Hubble Optics UL Dobsonian Telescope / Making It Better Dakota Starry Nights 2020-04-15 | "Do it yourself" improvements on the Hubble Optics UL Dobsonian Telescopes, including setting circles construction and use for Dobs. Cloudy Nights Link to Printable Setting Circles below: Provided by David of Opticsmartcloudynights.com/topic/514545-free-printable-setting-circles8" Dob: cloudynights.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_id=80635710" Dobcloudynights.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_id=80635812" Dobcloudynights.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_id=806359
Is Night Vision Astronomy Worth the Money? Dakota Starry Nights 2022-10-15 | A 6" refracting telescope with Night Vision vs a 16" Dob without. Which is better?For more on Night Vision Astronomy: youtube.com/watch?v=6usKtqpVMi8
Taming The Astrophotography Cable Monster Dakota Starry Nights 2022-07-30 | A simple trick for stopping cable mount snags.
Dobsonian Telescope - Bearing Laminate Repair Dakota Starry Nights 2022-06-24 | How to easily repair a dobsonian telescope bearing laminate without messy glue or contact cement.Note: Formica -42 finish (named 'Crystal') is a good substitute for Wilson Art Ebony Star that is no longer available.
Adjustable DIY Flat Frame LED Light Panel for Astrophotography Dakota Starry Nights 2022-03-03 | An inexpensive DIY Flat Frame Light Panel for Astrophotography with adjustable LED lighting. PLUS: Running it in NINA!LED Light Panel: aliexpress.com/item/4001016827191.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.21ef18027zNgRj
Falcon Rotator / An In-Depth Review Dakota Starry Nights 2022-02-02 | And in-depth review of the Pegasus Astro – Falcon Rotator.Plus: How to install the controlling software and connect it NINA!DIY Camera Rotator: youtube.com/watch?v=HR_0AxIh8yo
DIY Camera Rotator for Astrophotography Dakota Starry Nights 2022-01-16 | A DIY Camera Field Rotator for Astorphotography that Won't Break the Bank! PLUS: How to Connect it to NINA.
Build Your Own Dew Shield Dakota Starry Nights 2021-12-14 | How to construct a Dew Shield for a Dobsonian telescope from a laundry tub. A Hubble Optics UL16 is used in this example.
The Simplest Way to Collimate a Ritchey Chrétien Telescope Dakota Starry Nights 2021-11-02 | A quick and easy way to collimate a Ritchey Chretien , RC, telescope.
Mobile Observatory Pod / DIY Dakota Starry Nights 2021-10-10 | In this workshop I'll show you how to build a mobile observatory pod that will allow you to move around your backyard for the best view of a target you may want to image or observe. And just a head's up... I've since made a change to the floor. Instead of setting the pod on top of the waterproof mat, I've brought it inside and screwed it to the 2x4 plate. That keeps the floor dry on the inside when it rains or snows.
How to Assemble the QHY Filter Wheel & Connect it to NINA & APT Dakota Starry Nights 2021-09-13 | In this workshop we show how to assemble the QHY Filter Wheel and connect it to both NINA (Nighttime Imaging 'N' Astronomy) and APT (Astro Photography Tool). Plus some filter choices you may not have thought of.
An Introduction To Astrophotography + Deep Dark Sky Tour Dakota Starry Nights 2020-12-01 | Stars, Telescopes & Coyotes / Episode 2An introduction to astophotography. Plus, a dark sky tour out in the wilds of western South Dakota.
Telescope Focal Length Explained + Deep Dark Sky Tour Dakota Starry Nights 2020-10-03 | Stars Telescopes & Coyotes - Episode 1 Understanding the effects of telescope focal length and a deep dark sky virtual tour. Clear Skies!
Moon Dance Dakota Starry Nights 2020-09-06 | A copulation of lunar photography in western South Dakota & Wyoming.
What Deep Sky Objects Can You See Through A Good Telescope? Dakota Starry Nights 2020-07-30 | Introduction to Night Vision Astronomy - youtube.com/watch?v=6usKtqpVMi8&t=697sAdjustable setting circles for Dobsonian telescopes (Updated) - youtube.com/watch?v=KIIOt2bNdaA&t=348s (Starts @ 5:48 in the timeline.)Launch Day! Go NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance!
Best Telescope For The Planets & Moon Dakota Starry Nights 2020-07-01 | Best Telescope For The Planets & Moon, Dob or Refractor?
Telescope Portable Winter Shelter for Astrophotography Dakota Starry Nights 2019-11-28 | Lightweight portable winter telescope shelter for astrophotography. Filmed during the 2019 Mercury Transit.
Going from a 12 to a 16 dobsonian telescope. Is it worth it? Dakota Starry Nights 2019-09-17 | In this workshop we take a look at the pros and cons of making the jump from a 12" to a 16" dobsonian telescope.
Telescope Tripod Pier Extension / DIY Dakota Starry Nights 2019-08-17 | IMPORTANT UPDATE: For a quicker drop in set up, remove the threads from the EQ head PVC adapter and cut 5/8" off the extension bolt. Easier rotation for polar alignment too. Be sure to wear a respirator when grinding off the PVC threads. :)How to build your own telescope mount pier extension for most Orion, Sky-Watcher or Celestron telescope tripod mounts.
Explorer Scientific Truss Dobsonian Go-to Conversion Dakota Starry Nights 2019-07-02 | Converting an Explorer Scientific truss Dob for Go-to and tracking.
Hubble Optics UL16 Dobsonian Telescope Review Dakota Starry Nights 2019-05-27 | An In Depth Review of the Hubble Optics UL16 Dobsonian Telescope
Explore Scientific Truss Tube Dobsonian / Making it Better Dakota Starry Nights 2019-01-04 | A workshop video on how to get the most out your Explore Scientific Truss Dobsonian telescope; with improvements made to Dakota Starry Nights setting circle platform.
Explorer Scientific 208mm Newtonian Telescope / In Depth Review Dakota Starry Nights 2018-07-28 | An in depth review of Explorer's Scientific 208mm f/3.9 Newtonian telescope.The focuser backfocus is 45mm as confirmed by Nikkolai Davenport post below.
Astronomy Festival / Badlands National Park, South Dakota Dakota Starry Nights 2018-07-11 | Every year the National Park Service hosts an astronomy festival at the Badlands National Park in western South Dakota. I've done a number of photography workshops there over the years; which afforded me the opportunity to photograph the event and surrounding area. This is a collection of some of that work. Clear SkiesRDW
An Introduction to Night Vision Astronomy Dakota Starry Nights 2018-04-20 | Night Vision Astronomy links:jrhenterprises.com (PVS14 used in the workshop)tnvc.com/shop/category/astronomy (For PVS14 eyepiece adapter)harris.com/sites/default/files/the-gen-3-advantage-white-paperv3.pdf (Harris Corporation Gen 3 "white paper")cloudynights.com (Additional information on night vision astronomy.)Clear Skies! Dakota Starry Nights
Solar Eclipse 2017 / Duration of Totality 2m23s Dakota Starry Nights 2017-12-11 | For the Great American Eclipse I headed west to a relative unknown place, Little Flat Top Butte in WY. But I am sure anyone who was fortunate enough to get within the path of totality, no matter where they were, would agree it was an event worthy of a bucket list.
Adjustable Setting Circles For Dobsonian Telescopes Dakota Starry Nights 2017-11-22 | I've developed a new design for the setting circle Az: Adjustable setting circles for Dobsonian telescopes (Updated) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIIOt... (Starts @ 5:48 in the timeline.) The azimuth dial and maker are no longer needed. But a leveling base is still required. Clear Skies!Cloudy Nights Link to Setting Circles:Provided by David of Opticsmartcloudynights.com/topic/514545-free-printable-setting-circles8" Dob: cloudynights.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_id=80635710" Dobcloudynights.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_id=80635812" Dobcloudynights.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_id=806359
Vixen VMC200L Review Dakota Starry Nights 2017-10-02 | An in-depth review of the Vixen VMC200L for visual and astrophotography work.
Meade LX200 Alignment Procedure (Pier Mounted) Dakota Starry Nights 2017-08-18 | The procedure presented here is for a PIER MOUNTED LX200 on a wedge that is already polar aligned and is need of a realignment to create a new sky model. This differs from the alignment procedure in the manual which was intended for a tripod mounted scope on a wedge.
SJCAM M20 Action Cam Night Sky Time Lapse Photography Dakota Starry Nights 2017-03-20 | How to get a decent night sky time-lapse using the SJCAM M20. And how to process the RAW picture files.SJCAM RAW Converter:github.com/yanburman/sjcam_raw2dng/releases
Explore Scientific Ultra Light 12 Dob / Holding Collimation Dakota Starry Nights 2016-04-07 | The Pro SteadyGrip is no longer available. For those wanting one, what I would suggest is to cut a full 1.25" x 1.25" x (a length you find comfortable) of oak or ash and block out the bottom to clear the altitude bearing. (required clearance pictured in the video) Bolt the bottom to the mirror box and run a 3/8" bolt at the top for a handle to turn the dob with. You could slip a piece of rubber or vinyl hose over the 3/8" bolt to cover the threads. To clean things up, run a little chamfer, or sand, the sharp edges on the lever and paint it flat black. NOTE: The 1.25" hardwood lever would be better than the original 1/2" OD lever for the larger 16" ES Ultra Light, as the 1/2" OD would flex too much under the additional weight. Hope this helps. Dakota
Movable Concrete Telescope Pier / DIY Dakota Starry Nights 2015-12-06 | A movable, semi-permanent, DIY telescope pier for backyard astronomy.
Explore Scientific Ultra Light Dob Review Dakota Starry Nights 2015-11-04 | An in-depth review of the Explore Scientific Ultra Light Dob 12" (305mm).NOTE: Initially I tried contacting Explore Scientific regarding the issues with the altitude movement but received no response. I have since been contacted by Scott Roberts, President of Explorer Scientific. Mr. Roberts assured me they are looking at ways to address the problems presented in this video to improve their Ultra Light Dob.
Explore Scientific HR Coma Corrector / Review & Installation Dakota Starry Nights 2015-11-02 | Review and Installation guide for the Explore Scientific HR Coma Corrector
Dakota Starry Nights Movie Trailer Dakota Starry Nights 2015-07-11 | See the Black Hills and Badlands of Western South Dakota like you've never seen them before! To Order visit: http://www.dreamwalkerstudios.com/dsn.htmMore than 4 years in the making, Dakota Starry Nights was photographed and filmed entirely under the star filled night skies of Western South Dakota and was featured at the Badlands National Park Astronomy Festival, the Hidden Valley Observatory Grand Opening, the Journey Museum in Rapid City, SD and at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.A unique blend of sweeping western landscapes and the magnificent starry skies of a category one dark site; the darkest skies available on Earth.
Yuneec CGO2 Steadygrip - Getting It to Work - UPDATE Dakota Starry Nights 2015-04-30 | An update to the "Yuneec Q500+ CGO2 Steadygrip - Getting It to Work" video here on Dakota Starry Nights showing an improved method for battery storage on the Steadygrip. Link to box: http://www.cortlandline.com/fly-fishing/kits-and-accessories/fly-boxes-storage/u-bottom-fly-boxes
Yuneec Q500+ CGO2 Steadygrip - Getting It to Work Dakota Starry Nights 2015-04-28 | An alternative method for getting the CGO2-GB Camera to work with the Yuneec Q500+ Proaction Steadygrip and improved radio strap.
A Yuneec Q500+ Typhoon Close Encounter Dakota Starry Nights 2015-04-24 | A Yuneec Typhoon Q500+ threading its way through the Needles and Spires of the Black Hills in western South Dakota at sunrise.
Yuneec Q500+ Performance Test Dakota Starry Nights 2015-04-17 | Flight over Lake flown in "Pilot Mode" / Angle -- Video rate: 60 fps -- Ground Conditions: Breezy at time. (9-11 mph)Note: This was only the second time I flew the Q500+. This video shows the potential of the Q500+ after some more flying experience.youtube.com/watch?v=spaoiovyKTw&google_comment_id=z12qydkrhwnrwdsv3224i1bwqq3rf50hr04&google_view_type=
Equatorial Mount Polar Alignment - Making it Easer Dakota Starry Nights 2015-04-12 | A simple and quick way to get a one degree initial polar alignment for your Equatorial Mount.
William Optics DDG SCT RotoLock Focuser / In-Depth Review Dakota Starry Nights 2015-04-02 | A hands on, in-depth, review of the William Optics DDG SCT two speed rack & pinion RotoLock focuser; its use and proper installation when using a Celestron EdgeHD series scope.
A Guide to Motorizing a Dobsonian Telescope Dakota Starry Nights 2015-03-07 | This is a follow-up video to "Ideas for Motorizing a Dobsonian Telescope" found here on Dakota Starry Nights; with an emphasis on "How to"
Walkera Scout x4 Upgrade / Improved Landing Gear Structure Dakota Starry Nights 2015-03-01 | NOW BACK IN STOCK: http://www.ebay.com/itm/222203505182?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649This project was to upgrade the Walkera Scout landing structure. The Spider Leg Structure is of my own design and was built to help reduce the stress of landing on the servo motors used on the Walkera Scout x4.
Youtube Channel Trailer Dakota Starry Nights 2015-02-01 | Dakota Starry Nights: An astronomy resource for product reviews, tips, ideas and how-2 videos.
Walkera Scout / Making it Easer to Carry Dakota Starry Nights 2015-01-30 | A DIY Walkera Scout pack for the backcountry
Walkera Scout / Making it Stronger Dakota Starry Nights 2015-01-23 | A practical approach on how to make the Walker Scout X4 stronger and easier to find when lost.
Walkera Scout X4 Badlands Flight Dakota Starry Nights 2015-01-11 | First Walkera Scout X4 flight with camera & gimbal over the Badlands of South Dakota.
Improved Prop Balancing for Solid Hub Rotors (Walkera Scout ect.) Dakota Starry Nights 2014-12-25 | Accurate Prop Balancing for props and rotors with solid hubs like the Walkera Scout X4 and Tali H500 Propellers.
Walkera 3D Gimbal Adjustment (Detail Instructions) Dakota Starry Nights 2014-12-22 | Detail instructions on How To Adjust the Walkera G-3D Camera Gimbal. (Shown on a Scout X4 using a Devo F12e Radio and gimbal position mode switch set to 1.)
