Askar FRA400 Platform Version 2.1: Steel Pier and a New Computer!
Dates in use: May 14, 2025 - Feb 17, 2026
Askar FRA400 Platform Ver 2.1
Specs + Performance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective focal lengthAperture 72mm | 400 mmf/5.6 |
| Image scalePixel 3.8µm | 1.96″/px1.3 px/FWHM @ 2.5″ |
| Field of view (W × H)Sensor 17.7×13.4mm | 2.53° × 1.92°152′ × 115′ |
Sampling
Undersampled
1.3 px/FWHM · target ~2–3
Guiding
Tight 1.53×
Guide scale ≈2.99″/px (WO 50mm) · ≤3× generally fine
Table of Contents Show (Click on lines to navigate)
Platform Change Summary
The Move to a Steel Pier
With the completion of my Whispering Skies Observatory, it was time to move the FRA400 platform from its carbon fiber tripod to a new Steel Pier located in the southeast corner of the observatory.
I created an adapter plate that bolts to the four holes at the top of the pier and offers a single 3/8-inch threaded center hole. Then, I put a 3/8-inch bolt down through the center of the AM5 extension and was able to bolt this on quite easily.
This is a shot of the adapter plate before I painted it.
Everything bolted up and ready for the Scope!
A New Micro-Computer!
At the same time, I switched from the laptop computer I have been using for years to the smaller, fanless Mele Quieter 4C computer mounted on the pier itself.
This computer is mounted on a red plastic bracket that was 3D-printed using PET-G filament. A long tie-wrap mounts it on the post of the steel pier.
The computer and custom 3D-Printed bracket for mounting on the pier.
A Move to NINA!
Another change is the software used to control it. After using Sequence Generator Pro for years, I am shifting over to NINA, which I find easier to use, has better automation capability, and is FREE!
The Final Version 2.1 Configuration:
Scope: Askar FRA400 72mm f/5. 6 Quintuplet Air-Spaced Astrograph
Focus Motor: ZWO EAF 5V
Guide Scope: William Optics 50mm guide scope
Guide Scope Rings: William Optics 50mm slide-base Clamping Ring Set
Mount: ZWO AM5
Tripod: Custom Steel Pier - New
Camera: ZWO ASI1600MM-Pro
Camera Rotator: Pegasus Astro Falcon Camera Rotator
Filter Wheel: ZWO EFW 1.2 5x8
Filters: ZWO 1.25” LRGB Gen II, Astronomiks 6nm Ha, OIII,SII
Guide Camera: ZWO ASI290MM-Mini
Dew Strips: Dew-Not Heater strips for Main and Guide Scopes
Power Dist: Pegasus Astro Powerbox Advanced
USB Dist: Pegasus Astro Powerbox Advanced
Polar Alignment
Cam: PoleMaster
Computer: Mele Quiert-4C Fanless micro computer running WIndows 11
