Category Archives: Projects

Projects undertaken at New Forest Observatory

First video diary entry for the new mini-WASP imaging array

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

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Prototype 18 ultra-bright white-light LED array for photographic applications

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

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Slight change of plan

Having put the filter-wheel together it is too heavy, big and bulky to piggyback with the Sky90 on the C11 🙁  I will wait to fit this to the Sky 90 when it is in the mini-WASP frame early next … Continue reading

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Another component for next year’s mini-WASP array launch

I have just been looking at the equipment section of Steve Cannistra’s web site.  This section has proven so useful to me over the years (thank you very much Steve!!) that I thought I would give a “running commentary” on … Continue reading

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A short HD video of the New Forest Observatory control centre

Here you can find a short Video clip of the triple screen system at the NFO control centre.  This video was taken on the Canon 5D MkII DSLR camera using a 14mm fish eye lens.  The movie clip was uploaded on … Continue reading

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mini-WASP, the latest

Well with the Sky 90 doing the imaging and the poor C11 just acting as a guide scope we are rapidly coming to the point where I go the whole hog and move over to mini-WASP imaging.  Doesn’t look like … Continue reading

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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

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Perseid from August 11th before midnight

I went over to what I thought was going to be a “dark” bit of the forest around 10:00 p.m. last night and got worse sky glow on the horizon (from Southampton) than I get in my back garden.  So … Continue reading

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Thank you Tom How (Curdridge Observatory)!!!

Today it was brought home to me just how dangerous it is to work on your own in this imaging business.  Tom How is a local guy and an imaging expert, and we only recently realised that we hadn’t met up … Continue reading

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A Perseid from my Sodium light-polluted back-garden in Brockenhurst from early this morning

Testing out my all-sky imaging rig ready for next week’s maximum in the Perseid meteor shower.  AstroTrac, Canon 5D MkII camera, Canon 15mm fish-eye lens and Canon electronic shutter controller.  You might just make out a faint Perseid bottom left … Continue reading

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