DIY tracking mount / GOTO mount using PIC MCU's

[arjen]

HI there guys,

i'm new on the forum, i'm looking to buy a telescope for astrophotography

i've got my eye's on a celestron Omni XLT 150 but it dosnt have the tracking nor GOTO function, however, i am an electronics engineer specializing in PCB design, and hardware,

i'm not good at the software part, i'm wondering weather someone has made something like this before preferably using a PIC as i own the programmer for that.

i hope someone could put me in the right direction, i am doing allot of PCB manufacturing/Design and could take care of the manufacturing part of the deal.

Greetings from Xiamen China,

Arjen Helder.

[sxinias]

PIC: Peripheral Interface Controller
MCU: Microcontroller

Hi,


Welcome to the astronomy forum. I moved your posting to a more appropriate thread than our Welcome Introductions Forum.

I think you will find simply purchasing a computerized GOTO mount may be the better and less expensive option. The Omni XLT 150 is a good telescope for viewing but, with the weight of the 150 telescope, camera, etc., its CG4 mount will have a lot of issues to resolve.

[arjen]

thanks for your reply!

i am looking to make photos of the planets, moon and other objects to begin with, as i understand it weight might be an issue? this scope would weigh a good 16 kg or so. also the tripod is an issue, im not sure how good it is.

ill look in to some goto mounts, and see what i can find.

greetings from .xiamen .china,

arjen helder