Ant-33

14 minutes ago, spillage said:

i have tried several time and use the st80 and qhy5 mono. I just can get it to pick up enough stars. Will keep trying but for now an using php2 drift align.

Yes, I was suffering from the same problem. I've got a 0.5x focal reducer now, and with it the fov on the ST80 is pretty good for guiding. I'd recommend it if you don't want to change your guidescope. It doesn't have to be an expensive reducer if you're only using it for guiding.

Clear skies

Tony

1 hour ago, Bobby1970 said:

I had a go with my ST80, GP Cam + 0.5 focal reducer. On my Star Adventurer it seemed to work ok. 

That's good to know - many thanks for the reply 

For guiding, I use an ST80 and QHY5l-IIc. The fov is a little over half a degree, so it's not wide enough for the Sharpcap polar alignment routine. I wondered, though, whether using a 0.5x focal reducer would work. It would bring the fov to over a degree, which is within the spec for the polar alignment routine. Does anyone have experience with this setup?

Robin - Sharpcap is a fantastic program, and I'd like to echo the appreciation others have shown here. Awesome  

Ah, well that's the thing you see. I don't actually own any equipment. Not yet anyway!

I would like to start taking images of deep space, and from reading some threads on the forum I have gained a better of understanding of what will be required, and a very useful point in the right direction!

Matt

I think you are wise. Very wise. Most of us buy loads of equipment, then join SGL to figure out how to get more out of it. You're going to make good, informed choices, because the folks here are awesome! They will give you great advice and you'll be getting all the most appropriate gear for your plans and budget. Good luck, and clear skies

The Google Earth application has a light pollution overlay as standard now (Gallery -> NASA -> Earth City Lights). Its certainly not down to individual street level, but it does give a good overview of where the best/worst places are.

I see you posted this a while ago, but as newbie on this site I just saw it. Brilliant - thank you