The first is a Wide Field-of-View (FoV) rig based upon a refractor with a 264mm focal length; the second is an Intermediate FoV rig based upon a refractor with a 444mm focal length; the third is a Narrower FoV rig based upon a telescope with a 1000mm focal length.

Mount: The ZWO AM5 mount is an excellent lightweight harmonic drive mount, especially well suited to an astrophotography rig of this size and weight.

Camera: The ZWO ASI533MC Pro camera is a very good dedicated astro-camera often recommended for beginner or intermediate astrophotographers wanting to image deep-sky objects. The ASI533MC Pro camera is a cooled One-Shot Color (OSC) camera that is fitted with an internal Peltier cooler to lower the temperature of the imaging sensor. Cooling has two benefits -- reducing thermal noise in the image, and enabling repeat imaging at the same temperature, say at −10°C. Note, the combination of a short focal length (264mm in the Askar SQA55) and large pixel sizes (3.76 microns in the ASI533MC Pro camera) will produce under-sampled images -- stars will have a blocky or angular appearance. Though not ideal it may be OK for wide field imaging. Further information at: The CCD Suitability Calculator

Filters: A Baader UV/IR cut luminance filter is used with dedicated astro-cameras to mitigate the effect of stars "blooming" due to the sensitivity of such cameras to IR light. An Optolong L-eXtreme dual band filter is sometimes used to image emission nebulae with the OSC camera. A ZWO Filter Drawer is used to easily install and remove filters.

Focuser: Dual-speed helical focusing rings allow manual independent adjustment of course and fine focus. However, an optional AF Mounting Kit can be easily attached to the telescope to fit a ZWO Electronic Automatic Focuser (EAF), or any other EAF, to enable automatic high-precision focussing.

Guide Scope: The SVBONY SV165 Mini Guide Scope (30mm f/4.0) is a practical low-cost solution for smaller astrophotography rigs. A ZWO ASI120MM Mini guide camera fitted into a Celestron 2X Barlow Lens completes the guiding sub-system.

Storage: Images captured during an imaging session are recorded onto a Samsung T5 512Gb Portable SSD connected to a USB-3 port on the ASIAIR. The SSD is easily removed and connected to a desktop computer to transfer, backup and enhance images.

Imaging Control System: A ZWO ASIAIR Plus (or Pro model) is used to control all aspects of an imaging session. The ASIAIR is a revolutionary product that has greatly simplified and automated astrophotography. This innovative device assists with polar alignment, focuses the telescope, slews the telescope to celestial objects in its massive database, plate solves the image to ensure the intended target is centered in the field of view, guides the telescope by sending corrective pulses from the guide scope to the mount, and either takes and displays images in real-time using live stacking, or automates planned imaging runs overnight. The ASIAIR is a great option whether used at home or at a remote site when a power-hungry laptop is either an undesirable option and/or too cumbersome. The ASIAIR is controlled over WiFi using the free ASIAIR app on either an IOS or Android device. An iPad or a tablet with a large screen is best, although smart phones also work just fine.

Cables: An assortment of 12V power cables and USB cables are used to connect the various components. These cables are included with the ASIAIR and ZWO cameras. It's a good idea to purchase additional shorter cables if necessary as well as Velcro strips to facilitate cable management and to prevent equipment damage from cable snags.

Power Station: A Sunovo 504Wh portable power station is used to power the astrophotography rig. A single 12V cable connects the power station to the AM5 mount, which in turn feeds power to the ASIAIR which then feeds power to the ASI533MC Pro camera and the EAF. Power can also be simultaneously provided to an external Samsung Smart Monitor to display images during Astronomy outreach events. The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 (518Wh) is essentially identical and more readily available.