SpaceCat Automation Build, Part 3

Continuing from Part 2 of the SpaceCat automation build. 

After installing all the Deep Sky Dad gear, I went ahead and installed the Baader UFC (Universal Filter Changer) with UFC Tilter on my QHY268C. The Baader UFC system was selected for its relatively short optical length. Due to the longer back focal length of the QHY268C (17.5mm + 6mm with CAA = 23.5mm BFL), standard filter drawers and filter wheels add too much optical length to the working distance for it to still reach focus. 

To reach focus with this configuration though, the William Optics Cat Series Tilter and M48 adapter have to be removed. The Baader UFC Tilter replaces the Cat Series Tilter as an upgrade.

The William Optics SpaceCat 51 has a focuser travel range of 33mm. With the William Optics Cat Series Tilter and M48 adapter removed, the SpaceCat has a maximum back focus distance of 77.7mm when the focuser is fully retracted, and 44.7mm when fully extended.

The following list of components has a total optical length of 69.75 - 70.50mm depending on tilt:

• QHYCCD QHY268C (#QHY268C-PH) (17.5 mm)
• QHYCCD CAA M54(f) (#020002) (6 mm)
• Baader UFC M54(m) Camera-side Adapter (#2459117) (2 mm)
• Baader UFC Filter Changer Base (#2459110) (13 mm)
• Baader UFC Tilter (#2459146) (9.75 - 10.50mm)
• Baader UFC M48(f) Telescope-side Adapter (#2459129) (1 mm)
• Baader M48(m) Conversion Ring / Gender Changer (#2958555) (1mm)
• Deep Sky Dad FR1 Field Rotator M48(f) (17.5mm)
• Blue Fireball M48x0.75(m) to M56x0.75(m) (#M-12) (1mm)
• Difference in optical path with filter (~1mm)

Which leaves 7.95 - 7.2mm of remaining back focus distance to work with.

With all the components installed, the overall weight of the system is substantial. Too heavy to weigh using a small food scale when fully assembled. 

Still trying to figure out how to mount the Pegasus Astro Pocket PowerBox Advance. The trick is having the right mounting holes where you need them. I repositioned the Vixen dovetail, mounting it as far forward on the Losmandy bar as possible. Then mounted the PPBAdvance on the tail end of the Losmandy bar.

The mounting was solid, but precarious with PPBAdvance hanging so far off the back. I wasn't comfortable leaving it like that, so I removed it. Figured I could mount it on the dovetail handle using a Synta style dovetail bar, but then I’d have no place to mount the guide scope. Eventually found a solution using a camera L-bracket. 

Mounting the L-bracket to the tail end of the Losmandy bar, I was able to mount the PPBAdvance vertically off to the side of the main camera without blocking the exhaust vents. The mounting solution still seems awkward, but it's the best I've come up with so far. Unfortunately, I haven't had the time yet to power up and test the PPBAdvance.

Continues in SpaceCat Update: PowerBox Solution.