View single post by Robert

Posted: Wed Mar 6th, 2019 16:28

Joined:	Mon Apr 2nd, 2012
Location:	South Lakeland, UK
Posts:	4066
Status:	Offline

Have now set it up in back bedroom, abandoned the 24Hr test because I had moved it several times and even switched it off, so hardly a valid test. I have the D800 clicking away every 15 minutes taking a photo of a clock, the mount is zero'd in on the hub of the second hand. I intend to leave it running for 24Hrs to see how it performs with weight on the arms, I have a crude counterbalance to offset the camera and lens (Nikkor 105mm f/2.5) intentionally not perfectly balanced to see what happens.

The UV power pack uses 18650 cells, the output for the LED is current regulated. I could modify it to provide a full current output via an XLR socket or similar. I need to keep weight down because I intend to use this kit on mountain tops. The camera, lens and tripod with the mount will be heavy enough without adding heavy lead acid batteries. I don't expect sessions longer than a couple of hours, the current draw for the motor is 300mA so well less then 1Ah for two hours use (I think!).

I could do with a right angle viewfinder for the polar scope. I'm told the Nikon DR-3 (about £25 on eBay? a little more for DR-4 ) works with this setup and is easy enough to fit. A modified Nikon DK-22 can provide the threads for the adapter that the DR-3 screws into.

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Robert.