What else do you need? What's right for you? Compare Mounting Options
A solid camera mounting is essential for sharp images
If your mounting system isn't sufficiently rigid, you risk your images being ruined by a light breeze, or even the vibrations caused by someone walking near your tripod.
You may already own many of the standard photo equipment items you need to get started:
- Camera and lens or small scope
- Camera head
- AstroTrac TT320X-AG and Polar Scope
- Tripod head
- Tripod
Once you've decided what objects you want to shoot, the focal length will narrow your mounting options, since tripods and tripods heads are designed with a particular equipment load in mind. You want the mounting system to give you maximum rigidity without compromising portability.
Mounting the AstroTrac on the Manfrotto 410 geared head which has altitude and azimuth adjustment knobs makes polar alignment extremely easy. The Manfrotto 055XPROB provides a reliable base for the 410, striking a good balance between stiffness and portability. Alternatively, if you aren't going to be travelling by air, you can go for something a little heavier.
Successful AstroTrac shots have been taken with lenses up to 500 mm in focal length, mounted in this way.
TT320 on 410 Head
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Manfrotto 410
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What Size Threads?
Standard photo threads come in two sizes: - a heavier 3/8" thread which is common to many Manfrotto tripods and tripod heads and the lighter 1/4" thread which is found in the bottom of your camera.
For maximum strength you should go for the larger 3/8" thread wherever possible. You can buy an adapter which will convert a 1/4" thread to a 3/8" so you can use your existing 1/4" threaded tripod.
Standard rear photo 3/8" thread.
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Standard front photo 3/8" thread.
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Are you Using a Small Telescope?
If you are planning on using heavy cameras and lenses or small telescopes, bear in mind that the weakest link will usually be the tripod and tripod head. Some suggestions for small telescope setups:
- TT320X-AG on Manfrotto 400 geared head and telescope on Wimberley style head.
- TT320X-AG on Manfrotto 410 geared head and telescope on second 410 geared head.
Choosing a Power Supply
The very low 3 Watt power consumption of the TT320X-AG makes it convenient and easy to take everywhere with you, including on airplanes.
You can use any 12 Volt DC power source capable of supplying at least 0.5 Amps. Connect to a car cigarette lighter socket, an astronomy power supply, 8 AA alkaline cells or 10 AA rechargeable NiMH cells.
How Long Will the Power Supply Last?
Most popular brand high end alkaline AA cells have a capacity of around 2600 mAh so 8 AA cells will give you around 10 hours tracking at normal temperatures.
To calculate how many hours tracking you can get from your battery pack, divide the capacity of your pack in mAh by 250 mA to get the duration in hours.
Example 1: - if you have a power pack consisting of 10 AA size 2500 mAh rechargeable NiMH cells, you would expect to get around 2500 mAh divided by 250 mA = 10 hours tracking.
Alternatively, if the capacity of the cell is given in Ah divide by 0.25 A to get hours.
Example 2: - if you have a 7 Ah lead acid gel cell, you would expect to get around 7 Ah divided by 0.25 A = 28 hours tracking.
Don't forget that cell capacity drops with temperature, so if you are planning on taking your TT320X-AG to a very cold location you will need to take this into account.
Can I Use Rechargeables?
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) cells will give you good performance, particularly at lower temperatures. Choose the highest mAh capacity you can find for maximum duration.
Rechargeable cells are normally rated at 1.2 Volts per cell, instead of the 1.5 Volts per cell for disposable alkaline cells. So you will need 10 rechargeable batteries to supply the TT320X-AG with the required 12 V. You will also need a 10 AA cell holder with 2.1 mm plug to connect to your TT320X-AG.
Is Airline Portability Important to You?
If you are travelling by air, tripod weight will be more important than tripod height. If you can afford it, a carbon fibre tripod such as the Manfrotto 055MF3 will give you maximum stiffness with minimum weight.
Will you Be Comfortable with the Working Height?
If you find it difficult or uncomfortable bending to look through the polar scope or at the back of the camera, you may prefer a taller tripod. The Induro carbon fibre tripod allows you stand whilst polar aligning or adjusting your camera.
Still Unsure What you Need?
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