Observation by Christopher Newman: My DIY Binocular Observatory

Uploaded by

Christopher Newman

Observer

Christopher Newman

Observed

2022 Jun 20 - 20:32

Uploaded

2022 Jun 21 - 20:01

Objects

Equipment

Location

Set up in the back garden but easily portable if required

Target name

Back yard observing using 20 x 80 Binoculars, too awkward

Title

My DIY Binocular Observatory

About this image

Large Binoculars are difficult to use free hand, especially when using charts to star hop. I made this mount which has full 360 deg Azimuth and 0-90 deg Altitude from mostly scrap wood, pallet nails and paint. The Binoculars attach onto a very heavy duty ball head mount so I can alter the height of the pivoting and rotating counterweight arm and usually observe from a seated position. The box it sits on serves as a mini observatory housing a Radio Controlled Clock (presently reading BST), red illumination light and power socket for a note book and hair dryer, as well as charts, notes and sun glasses (for if I have to venture into the house).

The post and counterweight sits on a peg and just pulls off the box and the whole lot easily fits in the back of the car for transport if required.

In the back ground is my 4" vixen refractor on a Great Polaris DX mount. I have recently fitted a new lithium battery to get the Sky Sensor 2000 hand controller working, I only need a new polar alignment scope and will attempt some DSLR photometry.

Files associated with this observation

DIY_Binocular_Observatory_Portable.jpg (1.3 MB)

Like this image

Jimmy Fraser, David Basey, Dr Paul Leyland, Alan Thomas, Mr Leonard Entwisle, Martina McGovern, Philip Jennings

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