Merlin Panorama head
In 2012, I bought a Skywatcher Merlin SynScan GoTo, which I converted for panorama photography. In combination with a laptop, a Bluetooth adapter and the Papywizard software, the first gigapixel panorama images were created.
The Skywatcher Merlin SynScan GoTo is designed for Astro use and comes with a Handcontroller. The Handcontroller is using a RS-232 protokoll to communicate with the head. I replaced the handcontroller by a Bluetooth interface. The way to connect your Laptop to the controller, follows the same procedure like a Mobile phone. Most of the new laptops have built-in Bluetooth radio. The olders can be easily upgraded with USB port Bluetooth modules. With Bluetooth connection I can control the Merlin GoTo Head without cable.
On the Bluetooth module, there is a reset button and a status led. The LED can indicate the following states of the connection:
Dark - The module is not powered. Please check the power connections of the mount!
Fast blinking (2Hz) - The module is not paired to any computer. In this case it doesn't accept connections, but it is ready to be discovered by a computer.
Slow blinking (1Hz) - The module is paired with a computer. It is ready to accept connections. If you press the reset button, the module will forget the pairing, and comes back to unpaired state (fast blinking).
Continuous lighting - Connection established with a computer. It indicates that a program (typically the Ursa Minor Skytour or Pro) built the connection to control the telescope.
The Bluetooth interface has two additional LEDs to indicate focus and exposition control of DSLR camera.
I use the Papywizard software to control the head. The software is also available on GitHub.
Here is a short tutorial how I use the software.
Here are some photos, taken during a Panorama shooting. This is a setup I used in Miltenberg\Main. Meanwhile I'm using a Berlebach Report 843 Wooden Trypod with a levelling ball:
Photography & Project by Panoplace.de & Stefan Dungs
When I'm backpacking, I prefer my tried-and-tested Sirui carbon tripod, as it's an optimal compromise between weight, flexibility and stability. Here at work in Allgäu:
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs
Over the years, I have adapted the system to my needs with more powerful batteries, mounts and paintwork.
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs