Manual Tracking

Hello,

The motor drive on my telescope is busted, so until I can get a replacement, does anyone have any tips or hints about getting good shots with a dslr using manual tracking? I've tried it before and it turned out better than I was expecting.
What I do is point the camera in the place I want to shoot and keep a star centered in the eyepiece as best i can, only adjusting it every 10-15 seconds.

Would you not consider getting the motor fixed/replaced ?
What mount is it ?

phil18ie wrote:

does anyone have any tips or hints about getting good shots with a dslr using manual tracking?

Jedi mind control over your scope maybe?

:silly:

No,
seriously..

I hear what you are saying but to be brutally honest,
you are not going to get any good shots with manual tracking using a camera & scope combo.
You MAY get away with Wide Field Long Exposure shots with the likes of a Scotch Mount
or something but thats really practical on a modern scope.

What is the problem anyway with the motor..
Maybe we can help with that!?!?

Ive done manual periodic error correction in the past, basically to see how much of a pain it was and to see if it could be done, it wasnt too bad as it didnt require constant corrections or actions, but I can imagine manual tracking to be a complete pain as it requires constant action, I'd look into getting the motor replaced or fixed, you might be able to get one on the secondhand market.