Imaging laptop, controlling Nikon DSLR...

Plan is to dive into the world of deepsky photography, mainly galaxies and star clusters. These will be first targets, since my current camera (Nikon D200) is not yet modified for astrophotography, when H-alpha band is considered. I have planned to use 300mm MF Nikkor tele lens.

For controlling Nikon from the imaging laptop, I have purchased following stuff from Shoestring Astronomy:

DSUSB contoller
Nikon 10pin interface cable

My mount (HEQ5) has certain faults in bearing, tightened propably too much. And go-to kit I already have - that is to be installed. I will use USB2EQ5-cable to connect laptop to the mount.

HEQ5 mount Goto-kit

This I have put into order, from Telescope service. Estimated delivery would be approximately two weeks.

Main reason why a bought this, that in addition to planet photography I want to attempt autoguided exposures with Nikon D200 plus a short telelens -combination. I know there are many challenges in this world to come... Guider camera needs to be purchased also. Most propably I change my planetary camera to a certain monocrome model, from Imaging Source products. These models are also suitable for guiding cameras.

Equipment updates

Time to update my HEQ5 -mount... I was frustrated - especially in winter- when I hurt my fingers with original fixing screws on mount saddle (Vixen type). The separation is so small that it does not allow free thumbscrew rotation, without touching sharp surface of another screw.

So I have placed an order to ADM accessories, from their "D" -series:
-saddle adapter (EQG-SAD)
-two dovetail plates for C8 (DC8)
-dovetail plate adapter for camera head (DPA)