WO132 version 4.1: Moving to a Steel Pier and a new Computer!
Dates: May 14, 2025- Now
The upgraded WO132 Platform - Sporting a new Flattener/0.8 Reducer, a ZWO ASI2600MM-Pro Camera, and a new EFW 7x36 II!
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Summary of Changes
A Move to a Steel Pier
After many years of using the trusty IOptron Tri-Pier to hold this telescope up, a major change has been made!
With the completion of my Whispering Skies Observatory Project, the WO132 telescope platform has now been moved to its steel pier in the Northeast corner of the observatory!
This should prove to be a very solid mount for this heavy platform.
I used a modified IOptron Top Pier plate to adapt the CEM 60 mount to the pier. The Pier was drilled out to support the four bolts that secure the top plate to the top of the pier, and then the CEM60 just dropped into place!
The Top of the Pier showing the 4 mounting holes.
The bolts holdign the Top PierPlate are just started. Note the holes are countersunk.
Bolted down tight!
The newly Mounted scope!
A New Micro-Computer
As with all of the scope now mounted in the observatory, I have also shifted from a laptop computer to control it over to a new Mele Quieter 4C fanless micro computer. This computer is mounted on the pier using a custom 3D-printed bracket and a long cable strap.
The Mele Quiter 4C comouter mounted in its custom 3D-Printed bracket.
New Software
In addition to this, I have moved from using Sequence Generator Pro to using NINA. NINA is free, and in my opinion, is easier to use and has superior capabilities.
The updated Configuration:
Scope: William Optics 132mm f/7 FLT APO Refractor
Flattener/Reducer: P-FLAT7A 0.8X Reducer
Focus Motor: Pegasus Astro Focus Cube 2
Cam Rotator: Pegasus Astro Falcon
Guide Scope: Sharpstar 61EDPHII
Guide Focus Motor: ZWO EAF
Mount: Ioptron CEM 60
Tripod: Custom Steel Pier - New!
Camera: ZWO ASI2600MM-Pro
Filter Wheel: ZWO EFW 7x36mm II
Filters: ZWO Gen II 36mm Unmounted LRGB
Astronomiks 36mm Unmounted 6nm Ha, O3, and S2 Filters
Guide Camera: ZWO ASI290MM-Mini
Dew Strips: Dew-Not Heater strips for Main and Guide Scopes
Power Dist: Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox
USB Dist: Startech 8 slot USB 3.0 Hub
Polar Align Cam: IPolar
Computer: Mele Quieter 4c Fanless Micro-Computer running WIndows 11
