groberts

Thanks John, sounds great - can you confirm: As the X2 does not have square pixels, can you confirm what size you input for the purpose of using Sharpcap / Polar Alignment / Plate Solving; Is there a specific ASCOM driver required or as there's already that works with PHD2, will this do the job? Graham

That's encouraging, thanks. Graham

I'm planning to use Sharpcap for Polar alignment, which gets good reviews, using a Starlight Express Lodestar X2 mono guide camera, combined with a William Optics 200mm FL x 50mm guide scope, which I calculate provides a FOV of 1.85 x 1.38 degrees. I've been using this set-up successfully with PHD2 for sometime. Given the above parameters + before proceeding further with Sharpcap I wanted to confirm: 1. Will the pixel size of 8.6 x 8.3 nm, which is not square, work OK with Sharpcap and plate solving, which I understand is an integral part of the polar alignment routine? 2. Will the installed ASCOM driver for this camera used with PHD2 be OK with Sharpcap or do I need something else - if so which one? Thanks, Graham

Amazing + mesmerising!

Unless there's something wrong with my eyesight, I only see one ball head in those pictures?

Ah that wasn't clear to me at all! Thanks.

Thanks for the feedback. The problem with the Polarie is the need for batteries and x2 ball heads - one off the tripod and another off the Vixen Polarie, which gets a bit cumbersome to erect and not quite as portable as I'd hoped. Notwithstanding, it is a good piece of equipment that once set up works well and I'm likely to heed your advice on changing. Graham

I'm interested in replacing my Vixen Polarie with one of these - like the no batteries concept + just seems easier to use. But has anybody got any feedback yet on actually using one please? Graham

That looks like a very successful test. Just to complete the picture (no pun intended), what exposure time did you use? Graham

Thanks Rob. If you upgrade to the Pro version does it affect what's already running / cause any problems. I already run W10 on my main computer a so am aware of some of the issues but have stick with W7 for astro but know I'll have to change sometime! As the W7 machine is dedicated to astro I've turned updates off and just do it manually from time-to-time. Graham

My astro laptop currently runs Windows 7, which I have to say I prefer over W10. Is RDP available on Windows 7 + if so how do I get to it? Obviously if I used the Prima Luce Eagle that would be W10 Enterprise I believe? I realise that one day I'll have to change to the dreaded W10 but for now enjoy using W7. Graham

Thanks Dave + very helpful videos Ray.

I'm interested in mini computer control and was therefore drawn to this thread. Few questions: Is the Eagle wireless connection for control + if so, what is the reliable range? What is RDP + how does it work + where can I get it? Thanks, Graham

Thanks Carole, that's very kind. Let me investigate Annies Actions further first. Steve - I presume you're referring to Straton? Graham

Thanks Dave. In short I don't know but I think they're just completely removed - I'll go back a take a closer look. Using this I recently did something along the line you suggest but, being hopeful (and lazy), thought Straton might make it even easier? Graham

What I was hoping for and thought could be done, was to remove stars for stretching etc and then putting them back. I already have Annies Astro Actions which already removes stars but permanently, so do I really need Straton too?

OK on trying again now managed to get onto the website (not sure what the problem was) which appears to be selling Straton for £14.47 - I thought it was free? Anyhow, is it any good, I don't mind paying but would appreciate any thoughts on Straton before buying? Graham

Sorry Carole somehow missed you reply! Tried it and get reply "This site can't provide secure connection", which again seems to point to a security block perhaps? Will look around some more. Thanks again. Graham

Curiouser and curiouser, thanks Dave. Yes I click on download and it shows "Loading ..." but nothing seems to happen, it would suggest perhaps something at my end - firewall? I use AVG and basic Windows 10 settings but if there's something wrong something usually comes up. Any ideas please? Graham

I like the sound of this software for dealing with stars but after getting to the General section of the website nothing else seems to work and frankly seems to be defunct: https://zipproth.com/index.html#Straton_main I've been trying for a few weeks now, just in case is was something temporary but still nothing. Does anybody know anything about this and how / where I might get a copy to download, or is there something similar elsewhere? Thanks, Graham

Very interesting,thanks for posting. Assuming you've got another operating system with the PC do you then erase it once Ubuntu is installed? Although obviously different, does it broadly 'feel' like Windows + intuitive to use? Graham

Thanks Geof, again that's very helpful. Sounds like we're on a similar journey as I moved to mono + filters at the beginning of last year with a ZWO1600MM-Cool camera. I am in general quite adept with a DSLR camera and now it's processing requirements in astrophotography but have been surprised at the difference with the new - hitherto unkown - challenges with the mono camera, of course, ultimately with it's benefits too! Graham

Thanks Geoff, that's very interesting. Like you I've seen the recommendations from others in favour of Registar but thought (a) what can be so wrong with DSS which I currently use and (b) the price. I wonder if you have processed the image processed with another method whatever that is and what does it look like for comparison? Furthermore, what is your post processing - Photoshop? Glad everything else worked well for you. I also bought the Lodestar X2 for guiding just over a year ago and am very impressed + very easy to use. Graham

Can add nothing new, except to say this is a wonderful image that literally throws new light on the Horsehead region. Can't see why you'd not be happy with this Sara, it is fantastic!

Thank you, however, the problem turns out to be more basic. On going back to the website and, this time, reading the information, it turns out that it is necessary to have Registax 6 downloaded and installed before downloading the update v 6.1.0.8!! All is now well.