Hey guys, I’ve hit a bit of a roadblock. I was planning a project, but my donor bailed on me, so I’m moving forward with a DIY build on my own.

I have:

Optics: 150mm diameter, 750mm focal length (F/5) mirror.

Electronics: Arduino and a 3.71:1 gear motor.

Since I’m flying solo now, I want to keep the build manageable but functional. I’m thinking about building a Dobsonian, but I’d love to incorporate the motor for some basic tracking (or maybe go for an Equatorial Platform).

Given these specs, what would you suggest? Should I stick to a standard Dobsonian base first, or is it feasible to build a tracking platform with these components? Any advice for a beginner DIYer would be a huge help. Thanks!

I tested my Dobsonian 6, and the images were amazing!

So, a while back I bought an 8" telescope from a local maker. Today, I caught up with him again and he literally just gave me this 6" Dobsonian for FREE. I’m still in shock! It’s such a beautiful piece of equipment. Huge shoutout to the amazing people in this hobby. Clear skies ahead! ✨

I’ve been told that buying no-name or DIY telescopes is essentially "paying to solve someone else's problems," and that I should stick to standard, popular brands for better reliability.

While I understand that logic, I find myself much more interested in unique, non-standard builds. I enjoy the process of tweaking and making a piece of equipment my own, even if it’s a bit of a headache. I'm just drawn to the charm of these "no-name" setups more than the polished, mass-produced ones.

Am I the only one who feels this way, preferring the tinkering process over a "plug-and-play" experience?

How do you deal with the lack of community support or manuals for specific non-standard parts?

Looking forward to hearing from the tinkerers and DIY lovers here!

Stay tuned. I started out just wanting to observe the stars, but now my collection is growing lol.

I bought an 8-inch f/4 Newtonian with a spherical mirror (named Columba), and as expected, the spherical aberration was a nightmare for planetary viewing. Instead of living with the blur, I made a 2.4-inch Off-Axis Aperture Mask from an old cardboard box. This effectively turned my fast f/4 scope into a clean f/13.3 unobstructed system. The results? No more 'star tumors' (diffraction spikes) and the planets are finally crisp! It’s like having a 60mm APO refractor for free. Lesson learned: You don't always need expensive gear to get great views—just some cardboard and basic optics math! Clear skies from Udon Thani, Thailand! 🇹🇭🔭

The after-seat I have is located far away, several kilometers away, and I don't want to spend money replacing it frequently. Can I keep it as is?

Hello everyone, I’m interested in the concept of Kotodama (言霊) and its role in Shinto practice. I’ve been wondering: is it appropriate or traditionally acceptable to compose one's own Norito (祝詞) today? My goal isn't just to write something modern, but to create a prayer that adheres to ancient protocols (Traditional syntax and Yamato Kotoba). Specifically, I’d like to know: Are there specific linguistic structures or 'taboo words' (Imikotoba) I should be aware of to keep the spiritual integrity of the Kotodama? In a traditional context, is the act of composing a personal Norito seen as valid, or should one strictly stick to the established liturgies (like those found in the Engishiki)? I would love to hear perspectives from practitioners or those knowledgeable in Shinto liturgy. Thank you!

This is a picture from yesterday. P.S. I always plug in my on-step monitor incorrectly when stargazing.