tooth_dr

Very interesting that the Ricardi reducer is causing the issue. I have an APM LZOS refractor and use the M63 version of the APM Riccardi reducer. I used a smaller APS-C sensor and havent noticed these reflections in my flats. I'm using 36mm Chroma NB filters.

Highest I’ve ever seen at 500 earlier but unfortunately heavy rain here

I've done it too, it looks like it should go the opposite way!

I do the same, use it any time the moon is out, but I suppose now I wonder is it going to add anything to the mono data other than noise.

That’s a very good shout, prism might be the wrong way.

I just realised I used the 3nm flats for the 7nm lights. I thought the vignetting looked a bit off. I’ll update this later.

I was having an issue with my power supply last night, so I was testing the EFW and the focusers to work out the problem. The sky wasnt great anyway and there was lots of patchy cloud moving across. I saw this as an opportunity to compare subs from different filters. Same skies, same optics, same sensors. Nothing surprising : the NBZ filter in the colour camera just doesnt cope with the moon and/or effects of being a colour camera, and the 3nm filter is better than the 7nm in a single sub. You can really compare them if you click on the first image and cycle through the images. The Baader filter done a decent job though to be fair at a fraction of the price of the Chroma. Scope - APM LZOS 105/650 with 0.75x Riccardi reducer Filter 1 - Chroma Ha 3nm / Mono IMX571 Filter 2 - Baader Ha 7nm / Mono IMX571 Filter 3 - IDAS NBZ Dual Band - Ha extracted / OSC IMX571 First set of 3 - each image is a calibrated single 300s sub, with stretch in APP, saved as TIFF, opened in PS, edges cropped and saved as JPEG Second set of 3 - each image is a calibrated single 300s sub, with stretch in APP, saved as TIFF opened in PS, edges cropped, NoiseXTerminator applied at 50%, black point adjusted, and saved as JPEG SET 1: SET 2:

You shouldnt move the prism stalk once aligned with the edge of the chip, you are moving the camera on the actual stalk. It sounds like you need more extension, can you even make up some sort of temp solution to determine approx how much you need? IMHO the time spent on analysing figures, you could have practically solved the problem or at least come to a solution (viable one or not)

I never bothered measuring mine, I just stuck it on and moved the OAG camera in and out until it focused. The question is - does it get closer to focus when fully in or fully out on the stalk? That will tell you if you need to add a spacer or remove one. Assuming the main imaging train is in focus before you do this.

Despite the seeing, still a very nice image, and worth clicking on to zoom in on it.

I will never be done, and I’m happy with that!

Sara I was actually looking on your website yesterday, some stunning images! I was trying to remember what filters you used in your filter wheels, iirc you have two mono cameras? In terms of pricing, a % of the new price is a good start, but in some cases this doesn’t work if the technology has moved on or trends have changed eg CCD versus CMOS.

Lots and lots of dust here there and everywhere! The backlighting of some of the dusty regions by nearby stars is really cool. Fantastic.

Last night was lovely Paul, saw Orion myself at 12:15am, I went for the Cone Nebula. Planning to process it this weekend.

I have to say I tried fully 3d printed holders and didnt have success, so I ended up buying cheap 2" filters, scrapping the filter, and printing an insert to step down the diameter of the metal holder to accommodate a 36mm filter. I am mixing 2" and 36mm filters in a carousel so this was the only option. If I was using all the same 36mm filters, I would buy a new carousel.

Not linear, but one I use and seems to work perfectly well. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/batteries-powerpacks/nevada-psw-30-25-30a-switch-mode-power-supply.html

Great detail in this Paul, the 533 is a great camera in your very capable hands.

Ok so woke up and went out for another go. I reinstalled the QHY software and noted there are two options for Ascom - 6.4 and 6.5. I had both ticked so tried it again with only 6.4 ticked. This worked so can now see QHY in the drop down menu. I assumed it would have installed both Ascom versions but it looks like the 6.5 install removed 6.4.

Anyone any idea what I’m doing wrong?! Ive not been using my QHY 268M since February for deep sky, but when I went to use it tonight it didn’t show in the drop down menu on SGPro. I have updated the drivers via the ‘All in One’ download on the QHY website. Im also using version of 3.2 SGPro - last version before they changed pricing. I’m able to open the 268M camera in EZ Cap and take images so it’s definitely working ok and the leads are ok. I’m also able to use the ZWO 2600 in SGPro, so from that I’m assuming SGPro software is ok. The QHY option is just missing from the menu in the drop down camera selection bit in the sequencer box. I can see ASI, ATIK, QSI, Nikon, Canon, etc. Any suggestions?! Thanks Adam.

I'm not sure that is the case anymore, as there are many new developments in filters recently that leave some of the older filters looking pretty poor indeed. I've upgraded to Chroma, but there is no way I would have started there. You can pick up 1.25" filters for very little now. Buy a used set then sell for little loss if you upgrade in the future. Plus he doesnt need a new FW now, just a new carousel or 3d print some adapters. I'm running 36mm filters in my 2" EFW3 via 3d printed adapers.

You can use Ha and Oiii independently or along with the LRGB data. You should be able to get a 7x1.25” carousel so can use LRGB HaOiiiSi filters. The Baader 1.25” versions can be got very reasonably these days

Yes I used mine at F6.3 with 1.25” filters.

The 383L works perfectly ok with 1.25” filters as long as you don’t go mad with the F ratio.

Finally getting my ass in gear and getting the widefield refractor rig back on the mount again.

Lovely David, really great. The new filters are performing very well.