This was my imaging set-up until about the 4th Qtr 2006, a Takahashi BRC-250  f5 Baker Ritchey-Chretien, and a Takahashi FSQ-106-N  f5 refractor.  The BRC is right in that "sweet spot" (at least in my mind) with a focal length of 1256mm, and when coupled with the SBIG STL-11000XM provides a generous field of view (FOV) with a resolution of 1.4 arc-sec/pixel.  Given the margin seeing that is normally present in my area, I'm not sure I could  benefit from higher resolution.  The FSQ provides breath taking  wide-field images.  The FOV through the FSQ and STL-11000 frames those really large objects (like M31) perfectly.  The optics of this little refractor are excellent, near prefect color correction - it is the kind of optical performance that has made the FSQ-106 one of the most sought after small refractors on the market.  The double clam shell mounting arrangement for the FSQ is very stable, and is the result of the dovetail plate made by BT Technologies.  These scope represent a major load for any mount.  The BRC with rings  weighs more than 50 lbs, and the FSQ runs more than 20 before you figure the weight of the clam-shells.  If you are considering a BRC, make sure you have the mount to carry it.

The guide scope sitting on top of the FSQ-106 is a Borg Mini 45ED.   The little Borg is a very compact, light, little scope that makes a prefect guider - without breaking the bank. The guide head mounted to the Mini 45 is the "third eye" of the SBIG STL-11000XM.  I'm using Astrodon Filters in the STL, including the 6nm Ha.   The camera is focused by a Finger Lakes Instruments - PDF focuser.  If you are using one of the large chip cameras, the wide aperture of the PDF is a must have addition, as there is absolutely no vignetting.  The focusing chores are handled automatically using FocusMax, and camera operation is accomplished using MaxIm DL/CCD.  The whole set-up (mount, camera, focuser) is controlled remotely by ACP software. 

The mount may be the most important part of an astro-imaging system, and I've been fortunate to be able to pick up a recent model Astro-Physics 1200 GOTO.  These AP mount are just GREAT mounts!  My AP 1200 is rock solid, has very low periodic error, and the GOTO feature really helps you make the most of your time in the dark.  The mount is supported by an 42" Particle Wave Technology Monolith Pier. 

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This site was last updated 05/17/09