I know what I need to do in order to prototype a new design which overcomes the issues I discovered with the last version. But what I hadn't thought about yet is how I'm going to mount and align this device. So I've got some additional challenges to think about as well.
I'm hopeful that with this revision I'll be able to set the design baseline moving forward. Clock's Ticking!
One of the best things about Legos is the ability to tear it all apart and start all over again. While I'm a bit bummed my first version didn't yield as good a result as I would have liked, the experience taught me enough to make a little bit of progress.
Let's look at the modifications and see where we are now.
Right out of the gate, I have two challenges ahead. First, I need to design a system that is stable and precise enough to transfer power from a Lego motor to offset a change in my target's position by 0.25 degrees per minute. Second, I need to construct the device in such a way that it can handle the weight and torque required.
If I can't overcome both of these challenges, I'm dead in the water on this project. But I have a few ideas based on some Lego pieces I fished out of the carpeting and from under beds that I can begin to test.
Anyway, I'm gonna have some time on my hands waiting for my next imaging session. I was definitely a bit smitten with the dark skies we had in Kopalino and what a difference that made for my imaging. No doubt about it, I need to find a way to increase my signal to noise ratio and given my light pollution situation in Krakow, I need to find a way to start tracking.
But you said that's a future investment! Yes, I did - and it is. But with these cloudy skies and time to burn, I'm going to set about building my own tracker. No better way to learn the basics of tracking than to build my own. So it's time to up my fun with tracking.
After a long day on the road, we rolled up to Kopalino and I'll bet I spent more time looking at the sky than I did the village. Lots of clouds but I was hoping they'll blow out after sunset. Mind you, Kopalino is another 5 degrees North of Krakow, so the sunsets were late and long.
My son and I headed out on our first night in town to find a spot away from the streetlights. There was a nice breeze and sure enough, the clouds ended up rolling out. We were tired, so the plan was to just take a few snaps and then head in for the evening.
Once the sun went down, man, it was a totally different scene than in Krakow. The difference in light pollution was pretty stark. The Milky Way was faint but clearly visible in the sky above us. And Andromeda was ripe for shooting. Here is a recap of our week.
I love being around the water so I was already pretty excited about getting away. But imagine my enthusiasm when I discovered that Kopalino is located in a Bortle 4 zone. This is a significantly darker location than where I am used to shooting, so I need to make the most of this opportunity - skies willing.
That is why I decided to take the plunge and go ahead and purchase my first new lens. For this, I went with the very affordable Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM. Now, before we hit the road, I have a couple of days to get out and learn how to use it.
New challenges, new problems. Generally speaking, this imaging session went a lot more smoothly than the previous one. The results were a lot a better as well. However, I got my first taste of the pernicious nature of light pollution. Curse you light pollution!
When Failure is a Brilliant Outcome
Kidding aside (kind of anyway), I had a great time out with my son. And rather than be in any way discouraged by my results, I'm more eager to get back on that horse and try again. When you live up to low expectations, it can only get better from here. Let me share a few of the many things that I learned.
Point is, it's more about climbing up a pretty steep learning curve at this point than producing quality photos (by my standards). So I'm not going to put any undue pressure on myself and I'm simply going to strive to learn something new. In fact, that's pretty much going to be my goal for the foreseeable future. If I can discover something new each time I go out, then I've made progress.
So it's time to get ready for my first night's shoot and while I'm really excited, I'm keeping rather low expectations. But here's how I've prepared.
But exploring the heavens from our little perch here on Earth is not an inexpensive proposition. However, advances in technology over the past decade have dramatically improved our access to this hobby and lowered entrance costs. Nonetheless, it's still not cheap. Therefore it's necessary to formulate a strategy whereby I can embark on this amazing journey without selling the house and starving my family. I love it when a plan comes together.
