HiloDon

Thanks, Alex. I doubled check and binning is set to 1x1. Terry sent a note back indicating that the A-D converter is being overloaded by the signal. He said I should turn the anti blooming down a bit. There is a control inside the camera. I've got a note into Paul as well asking about the DPR. I had issues with it with the color Ultrastar and NB Ha filter. I didn't think to shut it off last night. Don

Hi All, Just received a new Ultrastar mono camera and had first light last night. I plan on using it mainly with a narrow band Ha filter. My first object was Eta Carinae and I immediately noticed some black horizontal smearing from some of the bright stars. I was using my C6 with Hyperstar. I have never seen this with my Lodestars or color Ultrastar. Later I went to M16 and saw the same thing. I have an email in to Terry at SX, but I thought some of you may have seen the same thing with yours. Here's a capture demonstrating the problem. Thanks for any help or suggestions. Don

Here's a link to mine. The skies are very good here, but it will give you an idea about what setups can be used. The narrow band Ha stuff is interesting because the filter blocks out all soures of light pollution, including the moon. Cameras used are Lodestars X2 and X2c, and Ultrastar. Software is Paul's Lodestar Live/Starlight Live. Don https://stargazerslounge.com/profile/36930-hilodon/?tab=node_gallery_gallery

Hi Dom, You may have missed this post by Hiten (Astrojedi) recently addressing this question. He did PM me a comparison shot of M33, but I don't know if they were taken at the same time. http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/533670-evo-6-and-hyperstar/?p=7160241 There are a number of new users of the Atik Infinity and the results appear to be very good, even in some LP areas. I think definitive side by side tests would be necessary to confirm it is better, but the gain circuitry could be different and a factor. I doubt they could do anything to the sensor to change it's inherent sensitivity. The Infinity does require separate 12v power, so it is different than the Ultrastar's USB power. Don

Hi MemoryMan, I think Doc provided some sound advice. The Ultrastar C is a great camera, but the trade off is sensitivity. The Lodestar has lower resolution, but it gives a fast view and can really go deep. Your scope is a great EAA scope and both cameras will work, but the Ultrastar will be more difficult requiring longer exposures and stacking to reduce the noise inherent in the sensor. You will have a field day looking at DSO's with the Lodestar. Most of the time you don't even have to stack. If you're not set on color, the mono is even faster and deeper. Martin Meredith has done some fantastic really deep deep sky work with his Lodestar and 8" F4 Newt. The Lodestar speed allows for narrow band Ha viewing as well. The filter will require longer exposure times and you have some cushion with the Lodestar. if you're in a LP area, the Lodestar again will have the advantage. Take a look at some of the great work Nytecam has done with his Lodestars in the light polluted skies of London. Hope this helps. Don p.s. Here's a recent thread I started showing a session with the Lodestar. Others joined in as well. The Lodestar with Paul's SSL v3.0 software is the easiest setup going for deep sky viewing.

I'd like to second what Doc wrote. Also, I think that Jorman's vendor may have given some bad advice on the Lodestar. I have both the Lodestar and Ultrastar and must say that the LS X2m and c are much easier to use and appear to be significantly faster cameras. I think someone just getting into EAA would be better served by starting with the LS and the moving to the Ultrastar if better resolution images are desired, but, depending on their sky conditions, they may be limited on DSO brightness. I still prefer my Lodestars when viewing at my home observatory with poorer skies. Don