Gear and Equipment

The technology powering Mesa Vista Observatory

A complete inventory of the telescopes, mounts, cameras, software, and accessories that power my visual observing, deep-sky astrophotography, and planetary imaging—plus a look at what’s on the horizon for Mesa Vista Observatory.

🔭 Telescope and Mount Hardware

Celestron EdgeHD 14” OTA (CGE Version)

Purpose: Primary OTA for deep-sky imaging (galaxies, planetary nebulae, small DSO targets)

Key Specs: 355mm aperture, 3910mm focal length, f/11 native; ~2740mm at f/7 with reducer

Notable Accessories or Modifications:
• 0.7x Celestron focal reducer
• Celestron motorized focuser (ASCOM compatible)
• Bahtinov mask for precision focusing
• Dew heater + dew shield

Usage Notes:
Holds collimation reasonably well in a permanent setup. Flat field and sharp stars across the frame with excellent results using a monochrome camera and filter wheel. Ideal for long focal length imaging under dark skies. Heavy OTA requires solid mounting and careful balance. Suffers from a residue buildup on the inside of the corrector plate that is difficult to clean and requires re-collimation afterwards.

Celestron EdgeHD 14″ Product Page

Celestron CGE Pro German Equatorial Mount

Purpose: Heavy-duty equatorial mount for permanent observatory use, supporting the EdgeHD 14” OTA for deep-sky astrophotography

Key Specs:
• German Equatorial Mount (GEM)
• 90 lb payload capacity
• Belt-driven motors with 0.5 arcsecond resolution encoders
• PPEC (permanent periodic error correction)
• USB + RS-232 connectivity (requires USB to Serial adapters for modern systems)

Notable Accessories or Modifications:
• Custom scope adapter plate to mount to SkyShed Pier
• StarSense AutoAlign module
• 120 to 12v DC Power Supply

Usage Notes:
Mount has been permanently installed on a steel pier since 2013. First at Blue Ridge Observatory and now at Mesa Vista Observatory. Once aligned, tracking is reliable with good guiding performance when paired with PHD2. Being permanently mounted requires infrequent polar alignments. Firmware is outdated and no longer being updated by Celestron. Motor control board has been replaced once and this component can be prone to failure. Software control over ASCOM is stable and robust but requires legacy drivers and USB-to-serial adapters. Cable management can be tricky if used unsupervised. Very heavy — not suited for portable use.

Celestron CGE Pro Support Page

SkyShed 8⅝” Steel Pier with Custom Adapter Plate

Purpose: Permanent mounting solution for observatory-based equatorial mount

Key Specs: 35″ custom height, 8⅝” steel tube, vibration-damped base plate, powder-coated finish

Notable Accessories or Modifications:
• Custom top adapter plate for Celestron CGE Pro mount
• Leveling bolts and anchor bolt system for permanent concrete foundation

Usage Notes:
Pier was originally installed in Blue Ridge, GA and relocated to Mesa Vista Observatory in New Mexico in 2018. Rock-solid and stable with no perceptible vibration. Custom adapter plate allows swappable mounting options if needed. Total pier height was chosen to optimize visual comfort and observatory wall clearance while keeping the mount head low for wind resistance. Pier is bolted directly into a poured concrete base below the observatory floor.

SkyShed Pier Info

Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro

Purpose: Portable star tracker used for wide-field astrophotography with DSLR (primarily Canon 60D)

Key Specs:
• Payload capacity: up to 11 lb (5 kg)
• Sidereal, solar, and lunar tracking rates
• Built-in polar scope with illuminator
• Adjustable wedge for polar alignment
• Powered by AA batteries or external USB power

Notable Accessories or Modifications:
• Ball head mount adapter for DSLR
• Equatorial wedge and counterweight kit
• Custom bracket for easier setup and leveling

Usage Notes:
Reliable and lightweight for wide-field imaging and travel. Accurate tracking with short focal length lenses. Best for exposures under 3 minutes. Polar alignment takes practice but becomes quick with experience. Not suitable for deep-sky guiding or heavier setups.

Sky-Watcher Product Page

📸 Cameras & Imaging Devices

Deep-Sky Imaging System (SBIG STF-8300M, FW8, ST-I with OAG)

Purpose: Primary deep-sky imaging setup for the EdgeHD 14” OTA. Captures high-quality LRGB and narrowband images using a cooled monochrome CCD sensor with integrated autoguiding.

Key Components and Specs:

Imaging Camera: SBIG STF-8300M
• 8.3 MP Kodak KAF-8300 monochrome CCD
• Sensor: 17.6mm x 13.5mm, 5.4μm pixels
• 3326 x 2504 resolution
• Peak QE ~56%
• 2-stage thermoelectric cooling (~40°C below ambient)
• USB 2.0 connection

Filter Wheel: SBIG FW8
• 8-position carousel
• Loaded with Baader LRGB + 3nm Hα, OIII, SII filters

Guide Camera: SBIG ST-I Color
• Compact CCD used with off-axis guider (OAG)
• Interfaces directly with the main camera and filter wheel

Notable Accessories or Modifications:
• Celestron 0.7x focal reducer for faster imaging and wider field
• Off-axis guider (OAG) assembly for integrated guiding

Usage Notes: This SBIG system has delivered consistently excellent results under dark skies. The CCD-based STF-8300M remains competitive for deep-sky targets, especially when used with high-quality filters. The camera’s cooling is stable and effective, though USB 2.0 transfer is slow by modern standards. The ST-I guide camera integrates cleanly with the OAG for reliable guiding. System requires careful balance due to combined weight and size. The off-axis guider works well, but with the long focal length of the EdgeHD 14”, finding a suitable guide star can be difficult depending on the target — particularly with narrowband imaging or small galaxies. This is a legacy product no longer manufactured or sold by Diffraction Limited and unfortunately, I cannot recommend their products any longer as their legacy support is almost non-existent.

SBIG Camera Product Page

Planetary Cameras

Purpose: Dedicated high-speed color cameras used for planetary, lunar, and solar imaging. Designed to capture short-exposure video frames that can be stacked to enhance detail and reduce noise.

Key Specs and Devices:

  • ZWO ASI290MC
  • 1/3″ CMOS sensor, 2.13 MP (1936 x 1096)
  • Pixel size: 2.9μm
  • USB 3.0 for high-speed data transfer
  • Excellent sensitivity in infrared (IR-cut filter often removed for planetary imaging)

 

  • Orion StarShoot 5MP Solar System Camera
  • 1/2.5″ CMOS sensor, 5 MP (2592 x 1944)
  • Pixel size: ~2.2μm
  • USB 2.0 interface
  • Used primarily for lunar imaging and general-purpose video capture

 

Usage Notes:
The ASI290MC is a popular and highly capable planetary camera that performs well on Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, especially when paired with a Barlow lens. Its small pixels and high frame rate allow for excellent resolution during moments of good seeing. It’s exceptionally fast at downloading images. It has been replaced by newer models, but is still an excellent camera. The older Orion StarShoot 5MP is less sensitive and slower but still functional for casual lunar work and solar imaging with appropriate filters. It was a good starter camera. Unfortunately Orion Telescopes and Binoculars is no longer in business, so there is no support for the camera going forward.

ZWO Planetary Cameras Product Page

Wide-Field DSLR Setup (Canon EOS 6D Mark II)

Purpose: Used for wide-field night sky imaging, including Milky Way landscapes and constellations. Primarily paired with the Star Adventurer Pro for portable tracking during travel or outreach events.

Key Specs:
• Full-frame CMOS sensor (35.9mm x 24.0mm), 26.2 MP resolution
• ISO range: 100–40000 (expandable to 102400)
• Live View with 5x/10x magnification for manual focus
• 3″ vari-angle touchscreen LCD
• Records RAW + JPEG formats
• Standard EF lens mount
• Built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth

Notable Accessories or Modifications:
• Intervalometer for long exposure sequences
• Canon 12V DC power adapter for extended sessions
• Wide-angle and telephoto lenses (e.g., Canon EF 200 f2.8, Sigma 14-24mm f2.8)

Usage Notes: The Canon 6D Mark II is a versatile full-frame DSLR well suited for astrophotography. Its low-light performance and wide ISO range make it excellent for nightscapes and Milky Way shots. The fully articulating touchscreen aids in framing and focusing during awkward tripod setups. Paired with the Star Adventurer Pro and a fast wide lens, it’s a portable and powerful solution for capturing wide-field skies. The camera is no longer made, but is still highly supported by Canon and aftermarket retailers. If you can find it used, you can get a great deal.

Canon EOS DSLR Cameras

Smart Scope (ZWO SeeStar S50)

Purpose: Portable, self-contained smart telescope used for quick imaging sessions, outreach events, and casual visual observation. Offers a fully integrated, app-controlled experience ideal for travel or “lazy” nights.

Key Specs:
• 50mm f/5 apochromatic triplet refractor (250mm focal length)
• Sony IMX462 CMOS color sensor (1/2.8″ format)
• 1920 x 1080 resolution (2.1 MP)
• Built-in autofocus and field rotation
• Wi-Fi and USB-C connectivity
• Internal battery and integrated dew heater
• Runs via ZWO mobile app (iOS/Android)

Notable Accessories or Modifications:
• 1.25″ filter drawer for optional solar or narrowband filters
• Solar filter included for safe daytime use

Usage Notes:
The SeeStar S50 is surprisingly capable for such a compact device. It excels at wide-field views of bright DSOs like the Orion Nebula or Andromeda Galaxy. Its automated setup and fast plate-solving make it perfect for outreach, public demos, or quick personal sessions. While not suited for faint or high-resolution imaging, it’s an incredibly fun, grab-and-go system with impressive image-stacking capability and AI image noise cleanup. Images can be saved in FITS format for further processing in image processing software. Great tool to complement a permanent observatory rig.

ZWO SeeStar S50 Product Page

🧰 Accessories & Supporting Equipment

Focusing & Imaging Optimization

Purpose: Enhancing focus accuracy and overall imaging quality, especially with long focal length SCTs and refractors.

Key Components and Specs:

  • Celestron Motorized Autofocuser
    • ASCOM-compatible electronic focuser
    • Controlled via software (NINA, CPWI, etc.)
    • Designed specifically for SCTs like the EdgeHD 14”
  • JMI SCT EV-1 Crayford Focuser
    • Manual dual-speed Crayford-style focuser
    • Adds fine-focus control at the visual back
    • Reduces image shift and mirror flop issues common with SCTs
  • Astrozap Bahtinov Mask
    • Precision focusing aid for SCT
    • Fits over front corrector plate
    • Works exceptionally well with live view focusing tools
  • Celestron 0.7x Focal Reducer
    • Reduces focal ratio of EdgeHD 14″ from f/11 to f/7.7
    • Shortens focal length from 3910mm to 2740mm
    • Increases field of view for larger deep-sky objects
    • Improves exposure time efficiency and light gathering
    • Threads directly to rear cell of EdgeHD for secure fit

 

Usage Notes:
The motorized focuser simplifies automation and ensures precise focus for astrophotography. The JMI Crayford focuser is useful for visual work and manual imaging sessions when fine control is needed. The Bahtinov mask is a quick and highly accurate tool, especially useful for initial manual focus checks before imaging sessions. The Baader solar filter provides safe, sharp solar views with no color fringing, ideal for eclipses or daytime solar work. The Celestron 0.7x focal reducer improves the field of few dramatically and shortens exposure times, especially good for larger DSO objects.

Product Links:
Celestron Motorized Focuser
JMI EV-1 Crayford Focuser
Astrozap Bahtinov Mask
Celestron 0.7x Focal Reducer

 

Solar & Environmental Tools

Purpose: Tools used for solar observing and monitoring sky and environmental conditions to support planning and safety for observing and imaging sessions.

Key Components and Specs:

  • Astrozap Baader Solar Filter
    • Designed for safe visual and photographic solar observing
    • Uses genuine Baader AstroSolar film
    • Custom fit for EdgeHD 14” OTA
    • Provides sharp, white-light solar views
  • Unihedron SQM-LE (Sky Quality Meter – Ethernet)
    • Mounted near the observatory
    • Measures sky brightness in magnitudes per square arcsecond
    • Helps evaluate night sky quality over time
    • Used to correlate with imaging session data
  • Weather Station Integration
    • Feeds live data to Weather Underground from my Davis Weather Station
    • Tracks temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind
    • Used to guide observing decisions
    • Future integration plans include roof automation

 

Usage Notes:
The Baader solar filter has been a reliable and safe tool for solar observing, especially during partial eclipses and sunspot activity. The SQM-LE has gathered years of environmental data to assess long-term trends in sky quality. Weather station integration is essential in supporting safe and automated observatory operations—especially when remote imaging.

Product Links:
Astrozap Baader Solar Filter
Unihedron SQM-LE
Weather Underground Personal Weather Stations

Dew Prevention

Purpose: Protects optics from occasional dew buildup during imaging sessions, ensuring clear observations when rare high-humidity conditions occur.

Key Components and Specs:

  • Kendrick DigiFire 7 Dew Controller
     • Seven-channel controller for managing multiple dew prevention devices
     • Temperature sensors with variable power output based on conditions
     • Can power dew heaters and fans simultaneously
  • Kendrick Dew Heater Straps
     • Custom-sized for 14” OTA and other optical components
     • Velcro-secured and powered through RCA connectors
  • Astrozap Dew Shield (for Celestron 14”)
     • Rigid aluminum shield with black felt interior to reduce stray light and dew accumulation
     • Custom fit for the EdgeHD 14” OTA

 

Usage Notes:

While dew is rarely an issue in the dry climate of Pecos, this system is used occasionally on rare humid nights or during rapid temperature drops. The Kendrick system remains reliable and ready when needed, and the dew shield also serves to block stray light and improve image contrast.

Kendrick DigiFire 7 
Kendrick Dew Heater Straps
Astrozap Dew Shield (C14)

 

 

 

 

Visual Accessories

Purpose: Used primarily for outreach, occasional visual observation, and testing collimation or image quality at the scope. These accessories support general-purpose and high-power visual viewing.

Key Components and Specs:

  • Celestron Luminos Eyepiece Set
    • 31mm, 23mm, 19mm, 15mm, 10mm, and 7mm focal lengths
    • 82° apparent field of view
    • 2″ barrels (with 1.25″ adapters for smaller eyepieces)
    • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Meade Super Plössl and Orion Sirius Plössl Eyepieces
    • 26mm, 17mm, 12.5mm, 9mm, and 6.3mm options
    • 50° apparent field
    • Mostly legacy gear but still functional for star parties
  • Celestron Diagonal
    • 2” dielectric mirror diagonal
    • 99% reflectivity, used for visual sessions with EdgeHD 14″

 

Usage Notes:
Although visual observing is not the primary focus of Mesa Vista Observatory, these eyepieces and accessories are maintained for public outreach, personal viewing during breaks in imaging, and basic field testing. The Luminos set performs well even at fast focal ratios and gives a generous field of view. The older Plössls are optically fine but less comfortable to use due to narrow field and eye relief. The 2” diagonal provides bright, contrast-rich views. Unfortunately both Meade and Orion are now out of business and no longer make any astronomy hardware.

Celestron Luminos Eyepieces
Celestron 2″ Diagonal

 

 

 

 

💻 Computing & Software

Observatory PC & Remote Access

Purpose: Handles telescope control, image acquisition, guiding, and environmental monitoring. Can be controlled remotely from inside the house for convenience and partial automation.

Key Specs:

  • Mini desktop Windows 10 PC located in the observatory warm room on the desk
  • 4-core Intel CPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
  • USB and Ethernet cabling runs to the telescope room for hardware connectivity
  • Connects to all camera, focuser, mount, and environmental devices
  • Also used locally with standard monitor, keyboard, and mouse setup
  • Mac Studio M4 Max (located in the house) used for all image processing and post-production

 

Notable Accessories or Modifications:

  • Surge protection and voltage monitoring with APC equipment
  • USB cables with ferrite chokes for noise reduction
  • Powered USB hub near the scope for short device cables and better reliability
  • Cable runs managed through conduit between warm room and telescope area

 

Usage Notes:

This setup allows for semi-remote operation of the observatory, typically controlled from inside the house via Remote Desktop. While not fully remote, it provides a stable and flexible imaging workflow. The PC uses the home Wi-Fi network via an extender to maintain a strong connection. The system remains on 24/7 with occasional reboots needed for Windows updates. Connection reliability has been strong thanks to careful cabling and power conditioning. All post-processing is handled on the Mac Studio, which offers powerful performance for PixInsight and related tools.

Software Stack

Purpose: Provides comprehensive control for imaging sessions, including telescope automation, guiding, acquisition, processing, and observatory integration.

Key Applications and Roles:

  • NINA (Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy):
    • Main imaging platform used for sequencing, camera control, autofocusing, plate solving, and filter automation
    • Highly customizable with plugins and advanced scripting
  • PHD2:
    • Guiding software that interfaces with the SBIG ST-I and off-axis guider
    • Calibrates and maintains tracking accuracy during long exposures
  • ASCOM Platform:
    • Provides standardized interface between software and devices (camera, mount, focuser, etc.)
    • Required for compatibility with legacy CGE Pro mount and accessories
  • Celestron CPWI:
    • Mount control software with full planetarium interface
    • Allows precise alignment, slewing, and integration with ASCOM-compatible applications
  • PixInsight:
    • Primary image processing environment (on Mac Studio)
    • Used for calibration, stacking, and deep-sky enhancement workflows
  • Other Tools:
    • RegiStax (for planetary stacking)
    • Telescopius (web-based planning and framing tool)
    • Nebulosity (occasional use for capture/quick testing)

 

Usage Notes:
While I’ve used many imaging and telescope control platforms over the years, this combination of tools has proven the most stable, flexible, and well-suited to my setup. NINA provides exceptional automation features, and ASCOM ensures legacy hardware remains usable. Celestron CPWI is often used for mount alignment and slewing within ASCOM-connected sessions. PixInsight handles heavy processing reliably on the Mac Studio, while PHD2 is rock-solid for guiding. We’ll explore additional recommendations and alternatives in the Resources section of the site.

Links:
• NINA
• PHD2 Guiding
• ASCOM Platform
• Celestron CPWI
• PixInsight
• RegiStax
• Telescopius

🚀 What’s Coming Next at Mesa Vista Observatory

Big upgrades are on the horizon! The PlaneWave CDK14 and L-350 direct-drive mount system are set to transform deep-sky imaging at Mesa Vista Observatory. These next-gen tools will replace the aging EdgeHD 14″ on a CGE Pro, offering improved optical performance, rock-solid tracking, and advanced remote capability. Also coming soon: a new Series-5 electronic focuser and rotator, a full-frame monochrome camera, and a completely revamped imaging train.

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