tooth_dr

Since I switched to EQMOD and APT, I haven't done an alignment. I connect to EQMOD and APT as usual, open PointCraft, click on SCOPE POSITION. I then just select my target within APT (I've added a long list of custom targets as a downloaded file from another forum), and it moves to that target. It often isn't right on target, so once it's solved that image, it moves again and then solves a second image. After the 2nd or 3rd go the target is in the centre by <10 pixels. And if your target isn't in APT, just enter the RA and DEC and that's it. I do run CdC via EQMOD at the same time, but I use that for info and targeting and seeing what is nearby etc.

Thanks Susan. I didnt realise there were available is larger sizes, I thought 2" was the biggest. Both the lenses I want to use the filter with have a filter diameter of 77mm, so good to that size is available. Although I think the insert filter would be a more sensible option and allow me to use the DSLR with a scope too.

Such an inspirational and iconic galaxy, but just so low and hard to image. This is my second time trying this one, inspired by Ciaran. My 10" just wasnt wanting to be guided, so I went for 45s subs, binned 2x2, with Atik 383L+. There was a large moon too. I did this just before I packed up. Last night I belt modded my mount, so it will be interesting to see what difference it makes if I get a clear sky later. No point in just posting the 'good ones', post the ugly ones too. ?

20 minute image! Incredible processing skills comes to mind.

The postman brought me a belt kit for my EQ6. That’s my evening sorted.

Here is the 180mm shot, handheld the other evening, Nikon D800E

Very nice image. A lot of short subs to crunch.

Vicki - thats looks so 3d I could almost lift it off the screen. The colour and detail is great, well worth the effort. The panels are seemlessly joined. It looks like it could even take a little bit more sharpening too. Fab.

I took a handheld shot of the moon the other day with a 180mm lens. It's has some nice detail but it's pretty small even at that FL. 300mm should be a nice size. Please post your results, it will be nice to see.

Hello Bill. Welcome to SGL. What part are you from? Adam.

Agree with the above. It’s really amazing what you have shown us, a fantastic post and series of images.

I thought I’d share this from last time I stripped it lol Every time I always swear it will be the last time ?

Yes there is a lot to strip out. This isnt the first time I've had my mount apart, but keep an eye out for a cheap mount for 'parts or repair' in case it doesnt work out ?

Thanks for all the input everyone. I've placed an order for a Rowan Belt kit, I think this is the next logical step forward. I'll be sure to update this thread with my results.

No you dont want to do anythin with them prior to that.

Do you manually rotate your lights prior to stacking?

Thanks again Alan. I've still new to CCD imaging, but I was referring to binning the camera during capture, not afterwards. Does the same apply? It does make sense that I'm just hiding the error though.

Thanks Alan. If I bin 2x2 does that mean I’m imaging at 1.86”/px? I think a belt mod is on the cards over the summer, I may not need an OAG then?

Thanks everyone for the input. @wimvb I’ve posted logs on the phd forum and the consensus is that my results are ok for the mount and there isn’t anything that can done to improve it with my current physical configuration.

I think so Ken. Do you think the mount will perform better with the longer focal length or still need belt mod?

Thanks Fabio. I meant binning my imaging camera, binning the guidescope would make things worse as you say. The focal length of the imaging scope is 1200mm

Hi all Im looking some advice please. Im currently guiding with a finder guider and 120MM on an EQ6-pro, using PHD2. I consistently get a guiding RMS of between 1.2 and 1.5, I’ve had it just below 1.0 on one night but normally above 1.2. The RA guiding has a higher RMS than the Dec. My imaging camera has pixel size 5.4um, guiding camera pixel size is 3.75um. This seems to be ok when I’m imaging with my ED80 at 2.13”/px, and I don’t lose any subs in a whole night of imaging. Ive now put a bigger scope on the mount. I’m getting the same RMS, last night it was 1.1-1.3, but since I’m imaging at a pixel scale of 0.93”, I’m starting to see eggy stars and inconsistent subs. What should I consider doing to help? 1) belt mod 2) longer guidescope 3) binning 2x2 Thanks in advance Adam

In the tools tab, does the focal length match the telescope you are using?

That's pretty darn impressive, 900s exposures.

Some difference in the stacking methods. Unfortunately I don’t use Maxim or know what SD means. Id be very keen to see what difference dithering makes, that would be a nice test.