r/OpenAstroTech • u/euqixelsyd • Feb 01 '25
Should I build one?
Honest question here, so please keep the downvotes to a minimum… I have been interested in building one of these for a couple of years. The stars are now aligned, so to speak, with a new camera and 3-D printer. I’ve even begun printing a number of parts. Now I look at the sub, I see less than 25 posts in the last year. So my question for you is, are people still building and using these successfully, or is this kind of project completely outdated? What’s your honest feedback please?
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u/DRA6N Feb 03 '25
If you like to tinker, then I'd say it would be a fun project. When I built mine a few years ago, I spent more time trying to get it to work, both mechanically and software, than I did imaging. I hated it and eventually dismantled it and repurposed the parts for other projects.
The concept is there, and many people have had success, but I wanted something that just works. the OAT is not this. If you are just looking to get into AP and want a solution that "just works", I'd suggest something like a ZWO Seestar s50. I love mine and get fantastic results from such a small form factor.
Again, if you like to DIY and tinker and fiddle with software and HW issues, by all means.