OpenAstroTracker: 3D printed, open source star tracker

#1

Post by trishmapow2 » Sun, Apr 25, 2021, 7:21 AM UTC

OpenAstroTracker: 3D printed, open source star tracker
openastrotech.com

Re: OpenAstroTracker: 3D printed, open source star tracker

#2

Post by krisoft » Sun, Apr 25, 2021, 8:31 AM UTC

If you have a black plastic object, why would you show it over a black background?

It’s very stylish but I just can’t see it.

Re: OpenAstroTracker: 3D printed, open source star tracker

#3

Post by app4soft » Sun, Apr 25, 2021, 8:39 AM UTC

krisoft wrote: post #2

If you have a black plastic object, why would you show it over a black background? It’s very stylish but I just can’t see it.

Here is GitHub repo of OpenAstroTech project.[0]

[0] https://github.com/OpenAstroTech

Re: OpenAstroTracker: 3D printed, open source star tracker

#4

Post by krisoft » Sun, Apr 25, 2021, 8:51 AM UTC

app4soft wrote: post #3

krisoft wrote: post #2

If you have a black plastic object, why would you show it over a black background? It’s very stylish but I just can’t see it.

Here is GitHub repo of OpenAstroTech project.[0] [0] https://github.com/OpenAstroTech

Thank you!

Found this video linked from the github page you linked: https://youtu.be/9MNLAIyqGoA

Now that I can see it its clear that this is a very impressive mechanism!

Re: OpenAstroTracker: 3D printed, open source star tracker

#5

Post by trishmapow2 » Sun, Apr 25, 2021, 9:05 AM UTC

krisoft wrote: post #4

app4soft wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Here is GitHub repo of OpenAstroTech project.[0] [0] https://github.com/OpenAstroTech

Thank you! Found this video linked from the github page you linked: https://youtu.be/9MNLAIyqGoA Now that I can see it its clear that this is a very impressive mechanism!

And that was one year ago too! Now the much more powerful and precise NEMA steppers are supported, plus so much behind the scenes work on improving software / driver reliability. Amazing project and community.

Re: OpenAstroTracker: 3D printed, open source star tracker

#6

Post by Tepix » Sun, Apr 25, 2021, 9:17 AM UTC

This is pretty cool. Can the parts also be made with a laser cutter?

The astrotracker appears to be a bit bigger than what i'm looking for: A DIY alternative to the Omegon Mini Track LX2/LX3.

Re: OpenAstroTracker: 3D printed, open source star tracker

#7

Post by TaylorAlexander » Sun, Apr 25, 2021, 9:36 AM UTC

Looks great! I have long wanted something like this.

Re: OpenAstroTracker: 3D printed, open source star tracker

#8

Post by withinboredom » Sun, Apr 25, 2021, 10:10 AM UTC

To whomever authored the title: it should read “open source; built with 3D printed parts”

I’m always on the lookout for neat things to 3D print. The current title is deceiving in that you cannot fully 3D print the whole thing. It looks cool though!

Re: OpenAstroTracker: 3D printed, open source star tracker

#9

Post by trishmapow2 » Sun, Apr 25, 2021, 10:34 AM UTC

withinboredom wrote: post #8

To whomever authored the title: it should read “open source; built with 3D printed parts” I’m always on the lookout for neat things to 3D print. The current title is deceiving in that you cannot fully 3D print the whole thing. It looks cool though!

Hmm while I see your point, I was going for conciseness and I think it's reasonable to assume that extra parts are required - we can't quite print stepper motors at home yet! The rest of the basic requirements is nuts/bolts (standard kit stuff), and a $5 microcontroller[1]. (Things like the aluminium base can also be 3D printed, but it's not recommended for stability. There are lots of optional components that greatly improve usage.)

[1]: https://wiki.openastrotech.com/OpenAstroTracker/ShoppingList

Re: OpenAstroTracker: 3D printed, open source star tracker

#10

Post by Aachen » Sun, Apr 25, 2021, 11:46 AM UTC

The kit costs over 200 bucks. I've been very causally considering whether to get into astrophotography, so don't yet know anything about it but I'm curious: what makes this so expensive? A printed frame is cheap, and the other major component is a way for it to automatically move. Are the motors the expensive part then, because they have to be so precise?