August 13, 2026 – IMT3b Observatory

So today I decided to take a look at the Pulsar dome and its rotation problem. It transpired that the spring had stretched and was unusable that pulls the encoder wheel against the dome. I had to buy a 7mm spanner and I found a replacement spring in my workshop and fitted to fix the issue.

I then set about setting up the dome within TheSkyX (TSX)that I am now going to use only to run the dome. The way I have arranged this, as TSX does not have any connection to the ASIAIR, is that TSX connect to a simulator telescope and then to the dome. I then point the simulated telescope to the same object I am imaging with the ASIAIR and then the dome slews to the correct Azimuth. My home parked position is an Azimuth of 124º.

I set the dome geometry removing the settings I use to have for the 12″ scope Paramount MEII that use to be in the dome, replacing with the single figure that was needed for the AM7 with the Esprit 150, which was much simpler. A figure of 100, mm in my case. for the Xt value showing the offset from the centre of the AM7 axis to the optical centre. This seems to give me a good rotation so far. Over the coming nights I will test the accuracy and tweak if needed.

I supported the local Basingstoke Astronomical Society today in showcasing the partial eclipse with the public from across Basingstoke. We were running a last minute event from Cliddesden Primary School in the playing field which is surrounded by beautiful countryside. We expected as with similar viewing events for a few 10s of people to turn up, however due to social media and the the story running on the local paper website we were about to swamped by many hundreds of visitors all eager to see the eclipse safely.

Car mayhem in Cliddesden ahead of the event

I arrived and started setting up at 4:30pm. There was already a queue waiting to be told to come on the field. As soon as my Sky-Watcher HelioStar 76Ha was setup I called the public onto the field and they started to queue and view through my scope whilst the others from our society setup. My queue never let up for 4 hours!

Absolutely amazing and the plaudits given from the very young to the very old were so rich and welcoming. It is an absolute pleasure to inspire the public and share the wonders of the universe around us, I hope that many will look us up online and become interested in our little society.

I recorded the event with the Seestar S50 with my family member Luke running not only my Seestar but also his S30 at the same time. The end of the eclipse was missed due to the Sun setting behind the trees in the distance.