114 travel telescope astrophotography overhaul + solar filter kit

Requires parts from V3 114mm travel telescope, 450mm version, please support the original

OTA mods

these sets of parts replace the stock version to move the focuser, viewfinder and phone mount to make ease of use on an equatorial mount or star tracker,

The top and bottom OTA parts are located within the purchased version of Ander's travel telescope listed above

all hardware is identical to the stock version in type and quantity

the focuser adapter plate uses m4 heat inserts and countersink head m4 screws to attach a Skyoptikst 2-Inch rack and pinion style focuser, compatibility with other brands and styles of focuser might be possible, but your mileage may vary

https://www.amazon.com/Skyoptikst-Telescope-Focuser-Reflector-Astronomy/dp/B09SLXVHD4?th=1

if you plan on using the solar filter at all, the light shroud is an absolute necessity, and i highly recommend covering all gaps with opaque tape to prevent any light bleed which could cause permanent eye damage

UPDATE: added a vixen mount version of the light shield to replace the midsection parts of the the telescope. uses the same knobs as the original but needs 2 M6 nuts placed on the far side of the clamp. optionally, there are holes for 1/4-20 or m6 heat inserts for the attachment of an apertura dovetail plate. recommend printing in a durable material with at least 3 perimeters

https://www.highpointscientific.com/apertura-v-style-11-inch-dovetail-plate-vup11-v2

Dew shield

optional part, 7" and 9" versions available

to further cut down on stray light and to slow down the accumulation of dew on the mirrors, requires the same heat insert and knob [m6] as the other screws on the ota to attach to the extrusion

Flats calibration panel

being able to take flats is a necessary part of astrophotography, and this panel is meant to facilitate that

only requiring 8 M5 screws and heat inserts, and a led strip

https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-Multicolor-LED-Light-Strip-10ft-Indoor-Television-Accent-Light-Remote-Control/5197617941?classType=VARIANT&athbdg=L1200&from=/search

the diffuser plate can be made from 3/32" acrylic, with the inside surface sand blasted, the .DXF file included can be used for laser cutting the panel

alternatively, its possible to make the diffuser with transparent filament at 100% infill

the main body of the panel should be printed white, or have the inner surface spray painted white

assembly is straightforward, slide the flat cable of the led strip through the slot on the side, and wrap the leds around the perimeter, the m5 heat inserts go into the holes, and m5 screws to close everything in

Solar filter

looking directly at the sun without protection is dangerous, please be extremely careful

only use properly rated white light solar film, and ALWAYS check for holes or tears before using on the telescope

https://www.highpointscientific.com/baader-planetarium-visual-astrosolar-safety-film-5-5-x-6-1-sheet-asolv-e

needs 9 M5 screws and m5 heat inserts

the film is meant to be held firmly between the two TPU gaskets, do not over tighten as the film needs room to shrink/expand in the sun, do not stretch the filter or it may tear

use the retaining ring as a cut template, make sure to not tear it or crease it

the solar alignment rod can be printed or you may use 1/4" steel rod, to aim simply orient the telescope until the shadow disappears

YOU WILL NEED TO ENCLOSE THE FULL OPTICAL TUBE AND PATCH ANY PATH FOR LIGHT TO ENTER OR YOU WILL BE AT SERIOUS RISK OF PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE OR VISION LOSS

bahtinov mask

one final piece of kit no astrophotographer should be without is a bahtinov mask

requires on m5 heat insert and screw

simply place over the end of the telescope, point to a bright star and adjust the focus until the diffraction spikes align into a perfect X shape, then you remove the mask and begin shooting at your target of choice