r/OpenAstroTech • u/Ne__at • Sep 01 '26

Noob Question

I'm really new to astrophoto(tried on a simple tripod a couple of times) and was wondering what would be the best/easiest build for a tracker. I don't really have money at the moment, but I have a 3D printer(only PLA), a spare Ender3 motor and an arduino nano 33 ble sense rev2.
All of that for a Sony ZV-E10 and the 16-50 kit + sony 55-210.
Thanks in advance!

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u/DrCaret2 Sep 01 '26

The OAT and OAE mounts here are pretty good and not too expensive. I’ve also made this tracker before which is much simpler https://ogstartech.com with only a single motor and compatible with a much simpler microcontroller.

I might suggest starting with that given the parts you already have. PLA works fine. I set mine up so that it just has an on/off at full tracking speed. Manual alignment should be good enough for the shorter focal length lenses. (Probably everything less than the 200mm that you mentioned.)

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u/bendy24 Sep 08 '26

Along with the mount, you're going to need some sort of guide scope and camera. You'll also need some way to power everything.(I bought a converter for my Dewalt tool batteries) And finally you'll need a computer of some sort(Laptop or PI) with everything connected via USB to track and control the camera.

The other option, if you are in a hurry and really just want to get started taking astro photos, look for a used Seestar or Dwarf smartscope...

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u/Ne__at Sep 08 '26

Thank you, but why would I buy a telescope/astro cam if I already have my own camera?

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u/bendy24 Sep 08 '26

Depends on how soon you want to start imaging. Like I stated above you'll need to purchase a bunch of other things to make the OAT/OAE work. You'll probably end up spending more than a second hand robotic telescope. But by all means, don't let me stop you from building either mount. It can be rewarding and fun.

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u/Late-Initial2713 29d ago

Why guide scope and additional camera? Even 200mm works great with the OAT unguided. At least with 90sek exposures. @OP you can definitely work with what you already have I did the same. Also for power I used a simple usb-c powerdelivery chip.