Diddykong

Thank you for the replies.  I haven't done any post processing so no they are not stretched.

When I used my DSLR I was able to see alot of detail in a 30 second exposure for example.  How am I meant to middle my object if I can't see any detail in an unstretched image?  Is there capture software that can stretch the image after it is taken?

Just been trying to get my new ATIK414EX OSC working.  I believe I have the spacing sorted and managed to obtain good focus on a star before aiming for a galaxy, however the exposures all showed very little detail and were dark (almost like a very low ISO on a DSLR).   I am using the ATIK DUSK capture software.

Below is a 20 second and a 5 minute exposure (guided)

Any advice and help is much appriciated.

Hi all,

Just picked up an ATIK 414EX OCS CCD and am trying to get it working with my SW 200PDS scope.  What adapters will I need to connect the CCD to my Coma Corrector and the focuser?

And also what spacing will I need?  Is there a way to work this out?

Thanks in advance.

Thank you so much Michael and David!!

That was the problem.  Had it out last night and guided perfectly.

Hi Michael,

I'll post it below:

PHD2 version 2.6.8 [Windows], Log version 2.5. Log enabled at 2020-05-19 22:32:19

Calibration Begins at 2020-05-19 22:35:01
Equipment Profile = 1st
Dither = both axes, Dither scale = 1.000, Image noise reduction = none, Guide-frame time lapse = 0, Server enabled
Pixel scale = 12.89 arc-sec/px, Binning = 1, Focal length = 60 mm
Search region = 15 px, Star mass tolerance = 50.0%
Camera = ALTAIRGP130M, gain = 95, full size = 1280 x 960, no dark, no defect map, pixel size = 3.8 um
Exposure = 2000 ms
Mount = On Camera, Calibration Step = 3600 ms, Calibration Distance = 25 px, Assume orthogonal axes = no
RA Guide Speed = Unknown, Dec Guide Speed = Unknown
RA/Dec = Unknown, Hour angle = Unknown, Pier side = Unknown, Rotator pos = N/A, Alt = Unknown, Az = Unknown
Lock position = 937.842, 620.435, Star position = 938.246, 620.061, HFD = 4.16 px
Direction,Step,dx,dy,x,y,Dist
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
West,0,0.000,0.000,938.231,619.985,0.000
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
West,1,-6.172,5.011,944.403,614.975,7.950
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
West,2,-11.824,11.092,950.055,608.893,16.213
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
West,3,-17.695,14.782,955.926,605.204,23.057
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
West,4,-23.640,20.534,961.870,599.452,31.312
West calibration complete. Angle = 139.0 deg, Rate = 2.174 px/sec, Parity = N/A
East,4,-23.640,20.534,961.870,599.452,31.312
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
East,3,-18.225,15.690,956.456,604.295,24.049
East,2,-17.195,14.710,955.425,605.276,22.628
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
East,1,-11.565,10.011,949.796,609.975,15.296
East,0,-9.332,8.847,947.562,611.138,12.859
Backlash,0,0.000,0.000,947.562,611.138,0.000
Backlash,1,3.287,-4.060,944.276,615.198,5.224
Backlash,2,4.878,-9.405,942.684,620.544,10.595
Backlash,3,5.739,-15.552,941.823,626.690,16.577
North,0,0.000,0.000,942.684,620.544,0.000
North,1,0.862,-6.146,941.823,626.690,6.207
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 169, SNR= 8.37, Error= 6, Status=Star lost - mass changed
North,2,1.536,-17.513,941.149,638.056,17.580
North,3,0.545,-22.172,942.139,642.715,22.178
North,4,-1.642,-25.256,944.326,645.800,25.310
North calibration complete. Angle = 86.3 deg, Rate = 1.758 px/sec, Parity = N/A
South,4,-1.642,-25.256,944.326,645.800,25.310
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
South,3,-7.697,-31.148,950.381,651.691,32.085
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: Guiding parameter change, Exposure = 3000 ms
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: Guiding parameter change, Exposure = 1000 ms
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
South,2,-5.549,-29.265,948.233,649.808,29.786
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
South,1,-2.618,-24.851,945.303,645.395,24.989
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
South,0,0.505,-19.994,942.179,640.537,20.000
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 3, Status=Star lost - low mass
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
INFO: STAR LOST during calibration, Mass= 0, SNR= 0.00, Error= 2, Status=Star lost - low SNR
Calibration complete, mount = On Camera.

Guiding Begins at 2020-05-19 22:41:40
Equipment Profile = 1st
Dither = both axes, Dither scale = 1.000, Image noise reduction = none, Guide-frame time lapse = 0, Server enabled
Pixel scale = 12.89 arc-sec/px, Binning = 1, Focal length = 60 mm
Search region = 15 px, Star mass tolerance = 50.0%
Camera = ALTAIRGP130M, gain = 95, full size = 1280 x 960, no dark, no defect map, pixel size = 3.8 um
Exposure = 1000 ms
Mount = On Camera, connected, guiding enabled, xAngle = 139.0, xRate = 2.174, yAngle = 86.3, yRate = 1.758, parity = ?/?
Norm rates RA = 28.0"/s @ dec 0, Dec = 22.7"/s; ortho.err. = 37.3 deg
X guide algorithm = Hysteresis, Hysteresis = 0.100, Aggression = 0.700, Minimum move = 0.164
Y guide algorithm = Resist Switch, Minimum move = 0.164 Aggression = 100% FastSwitch = enabled
Backlash comp = disabled, pulse = 0 ms
Max RA duration = 2500, Max DEC duration = 2500, DEC guide mode = Auto
RA Guide Speed = Unknown, Dec Guide Speed = Unknown, Cal Dec = Unknown, Last Cal Issue = Orthogonality, Timestamp = 19/05/2020 22:41:39
RA/Dec = Unknown, Hour angle = Unknown, Pier side = Unknown, Rotator pos = N/A, Alt = Unknown, Az = Unknown
Lock position = 930.305, 653.362, Star position = 930.305, 653.362, HFD = 2.40 px
Frame,Time,mount,dx,dy,RARawDistance,DECRawDistance,RAGuideDistance,DECGuideDistance,RADuration,RADirection,DECDuration,DECDirection,XStep,YStep,StarMass,SNR,ErrorCode
1,1.375,"DROP",,,,,,,,,,,,,0,0.00,2,"Star lost - low SNR"
2,2.886,"DROP",,,,,,,,,,,,,0,0.00,2,"Star lost - low SNR"
3,4.503,"DROP",,,,,,,,,,,,,0,0.00,2,"Star lost - low SNR"
4,5.997,"DROP",,,,,,,,,,,,,0,0.00,2,"Star lost - low SNR"
5,7.531,"DROP",,,,,,,,,,,,,0,0.00,3,"Star lost - low mass"
6,9.074,"DROP",,,,,,,,,,,,,0,0.00,3,"Star lost - low mass"
7,10.616,"DROP",,,,,,,,,,,,,0,0.00,2,"Star lost - low SNR"
8,12.264,"DROP",,,,,,,,,,,,,0,0.00,2,"Star lost - low SNR"
9,13.817,"DROP",,,,,,,,,,,,,0,0.00,2,"Star lost - low SNR"
10,15.360,"DROP",,,,,,,,,,,,,0,0.00,2,"Star lost - low SNR"
Guiding Ends at 2020-05-19 22:41:56

200PDS reflector.

The temp has been pretty mild was maybe around 10degrees last time though.

It is a gradual change yes.  So I normally start at around midnight then by half 1 onwards the exposures just become fainter as you can see.

Thank you for the reply Jonk.

The only thing I'll say is that this has happened everytime I've imaged.  And when I go out 2 hours after the conditions are just as good normally from when I started.

I'm having trouble getting PHD2 to work with my guidescope.  I get number of error messages - please see the pictures attached.  I really have no idea what else to try.  I have polar alligned the scope and balanced it so not sure what else I can do.

My equipment is EQ6-R Pro mount and Skywatcher 200pds.  The guide scope is 60mm with a altair camera GPCAM2.

Any help would be much appriciated.

So I'm using a Canon 1300D and I find that for the first hour or so my pictures are alot clearer than later on.  Could this be down to dew?  The exposures are around 3 minutes.

As you can see it's M101.  The first hour of exposures show the galaxy clearly, where as one taken around 2 hours after is alot darker and the galaxy has no detail.

EQ6R-Pro mount and Skywatcher 200PDS.

IMG_1374.CR2 IMG_1410.CR2

Started thank you for that! Needed to disable WiFi, but no mention of that in the instructions. 

So i guess my final question is: would my Canon EOS 1300D yield very similar results to any CMOS I can buy for under £800?

For some reason my laptop won't read my Canon. Not sure if it's the cable or camera! 

I just use a remote shutter control.

Thank you for the replies so far.I really wanted to keep the camera around £800 or less, however its looking like no CMOS/CCD will be a good upgrade from my DSLR in this budget?

Thanks for the ASI533MC suggestion Star101.  That's coming in at £900, would that be a big improvement over my DSLR?

Also another reason for the change is so I can image through my laptop so even if I could find a CMOS/CCD around £500 of the same quality of my DSLR I would look at that.

I'm looking at buying a ZWO ASI 294MC camera ( https://www.firstlightoptics.com/zwo-cameras/zwo-asi-294mc-usb-30-colour-camera.html )

I currently use a Canon EOS 1300D with my setup - EQ6R Pro, SW 200PDS and soon to be 80 ED.

My question is will this prove to be a good upgrade from my Canon?

I've used https://astronomy.tools/calculators/ccd_suitability?fbclid=IwAR0EfnyU7ldmrNVsGUAo20ugqSbpWJfzgdkF_eLmlKMOwGLW2S00E_cNqzA and it is coming out as a very good match for my setup.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks Kev.  I'll try it without the nose piece in tonight.  Fingers crossed.

Thanks for the replies.  I did try a range of exposure times and adjusting the gamma Kev last night and in the day. But nothing worked.

I'll try pulling the camera further out Billy.  I assumed since it was sold as a guide scope kit ( scope and camera in one) it would have been optimized already.  I have attached a picture of the camera separate to the scope so you can see the sizing.  I'm using in conjunction with a PDS200. 

I also tried with Sharpcap software and again couldn't render any kind of image.

I recently purchased an Altair guide scope package - 60mm scope and GPCam.  I can't seem to achieve any focus at all while using it.  In the day time it is just a bright light on the screen and at night very grainy (please see pictures below).  I have also attached a picture of how the scope is setup in case I'm doing something wrong on that front.

I have turned the focusing knob all the way around, adjusted the exposure times and tried different gammas but never come close to any sort of correct picture.

Thanks for any help in advance.

Hi David,

I'm getting the EQ6-R Pro mount.  Could always go for the 200.  My concern is the 80ED would only be useful for nebula as most galaxies would be too small, could I image with an 80ED then enlarge the image post processing so it was more like the image a 250 would capture? (complete newbie here )

7 minutes ago, alacant said:

With your DSLR, if you've a decent mount, good skies and a sheltered site, I'd go for the 250.

We've an old blue tube 250 and a 150 at the same focal length. Much lighter, but you need a lot more time to get the same result with the latter.

HTH

My other concern is ease of use.  I've read that an 80ED is a lot easier than a 250.  As long as it doesn't require a degree in physics I can learn the ropes,  I'm located in bortle 6 skies.

Thank you kindly.

I'm trying to decide between the 80ED or 200/250pds for my first imaging scope.  My main interest is smaller galaxies and asteroids so learning towards the 200 or 250pds.  It seems that even the 80ED wouldn't be able to get all of M31 in the field of view?  Is this a bad camera to use for astrophotography?

Brilliant thank you.  Do I put 4.29 in both of the pixel size boxes?

Hi all,

I'm in the process of working out what my field of view will be for different scopes using this site - https://astronomy.tools/calculators/field_of_view/

However my camera isn't listed - it is a Canon EOS 1300D, what do I need to enter into the pixel size boxes please?

I have a Canon EOS 1300D at the moment, however was looking at getting a https://www.altairastro.com/altair-hypercam-183c-pro-tec-cooled-colour-20mp-astronomy-imaging-camera-w-4gb-ddr3-ram-47-p.asp. 

At £800 would eat into my budget however.

Will the ED80 be able to pick up smaller galaxies and also be ok for tracking asteroids?

I'm in  the process of deciding between the HEQ5 or NEQ6 mount (or even the EQ6-R).  And starting off with an 80 ED type scope, but plan on also getting a 250 pds for different types of deep space objects an 80 ED wouldn't work well with.  I hope that makes sense, if not please correct be as i'm completely new and still trying to get my head around all of this!

Thank you David.  So as long as there is no street light glare in the scope there is no real effect from light pollution going to the dark park?  The light pollution is the same in the atmosphere above? Regardless of if i am 500 feet away or so