Blogs
Tuesday Update 10 February 2025
A relatively quiet weekly update this time around! After so many cloudy nights and rainy days, I’ve really made the most of the last few weeks of clear skies—getting in as much imaging as possible and just enjoying the hobby we all love. On the business side, we’re pretty much locked in for NEAF, and Dan and I have been working through some code—just the usual behind-the-scenes stuff. Hopefully, I’ll make it into the workshop this weekend, so I’ll have more fun things to share with you all next week. Stay tuned!
Tuesday Update 28 January 2025
Excitement is building as NEAF is just 8 weeks away! Flights and the booth are locked in, and we’re so far ahead compared to last year—no last-minute rush this time. Expect a smooth and prepared presence at the expo. In the workshop, Brendan's been busy refining setups, including the 135mm Samyang Rokinon lens. It ran flawlessly through its first full night, but he is tweaking the balance to hit that perfect sub-0.5 RMS guiding. He also crafted a custom balancing system using offcuts—proof that nothing goes to waste here! On the tech side, firmware updates are progressing after switching to a new processor. Beta testers (including Dan and Brendan) are running six setups, and everything’s performing well so far, aside from a few minor quirks. Plus, Dan’s work on the Android app is a game-changer, opening doors for planetary and visual users with an easy-to-use electronic focuser. Plenty more coming, so stay tuned!
Tuesday Update 20 January 2025
It’s been another weekend in the workshop—maybe not the most productive, but progress is progress! This week, I’ve been focused on the off-axis guider. Managed to get one made, but unfortunately, broke a tool piece along the way (always something, isn’t it?). The filter wheel electronics have also been keeping me busy, and while it’s slow going, we’re making steady progress. Jess and I have also been chipping away at NEAF prep—vendor booth is booked, flights are locked in, and things are starting to come together on that front. Other than that, we’ve been doing our best to escape the heat during this so-called "heatwave" but in hindsight it’s just a typical Perth summer! Until next week
Tuesday Update 14 January 2025
Another week is wrapped up, and it’s been all systems go in the workshop! Brendan has been knocking out projects that carried over from last year, making solid progress on the off-axis guider, the filter wheel, and some brand-new parts to upgrade our ambassador Carlos Taylor's setup. Carlos is moving from Brendan's original hand-built SP3 prototype (which, let’s be honest, has stood the test of time like a champ!) to the modern SP3 design. It’s not about fixing something broken—it’s about bringing him into the beta testing group alongside the rest of the team. Meanwhile, Dan has been deep into refining the SP3 mobile app. It’s been a bit of a challenge, with the usual teething problems, but we’re making headway and pushing through. A productive week is in the books, and we’re gearing up for what’s next!