fwm891

I've just added a process with PI of the same data - different!

Captured over the last few nights:

Subs: 9x 600s, 10x 300s and 6x120s (152 mins - 2.53 hrs)

Camera: ASI294MC-Pro (gain 122 offset 30) + Baader UV/IR cut filter (L)

Scope: AA 115EDT-APO + plano star 1x FF

Mount: iOprton CEM60 Standard

Processing: Astro Pixel Processor, and PS CS3 extnded

The above image processed in APP I felt was reasonable but I decided this morning to try and process the same data in PI without going to PS after to make tweaks:

I started with an NEQ6 Pro which rapidly needed a belt mod to get it working reasonably well. Later I had an iOptron iEQ45 Pro, that mount purred in comparison and I now have a CEM 60 Standard which is performing better still. The new GEM 45 seems to be a progression in the '45' range. Interesting.

I shot this while waiting for the Helix neb to come out to play (by that time the moon had swamped it anyway!).

Kit:

ASI294MC Pro - cooled to -20°C

Altair wave series 115 EDT-APO

iOptron CEM 60 standard

Guided exposures of 120, 300 and 600 seconds (18 subs mixed lengths)

Processed APP with minor tweak in PS (Darks & Bias added no flats)

NGC 6960: The Witches Broom, located in Cygnus. Bright star 52Cygnii.

Mount: iOptron CEM60 Standard

Scope: Altair Astro Wave Series 115 EDT-APO

Camera: ASI 294MC Pro (OSC) Cooled to -15°C

Guiding: TS Optics 80 guide scope with ASI 120mm guide camera, via PHD2.

Processed with PixInsight

24 sub frames various exposures: 120, 180, 240, 300 & 600 seconds (more than 3 of each).

OK point in question:

I spent some time yesterday evening setting up a few target sequences in SG Pro, one being the 'Butterfly nebula' so I go into CdC to find it's co-ordinates and there are 3 butterfly nebs listed (I wanted the one in Cygnus) had the image been notated with IC 1318 it would have been much easier - but then I wouldn't have fond the other two...

Hi,
I'm thinking about powering my observatory kit from rechargeable batteries and those recharged via solar panel(s) but before I jump in I'd like to hear some pro's and con's of running via batteries please.

I would be looking at running:
CEM60 standard mount
ASI 294MC Pro cooled camera + asi120mm not cooled
dew heaters (not got any yet but on this shopping list) 8 inch corrector largest optic to de-mist plus 80mm guider.
Laptop - dimmable screen and runs for 6+ hours on full charge

I currently run from 240 V mains power to the obs.

Francis

Great image Carole - second processing really improves it.

Disgusting delivery charges.

Just bought a finder/guider adapter (Flo don't stock the Celestron 1mm threaded ones) £7.50 for delivery outrageous.

I'm in the process of buying (bought) a Celestron RASA 8. Initially I was going to just use it straight with my ASI294MC Pro and an UV/IR cut filter. Then a Baader filter slider came up in classifieds but that meant I could no longer use standard extension tubes to get the required 25 mm back focus from the RASA's connecting adapter to the sensor.

I used the slider's existing adapter plate (48mm) as a template and made one to the same outline but with a 42mm T2 female thread. 

Photo shows the new adapter plate before painting and the original it replaces on the left.

Waiting for the scope to arrive now.

I have a ZS73 with the flat73A field flattener. Spacing is quite critical  from the back of the flattener to the sensor. You don't say which flattener or what camera your imaging with. A DSLR (Nikon, Canon etc) need the spacing set to 11.4? on the flat 73A along with their respective T adapters. Non DSLR's will probably need  various extensions to obtain a flat field

WO page: https://williamoptics.com/new-adjustable-flat73-for-z73   scroll down until you see the spacing details...

Definitely in need of a flat or two...

Now reprocessed

Alan - I added a few more subs to the other M27 data last night before high cloud spoilt things.

I processed this one in PI

The second image (now reprocess to remove blue veil) has been further processed in PS: I've duplicated the colour layer, applied B&W mode to the lower layer and changed it's blending mode to luminance. Then applied clipping masks to level/curves/saturation until happy.

2 minutes ago, souls33k3r said:

I haven't heard good things about their tripod for CEM60. People say its wobbly and I'm not sure how wobbly it is. The tri-pier is great but it doesn't like uneven grounds. Again I have none of these so can't tell you first hand experience. 

The tri-pier is really solid and doesn't mind uneven solid ground. Each leg is adjustable via changing it's angle (no extensions).

You could try the opposite and wrap a cold damp cloth around the shaft to make it shrink - I've done that a few times. Place a damp cloth in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes then wrap around tightly to draw the warmth out of the shaft...

Wow. Removing the star gives it such a different feel.

4 hours ago, alan potts said:

Francis, I feel this may well be the mount as even though the other are affordable for me, I'm not actually sure I would use that extra size, in fact having just got a 77EDll Borg I am looking at 2.5kg counter-weights as I am sure the one with it will be way too heavy, with that saved money a ASI 183mc may be a good move for this scope, the coating on the glass are amazing and everything is just quality.

The one thing I really feel I will miss is EQmod, I have got so use to it.

Alan

The Commander software (to me) is every bit as good as I remember EQMod. It's probably 5-6 years since using EQMod so it may well have evolved since then. But iOptrons Commander just works. 

Alan - I have a CEM60 standard model which (I find) a real treat to use. Guiding via PHD2 is positive where ever I choose to calibrate across the sky (usually near the subject). I haven't put the sort of loading your 12" SCT but my 800mm refractor stays put even in reasonable winds.

I use the USB connectors on the dec hub and find them really useful in reducing cable runs - just short usb's to focuser, filter wheel, guide camera. I run the main camera straight to the laptop giving me two cables main camera and mount.

It's bigger brother the CEM120 looks good too but beyond justification for me.

1 hour ago, alan potts said:

I like the image Francis but feel it has more in there with a bit of reduction in the brightness, the centre of M27 is a little washed out and the background sky it a bit bright. I accept it is purely personal taste.

Alan

Agree Alan - It was my first real trial with APP which I found 'awkward' but quite liked it anyway. Will do another process in PI to compare. APP does clean up amp glow much better than PI which I have also struggled with. Amp glow is the main reason for trying different image process software...

I've downloaded the APP Trial and trying to get my head around it's adjustments. Even now with this image I've headed for PS to get it a little nearer (Moon didn't help).

ASI294NC Pro, AA115EDT-APO, CEM60 Std.

APP + PS

3x 600s, 4x 300s, 8x 120s  Gain 122 offset 30

Perhaps for Christmas (next year!)

On 09/09/2019 at 13:54, Rodd said:

A good way to end the season.  this target is problematic for me as well--mostly becuase it takes me a couple of months to get enough clear sky to make an imge--by then it has moved past the spot in my sky where it is accessible.  Shame.

Rodd

My horizon and M20's path through it.... I get about 1½ hrs tops, on a good night

I've just ordered a RASA 8 f2 astrograph which I see needs matching f2 Baader NB filters. Anyone know what the effect on the band pass is using standard NB (7nm) NB filters have? Baader don't want you to know what the band pass is with their f2 filters.

Now that Rodd is a superb image - magic stuff.

I'll give it a go myself in a few months time...

2 hours ago, Cornelius Varley said:

EQMOD is for equatorial mounts only.

Ooops. Not used it in years - I guess the EQ bit should have triggered a memory... 🙄