OpenAstroTracker: A cheap 3D-printed tracking mount for DSLR astrophotography

MetaWhirledPeas wrote: post #3

This is nice! Is there something similar that's simpler and dumber, that just handles the rotation but doesn't try to locate objects?

Here's a very simple one-axis tracker using a 24-hour clock movement and a 3D-printed GoPro mount: https://hackaday.com/2018/06/03/3d-printed-clockwork-star-tr...

Re: OpenAstroTracker: A cheap 3D-printed tracking mount for DSLR astrophotography

#5

Post by foobarbecue » Tue, May 11, 2021, 4:57 PM UTC

I use a Soloshot to film my surfing. I'm annoyed with the buggy closed source software and wondering if I could replace it with one of these...

Re: OpenAstroTracker: A cheap 3D-printed tracking mount for DSLR astrophotography

#6

Post by dylan604 » Tue, May 11, 2021, 5:14 PM UTC

Dupe: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26930958

Re: OpenAstroTracker: A cheap 3D-printed tracking mount for DSLR astrophotography

#7

Post by dukeofdoom » Tue, May 11, 2021, 5:35 PM UTC

How does this compare to something like move-shoot-move? I think that one costs only $200. Is it even worth it to DIY.

Re: OpenAstroTracker: A cheap 3D-printed tracking mount for DSLR astrophotography

#8

Post by dylan604 » Tue, May 11, 2021, 5:41 PM UTC

dukeofdoom wrote: post #7

How does this compare to something like move-shoot-move? I think that one costs only $200. Is it even worth it to DIY.

Shoot-move-shoot does what it sounds like. It moves the platform, allows time for the movement to settle, snaps the shot, then moves again. Astrotrackers like this are constantly moving at the same rate that the earth spins on its axis. This allows for the subject to remain in the same poistion in the frame during super long exposures. Depending on the accuracy of the polar alignment and the focal length of the lens, tracking allows for shots to go from <20 seconds to multiple minutes long for one exposure.

Re: OpenAstroTracker: A cheap 3D-printed tracking mount for DSLR astrophotography

#9

Post by andrewxdiamond » Tue, May 11, 2021, 5:57 PM UTC

dylan604 wrote: post #8

dukeofdoom wrote: post #7

How does this compare to something like move-shoot-move? I think that one costs only $200. Is it even worth it to DIY.

Shoot-move-shoot does what it sounds like. It moves the platform, allows time for the movement to settle, snaps the shot, then moves again. Astrotrackers like this are constantly moving at the same rate that the earth spins on its axis. This allows for the subject to remain in the same poistion in the frame during super long exposures. Depending on the accuracy of the polar alignment and the focal length of the lens,…

What is the benefit of using robotics to move the camera over image stabilization software in post?

Is it simply image quality? Or are there more trade offs?

Re: OpenAstroTracker: A cheap 3D-printed tracking mount for DSLR astrophotography

#10

Post by dukeofdoom » Tue, May 11, 2021, 5:57 PM UTC

dylan604 wrote: post #8

dukeofdoom wrote: post #7

How does this compare to something like move-shoot-move? I think that one costs only $200. Is it even worth it to DIY.

Shoot-move-shoot does what it sounds like. It moves the platform, allows time for the movement to settle, snaps the shot, then moves again. Astrotrackers like this are constantly moving at the same rate that the earth spins on its axis. This allows for the subject to remain in the same poistion in the frame during super long exposures. Depending on the accuracy of the polar alignment and the focal length of the lens,…

I'm not sure if that is correct. It says on their website it's a start tracker. https://www.moveshootmove.com/