Astrophotography

Yes, I can make a slide show about what I have done.

Just came across this. I am working on a similar set up. For now, just planetary photography. My initial goal is to remotely control my Meade LXD75 with 8" ACF SCT. I started with replacing the Meade GoTo system with a OnStep controller and handset. I also put a stepper motor on the Meade Fine focuser and connected it to the OnStep focuser port. I have a surplus HP ProDesk (mini PC) which I mounted on the tripod and connected to the OnStep via USB cable. I can remotely control the HP PC with a laptop using Windows Remote Desk (RDP). The ZWO camera plugs in the USB of the mini. I can also control the mount from my cellphone. The HP has ASCOM platform running so I can also use Stellarium or SkySafari for GoTo. So far I have only played with FireCapture (runs on the mini) which has slew and focuser controls via ASCOM. When the planet season returns I want to be able to be inside (warm) house. So far happy how this is progressing.

I was able to load my equipment into the configuration.

Mount: Mead lx85

Camera: Svbony StartShoot g3

Camera: Svbony 105

I have a DSLR Pentax D7000 and Nikon K50. Cant control either via software.

As far as my equipment, the mount loaded fine, but the cameras are not ideal for plate solving or Guiding. But it was good to see the software load the drivers and at least recognize the hardware.

The Stellermate Raspberry has two interfaces

a: Using a monitor and keyboard plugged into the rasberry, you log into the

Raspberry computer as a user. Full access to the individual apps.

KStar

PHD

B: The Raspberry has a remote application that runs on my Android tablet.

The application sits on top of the applications KStars and PHD and

combines the functions and presents them on the tablet

single app.

I have the hardware and Stellermate working, I now have to get a camera that's compatible, and Learn the applications.

Do I need a Guide and Primary camera, or can I get by with just a primary camera.

Any suggestions on a camera? I want it to do it all, DS and planetary, at a good price.

I received the Pi5 GeeekPi Raspberry P1 5 and assembly was simple enough.

The Simm they send wouldn't boot so I re imaged the SIMM with a vanilla Raspberry 5 OS I downloaded for free to prove the box was working and that worked.

I then purchased the Stellermate image for $50. They send a email with the image file. Using Raspberry Pi imager I created the SIMM plugged it in and worked.

So for $200 I have a ZWO aisair kind of, with more hardware options. This might turn out to be a good deal.

Thanks Lou

I bought the PI 5, and flashed a chip, waiting for the PI.

The more I read the more I'm get that its just another platform. Small but the same.

For $150 It seems like a good cloudy night project.

The only advantage I see is power consumption. I have to plug my laptop into 120v plug to charge it.

I also don't want to add weight to my mount, So the Pi5 weight advantage i won't be take advantage of.

I don't have a ZWO camera or any other equipment by them, so I'm looking for more equipment options. I have Svbony and Orion cameras and DSLR.

Coming today. I'll post my results.

One thing will mention,the ASIair ecosystem makes setup and data collection a seamless project, provided all of your equipment is from ZWO. People who use this system swear by it. One of the largest drawbacks of this system is that it works best with a tablet. However, the ASIair system is probably one of the easiest to use. Personally, I have a PC and use Windows based software (N.I.N.A or SGP, PHD2, Cartes du Ciel, etc...) to control my gear. 

You may want to look at cloudynights to see how people rate different options, ASIair vs other Rasperry Pi systems, or even PC based. FYI, as far as a PC is concerned, all that is required is a cheap laptop (with enough USB ports) running a celeron processor, nothing fancy.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Clear Skies

Lou Varvarezis

Astrophotography Chair, DVAA

If anyone has any experience with using Pi and some image please. I looking for suggestions FOR hardware AND image combinations that work.

I'm not familure with Onstep. As I said, I want to build a controller for my scope and camera. I was reading about the Raspberry Pi and for a minimal expense, i could build one.

I want to build verses buy Because, After you build it you know how to use it. Buying off the shelf ZWO AISair won't giver me that.

So I found Raspberry PI and thought this would give me a project. Not sure what Image and I should choose and what hardware best support a given image. I know of just 2 images that go with the PI, Stellermate and Astroberry.

I have a budget of a couple hundred for this project and just want to be sure I go in the right direction. I suspect I'll document the project, step by step along with the part list.

Image Options seem to be Astroberry, Stellermate, and maybe some others

They seem to perform the same functionality as ZWO AISAIR with more camera options.

But you have to build it yourself and config the OS. It's not plug and play.

It's a min computer there are multiple images you can put on it.

Controls all equipment like the ZWO AISAIR

What is the intended purpose of Raspberry Pi? Like, what will it control?

Just curious

Prasad

I am thinking of building a Raspberry PI system.

Has anyone build a system using Astroberry.

I'm looking for any suggestions, like hardware and software versions. Matching Hardware and software isn't always seamless.

Any issues or tips would be gr4eat.