Remote setup at Trevinca Skies (Spain)
After our third colleague had decided to leave, we needed to replace the LZOS. We choose the Esprit 150 with reducer and changed the mount and main cam too . We now proceed with the Twinstar FG80 direct drive mount (thanks Matej) and instead of the ASI 183MM Pro we are now using the Touptek 571M. The switch from the Antlia 4.5nm filter to the Optolong 3nm filter wasn’t planned, but there was no other option given the time constraints (the camera was bolted to the filter wheel). Hopefully we assembled everything well, so that we can proceed imaging the night sky…..
Equipment since May 2026:
- Twinstar FG80
- Esprit 150 + 0.77 reducer, Gemini flat panel, Wanderer rotator and powerbox, ZWO EAF, Touptek 571M + EWF + Optolong LRGBSHO 3nm filter
- WO Pleiades 68 + Wanderer flat panel. ZWO EAF + EFW + 294MMPro + Antlia LRGBSHO 4.5nm filter
- Mini PC, Antela wifi power socket, UPS, Annke Night Vision Pro webcam,
Due to my location in the City of Oldenburg – Bortle 7 – and a big tree which covers all objects in the south, I decided to install a remote setup at a darker site. Fortunately, I found two fellow campaigners, one of whom has stayed.
After some research, we chose a Spanish operator—Trevince Skies. Since the provider is located in northern Spain, there aren’t quite as many clear nights as at other locations, but it should be enough to get us started.
After testing the double setup at home, I headed to Spain with a friend (thanks Stefan) in June 25. Due to the rather heavy equipment, we traveled by car. Not the wisest decision, as the driving time alone was about 24 hours one way.
After a short night, the equipment was setup on site. The pier was ready, but still needed some minor adjustments. By the afternoon, it was fully installed and ready for the first test. Fortunately, the night was cloudless, so the test could be carried out as planned.
Equipment used (June 2025-May 2026):
- Gemini G41 Observatory
- LZOS 123/ 738 + Riccardi flattener, Wanderer flat panel, rotator and powerbox, ZWO EAF + EWF + 183MM Pro + Antlia LRGBSHO 4.5nm filter
- WO Pleiades 68 + Wanderer flat panel. ZWO EAF + EFW + 294MMPro + Antlia LRGBSHO 4.5nm filter
- Mini PC, Antela wifi power socket, UPS, Annke Night Vision Pro webcam,