Downsizing Telescope and Mount

[tomdean]

I do not know where this belongs, but, it is sort of a beginners question.

I do Astronomy because I enjoy it. It is hobby. I have been at it for a dozen years, or so.

I had a Meade 8" SCT and iOptron CEM60EC plus associated lenses, etc.,  and a Cannon EOS 60Da.
I did a combination of visual observing and imaging with varying degrees of success. But, I had a lot of fun.
I used ST3/4 for planning, APT, skychart, BYEOS, PHD2, and platesolve3 for imaging.

Due to advancing age, I have to downsize. I have not kept up with advances in hardware.

I have ST4, both visual and imaging.

ST4 can control the telescope, slew and sync. How do I fold image and platesolve into this?

I have a AT65EDQ OTA and a iOptron CEM25EC and some Nagler lenses.

I want to add a camera for EAA with the provision to upgrade the AT654EDQ to a 102mm scope. For now, I want a cooled camera which includes a guide scope.

I am thinking of a ZWO ASI2600MM Duo camera. Will this work with the AT65EDQ, assuming I can find the adapters? I don't know about telescope output diameter.

If I buy the ZWO, what OTA should I look for, assuming I will upgrade?

Tom Dean

[theskyhound]

Hello Tom,

You asked, "ST4 can control the telescope, slew and sync. How do I fold image and platesolve into this?"

There are several ways to go here, but for long exposure imaging I would go with NINA. Its free and SkyTools Imaging can create plans that it can execute directly.

As far as EAA goes, I am closing in on finishing the EAA features that will be part of SkyTools Visual Pro. But again, there will be outside software involved. Many people use Sharpcap. The primary role that SkyTools will play is planning: telling you which objects to go for, and when to view them.

[tomdean]

I tryied Sharpcap last night. I used ST4 Visual to select an object. Then used the Sharpcap database to select the item, slew, ... Worked Ok. Be better if there was some way to avoid the double database search.

Tom Dean

[theskyhound]

Hello Tom,

I have not even looked into it at all, but I haven't ruled out some sort of connection between SkyTools and Sharpcap, maybe on par with NINA.