I connected up the Paramount ME to its 48V power supply which in turn goes to a 1000W uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in my attempt to protect the delicate Paramount motor boards and electronics from anything nasty coming down the … Continue reading
The Paramount has now been brought up to my study and is sutting on the Aluminium pier ready to be fired up. Must admit I hadn’t planned for my study to be taken over with Astronomy equipment – but needs … Continue reading
I have just brought the massive all-Aluminium mini-WASP pier in from the shed. I will set it up in the upstairs study with the Paramount on top to give a dry run for the computer and all the electronics. The … Continue reading
Thought I would begin a video diary on the mini-WASP array project at this time even before the hole has been dug in the ground for the obligatory concrete block. As we are all aware – any new observatory project … Continue reading
This image shows a prototype illumination rig I have just built using 18 ultra-bright white-light LEDs and powered by a computer PSU. The idea is to create a compact, high-power, flicker-free light source for photographic applications. This prototype array (I … Continue reading
After a completely overcast day the cloud began to break up around 5:00 p.m. and now (9:00 p.m.) it looks like we might actually have a reasonably clear night. Whooppeeeeeeeeee – I’m off over the forest with the AstroTrac Canon … Continue reading
Why is there so much cloud at night recently when it’s been relatively clear through most of the day? Well I have the AstroTrac ready and set up with the new Canon 5D MkII and the Canon 15mm fish-eye lens … Continue reading
There’s plenty of clouds at the moment 🙁 but I’m hoping for just a few gaps in the cloud tonight. No Moon – and it should be the peak in the Geminid meteor shower (13th – 14th December 2009). Went … Continue reading
Great day today (no – not the weather!) – put the side panels on the mini-WASP array, and Brian May sent me a copy of his new book “A Village Lost & Found”. This is a beautiful publication and you … Continue reading
I bolted the mini-WASP telescope frame to the Paramount versa-plate to get a feel what the finished system will look like. The funny-looking device sticking out the front of the frame is a counterbalance arm for the weight of all … Continue reading
