One year in, and I finally made the big jump to guiding & computer control!
I have never been able to reliably image for much longer than 90 seconds, due partially to a faulty Skyguider Pro mount. With the mount replaced plus the new guide camera & scope, I was able to gather 4 hours of light over two nights - the first being a rather shaky test run, and the second reassuringly glitch-free and efficient, learning a lot as I go.
The upgraded rig is connected to a Raspberry Pi 4 running Astroberry Server, which in turn is controlled by my iMac indoors. I'm still having a few issues with EKOS, but loving the fact that I can now expose 300s+ with reasonable stars, and that I can sit and relax with my family while this is happening.
This project also benefitted greatly from the Optolong L-eNhance filter, which I am borrowing from a colleague (thank you!) I've had precious little in the way of clear skies this fall, but I'm taking some solace in the fact that when the clouds do eventually clear, I'll be ready
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