Dual and Triple Widefield NB Imaging Rigs with Remote Rotatable Cameras.

[Gina]

I'm calling this Dual and Triple Rigs because I plan to make a triple imaging rig with three ASI 1600MM-Cool cameras and Astrodon 3nm filters with three vintage film SLR lenses of very high quality. However, I only have two cameras at present so I shall start with a dual imaging rig but with provision for easy upgrade later.

As I mentioned in the DSO Imaging forum, I'm planning a mosaic project covering the Milky Way in NB.  This requires that the cameras can be rotated in unison to line up the mosaic panels.  My plan is to rotate the cameras using gears and stepper motor controlled by the electronics (using a special INDI driver).

The first 3 screenshots show a CAD model of the triple imaging rig.  Two of the main assembly and one of the frame or bracket.

There are a few problems with 3D printing this frame so I have split it into two with each half individually bolted to the Losmandy type dovetail bar.  The next screenshots show a partial assembly on the dovetail bar and one side in the S3D slicer.  

To show the air ducts on the cameras I have modelled a rectangular hole through the solid representation of the cameras.  There should be little resistance to cooling airflow out of the vents.

[Gina]

Here are a couple more screenshots showing the complete assembly with both camera mounting plates, dovetail and most of the parts.  Cables and connectors left out for clarity (well that's what I'm saying ?)  Same with the remote focussing which clamps round the lenses.  May add that later as it is relevant.

[Gina]

Printing the front plate. 0.8mm nozzle and 0.5mm layer height.

[Gina]

This shows the size of the camera mounting plates compared with the bed size of my 3D printer.  This is the front plate which takes the camera rotation stepper motor.  

This is one of the camera rotation gears on a camera.

More parts added to the assembly model.  The focus systems are missing the little stepper motors with pinions as can be seen in the photo.

[Alex]

Brilliant :-)

[Gina]

Thanks Carole.  Unfortunately, I'm having problems with my 3D printer which I'm now sorting out.  Meanwhile, the parts have not been printing properly so I have changed the design to make printing less demanding.

[Gina]

Getting severe warping even with PLA so until I solve this problem I am abandoning the triple imaging rig design and going for a different design of dual imaging rig.  With so much difference I think I'll start a new thread.