SpaceCat Update: Final Adjustments

With the tilter repaired, I was able to reassemble the Baader UFC (Universal Filter Changer) system, and reinstall the QHY268C as the main camera. Now to make final adjustments to the SpaceCat build. 



Due to the placement of the PowerBox stack next to the main camera, access to the UFC/QHY stack is somewhat restricted. The PowerBox stack essentially blocks access to the image train from that side of the scope, including access to the filter slider, tilt adjustment screws, QHY CAA (Camera Angle Adjuster) thumb screws, and the desiccant port on the QHY268C. The wider Losmandy style dovetail bar limits access from the lower side of the image train as well.

Additionally, the tilter needs to be oriented with one pair of adjustment screws located at the mid-point of the long side of the sensor, while the other two pairs of tilt adjustment screws should be located at the corners of the opposite side.



Just a quick note on rotation. With the scope sitting on the bench, the camera sensor is in landscape orientation when rotated 90 or 270 degrees with respect to RA/Dec coordinates (long sides parallel with the dovetail bar). The camera sensor is in portrait orientation when rotated zero or 180 degrees (short sides parallel with the dovetail bar).

To access components of the UFC/QHY stack, the optimal orientation places the filter slider with its pull pointed up toward the 12 o'clock position while the sensor is rotated 90 degrees, or to the 3 o'clock side position when the sensor is rotated 180 degrees. Unfortunately, this complicates range limits for the DSD FR1 Field Rotator with the operating range being from 90 to 180 degrees.



Tilter adjustment screws are reasonably accessible when the sensor is oriented with a rotation of 90 degrees. This orients the tilt adjustment screws into the 4, 8, and 12 o'clock positions. The tilt adjustment screws in the 8 o'clock position may need use of a longer hex key to reach past the PowerBox stack. 

The Baader UFC filter slider, and desiccant port on the QHY268C, are both oriented toward the 12 o'clock position when the sensor is rotated 90 degrees. Thumb screws for the QHY CAA are positioned inline with the tilter adjustment screws. Unfortunately the tripod mounting holes on the QHY CAA could not be positioned downward due to how the CAA threads onto the Baader UFC camera side adapter.

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