Bargy

Only my second ever astro image 🙂

NGC 6946 Fireworks Galaxy
41 x 300s Minute Lights
10 x 300s Darks
10 x Light Flats
10 x BIAS

Celestron Edge HD 8" with 0.7 reducer
ASI2600MC pro
ZWO AM5
Celestron OAG with ASI 174MM Mini

Pixinsight/WBPP/DBE/SPCC/BlurX/GHS/NoiseX

Just to add to this - here is an image once I put the imaging train back on and attach the ocal again

Hi,

I'm new to the Edge HD8 and have been struggling with collimation, focus and polar alignment. I think a lot of the issue is that I didn't have the reducer, so been trying to do everything at the native focal length (2032mm). Anyway, I have managed to get hold of a .7 reducer and I'm going through all steps logically.

Question I have first is - should I do the collimation with or without the imaging train? And also, which circles should I align the collimator to?

Here is an image of the Ocal camera with no focal train apart from the .7 reducer which is attached.

Here are the reference points I chose

This next one is after collimation - note that the crosshair on the camera seems central, but the mirror still seems a little off? Not sure if I should go by the mirror or by the camera crosshair.

Main questions then:

1) have I chosen the correct reference points (circles)
2) Should I fine tune to the cross hair or the primary mirror
3) Should I be collimating with just the reducer or the whole image train which would be: Scope-Reducer-OAG-ZWO 21mm Filter draw-ASI2600MC

Many Thanks in advance.

Bargy

Don't want to hijack or anything, I'm really new to Imaging and I have a couple of the Optolong filters, but not done may targets yet.

I'm using the OSC 2600MC camera and I wanted to know - how do you know what filter to use on what target? For example I just put up my first post yesterday or the first image I have taken in the hobby, in which I used the L-Ultimate filter https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/411348-first-ever-dso-imaged-and-processed-ic1805-heart-nebula/

Everything is red with some yellow - but I saw a similar post where the same target ad blue's and green's in it as well - is that because I'm limited with my filter, or just the editor playing with colour schemes in post processing? I wondered if there was some kind of database online, or some way of looking at what type light a target object emits - so I can match that with the right kind of filter (if any) to make sure I don't block out stuff I would want to capture. 

Thanks

Absolutely awesome mate. I just started this year and am learning Pixinsight from scratch - I learn the starless DBE from Adam Blocks website and it’s so much easier that doing DBE with stars 

Wow! Thanks for the comments guys - I wasn't sure what to expect. Been a bit hesitant to post anything being so new to the hobby. I am really happy with the image though, but I feel there is much room for improvement, especially with the colours. Taken in my bortle 6 back yard too on one evening so looking forward to getting to some darker skies and maybe doing multiple nights on something. 

Just took up the hobby at Christmas this year, took me a while to learn enough to even setup the rig, let alone take any data.

I took the data for this image back in March 2023 but It's taken until now to get to a point where I can share an image having learnt both DSO imaging and Pixinsight from a standing start.

Anyway....

50 x 300s Lights
25 x Bias
25 x Dark
25 x Flat

Redcat51
ASI2600MC
AM5 Mount
ASI120mm Mini Guide
L-Ultimate Filter
ASIAIR

Pixinsight with WBPP, StarX, DBE, SPCC, BlurX and then Curves Transformation>

Reasonably chuffed for a first ever go..

Hi,

I'm reasonably new to imaging and have been using the Redcat 51 for widefield DSO with the ASI6200MC, which doesn't really get much zoom with the moon; 

http://astronomy.tools/calculators/field_of_view/?fov[]=4549||3264||1|1|0&solar_system=moon

I do however have a planetary camera for an Edge HD8 I just purchased, but the focal length on that is such that I wouldn't be able to get a full frame shot of the moon.

I also have a 2 x Powermate - question is, would that work well with the Redcat 51 and ASI662? This FOV looks good for getting a close up image

http://astronomy.tools/calculators/field_of_view/?fov[]=4549||9789||2|1|0&solar_system=moon

It's been cloudy here and not had the time to test, so just wanted to ask the question..

Thanks

Just after some advice if that's possible? I have been imaging for around 6 months now (when it's not Cloudy) - here is my current setup:

Williams Optics Redcat 51
ASI2600mc pro
ASI AM5 Mount
ASIair Pro
Williams Optics Guide Scope
ASI 120mm Mini Guide Camera

What I have realised is this is a cracking portable setup which is great at taking wider view images of the larger nebula targets, but not so good for galaxies, planets and lunar. As we move through the months into galaxy and globular cluster season i'm struggling with fewer and fewer targets. Tries M3 last night but without cropping to a silly level the cluster is just too small to see.

I do have a Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 130az - which is not designed for astrophotography,  I just about got my 2600mc to work with it (DSLR won't work because not enough inward travel) - but the single night I did use  on a galaxy all the stars away from the centre of the image were really elongated, and you can add anything else like a field flattener as these is not enough space to add without not being able to get any focus.

I'm looking for recommendations for a OTA that would be a good multipurpose fit for Galaxies, Planets and Lunar - which using as much as I can from the setup above (albeit I know I will need a camera more suited to planetary astrophotography).

Don't want to break the bank (too badly), but as you can see from the kit above I would rather buy quality once than cheap multiple times.

Many Thanks

Here we go, looking much neater and tidier now :-). 
Just need some clear skies 

That must have been it because weirdly it focuses in sharpcap and produces a clear video image of whatever I’m pointing at

2 minutes ago, Elp said:

You tried this just now? Exposure time has to be extremely low (close to micro seconds) during the day otherwise it'll be white, more so as the camera is mono.

OK, let me try again - cheers 

OK...think I have ran into my first issue

Can 't get focus on the guider scope...just shows a white screen (even with gain at zero in ASI Air

Scope is https://williamoptics.com/products/telescope/guider/all-new-50mm-guiding-scope

Camera is https://www.firstlightoptics.com/zwo-cameras/zwo-asi-120mm-mini-usb-20-mono-camera.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAgaGgBhC8ARIsAAAyLfFt1VUWHx_i9lqLhVZYHUW0t_4nT6ODRwbr7-ScFDqPZHc9Zkhh8iUaArkREALw_wcB

Read a few bits about needing enough back focus....I have used all the extension bits I had with the scope and camera and not sure if they are a mismatch...

55 minutes ago, Dark Raven said:

That AM5 slewing sound never gets old 😀

Congrats, I believe you will be happy. That mount carrying capacity will allow for long-time growth.

Do swap those ZWO flat USB cables with proper ones. Be sure to separate data and power cables when cable managing. AM5 harmonic drive has tremendous torque and it will rip out cables with ease. Should you need to reduce weight (airplane, long hike) you can shave off 0.5 kg by replacing the dovetail and saddle. I've added a linchpin just in case.

Wishing you some clear skies and do not forget to dither and drizzle due to the scope focal length and camera pixel pitch to mitigate under-sampling and blocky stars.

Br,

Thanks for the tips!

Was that a cheeky Meridian flip at about 12 seconds 🙂 ?

6 minutes ago, Yawning Angel said:

Oooh, congratulation on the new toy! Just in time for the snow 😁😁

Typical isn't it! Thank you 

Oh happy days 🙂

52 minutes ago, Dark Raven said:

A "bit" more expensive option could be ZWO AM5. Brings the sturdiness of a big mount but remains fairly lightweight.

My setup is to some extent similar to yours.

The core of the setup ZWO AA+, AM5 with WO RC51 and ASI585MC 

 

Packs up nicely into a single backpack 

 

It did cost a lot but coming from the light mount and all the frustration of throwing away a third to half of the subs, I did not ever regret it.

Buy once, cry once. Happy ever after.

Well…I went for it and ordered the AM5…everything gets delivered tomorrow. I like that rucksack…where did you get it? I was thinking about a Peli Case but that Rucksack seems to do the job quite well. I have a Jackery battery as well but luckily that comes in its own bag with a strap 

1 minute ago, Elp said:

If you're in it long term and will be looking to get a larger scope and don't mind the weight of the mount for carrying out and in then yes, a larger mount makes more sense. Most people recommend an heq5/6 pro versions. I've got a gem28 myself, but use the azgti more as it's more convenient to setup.

I wouldn’t mind going a bit bigger to be fair, was just looking at the GTi for portability.

Could you lug around an heq5/6 pro? Or are they just too big and heavy? 

7 minutes ago, Elp said:

Probably not the same build quality but a lot of us use the azgti in EQ mode (firmware upgrade, additional EQ wedge and DIY counterweight) with excellent results. Check out the owners thread.

Thanks, I did look at that but it looks like the GTI is a kind of replacement for the azgti. I might as well just wait for the new GTI or go up a step, maybe the EQ5 or something? I just don’t know what I should be looking for really.

2 minutes ago, Cjg said:

Not sure who is suppling your kit, but @FLO have a few AZGTi’s listed as being in stock.  Only 8, left, and when I was looking (during 2020) they were out of stock for a long time, so I purchased the Ioptron Sky Guider Pro. That’s an excellent mount, but I struggled with the supplied wedge, so purchased the much better, although heavier and costly, William Optics wedge too. 
Good luck with whatever you choose. 

Chris

Hi mate, the order is with @FLO but they gave a date of the 20th March, then mid April so I know what’s coming next.

it’s not the azgti I have on order it’s this one 

http://www.skywatcher.com/product/star-adventurer-gti/

Hi All,

I'm just waiting on delivery of my first Astro rig, but the Mount I was looking at is now looking to be at least end of April/May delivery.

I'm looking to maybe swap it to something else, so after advice. I like the Sky-Watcher range as they all seem to have decent reviews.

What drew me to the GTI is that fact that I have a Caravan so was looking at a lightweight goto mount. Also, the area I live in is very light polluted, but there is a dark sky site about 30 minutes drive away, so was looking for something at least a bit portabvle to take out in the car and carry around.

The rig I am waiting to be delivered is:

Mount - Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi 

Scope - William Optics v2 RedCat 51

Camera - ZWO ASI 2600MC-Pro

Guide Scope - William Optics 50mm Slide-base Uniguide scope 

Guide Camera - ZWO ASI 120MM Mini USB 2.0 Mono Camera

ZWO ASiair Plus

ZWO Electronic Automatic Focuser

ProAstroGear Black-CAT Mount

Could you suggest a good replacement got the GTI? Stick with Sky-Watcher is possible, would need to be semi-portable, go-to, work with ASIAir Plus and a good fit for the kit list above.

Much appreciated.

Bargy

19 hours ago, MartinB said:

@Bargy @franklin

I live in Chestefield as well!  I'm a member of the Chesterfield Astronomical Society.  We are trying to arrange group evenings every now and then at darker sites in the Peak District.  

Interesting, let me know if anything comes up. I came up to the Observatory a few weeks ago when we actually had a clear sky on a Friday night!

I took up astronomy in December when I got a telescope for Christmas. 

I live in Derbyshire, UK and have had about a half dozen clear nights since then.

I'm thinking that the UK is not the best place on earth for astronomy or astrophotography. 

Oh, and Clear Outside seems pretty close to what I normally get...sometimes it shows a lot of high cloud (100%) and it's totally clear out...but that's it,..

I haven't been out yet as I'm still waiting for my first setup to be delivered. 

I have been thinking about this subject though as the street I live on seem to be pretty lit up, as well as all the neighbours on either sides seem to have their gardens lit up like Christmas trees (funny how you don't notice things like that until you take up astronomy). I live in Chesterfield Derbyshire and I only live about 20 minutes drive from Surprise View in the Peak District, which is listed as a dark site. 

I plan to go there, but I was wondering how safe it is...also I have a Mustang GTI so I could be prime meat for car jackers. as well as equipment jackers!

I'm thinking stay close to the car and have my torque wrench at hand........