Star birth

Folks, I recently acquired a C14 OTA and managed to get it up and running last night.

Whilst the DSI isn't perfectly matched to the OTA I was pleased with the first-light image. I chose the Trapezium as a first shot to see how this 14 inch monster would perform. So far, I'm pleased.

As for the AP1200 mount, it didn't utter a word. In the image below, you'll see the counterweight shaft with three counteweights on board. The shaft and the counterweights weigh about 61 lb (28Kg). The C14 itself weighs about 45lb (20Kg) and the dovetail and plate add another 15lb (7Kg). The RA axis is 60 Lbs (27Kg) and the DEC axis 37 Lbs (17Kg).

So overall, those servo motors are shifting about 220 Lbs (100Kg) :shock:

Enjoy!

Dave

C14 Setup
First-light image

Many congrats Dave on a fine setup!! First light looks very promising!

congrats on the new scope .hope you have lots of fun with it you will see the sky in a new way like never before. i have 75 lbs ,3 25 lbs of counterweighs for c14" losmandy brakets and 80ed on the cge mount alot of weigh there and it workes fine to . very happy with its porformance.

ps have a look at m51 when you can you well see some amount of detale there let us know how you get on

Wow! nice setup! does this mean youll be selling your other scope? as i would be very interested if you still have the original mount and tripod!

Wow! nice setup! does this mean youll be selling your other scope? as i would be very interested if you still have the original mount and tripod!

Indeed - I will be selling it and I have the original mount. There'll be a few goodies thrown in too. If you are interested, PM me and we'll talk.

As for the C14 - I can't get over how big it is. I guess like most people, I would have assumed it to be 'twice' the size of the C8. Of course, I was dead wrong.

When I get my new imager in March next year, I think that'll be the equipment side of things pretty much wrapped up (other than a few odds and ends ). I need to get started on an easier observatory too. But I think I'll wait for better weather.

From March though, I'm hoping to get really stuck in to some serious astrometry, photometry and minor planet/supernova searches.

Cheers and thanks for all the comments.

Dave

Great stuff Dave.
The C14 and the mount look like a proportioned match in size.
Once you get the camera, there will be no holding you back !