Merlin66

Luke, Depending on ROI, say for some of the smaller AR, yes high frame rates are common. I usually image at f15 to f18 (limited by poor seeing) and have the T2 tilter fitted to suppress NR in Ha. I can’t say I’ve noticed any significant OOF impact at the edges.

Didn't post to wind you up....just to show that not all filters/ scope combos are the same. Following on Michael's comment.

I use a 1A DIY CaK 25mm filter on the ED80 and find it really needs an f10 beam (or better). This means stopping down to 60mm. I have a 102/1000 (SW BD) for the PST mod which I may try on CaK. Unfortunately here down on the coast the average seeing is pretty poor.... Such is life. Full disk coverage with the TV x2.5 PM and the ASI 1600.

I think you ‘ll be very pleased with the ASI 1600. i use the ASI 1600 for all my solar imaging, WL, CaK and Ha. with the ED80 and Baader Hyperion Barlow, or the TV x2.5 PM I can get good full disk coverage. Frame rates up to 60 fps are common. You need a fast computer and an SSD drive. I went for the sexy MSI gaming laptop, VERY fast! Works well for me. FireCapture for acquisition, AS3! for stacking and IMPPG for tweaking.

Whooops, sorry missed that!

They may have the same sensor, but the built-in additional UV-IR and colour correction filters in the DSLR etc. dramatically change the outcome.

I use double stacked external Coronado SM60 etalons on my ED80 with a BF15 blocking filter. I’ve tried a few cameras and now use the ASI 1600. Works very well for me. I also use either the Baader x2.25 Hyperion Barlow or the TV x2.5 powermate. To make tuning of the etalons a bit easier I added a couple of small DC motors and rubber wheels to allow remote adjustment from the office. Firecapture, AS3! and IMppg for processing.

+1 for FireCapture. I use it for all my solar imaging. works well for me.

I use the Baader cool 2” Herschel wedge. This can be used on any refractor and has be safely used with apertures of 200mm. I agree with using the ND1.8 filter for CaK imaging.

The fast frame and USB3 is definitely needed, as well as a SSD drive. The ASI 178 is OK, but a small chip, not sure you’ll get full disk images. I use both the ASI 174MM and the ASI 1600MM for solar imaging with a DS SM60 on the ED80.

I use the ZWO T2 tilter, but that doesn’t always work.....

Proms are always easier with single stack Ha filters (the wider bandwidth accommodates any Doppler shifts) I also have NR issues with the PM x2.5 (in-fact with any Barlows) and the double stack SM60 filters. I also use an ASI 1600mm for all my solar.

I refer to: https://www.telescope-optics.net/curvature.htm

The field curvature is opposite in reflectors. It sometimes amazes me that a eyepiece can perform well in both types of scopes.

Ahhhh, Sorry I missed that.....

I replaced the M4 screws, holding the focuser to the OTA with stainless dome headed screws. I use the SW focuser motor belt driven to the 10:1 knob on all my ED80 ‘s. (Three of them used for solar imaging)

I still have one of the original Meade 6” f3.6 Comet Seekers, a very nice SN. I can appreciate your comments, the SN can punch well above its weight.

Hmmm, a little surprised by the reference to threaded connections with the ED80. I have three Skywatcher ED80 scopes and each has a 96mm internal fitment to the OTA and three M4 screws holding the focuser.

Just a reminder to novices and budding amateur astronomers. There's more to astronomy than looking through a telescope. Dinah Moche's guide is an excellent way of getting a greater understanding of the different aspects of astronomy. Highly recommended. https://www.amazon.com/Astronomy-Self-Teaching-Eighth-Teaching-Guides/dp/1620459906

Theo, Unfortunately I’m not convinced the belt solution is the ultimate solution. I’ll be interested to see how it pans out.

Steve, I don't know if BASS Project works under Linux. I'll check.

AR = Active Area. These are usually given an identifier number.

Deeko, No, not really. Just needs the Allen screws tightened REALLY tight!

I use a 2” Baader CCD Blue filter as an ERF on my DIY CaK set-up. Seems to work well for me.

The pier extension is a good option. I use one to extend my pier in the observatory for the NEQ6PRO.