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Posted: 3/17/2019 11:17:38 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I am REALLY liking this new camera. I shot this last night directly under a near 3/4 moon. This is only 1 hour of imaging (12, 5 minute subs) with a Ha filter. I planned on shooting more tonight to get even better detail, but clouds have moved in for the week it looks like. I can't wait to get an OIII filter so I can start shooting the Hubble Palette. https://www.focalworld.com/index.php?media/horsehead-ha-60-min.2897/full I'm convinced, I have abandoned my OSC ASI294 purchase and I'm getting the ASI1600 Pro kit next month. I should get a decent mount first, but I want to start taking pics.... 
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Posted: 3/18/2019 6:20:39 AM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I am REALLY liking this new camera. I shot this last night directly under a near 3/4 moon. This is only 1 hour of imaging (12, 5 minute subs) with a Ha filter. I planned on shooting more tonight to get even better detail, but clouds have moved in for the week it looks like. I can't wait to get an OIII filter so I can start shooting the Hubble Palette. https://www.focalworld.com/index.php?media/horsehead-ha-60-min.2897/full Get yourself a S2 and OIII filter now. Also make sure you are dithering, with that camera and scope it should be a large dither movement |
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Posted: 3/18/2019 8:39:00 PM EDT
[#3]
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:33:49 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7821/46500871025_ddb26a0c53_b.jpgMoon Mavic by FredMan, on Flickr 
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Posted: 3/18/2019 9:41:02 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7821/46500871025_ddb26a0c53_b.jpgMoon Mavic by FredMan, on Flickr 
Good job! |
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Posted: 3/20/2019 8:34:50 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Now you are just showing off...
Good job! That hyperfocal distance is a harsh mistress. Here's the "obverse" of that shot, drone sharp and moon blurry.  Mavic Moon by FredMan, on Flickr
Then I drifted off into the "large moon" technique. You know, like this (not my shot!):  Attached FileTurns out there's a whole bunch of math involved in setting up shots like that, not to mention timing and location. And then there's shooting distance; to get the moon that big it was shot from 1300 meters, or about 8/10 of a mile. He used an 800mm with a 2x teleconverter. |
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Posted: 3/20/2019 9:14:00 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Nice! Get yourself a S2 and OIII filter now. Also make sure you are dithering, with that camera and scope it should be a large dither movement I am dithering, but only using #8 on the dither setting. I tried #10, but that seemed excessive and was taking away too much of my field of view due to cropping. . . . With the days getting longer and it not getting dark until after 8 pm, I don't have much time during the week to shoot astrophotos. But, when it is clear out, I still set up for at least and hour of imaging. Last night I shot the Seagull with my mono camera and a hydrogen alpha filter. I need to buy an OIII and SII filter so that I can make hubble palatte images, but for now, I will have to settle for B&W. Narrow band imaging sure works great in light pollution, and even with a bright near full moon. This is 17, 5 minute exposures. |
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Posted: 3/20/2019 9:19:55 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I need to get them, but I'll have to save up. It is hard to believe the prices they get for just a small piece of glass! I am dithering, but only using #8 on the dither setting. I tried #10, but that seemed excessive and was taking away too much of my field of view due to cropping. . . . With the days getting longer and it not getting dark until after 8 pm, I don't have much time during the week to shoot astrophotos. But, when it is clear out, I still set up for at least and hour of imaging. Last night I shot the Swan with my mono camera and a hydrogen alpha filter. I need to buy an OIII and SII filter so that I can make hubble palatte images, but for now, I will have to settle for B&W. Narrow band imaging sure works great in light pollution, and even with a bright near full moon. This is 17, 5 minute exposures. https://www.focalworld.com/index.php?media/swan-in-ha-small.2910/full 
Though I suppose you need a different format filter to insert pre-camera for a color wheel or similar.  
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Posted: 3/21/2019 6:50:03 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The O III is $80 1.2" from Amazon, but the SII is a bit on the insane side of pricing in the mid 3 digits, depending on size.
Though I suppose you need a different format filter to insert pre-camera for a color wheel or similar. www.amazon.com/dp/B0007UQNWM |
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Posted: 3/21/2019 6:52:04 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I need to get them, but I'll have to save up. It is hard to believe the prices they get for just a small piece of glass! I am dithering, but only using #8 on the dither setting. I tried #10, but that seemed excessive and was taking away too much of my field of view due to cropping. . . . With the days getting longer and it not getting dark until after 8 pm, I don't have much time during the week to shoot astrophotos. But, when it is clear out, I still set up for at least and hour of imaging. Last night I shot the Seagull with my mono camera and a hydrogen alpha filter. I need to buy an OIII and SII filter so that I can make hubble palatte images, but for now, I will have to settle for B&W. Narrow band imaging sure works great in light pollution, and even with a bright near full moon. This is 17, 5 minute exposures. https://www.focalworld.com/index.php?media/swan-in-ha-small.2910/full I paid two grand for this mount and its shit. I swear celestron is becoming the Remington of astronomy |
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Posted: 3/23/2019 10:19:34 PM EDT
[#11]
It's been 2,592 orbits since I did one of these, but here's tonight's second transit. I completely missed the 8:00 showing, that one was almost directly overhead.
 ISS Transit Ephemeris 20190323 by FredMan, on Flickr  ISS Track 20190323 by FredMan, on Flickr
153 second exposure, 11mm, ISO 400  ISS Transit 20190323 by FredMan, on Flickr
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Posted: 3/26/2019 7:07:06 PM EDT
[#12]
With galaxy season starting, I am thinking of getting a longer focal length scope.
I'm kind of torn on getting an 8" f4 imaging newtonian or saving up and getting a 1000mm Mak Newt. I really don't care for diffraction spikes in images and the Mak newt will fix that, but it is 3x the money. I am wondering if I should just pick up something like a GSO 8" f4 newt and see how it goes. I can get one, with the correct coma corrector for $499 shipped. The Skywatcher 190mm MN is $1550.00. I am spending WAY too much on astrophotograpy 
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Posted: 3/26/2019 7:09:32 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
With galaxy season starting, I am thinking of getting a longer focal length scope. I'm kind of torn on getting an 8" f4 imaging newtonian or saving up and getting a 1000mm Mak Newt. I really don't care for diffraction spikes in images and the Mak newt will fix that, but it is 3x the money. I am wondering if I should just pick up something like a GSO 8" f4 newt and see how it goes. I can get one, with the correct coma corrector for $499 shipped. The Skywatcher 190mm MN is $1550.00. I am spending WAY too much on astrophotograpy |
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Posted: 3/26/2019 7:13:38 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Seems to be a common observation in this thread. I've chosen to wisely look at what you guys come up with instead. Fewer bug bites and a lot more affordable, so I very much appreciate you sharing the fruits of the hobby!! Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
With galaxy season starting, I am thinking of getting a longer focal length scope. I'm kind of torn on getting an 8" f4 imaging newtonian or saving up and getting a 1000mm Mak Newt. I really don't care for diffraction spikes in images and the Mak newt will fix that, but it is 3x the money. I am wondering if I should just pick up something like a GSO 8" f4 newt and see how it goes. I can get one, with the correct coma corrector for $499 shipped. The Skywatcher 190mm MN is $1550.00. I am spending WAY too much on astrophotograpy I took down my ED80 an set up my 9.25SCT with an 6.3 focal reducer last night - I was going to try imaging M101. But I have installed some new imaging software on my computer and by the time I figured out how to get it all integrated and working it was too late to get any usable astro images (funny how that goes). It's high overcast here tonight so I'll have to wait to try again...  Attached File |
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Posted: 3/26/2019 7:39:10 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
With galaxy season starting, I am thinking of getting a longer focal length scope. I'm kind of torn on getting an 8" f4 imaging newtonian or saving up and getting a 1000mm Mak Newt. I really don't care for diffraction spikes in images and the Mak newt will fix that, but it is 3x the money. I am wondering if I should just pick up something like a GSO 8" f4 newt and see how it goes. I can get one, with the correct coma corrector for $499 shipped. The Skywatcher 190mm MN is $1550.00. I am spending WAY too much on astrophotograpy |
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Posted: 3/26/2019 7:49:31 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I had a fast Newt, it was a huge piece of shit. You couldn't look at it without it losing collimation. Sold it within a year. I doubt I'll ever get another one, maybe an edge HD or a nicer mak Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
With galaxy season starting, I am thinking of getting a longer focal length scope. I'm kind of torn on getting an 8" f4 imaging newtonian or saving up and getting a 1000mm Mak Newt. I really don't care for diffraction spikes in images and the Mak newt will fix that, but it is 3x the money. I am wondering if I should just pick up something like a GSO 8" f4 newt and see how it goes. I can get one, with the correct coma corrector for $499 shipped. The Skywatcher 190mm MN is $1550.00. I am spending WAY too much on astrophotograpy I was actually looking at a larger refractor yesterday but was amazed at how fast the prices climb with aperture!!!
I'm going to run with my 9.25SCT and hopefully next month spend my astro saving account to purchase the ASI1600 with at least the LRGB-Ha filter set (dang you guys!). But a Hyperstar would be nice. Then after that I REALLY need a decent mount!!! |
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Posted: 3/26/2019 9:40:24 PM EDT
[#17]
Think I have my scope issues figured out. Took off every piece of my gear and tested it bit by bit looking for the flaw. Eventually led me to the lens housing itself after an hour or two. One of the collimation screws was loose, tightened it back up and everything is looking good.
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Posted: 3/31/2019 2:40:00 PM EDT
[#18]
Have any of you guys done the phases of Venus? Could be tied in with annalemma?
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Posted: 3/31/2019 4:22:19 PM EDT
[#19]
Well I finally got a chance to set up my new capture program (APT) and figured out how to interface it with my mount, image, and guide cameras.
I set up my C9.25 SCT with f6.3 reducer last night to see if I could actually capture anything. I decided on M101 (Pinwheel Galaxy) even though it's a very faint target. Since I still don't have my ASI1600MM Pro (hopefully they WILL go on sale next month) I used my Nikon D90 DSLR (a terrible choice for this target). Never-the-less, I shot 3.5 hours of two minute subs - no where near enough on this target but enough to see if my new setup will work. With my DSLR I really need about eight hours of data so I had to stretch it out into the noise to get an image. Here is my test image - the overstretched Lights & Darks, no flats or bias, of M101: But I'm satisfied that my new setup will work when I get my new camera.  Attached File |
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Posted: 3/31/2019 4:28:48 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Well I finally got a chance to set up my new capture program (APT) and figured out how to interface it with my mount, image, and guide cameras. I set up my C9.25 SCT with f6.3 reducer last night to see if I could actually capture anything. I decided on M101 (Pinwheel Galaxy) even though it's a very faint target. Since I still don't have my ASI1600MM Pro (hopefully they WILL go on sale next month) I used my Nikon D90 DSLR (a terrible choice for this target). Never-the-less, I shot 3.5 hours of two minute subs - no where near enough on this target but enough to see if my new setup will work. With my DSLR I really need about eight hours of data so I had to stretch it out into the noise to get an image. Here is my test image - the overstretched Lights & Darks, no flats or bias, of M101: But I'm satisfied that my new setup will work when I get my new camera. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/20962/M101f_jpg-896580.JPG Continually in this thread I see "crappy test shots" that are WAY beyond most of the images found on an image search for the item in question. That said, I also am awaiting results from your new camera setup. 
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Posted: 4/1/2019 2:05:28 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Well I finally got a chance to set up my new capture program (APT) and figured out how to interface it with my mount, image, and guide cameras. I set up my C9.25 SCT with f6.3 reducer last night to see if I could actually capture anything. I decided on M101 (Pinwheel Galaxy) even though it's a very faint target. Since I still don't have my ASI1600MM Pro (hopefully they WILL go on sale next month) I used my Nikon D90 DSLR (a terrible choice for this target). Never-the-less, I shot 3.5 hours of two minute subs - no where near enough on this target but enough to see if my new setup will work. With my DSLR I really need about eight hours of data so I had to stretch it out into the noise to get an image. Here is my test image - the overstretched Lights & Darks, no flats or bias, of M101: But I'm satisfied that my new setup will work when I get my new camera. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/20962/M101f_jpg-896580.JPG Very cool man! I'm hoping that I can shoot 101 tonight if the weather holds. Are you dithering with your new software? It will help with noise, plus you can drizzle which will double the size of you image without loss of quality. |
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Posted: 4/1/2019 2:14:55 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
@AZ_Sky Very cool man! I'm hoping that I can shoot 101 tonight if the weather holds. Are you dithering with your new software? It will help with noise, plus you can drizzle which will double the size of you image without loss of quality. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Well I finally got a chance to set up my new capture program (APT) and figured out how to interface it with my mount, image, and guide cameras. I set up my C9.25 SCT with f6.3 reducer last night to see if I could actually capture anything. I decided on M101 (Pinwheel Galaxy) even though it's a very faint target. Since I still don't have my ASI1600MM Pro (hopefully they WILL go on sale next month) I used my Nikon D90 DSLR (a terrible choice for this target). Never-the-less, I shot 3.5 hours of two minute subs - no where near enough on this target but enough to see if my new setup will work. With my DSLR I really need about eight hours of data so I had to stretch it out into the noise to get an image. Here is my test image - the overstretched Lights & Darks, no flats or bias, of M101: But I'm satisfied that my new setup will work when I get my new camera. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/20962/M101f_jpg-896580.JPG Very cool man! I'm hoping that I can shoot 101 tonight if the weather holds. Are you dithering with your new software? It will help with noise, plus you can drizzle which will double the size of you image without loss of quality. Yes, I'm dithering but I'm still trying to zero in on dithering distance vs settling time - actually, it's going to change once I get the ASI1600 so I'm not spending a lot of time figuring it out for the DSLR. I have the ASI1600MM Pro, LRGB + Ha, and Mini Filter Wheel sitting in the cart right now ($1448 shipped) - I'm just working up the courage to hit 'Submit'....
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Posted: 4/1/2019 2:17:55 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
@Ciraxis Yes, I'm dithering but I'm still trying to zero in on dithering distance vs settling time - actually, it's going to change once I get the ASI1600 so I'm not spending a lot of time figuring it out for the DSLR. I have the ASI1600MM Pro, LRGB + Ha, and Mini Filter Wheel sitting in the cart right now ($1448 shipped) - I'm just working up the courage to hit 'Submit'....
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Posted: 4/1/2019 2:51:44 PM EDT
[#24]
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Posted: 4/1/2019 5:04:41 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistorySweet shot! Details? |
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Posted: 4/1/2019 9:23:16 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
All of ZWWOs stuff is 10% off right now Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
@Ciraxis Yes, I'm dithering but I'm still trying to zero in on dithering distance vs settling time - actually, it's going to change once I get the ASI1600 so I'm not spending a lot of time figuring it out for the DSLR. I have the ASI1600MM Pro, LRGB + Ha, and Mini Filter Wheel sitting in the cart right now ($1448 shipped) - I'm just working up the courage to hit 'Submit'.... Yup!
 Attached File |
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Posted: 4/1/2019 9:29:02 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
@Ciraxis Yes, I'm dithering but I'm still trying to zero in on dithering distance vs settling time - actually, it's going to change once I get the ASI1600 so I'm not spending a lot of time figuring it out for the DSLR. I have the ASI1600MM Pro, LRGB + Ha, and Mini Filter Wheel sitting in the cart right now ($1448 shipped) - I'm just working up the courage to hit 'Submit'.... Yup!
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/20962/Capture_PNG-897959.JPG 
I'm just as excited to see the results.
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Posted: 4/1/2019 9:43:08 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Have any of you guys done the phases of Venus? Could be tied in with annalemma? https://i.imgur.com/pgieH2F.jpg 
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Posted: 4/1/2019 9:49:26 PM EDT
[#29]
Scope is set up, did some star tests, stills seems off to me. I need to do more messing around but my hands are froze, going to let it run over night regardless. Stars looked good on half the frame, not so much on the other half, might be titlt but I'm guessing I may need to tweak the three screws that collimate the lens. I did mess with them outside but what a pain in the cold
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Posted: 4/1/2019 9:58:59 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistorySweet! What software are you using to run everything?
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Posted: 4/2/2019 8:45:45 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Scope is set up, did some star tests, stills seems off to me. I need to do more messing around but my hands are froze, going to let it run over night regardless. Stars looked good on half the frame, not so much on the other half, might be titlt but I'm guessing I may need to tweak the three screws that collimate the lens. I did mess with them outside but what a pain in the cold Good luck in any case. |
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Posted: 4/2/2019 8:47:36 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryYou are going to be literally blown away by what you can do with this system. I am getting SO much cleaner results that are so easy to calibrate and get completely smooth illumination across the field. With my DSLR, I always had to do a ton of work to get anything even slightly acceptable.
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Posted: 4/2/2019 8:47:55 AM EDT
[#33]
Finally had a clear night last night, I only had time to shoot luminance and not RGB, so this is only black and white for now. I will shoot the RGB and Ha filters when I get another clear night.
The Leo Triplet, 40, 2 minute subs. Stellarvue SV80 Access SFF3-25-48 Field Flattener ZWO ASI183MM Pro EQ6-R Pro |
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Posted: 4/2/2019 9:07:28 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Finally had a clear night last night, I only had time to shoot luminance and not RGB, so this is only black and white for now. I will shoot the RGB and Ha filters when I get another clear night. The Leo Triplet, 40, 2 minute subs. Stellarvue SV80 Access SFF3-25-48 Field Flattener ZWO ASI183MM Pro EQ6-R Pro https://www.focalworld.com/index.php?media/leo-triplet-lum-small.2937/full My lens is still fucked, stars are all weird. I need to adjust it again once I have time, I'll probably make an artificial star again to test it. I may just end up getting a new scope soon anyways, I've been wanting to upgrade the optics. I still want to fix it though, mostly because I want to learn how its done. |
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Posted: 4/2/2019 9:20:16 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Isn't it great the detail you get with these cameras? My lens is still fucked, stars are all weird. I need to adjust it again once I have time, I'll probably make an artificial star again to test it. I may just end up getting a new scope soon anyways, I've been wanting to upgrade the optics. I still want to fix it though, mostly because I want to learn how its done. You have an Explore Scientific scope, don't you? They have a Lifetime Warranty and will collimate your scope for you for free if you send it in. I've read that collimating triplets is possible, but it is much harder than doublets. |
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Posted: 4/2/2019 10:38:41 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It sure is! You have an Explore Scientific scope, don't you? They have a Lifetime Warranty and will collimate your scope for you for free if you send it in. I've read that collimating triplets is possible, but it is much harder than doublets. |
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Posted: 4/3/2019 9:57:51 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @jdraizor Sweet shot! Details? Here is another of Andromeda, same setup as before.  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/3/2019 10:52:04 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I can't remember all the details on exposure lengths and quantity, but it was shot with a Canon 5DS and a 300 F4.0 with a Sky Guider Pro. Post processing done with trial version of pixinsight. Here is another of Andromeda, same setup as before. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/171130/Andromeda_Small_jpg-899568.JPG |
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Posted: 4/3/2019 9:42:04 PM EDT
[#39]
It's here!!!
ZWO ASI1600MM Pro and ZWO Mini filter wheel with LRGB+Ha filters. I got it installed and everything seems to be working with my software (Astro Photography Tools), I do need to get some proper cables and improve my cable securing though. Now I need to see if I can get focus - unfortunately (like always) according to the weather forecast, the sky is going to be 85% obscured for the next ten days... 
But I'm excited to make my next captures - gonna be a new learning curve all over again!!!
 Attached File |
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Posted: 4/4/2019 8:06:23 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It's here!!!
ZWO ASI1600MM Pro and ZWO Mini filter wheel with LRGB+Ha filters. I got it installed and everything seems to be working with my software (Astro Photography Tools), I do need to get some proper cables and improve my cable securing though. Now I need to see if I can get focus - unfortunately (like always) according to the weather forecast, the sky is going to be 85% obscured for the next ten days...
But I'm excited to make my next captures - gonna be a new learning curve all over again!!!
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/20962/ZWO_ASI1600MM_PRO_jpg-900278.JPG |
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Posted: 4/8/2019 2:51:48 PM EDT
[#41]
Well, the weather finally cooperated enough for me to set up with the new ASI1600MM PRO.
This is going to take some getting used to. I shot M101 again. After coming somewhat up to speed I managed to shoot 2 hours of Lum bin 1x1, 30 min each of RGB bin 2x2, flats and darks. Processing is going to be a huge learning curve. I'm going to try and set up tonight to shoot more data to improve the S/N ratio so I don't have to stretch it as hard. It's a little rough, but here's my first attempt:  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/8/2019 3:10:38 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Well, the weather finally cooperated enough for me to set up with the new ASI1600MM PRO. This is going to take some getting used to. I shot M101 again. After coming somewhat up to speed I managed to shoot 2 hours of Lum bin 1x1, 30 min each of RGB bin 2x2, flats and darks. Processing is going to be a huge learning curve. I'm going to try and set up tonight to shoot more data to improve the S/N ratio so I don't have to stretch it as hard. It's a little rough, but here's my first attempt: https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/20962/M101r_jpg-905600.JPG Trying to identify star on edge.
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Posted: 4/8/2019 3:18:44 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Is that rotated 90 ? Trying to identify star on edge. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Well, the weather finally cooperated enough for me to set up with the new ASI1600MM PRO. This is going to take some getting used to. I shot M101 again. After coming somewhat up to speed I managed to shoot 2 hours of Lum bin 1x1, 30 min each of RGB bin 2x2, flats and darks. Processing is going to be a huge learning curve. I'm going to try and set up tonight to shoot more data to improve the S/N ratio so I don't have to stretch it as hard. It's a little rough, but here's my first attempt: https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/20962/M101r_jpg-905600.JPG Trying to identify star on edge.
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Posted: 4/8/2019 3:34:23 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That star would be HIP68621 / SAO 28988 / HD 122865. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Well, the weather finally cooperated enough for me to set up with the new ASI1600MM PRO. This is going to take some getting used to. I shot M101 again. After coming somewhat up to speed I managed to shoot 2 hours of Lum bin 1x1, 30 min each of RGB bin 2x2, flats and darks. Processing is going to be a huge learning curve. I'm going to try and set up tonight to shoot more data to improve the S/N ratio so I don't have to stretch it as hard. It's a little rough, but here's my first attempt: https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/20962/M101r_jpg-905600.JPG Trying to identify star on edge. Picture looks awesome especially for a first attempt with new gear and software! |
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Posted: 4/10/2019 5:45:11 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Well, the weather finally cooperated enough for me to set up with the new ASI1600MM PRO. This is going to take some getting used to. I shot M101 again. After coming somewhat up to speed I managed to shoot 2 hours of Lum bin 1x1, 30 min each of RGB bin 2x2, flats and darks. Processing is going to be a huge learning curve. I'm going to try and set up tonight to shoot more data to improve the S/N ratio so I don't have to stretch it as hard. It's a little rough, but here's my first attempt: https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/20962/M101r_jpg-906204.JPG So, are you happy with the ASI1600? |
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Posted: 4/10/2019 5:51:11 PM EDT
[#46]
Well, since galaxy season is here, I ordered a new scope.
At first I ordered an Explore Scientific 152mm Maksutov Newtonian, a 730mm F4.3 scope, but when it arrived the secondary was tilted and when I went to collimate it, I found that the corrector lens was very loose and easy to turn by hand. I sent the scope back and was going to just get a replacement. BUT, a little more pocket money arrived and I ordered a Skywatcher MN190 Maksutov Newtonian instead, it is a 1000mm F5.2 scope. This will work a lot better for smaller objects and is further away from my 560mm scope in focal length. From the photos I've seen on Astrobin, the optics look to be extremely good. I won't be able to use it for a while though since storm systems and clouds seem to be parked right over my back yard for the foreseeable future 
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Posted: 4/10/2019 6:01:50 PM EDT
[#47]
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That looks great, especially for such short total integration! So, are you happy with the ASI1600? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Well, the weather finally cooperated enough for me to set up with the new ASI1600MM PRO. This is going to take some getting used to. I shot M101 again. After coming somewhat up to speed I managed to shoot 2 hours of Lum bin 1x1, 30 min each of RGB bin 2x2, flats and darks. Processing is going to be a huge learning curve. I'm going to try and set up tonight to shoot more data to improve the S/N ratio so I don't have to stretch it as hard. It's a little rough, but here's my first attempt: https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/20962/M101r_jpg-906204.JPG So, are you happy with the ASI1600? But my initial thoughts are totally positive! At first I thought it would be a pain in the ass to deal with filters and a monochrome sensor, but the electronic filter wheel and the ability to create a hands-off total image capturing plan in my software makes LRGB imaging a no brainer. And I really like the TEC cooling, that alone makes the camera light years (excuse the pun) ahead of shooting with an uncooled DSLR as far as noise goes. Post processing is proving to be a steep learning curve but I'm not going to sweat it yet because I think my short integration time is also part of the problem, once I get some real data to work with I think I'll be able to work out some of the processing problems I'm experiencing. Yeah - I'm glad you guys kept hammering on me to drop the OSC and go MONO, I can't wait for nebula season to come around again...
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Posted: 4/10/2019 6:17:44 PM EDT
[#48]
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So far I have only had the one chance to shoot with it due to weather and clouds. But my initial thoughts are totally positive! At first I thought it would be a pain in the ass to deal with filters and a monochrome sensor, but the electronic filter wheel and the ability to create a hands-off total image capturing plan in my software makes LRGB imaging a no brainer. And I really like the TEC cooling, that alone makes the camera light years (excuse the pun) ahead of shooting with an uncooled DSLR as far as noise goes. Post processing is proving to be a steep learning curve but I'm not going to sweat it yet because I think my short integration time is also part of the problem, once I get some real data to work with I think I'll be able to work out some of the processing problems I'm experiencing. Yeah - I'm glad you guys kept hammering on me to drop the OSC and go MONO, I can't wait for nebula season to come around again... This is what I got, cropped in. Yours looks better, with less integration. This was my first LRGB+Ha image with the camera.  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/10/2019 6:37:03 PM EDT
[#49]
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There are some nebulas still up, and more are coming shortly. I also shot M101 with my new asi183MM Pro. I have around 6 hours into it, including about an hour of Ha. I was shooting with a 560mm refractor though and the moon was pretty bright out all night. I had also set the backfocus to the field flattener WAY too close, so it wasn't as sharp as it could have been. This is what I got, cropped in. Yours looks better, with less integration. This was my first LRGB+Ha image with the camera. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/111224/M101_Small_jpg-908206.JPG Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
So far I have only had the one chance to shoot with it due to weather and clouds. But my initial thoughts are totally positive! At first I thought it would be a pain in the ass to deal with filters and a monochrome sensor, but the electronic filter wheel and the ability to create a hands-off total image capturing plan in my software makes LRGB imaging a no brainer. And I really like the TEC cooling, that alone makes the camera light years (excuse the pun) ahead of shooting with an uncooled DSLR as far as noise goes. Post processing is proving to be a steep learning curve but I'm not going to sweat it yet because I think my short integration time is also part of the problem, once I get some real data to work with I think I'll be able to work out some of the processing problems I'm experiencing. Yeah - I'm glad you guys kept hammering on me to drop the OSC and go MONO, I can't wait for nebula season to come around again... This is what I got, cropped in. Yours looks better, with less integration. This was my first LRGB+Ha image with the camera. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/111224/M101_Small_jpg-908206.JPG I shot M101 with my 9.25SCT and a f6.3 reducer (that also isn't set at the proper focus point) which ended up system wise being a focal length of 1385mm @ f6.3. My old CG5 mount was at its limit but it guided at a total rms error of 1.5 arc seconds for the duration which is more than I like but it's what I have until I upgrade the mount. I'm going to try and get 6 to 8 hours of integration on M101, I do have a Ha filter but I'm not sure what it will bring to the image - I suppose I could add in a few hours of Ha also. I can already tell that I'll be spending a lot of time in the dark in my back yard this summer!
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Posted: 4/11/2019 8:02:31 AM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Well, the weather finally cooperated enough for me to set up with the new ASI1600MM PRO. This is going to take some getting used to. I shot M101 again. After coming somewhat up to speed I managed to shoot 2 hours of Lum bin 1x1, 30 min each of RGB bin 2x2, flats and darks. Processing is going to be a huge learning curve. I'm going to try and set up tonight to shoot more data to improve the S/N ratio so I don't have to stretch it as hard. It's a little rough, but here's my first attempt: https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/20962/M101r_jpg-906204.JPG Sweet, you are going to love that camera. Trust me, the OSC cameras just aren't worth it, with software these days being able to control the filter wheel and with auto focus you can just set it and forget it* I would definitely add some HA data to that shot, it will really bring out the bright knots of nebula in the arms. *totally not true in most cases
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