramount TheSkyX makes sense.

Most of my problems with DDW have been with the shutter, but that’s specific to the design of the HomeDome and I don’t think you’d have those issues with an Ash Dome. The belts wear out on the DDW motors and that will probably be the main thing to keep an eye on. If a belt breaks or gets out of its groove it can lead to things seizing up at a bad time. The wheels on the motors also don’t last forever, so I’d recommend having some spare belts and wheels on hand. TI will sell them to you if you ask. If it’s been sitting there unused for years I would definitely check the condition of the belts.

Comment on Our new observatory! by Kevin

Kevin — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 22:27:23 +0000

Frank,
First let me say you have executed a great design for your home observatory and thanks for documenting it so well. I noted that you are using Digital Dome Works. I’m wondering how you find it.
I bought a place in New Mexico just a year ago and it came with an Ash Dome that had used DDW, however the seller hadn’t used it (I’m the third owner and the dome was built by the original owner). The seller didn’t have any documentation. My goal is to get a telescope in the dome this fall and get the DDW working. The motors all work well. It will be a matter of getting it to work, and work with the SkyX and eventually Voyager (I am new to astrophotography and as such have no experience with SGP or N.I.N.A. and I’ve concluded that I will go with Voyager (have friends who have it, and who like it)).
Any comments, tricks, or warnings about DDW would be greatly appreciated.
Kevin

Comment on The Eagle Nebula, home of the “Pillars of Creation” by Frank Kane

Frank Kane — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 21:04:19 +0000

In reply to David Diamond. Oh hi! Just seeing these comments now. Hoping to put on a little neighborhood "star party" sometime soon! Meanwhile say hi if you see me out there.

Comment on The Eagle Nebula, home of the “Pillars of Creation” by David Diamond

David Diamond — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 11:42:40 +0000

Looks amazing!!
My name is David Diamond, I live three doors down, South of you in the house with the orange roof and Hummers in the driveway.
Would love to check it out and meet our new neighbor.
Let me know when the skies are clear. My phone number is 321-544-7777.

Comment on The Eagle Nebula, home of the “Pillars of Creation” by Sondra

Sondra — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 10:47:53 +0000

I saw your post on Neighborhood app – My husband and I live in Sunset Lakes.
These pics are absolutely fascinating. We have lived at the back gate of Sunset Lakes for 20+ years now and have ALWAYS enjoyed the spectacular sunsets but YOU have gone WAY BEYOND the sunsets. Thank you for sharing!

Comment on The Eagle Nebula, home of the “Pillars of Creation” by Teri Mills

Teri Mills — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 00:51:55 +0000

Oh my gosh, so beautiful. Thank you for posting. Look forward to more images

Comment on The Eagle Nebula, home of the “Pillars of Creation” by Betsy

Betsy — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 16:45:14 +0000

Thank you for capturing and posting these amazing images.

Comment on Our new observatory! by Frank Kane

Frank Kane — Fri, 21 May 2021 13:05:13 +0000

In reply to BOB MASTERS.

I suspect that the dome quads can get warped in between pre-assembly and when you assemble it, which might lead to them not bolting together easily. I had to go buy some larger bolts in order to get them together in a few spots. I have found that over time the spacers I had to add to get the shutter cables to sit properly on their rollers seem to have become less necessary as the dome has settled. Figuring out the shutter was the hardest part, although it wasn’t too hard. I’m not sure if pre-assembly includes them fully installing and testing the motorized features; I suspect it doesn’t. But if I could figure it out, anyone can.

I do think the third motor is a good investment. Rotation has been rock solid with it, and it’s not something that’s easily added later on if you find you do need it. Since you have the Pro-Dome you shouldn’t need extra rollers though.

Comment on Our new observatory! by BOB MASTERS

BOB MASTERS — Sat, 15 May 2021 21:31:47 +0000

Hi Frank,
Bob Masters here in Gardnerville Nevada just outside Lake Tahoe. Thanks for sharing your PD10 construction story. I just placed my order 2 days ago for the PD10 and 3 wall rings. Lead time is now 4 months which is no problem since we don’t usually get snow until the end of November. Unfortunately due to my location I am paying a lot more for shipping than you had to. I also paid for the pre-assembly service thinking everything would then bolt together correctly. So I was surprised at your comments about stuff not lining up. Do you mind elaborating a little bit for me? Do you think it was possibly due to the fact you were using a concrete base rather than their dome rings. I purposely ordered the dome rings instead of building my own building to hopefully eliminate any screw alignment problems. Also I like your comment about the third motor as I was not aware of that and they didn’t mention it to me. Wonder if I should add the additional motor to my order?
All the best,
Bob

Comment on Learn Astrophotography with Frank! by Frank Kane

Frank Kane — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 14:12:38 +0000

In reply to Chandan Dutta. Thanks for letting me know! I think this is cleared up now.