Category Archives: mini-WASP Array

The creation and use of the New Forest Observatory mini-WASP array

Not been able to set up the repaired M25C

With the current weather I have not been able to set up the repaired M25C for any imaging and I am aware of the days ticking past with nothing new to add 🙁  Still, this gives me a little time … Continue reading

Posted in Hyperstar and SXVF-M25C, mini-WASP Array, News | 2 Comments

The mini-WASP array – one step closer

Today the CEO of NTE Poole Ltd. Eric Kennedy – brought me the all Aluminium pier for the mini-WASP!  The usual beautiful craftsmanship and Aluminium-welding which are the hallmarks of NTE Poole Ltd.  The wall thickness of that vertical tube is 1″ … Continue reading

Posted in mini-WASP Array, Projects | Leave a comment

mini-WASP update

I have a new all-Aluminium connector designed and built for connecting an SXM26C (or H18 mono) CCD at the correct metal-back distance to the focal reducer on the Sky 90 refractor.  I am just getting a further 3 of these … Continue reading

Posted in mini-WASP Array, Projects | Leave a comment

mini-WASP array and Brian May’s new book

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

Posted in Equipment, mini-WASP Array, Projects | Leave a comment

O.K. so I couldn’t wait until tomorrow:

To load up the Sky 90s 🙂

Posted in mini-WASP Array, Projects | Leave a comment

Current status of the mini-WASP array November 2009

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

Posted in Equipment, mini-WASP Array, Projects | Leave a comment

The mini-WASP array project – statrep

The modifications to the telescope frame have been carried out and I’ve just bolted all the furniture to it to check it all hangs together properly – fortunately, it does.  The two open sides of the frame have now been … Continue reading

Posted in mini-WASP Array, News, Projects | Leave a comment

Computational solution?

Nigel Ball kindly sent me a link to a KVM switch (something I’d not heard of before) which looks like the perfect solution to my mini-WASP computer array problem.  One keyboard, mouse and monitor can be shared amongst 4 computers! … Continue reading

Posted in mini-WASP Array, Projects | Leave a comment

mini-WASP array – computational matters

I have just spent the WHOLE of today resurrecting an old computer which will be the main computer for the mini-WASP array.  Lots of silly little things have fought back hard and it’s only just started to give in now … Continue reading

Posted in Equipment, mini-WASP Array | 2 Comments

It’s now 2:30 p.m. and the Paramount is unpacked!

I have just unpacked the beast – it is the most solid piece of engineering I’ve come across in the field of astronomy – I just hope I can put it to full use.  I think a fully-loaded mini-WASP head … Continue reading

Posted in Equipment, mini-WASP Array | 2 Comments