🌟If you are intending to build one of these make sure to also check the second part of this video. It is for a larger DOB but it contains some valuable lessons learned that need to be incorporated into the design of any EQ Platform🌟 ruclips.net/video/8NtrHkfYcRs/видео.html
When I built the first one, I wanted to use it every now and then. Few months later, it is so good that I haven't went out a single time without my EQ platform. Especially for my 12" and things like planetary nebulas at 400x.
Yeah , that is something I am planning on making a video but the weather here has been abysmal. Haven't had the chance to do a single imaging session since August :/
This is a truly wonderful video. I'd given up on building one of these because of cost and time. I just liked and subscribed. I might tackle one of these over the Summer.
Have a look at part 2, now I include the detailed plans.. it is very easy , give it a go and make a video on it.. I"d love to see it ;).. subbed as well
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
The drift is most likely due to imperfect polar alignment. For really accurate tracking one should perform drift alignment anyway. Looks good. Great for high powered observing, sketching and even some eaa/imaging.
Yes that is correct, usually there is some drift up or down due to alignment. I don't usually bother about it unless I am imaging at high power for long durations (example Mars for 10 minutes)
What a great video! Just made myself upset, how expensive an eq platform is, and bamm, here is the solution. Thank you sir! I will defenetly try to build this.
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
Indeed.. use plywood! .. Not what I used :). The rest is fine. It is a lot more stable that it looks for an 8" DOB... for a bigger DOB the design is increased by 15cm longer and 12cm wider
How do you account for the added weight when attaching more accessories? For instance, with components like a camera, barlow, or field rotator, or if I decide to switch from a planetary camera imaging setup to a DSO setup?
The EQ platform has a lot of flexibility in terms of the center of gravity. It is absolutely fine adding or removing weight from the whole telescope in terms of equipment.
@@astralfields1696 if you don’t mind me asking i don’t understand the part where you get the dimensions for the north bearing and south bearing can you please explain that part ? Thank you again I’ve watched the second video as well
@@abdellahsidiya3322 Getting the right dimensions for the south and north bearings is quite a bit more involved and includes figuring out the telescope's center of gravity. You can read about the theory more here. If you are around the 50 latttude, I'd recommend just using the ready plans. Getting your own dimensions can be useful for latitudes far from that or untypical telescopes. www.reinervogel.net/index_e.html?/Plattform/plattform_VNS_e.html
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
First of all, thank you! All others over engineer and complicate the design so much that they're near impossible to replicate without a degree and laser-accurate equipment. I need your help ... 1. In order to eliminate the dreaded azimuth "sticktion" issue that all dobs have, I added a 1/8" thick sheet for the Teflon pads to slide on. 2. I'm at 33.23° With the additional 1/8" height on my base, could I simply use the 34° wedges? If not, could you calc these for me and let me know the dims? You're the best!!
Thank you! I agree, I did not like most designs I found online as they are usually overengineered. While it may be sometimes fun to overengineer things, it makes for a poor DIY design that anybody can replicate. That was my main goal, simplify as much as possible and keep the costs to a minimum. Glad to see that now over 10 000 people have viewed both videos. 1. This is why I love the GSO , over there they have a lazy susan type of azimuth bearing and it is very nice. Other than that, there is a trick with rubbing the wood and teflons with soap every now and then. The thickness of the base plays no role whatsoever in the EQ platform performance in terms of accuracy. 2. Oh yea , the 34 will work just nicely, then all you gotta do is when using the platform , raise the southern pivot by 0.70 degrees... which most of the time is irrelevant anyway as this is within the margin of error of most surfaces. You don't really need to do it unless planning for 5-10 minutes of high power tracking for imaging etc. The commercial platforms are actual sold with 5 degree increments of the segments.
@astralfields1696 That sounds perfect! And, yeah, I read all the "tricks" - from RainX to corn starch - baby powder to bar soap - CD's to vinyl records. I just wasn't willing to go down that "just for now" path of lazy that would cause more problems in the long term than solutions in the now. The OG's raved about a laminate that's now discontinued so, I figured that would be my best starting point. I pulled the specs for it and realized that it's incredible performance had nothing to do with it being a laminate - it was due to its rough texture. This gave me the idea of using a textured, self lubricating, plastic that was as durable as yet less expensive than PTFE (Teflon)... ABS! I found a company that produces round ABS sheets so I got an 18" for less than $20 and... just... WOW! I seriously almost cried the first time I took it out after adding it. I can literally guide whatever I'm viewing right back into frame as of I just hit a rewind button. **Almost forgot - your design states the top is to be 18mm thick and the bottom 12mm thick but your layout is showing all pieces being cut from the same board? Have I misunderstood something?
That is an option if you want to save some weight, the bottom can be thinner. It has zero impact on accuracy so no worries. I should put an explainer in the plans. Thanks.
Hello… great content and I appreciate how well you have converted me to being open about buying a Dobsonian… between you and fellow RUclipsr reflactor, I have a new appreciation about Dobs… one day I hope to have a 20 inch while I am still young enough to lift the mirror! Question… are you interested in purchasing a new Skywatcher goto Flextube 250P synscan Dob? It has an aperture of 10 inches/ 254mm and a focal length of 1200mm. New from Skywatcher $1715.00 I bought this from an auction and it came without the goto mount…It ships in two boxes and the box I bought contained the OTA and all accessories. They are new and perfect condition. Mirror is beautiful. I contacted Skywatcher directly and the goto mount for this scope is available and costs $700….. I already have a C11 along with two refractors or I'd buy the goto mount and keep it myself. Watching this video made me think you can build your own goto mount for much less than $700. It will ship in the original skywatcher box with molded styrofoam. I am asking $250 plus shipping . Thanks! I subscribed to your channel today as well! Jerry
I saw your project and the entire video; you mentioned there's an issue with the latitude because the segments are adjusted for latitudes from 40 to 56. I need segments for a latitude of 20.8° S or 21° S. How can I solve this problem? I appreciate your help.
Hello, 20 is really low, the telescope would topple over after a while as the segments would be really steep and the platform would have to be really long. I am afraid for such low latitudes you will need to use a different design altogether. Try asking on CloudyNIghts.
@@astralfields1696Ok, I will post my question there and hope that someone can help me. One more thing, could you tell me what is the measurement of the radius of each circumference of the mount 4 to 10 inches? The red, yellow and green?
That is just an illustration of the different sizes of DOB bases where they would roughly fit on the board. There is no specific pre-defined dimension. My 8" SW had about 54cm and my 12" has about 64cm
Are the arcs on the google drive the corrected ones? If not, could you please generate templates for 40 degrees latitude? I have all the parts and I am pretty much done, but then when watched the video again I noticed you spoke about being able to generate ones without the 1-2 percent error. Thanks.
Hello, please check the plans again. I have recently few weeks ago added segments also for the 40-degree latitude and some instructions for such low latitudes. Please share some of the photos at evel30@yahoo.com when you are done so I can make them part of the plans and encourage people to build one for themselves.
Thank you for the great video! I also tried to understand the function of an eq-platform earlier, but didnt´t understand it. Due to your video i now understand how this works. Thanks for that! Which plans did you use for building the wooden structure? I do owe a 10" dobsonian, and i`m not sure which dimensions i should choose. At least i can use your segment files, as i live in 48,8° North.
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
Hi, great video... watching this second time since you posted. I'm from india, Is there any possibility to make some kind of eq platform that can accommodate 10° to 12°N ? Can you please give me any suggestions here!!
Hello , yes , it is possible to design something but you will have to use a different design because Polaris and the axis of rotation is too low there (I am not sure exactly which as I have limited experience with the platforms in general). You can check the discussion here and ask the guys: www.cloudynights.com/topic/875024-equatorial-platform-at-the-equator/
37 is a bit too low for this design. You might want to check the platform that HenkSB is constructing for lower latitudes www.cloudynights.com/topic/916052-vns-platform-sector-calculations/
Like to me I am in Thailand Lat 12 °N I have an idea to build Eq.platform. I think I can do it. The idea is that if I cut out the side of a solid cone, Pieces cut out It will have a smooth surface on one side. And there is an arc on the other side. If the part were to roll at an angle on a flat surface, it would still roll on a symmetrical axis of rotation with an elevation angle equal to half that. of the cone apex angle Make a roller to support the bottom curve. I think it should work.
Can you really use magnification 400 and 800 live ( no electronics, processing ) and get reasonably good sharpness and brightness ? I never ever can get such picture quality out of my 10inch dobsonian
Oh yes , in the 12" DOB 300-400x - I use it all the time pretty much on everything, from the planets , to planetary nebula to globular clusters. Sometimes on the Moon as well. 500-800x is more difficult because of seeing. I've had luck with it only few times on excellent seeing later in the night around 2-3AM and generally only on the planets or planetary nebulas. But generally most of the time planetary nebulas at 500-600x are great as they are already a bit fuzzy so no issues with a bit of a blur. - I'd make sure your collimation is top notch (if you have a laser keep in mind the laser has to be collimated itself first) and best to doublecheck with a cheshire collimation tool and of course the regular star test for good measure. Once collimated I find I need only minor tweaks to the primary. - Other than this some locations simply have permanent bad seeing and can't go much above 200-300x no matter the telescope. I hope this is not your case :). Also the time of day plays a part.. I do most of my observing after midnight. - Lastly, always give an hour or two for the primary mirror to cool down to thermal equilibrium and observe from areas that don't have big concrete objects underneath or nearby or over which you point the telescope.. as they can cause micro turbulence in the air around.
Man I'm really interested in your concept there - but because of several factors including most importantly the acoustics in your kitchen, how you mic'd this and that boomin bass line music- I can't follow what you're saying.
Nice video! I'd like to see if I can build one for my dob, but I live in Tasmania, south of Australia...specifically 42.86° S, do you think the design will work at this latitude and do you have any suggestion for the segment curvature? In the plans I can see only between 46 to 56° N templates...
Thanks! Do you mind to point me to the project plans? I see in 9:12 you have some detailed plans but I seem to have found only this one www.reinervogel.net/Plattform/Vorlage%20Plattform%2014%20hoch.pdf
@@astralfields1696 thanks! I already see the video and I managed to find the instructions in the blog previously, just needed to dig in the discussion - good job by the way!
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
If your segments are designed and cut for your latitude exactly, then the platform must be leveled at 0 degrees (the bottom). If the segment is for 50 and you are at 48, you simply raise the southern edge by 2 degrees to match it (not ideal obviously so having good segments is preferred). As for polar alignment, simply put the platform as north as possible. Then while observing if there is a drift upward, you simply rotate the whole thing clockwise , if there is drift downward, you rotate counterclockwise. Just a little is enough. Once there is no drift up or down it is good. By up or down I mean the Alt direction of the telescope.
If you’d kindly make any video about making the segments for different latitudes, it’d be really helpful. I’m at 23.7°. Can’t find that segment in the pdf. Plus, about the pivot pin height, did you offset it to make the platform angle same as the latitude angle? How to set that properly?
Hello. It is impossible to go below about 40 with this design. The reason is two fold. The platform needs to become a lot longer than wider.. That would be still doable but the segments would need to be a lot steeper, meaning the telescope could topple over or they would need to be very short providing only about 20 minutes of tracking. I know some people in Australia managed to build a small platform but it is not something I can recommend, do or test (as I live at 49). With such a low altitude I would investigate around other modified deaigns by asking around on cloudynights. It is about adding a motor to the south pivot as well and having it more complex.
No you should be fine... Just put it at a different angle so it is perpendicular to the south pivot.. probably something like 20 degrees instead of 23.
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
@@구루구루자르자르 This platform in the video is built for up to a 10" Dobsonian. I have just finished building one that can handle also a 12" Dobsonian.. Which means the platform and segments are 20% bigger. Everything else is the same.
Hello , use this file please. You will need Libre Draw (free SW) to open and print, PDFs mess up the scale and the segment needs to be exact drive.google.com/file/d/1bN5_YGRXX08wjLcYF9KRjmvtxk6BXTWT/view?usp=sharing
@@AFK-Toilet try searching for these on AliExpress. I am putting together a plan with parts , should have it in a month when I will also release a new video on an improved platform for the 12". 1) 8mm Durable Pillow Block Thrust Bearing Zinc Alloy Mounted KP000 KP001 KP002 Housing Self-aligning Insert Linear Shaft , 2) 5mm to 8mm Flexible Coupling For Stepper Motor Coupler Shaft Couplings 3) 2x 10mm M8 M6 Universal Boot Bonnet Gas Strut End Fitting Connector Ball Screw Bolt 4) 100mm long , 8mm thick iron bars
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
Hello , that is way too low. You will need to use a different design as the segments will be too steep and the tilt too much. I think a couple of people on RUclips have made VNS platforms in Australia but it is not something which is normally done.
i've stumble across mr reiners site a few times over the years but my brain froze every time.although i can understand how the platform works, i suck at theory. seen you doing it seems easy and i can pretty much copy paste what you did in the vid. the problem is that i observe from from 38°N. can you help? thanks for the vid !
Ah , 38 is pretty low I am not sure that is going to be as easy. You might want to see what HenkSB is doing here for his latitude of 34. The problem is at these latitudes the segments become very steep with the design I have used. Reiner has plans only for about 46 because of that reason. www.cloudynights.com/topic/916052-vns-platform-sector-calculations/
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
@@astralfields1696 So im going to be honest im just starting with asrology and am pretty good at it already. Im 14 so i dont have a lot of money to just be spending so i wanted to build my own mount for it for nice and cheap. where can i find the plans for building it. if so will i have to pay for it? im super exited to learn about more and more and would love to build my own base. Thank you so much for your time and any help is greatly appreciated.
No you should be fine... Just put it at a different angle so it is perpendicular to the south pivot.. probably something like 20 degrees instead of 23.
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
One hundred dollars? Plus the cost of tools required and time required to learn to use them. For some one like myself, with the mechanical abilities of a wet butterfly, time and money spent would exceed the cost of buying an equatorial platform from some one else.
Yeah.. it doesn't always make sense :). Tools = cheap second hand wood cutter for like 20$ should do it. Should've bought that than the stupid adapter (I got a refund)
🌟If you are intending to build one of these make sure to also check the second part of this video. It is for a larger DOB but it contains some valuable lessons learned that need to be incorporated into the design of any EQ Platform🌟
ruclips.net/video/8NtrHkfYcRs/видео.html
Anyone with a DOB. you must build one of these, it will transform your viewing experience
When I built the first one, I wanted to use it every now and then. Few months later, it is so good that I haven't went out a single time without my EQ platform. Especially for my 12" and things like planetary nebulas at 400x.
Great video! I would love to see you create a video of your setup/alignment process for an imaging session.
Yeah , that is something I am planning on making a video but the weather here has been abysmal. Haven't had the chance to do a single imaging session since August :/
This is a truly wonderful video. I'd given up on building one of these because of cost and time. I just liked and subscribed. I might tackle one of these over the Summer.
I would LOVE to see your build! I'm a big fan of your channel
Have a look at part 2, now I include the detailed plans.. it is very easy , give it a go and make a video on it.. I"d love to see it ;).. subbed as well
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
The drift is most likely due to imperfect polar alignment. For really accurate tracking one should perform drift alignment anyway.
Looks good. Great for high powered observing, sketching and even some eaa/imaging.
Yes that is correct, usually there is some drift up or down due to alignment. I don't usually bother about it unless I am imaging at high power for long durations (example Mars for 10 minutes)
This is genius! Definitely worth trying if you have a big dob!
I will definitely try and build one
You are a very intelligent and resourceful person 👍
What a great video! Just made myself upset, how expensive an eq platform is, and bamm, here is the solution. Thank you sir! I will defenetly try to build this.
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
This video is very inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
He-Man approves.. that's great :D
Great video. I think i'd maybe upgrade the materials and design a bit to make it a bit more stable, but otherwise it's a good idea.
Indeed.. use plywood! .. Not what I used :). The rest is fine. It is a lot more stable that it looks for an 8" DOB... for a bigger DOB the design is increased by 15cm longer and 12cm wider
How do you account for the added weight when attaching more accessories? For instance, with components like a camera, barlow, or field rotator, or if I decide to switch from a planetary camera imaging setup to a DSO setup?
The EQ platform has a lot of flexibility in terms of the center of gravity. It is absolutely fine adding or removing weight from the whole telescope in terms of equipment.
Thank you so much I’ve trying to build one myself and this video taught me everything I needed to know
Great :).. Make sure to check the second part
@@astralfields1696 if you don’t mind me asking i don’t understand the part where you get the dimensions for the north bearing and south bearing can you please explain that part ? Thank you again I’ve watched the second video as well
@@abdellahsidiya3322 Getting the right dimensions for the south and north bearings is quite a bit more involved and includes figuring out the telescope's center of gravity. You can read about the theory more here. If you are around the 50 latttude, I'd recommend just using the ready plans. Getting your own dimensions can be useful for latitudes far from that or untypical telescopes.
www.reinervogel.net/index_e.html?/Plattform/plattform_VNS_e.html
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
First of all, thank you! All others over engineer and complicate the design so much that they're near impossible to replicate without a degree and laser-accurate equipment.
I need your help ...
1. In order to eliminate the dreaded azimuth "sticktion" issue that all dobs have, I added a 1/8" thick sheet for the Teflon pads to slide on.
2. I'm at 33.23°
With the additional 1/8" height on my base, could I simply use the 34° wedges?
If not, could you calc these for me and let me know the dims?
You're the best!!
Thank you!
I agree, I did not like most designs I found online as they are usually overengineered. While it may be sometimes fun to overengineer things, it makes for a poor DIY design that anybody can replicate. That was my main goal, simplify as much as possible and keep the costs to a minimum. Glad to see that now over 10 000 people have viewed both videos.
1. This is why I love the GSO , over there they have a lazy susan type of azimuth bearing and it is very nice. Other than that, there is a trick with rubbing the wood and teflons with soap every now and then. The thickness of the base plays no role whatsoever in the EQ platform performance in terms of accuracy.
2. Oh yea , the 34 will work just nicely, then all you gotta do is when using the platform , raise the southern pivot by 0.70 degrees... which most of the time is irrelevant anyway as this is within the margin of error of most surfaces. You don't really need to do it unless planning for 5-10 minutes of high power tracking for imaging etc.
The commercial platforms are actual sold with 5 degree increments of the segments.
@astralfields1696 That sounds perfect!
And, yeah, I read all the "tricks" - from RainX to corn starch - baby powder to bar soap - CD's to vinyl records. I just wasn't willing to go down that "just for now" path of lazy that would cause more problems in the long term than solutions in the now.
The OG's raved about a laminate that's now discontinued so, I figured that would be my best starting point. I pulled the specs for it and realized that it's incredible performance had nothing to do with it being a laminate - it was due to its rough texture.
This gave me the idea of using a textured, self lubricating, plastic that was as durable as yet less expensive than PTFE (Teflon)... ABS!
I found a company that produces round ABS sheets so I got an 18" for less than $20 and... just... WOW! I seriously almost cried the first time I took it out after adding it. I can literally guide whatever I'm viewing right back into frame as of I just hit a rewind button.
**Almost forgot - your design states the top is to be 18mm thick and the bottom 12mm thick but your layout is showing all pieces being cut from the same board? Have I misunderstood something?
That is an option if you want to save some weight, the bottom can be thinner. It has zero impact on accuracy so no worries. I should put an explainer in the plans. Thanks.
Hello… great content and I appreciate how well you have converted me to being open about buying a Dobsonian… between you and fellow RUclipsr reflactor, I have a new appreciation about Dobs… one day I hope to have a 20 inch while I am still young enough to lift the mirror!
Question… are you interested in purchasing a new Skywatcher goto Flextube 250P synscan Dob? It has an aperture of 10 inches/ 254mm and a focal length of 1200mm. New from Skywatcher $1715.00
I bought this from an auction and it came without the goto mount…It ships in two boxes and the box I bought contained the OTA and all accessories. They are new and perfect condition. Mirror is beautiful.
I contacted Skywatcher directly and the goto mount for this scope is available and costs $700…..
I already have a C11 along with two refractors or I'd buy the goto mount and keep it myself.
Watching this video made me think you can build your own goto mount for much less than $700.
It will ship in the original skywatcher box with molded styrofoam.
I am asking $250 plus shipping .
Thanks! I subscribed to your channel today as well!
Jerry
Hello, thank you :). I guess you have yet to watch the next video on my channel, as it shows I already bought the 12" GSO :)
This is fantastic
Отличная работа!!!👍
I saw your project and the entire video; you mentioned there's an issue with the latitude because the segments are adjusted for latitudes from 40 to 56. I need segments for a latitude of 20.8° S or 21° S. How can I solve this problem? I appreciate your help.
Hello, 20 is really low, the telescope would topple over after a while as the segments would be really steep and the platform would have to be really long. I am afraid for such low latitudes you will need to use a different design altogether. Try asking on CloudyNIghts.
@@astralfields1696Ok, I will post my question there and hope that someone can help me. One more thing, could you tell me what is the measurement of the radius of each circumference of the mount 4 to 10 inches? The red, yellow and green?
That is just an illustration of the different sizes of DOB bases where they would roughly fit on the board. There is no specific pre-defined dimension. My 8" SW had about 54cm and my 12" has about 64cm
Are the arcs on the google drive the corrected ones? If not, could you please generate templates for 40 degrees latitude? I have all the parts and I am pretty much done, but then when watched the video again I noticed you spoke about being able to generate ones without the 1-2 percent error. Thanks.
Hello, please check the plans again. I have recently few weeks ago added segments also for the 40-degree latitude and some instructions for such low latitudes. Please share some of the photos at evel30@yahoo.com when you are done so I can make them part of the plans and encourage people to build one for themselves.
Thank you for the great video! I also tried to understand the function of an eq-platform earlier, but didnt´t understand it. Due to your video i now understand how this works. Thanks for that! Which plans did you use for building the wooden structure? I do owe a 10" dobsonian, and i`m not sure which dimensions i should choose. At least i can use your segment files, as i live in 48,8° North.
Hello , use this one , it contains the 49 degree segment
drive.google.com/file/d/1bN5_YGRXX08wjLcYF9KRjmvtxk6BXTWT/view?usp=sharing
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
Hi, great video... watching this second time since you posted.
I'm from india, Is there any possibility to make some kind of eq platform that can accommodate 10° to 12°N ?
Can you please give me any suggestions here!!
Hello , yes , it is possible to design something but you will have to use a different design because Polaris and the axis of rotation is too low there (I am not sure exactly which as I have limited experience with the platforms in general).
You can check the discussion here and ask the guys:
www.cloudynights.com/topic/875024-equatorial-platform-at-the-equator/
Where can I find the formula for the curve for tracking. I am at 37 degrees
37 is a bit too low for this design. You might want to check the platform that HenkSB is constructing for lower latitudes
www.cloudynights.com/topic/916052-vns-platform-sector-calculations/
I'm at 12 degrees in Central America. How can I build one of these? Thanks for the knowledge share!
Oh wow.. that's very low. I am not sure an EQ platform of any design will work there.
Like to me I am in Thailand Lat 12 °N
I have an idea to build Eq.platform.
I think I can do it.
The idea is that if I cut out the side of a solid cone,
Pieces cut out It will have a smooth surface on one side. And there is an arc on the other side.
If the part were to roll at an angle on a flat surface, it would still roll on a symmetrical axis of rotation with an elevation angle equal to half that. of the cone apex angle
Make a roller to support the bottom curve. I think it should work.
DId you make it? Please send me pictures, I am curious if you ever build one.
Can you really use magnification 400 and 800 live ( no electronics, processing ) and get reasonably good sharpness and brightness ? I never ever can get such picture quality out of my 10inch dobsonian
Oh yes , in the 12" DOB 300-400x - I use it all the time pretty much on everything, from the planets , to planetary nebula to globular clusters. Sometimes on the Moon as well.
500-800x is more difficult because of seeing. I've had luck with it only few times on excellent seeing later in the night around 2-3AM and generally only on the planets or planetary nebulas. But generally most of the time planetary nebulas at 500-600x are great as they are already a bit fuzzy so no issues with a bit of a blur.
- I'd make sure your collimation is top notch (if you have a laser keep in mind the laser has to be collimated itself first) and best to doublecheck with a cheshire collimation tool and of course the regular star test for good measure. Once collimated I find I need only minor tweaks to the primary.
- Other than this some locations simply have permanent bad seeing and can't go much above 200-300x no matter the telescope. I hope this is not your case :). Also the time of day plays a part.. I do most of my observing after midnight.
- Lastly, always give an hour or two for the primary mirror to cool down to thermal equilibrium and observe from areas that don't have big concrete objects underneath or nearby or over which you point the telescope.. as they can cause micro turbulence in the air around.
Man I'm really interested in your concept there - but because of several factors including most importantly the acoustics in your kitchen, how you mic'd this and that boomin bass line music- I can't follow what you're saying.
Hi, yeah this is from the time I didn't have a dedicated mic. Try with subtitles ON.
Nice video! I'd like to see if I can build one for my dob, but I live in Tasmania, south of Australia...specifically 42.86° S, do you think the design will work at this latitude and do you have any suggestion for the segment curvature? In the plans I can see only between 46 to 56° N templates...
Yes it should be fine.. use the 46 segment and then just raise the northern side during observing by another three degrees
Thanks! Do you mind to point me to the project plans? I see in 9:12 you have some detailed plans but I seem to have found only this one www.reinervogel.net/Plattform/Vorlage%20Plattform%2014%20hoch.pdf
Please check my newest video.. now I have the detailed plans there in the description.
@@astralfields1696 thanks! I already see the video and I managed to find the instructions in the blog previously, just needed to dig in the discussion - good job by the way!
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
How do you polar align the platform accurately? Does it have to be leveled on the ground?
If your segments are designed and cut for your latitude exactly, then the platform must be leveled at 0 degrees (the bottom). If the segment is for 50 and you are at 48, you simply raise the southern edge by 2 degrees to match it (not ideal obviously so having good segments is preferred).
As for polar alignment, simply put the platform as north as possible. Then while observing if there is a drift upward, you simply rotate the whole thing clockwise , if there is drift downward, you rotate counterclockwise. Just a little is enough. Once there is no drift up or down it is good. By up or down I mean the Alt direction of the telescope.
If you’d kindly make any video about making the segments for different latitudes, it’d be really helpful. I’m at 23.7°. Can’t find that segment in the pdf.
Plus, about the pivot pin height, did you offset it to make the platform angle same as the latitude angle? How to set that properly?
Hello. It is impossible to go below about 40 with this design. The reason is two fold. The platform needs to become a lot longer than wider.. That would be still doable but the segments would need to be a lot steeper, meaning the telescope could topple over or they would need to be very short providing only about 20 minutes of tracking. I know some people in Australia managed to build a small platform but it is not something I can recommend, do or test (as I live at 49).
With such a low altitude I would investigate around other modified deaigns by asking around on cloudynights. It is about adding a motor to the south pivot as well and having it more complex.
@@astralfields1696 Thanks mate. Was really inspired by your detailed video. Keep up the good works.
If i make platform 20%longer,should i change the old segment you provided?
No you should be fine... Just put it at a different angle so it is perpendicular to the south pivot.. probably something like 20 degrees instead of 23.
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
I am curious about what size Dobsonian your EQ platform can accommodate.
Hi, not sure I understand the question. What do you mean?
Sorry, I am not good at English.
I have revised the question with ChatGPT.
@@구루구루자르자르 This platform in the video is built for up to a 10" Dobsonian.
I have just finished building one that can handle also a 12" Dobsonian.. Which means the platform and segments are 20% bigger. Everything else is the same.
Thank you for your kindness. :)
hello, I was wondering if you could kindly share the segment file, I too am in 49 degrees north.
Hello , use this file please. You will need Libre Draw (free SW) to open and print, PDFs mess up the scale and the segment needs to be exact
drive.google.com/file/d/1bN5_YGRXX08wjLcYF9KRjmvtxk6BXTWT/view?usp=sharing
@@astralfields1696 thank you very much! do you happen to have a list of all the parts used in this project besides the wood and the motor?
@@AFK-Toilet try searching for these on AliExpress. I am putting together a plan with parts , should have it in a month when I will also release a new video on an improved platform for the 12".
1) 8mm Durable Pillow Block Thrust Bearing Zinc Alloy Mounted KP000 KP001 KP002 Housing Self-aligning Insert Linear Shaft , 2) 5mm to 8mm Flexible Coupling For Stepper Motor Coupler Shaft Couplings 3) 2x 10mm M8 M6 Universal Boot Bonnet Gas Strut End Fitting Connector Ball Screw Bolt 4) 100mm long , 8mm thick iron bars
@@astralfields1696 thank you! I'll look forward to the new video!
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
Hey im in australia at 26° S, would you know if this works?
Hello , that is way too low. You will need to use a different design as the segments will be too steep and the tilt too much. I think a couple of people on RUclips have made VNS platforms in Australia but it is not something which is normally done.
Thank you mate, very nice👍
i've stumble across mr reiners site a few times over the years but my brain froze every time.although i can understand how the platform works, i suck at theory. seen you doing it seems easy and i can pretty much copy paste what you did in the vid. the problem is that i observe from from 38°N. can you help? thanks for the vid !
Ah , 38 is pretty low I am not sure that is going to be as easy. You might want to see what HenkSB is doing here for his latitude of 34. The problem is at these latitudes the segments become very steep with the design I have used. Reiner has plans only for about 46 because of that reason.
www.cloudynights.com/topic/916052-vns-platform-sector-calculations/
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
@@astralfields1696 hi ! i didn't , i gave up ! probably, sometime in the future i'll buy a Geoptik Equatorial Platform.
keep up the good work !
Hey im not sure if you still around but do you think i could ask you some questions?
Sure, I will try to answer
@@astralfields1696 So im going to be honest im just starting with asrology and am pretty good at it already. Im 14 so i dont have a lot of money to just be spending so i wanted to build my own mount for it for nice and cheap. where can i find the plans for building it. if so will i have to pay for it? im super exited to learn about more and more and would love to build my own base.
Thank you so much for your time and any help is greatly appreciated.
forgot to mention i have a 8 inch dob from sky watcher. focal langth of 1200mm
Hello , I have all the details here about my plans
drive.google.com/file/d/1ZZb25MRHyBEOHmIY-6CAJ1WFfoio8Uv5/view?usp=sharing
can i use this project for my dobson 250/1200?
Yes of course. Follow the plans attached to the video.
Ok thank you very much 👍@@astralfields1696
Im at 40 ° latitude will this design work? I just found 41 in your pdf . can you give me a design ? thank u
Sure.. I have updated the plans with a 40
@@astralfields1696 If i make the platform 20% longer-720mm,should i use the old 81mm picture, or i should make it longer together?
No you should be fine... Just put it at a different angle so it is perpendicular to the south pivot.. probably something like 20 degrees instead of 23.
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
@@astralfields1696 Sure, but I need some time.
Im at 63° latitude will this design work?
Yeah , I think it should be doable but I don't have the segment for that
@@astralfields1696 oh okk thx😁
Hello. I am going to include pictures of the platform from other people into the plans to inspire and encourage others that they can build one as well. Could you please send me a picture of your completed platform (in case you did build it) to evel30@yahoo.com
Hi , the designs now include a latitude for that as well.
Great job man
One hundred dollars? Plus the cost of tools required and time required to learn to use them. For some one like myself, with the mechanical abilities of a wet butterfly, time and money spent would exceed the cost of buying an equatorial platform from some one else.
Yeah.. it doesn't always make sense :). Tools = cheap second hand wood cutter for like 20$ should do it. Should've bought that than the stupid adapter (I got a refund)
@@astralfields1696 Lol, we live and we learn, right.