Oknoder wrote:
I recently purchased an AstroPhysics Mach1GTO, I got off Astromart for a pretty good deal. From my initial testing its tracking is buttery smooth and little to no PE. I have been using my AVX to control just a camera and lens which seems to work very well.
The only problems I can foresee with the cupola idea is that the higher a mount/telescope from its support the more resonance vibrations that will be transmitted into the mount. This could be negated using a reinforced concrete pier running through the structure from the base to the mount, but if this was fastened or attached to the home in anyway, any walking or vibration would be probably noticeable. Something like an unbalanced washer load or walking through the home, would easily transmit those vibrations through the mount.
Another issue would be the heat differential between a roof and the ambient air above the home, which is why most of the DIY papers I have read advice installers to avoid building close to the home and be mindful of not shooting over the top of your house. I imagine it has something to do with a shimmering effect the warmer air rising off of home would create.
Not positive but just other people's opinion.
Matthew
I recently purchased an AstroPhysics Mach1GTO, I g... (
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I can absolutely concur, Matthew.
I have seen and worked along side of seismologists, and ground vibrations are the last static one would have to be limited by. All ground induced vibrations are seen.
The ambient air fluctuations is yet another biscuit to crunch.
Just trying to get around your confines.
A Cupola on your garage could dodge the heat factor, probably the vibration factors, and the friggin County Tax Ass-cessors.
But anything that rises is subject to intensified vibration influences.
So the bluff might be a best choice, or it might be a so-so choice... Based on those dampening factors. (Elevation intensified vibrations)
But you have some incredibly outstanding photography to date. So for a "temp" mount, can it get better than what you have exhibited?
Only you can say.
When the 1994 Northridge Earthquake struck here in L.A., the damage to the vast power facility I worked at was extensive. I came to realize that ground movement is very dependent on where exactly something is, and it is rather unknown how bad it will be until it happens.
Like-wise, until we try different spots, we can't guess at how the ground will effect our results at that spot.
What I'm saying is: Will you find a better spot? Or did you luck onto a pretty damned good one already?
Proto-typing, and trial and error can be a real booger.
I believe if I had your results, I might be subject to pause and see if it isn't worthy of a lot of trial for a year or so.
But knowing you, and knowing me, I'd bet you would continue to explore....
Damned incredible results so far my friend.
Damned Incredible.