TakMan

Nearly a year since the last outing with the solar gear...

Basler '174' > Quark Chromo > TEC140 > Baader D-ERF 

Ran the TEC140 at the full 140mm f/7 and with the Quark's 4.3x internal telecentric, that presents about f/30 at the etalon

Captured in Basler's own Pylon software on Mac. Then AS!2 (can't get v3 to work) / ImPPG (both running in WINE) - AS!2 is very slow and often crashes... or something.... so it's taken ages to get through all the data sets! Then into good old Photoshop.

I'm now at the point of purchasing a second hand Windows 11 / Intel i9 gaming laptop so that I can try Firecapture for acquisition and then do all the pre-processing on the latest versions of AS!3 and ImPPG before moving back to the Mac and Photoshop.... I would hope that will be a lot less painful to sort than it is at the moment! It may also come in handy for PixInsight and Russell's new XT plugins that I'd like to utilise for the deep sky stuff.... If anyone has any opinion on laptop PC requirements (as I've only ever been Mac, feel free to offer advice - AMD / Intel, Ram specs, etc). Currently looking at an Intel based i9-12900HK / 32GB DDR5 Ram / RTX 3080 /2TB SSD /17" 4K 120Hz screen. Will probably add an extra 2TB SSD and upgrade to 64GB Ram. Does that sound OK..?

-------

Anyway, that 'big prom' that lifted off after I'd packed up - got further than Elon's anyway!

300 frames from 3000 - taken at 3.42 BST

Do you not think it looks like some large 'raptor' with its tail in the air walking away on two legs - it's beaky head poking out to the left to look at a sibling...? Perhaps I've just been looking at it too long!

HELP!
Spent the day adding extra flocking (I'd already done some) to every internal surface I can think of to see if I can subdue what I believe is that internal reflection (that bright arch above the prom). The worst it gets is imaging in this area. It does't move when I rotate the Quark...? If anyone can shed some light on where the issue may be, please drop a reply here! Do you think it is between the camera and Quark, or in the 2" extension tubes between the focuser and Quark...? 

More to post later...!

Damian

For ref, the closest (by UT/GMT time) GONG image.

You are more than welcome…

Like a scope and eyepieces, the mount is such a personal thing.

I’ll never get the chance to try other mounts that may be ‘better’ than what I have, but I don’t think you will go wrong with a Rowan, DiskMount, T-Rex, Half Hitch and the like (if you want to keep it ‘unpowered’), we are fortunate to have a few small concerns that strive to make such devices.

If I was looking for a ‘powered’ alt/az, I’d be drawn to the TTS Panther….

Most do nothing more, nor better than the humble (and cheaper), EQ6, but it’s nice to experience something different…

Perhaps I should try and get to a few star parties with the Nova Hitch, just to show to a wider audience what Charles was trying to achieve in his own small way…

Best of luck with the decision making and hunt for that ‘perfect’ mount (there isn’t one by the way!)

Clear skies…

Damian

16 minutes ago, jetstream said:

Being a craftsman doesnt necessarily mean being a businessman IMHO.  I think that some who are into innovation and are craftsmen place a lot of the money issues aside to try the continuing evolution of their product.

Wholeheartedly agree - that sums up Charles to a tee…

49 minutes ago, jetstream said:

the work involved to make them belies any profit making motive. I wish I had one.

From initial ordering to final delivery, well it wasn’t an easy ride (years!) and if you read the posts on CN, there were many unhappy folks - perhaps even left out of pocket on his passing….

I think there was also some ‘needle’ between Charles and the chap from DiscMount….

I don’t wish to speak ill of the dead, I don’t think for one moment he meant anything underhand, but it did appear to become something of a pyramid scheme (not sure that’s the right term - someone correct me if not)- only in the sense that he needed to sell to be able to make the next mount. This was exasperated by the events that were happening in the world beyond his control - manufacturing / CNC / machining costs rising exponentially, the cost of anodising, the cost of raw materials, bearings, etc and his constant tinkering to make the mounts better and better beyond the initial design - either because of small issues coming to light with the experiences of first customers, but also customers putting bigger and bigger scopes onto the mount and pushing its upper capacity / operating envelope - things that Charles being the type of person (engineering type perfectionist) that he was, tried to sort… costs of his time and changes / materials / upgraded components plus extra features requested) that he didn’t pass on fully, if at all… onto customers who had already placed orders.

This lead to extended waiting times, convoluted ‘excuses’, stress to customers who had parted with money… plus his own stress as a one man show trying to keep his head above water and keep everyone… and himself… ‘happy’…

But his ideas were ahead of their time, his mounts an honour to his memory and for those that have one (and understand how to adjust the 2-axis balance), a piece of equipment to be admired, experienced and more importantly - enjoyed. The mount really does ‘disappear’ when used correctly!

We’ll leave it there as not to hijack jetstream’s post.

But if you ever come across a ‘for sale’ ad for one - especially the (rare as hen’s teeth) tracking Super Half Hitch (never seen one for sale…. drool), then snap it up!

Damian

27 minutes ago, josefk said:

It really is "best of both" not either/or in my user experience.

That’s good and useful to hear - if my own Nexus WiFi  device thingy ever goes, I can replace with this newer version and continue with SkySafari and perhaps a nice new iPad Pro!

On 15/03/2023 at 15:22, jetstream said:

Easy to adjust and holds well with different EP weights? I use a Vixen 42mm LWW as my heaviest really then switch to the likes of Delos and Naglers

Just having a re-read of your mount requirements….

I think most alt/az style mounts will have the issue of imbalance - going from say a 2” Ethos to a 1 1/4” T6 Nagler

Charles did try to address this with the Nova Hitch, it had some tolerance to eyepiece weight differences unlike his earlier, lighter mounts, but it still required axis locks for when swapping eyepieces- especially the 2” hand grenades!

And that’s the main crux of the issue - weighty eyepiece ‘removal’ - trying to remain on target, swap out the eyepiece and stopping the scope lurching downwards!

So axis locks are very helpful for this…

The other problem is imbalance after eyepiece changes with vastly differing weights as you alluded to.
You can of course increase the drag/braking of the alt axis. I think the DiscMount is well suited to this with its large Teflon bearing. Charles’ creations loose their USP when taking this route - free flowing, stiction free movements…

So you may find this eyepiece accessory useful, if you are not already aware of the device… the TeleVue Equaliser - basically a lump of brass to add weight to the svelter side of your eyepiece collection!

The tripod in the pic (with the curtain) is the Tak large metal tripod for the EM400   and 500 mounts…

The last one I saw come up second hand was via ENS in Birmingham… I think….

Those legs are 3 inches wide, next is Charles’ ‘Tripod Quick Release’ mounting and next the FTX mount.

Damian

1 minute ago, jetstream said:

Nice nice set up!! Ok I not only want the mount but your pairs of the superb TSA's!!!

Sorry, crossing wires, not my mount!

Although I do have a TSA102s as well as the TEC140ED and also that Tak tripod shown off the CN thread I linked to… just mine is sitting under the matching EM400 mount for imaging!

Like SpaceHopper, I went for the Planet - I liked the aesthetic of the wood and was talking to Charles when he was thinking of making his own tripods…

D

A pic of my own baby, well, why not!

Just to put the cat amongst the pigeons, I see a lot of talk about the new Nexus device on the Rowans…

I might be missing something, but this appears to be a retrograde step - like an updated version of the ole SkyCommander XP4/5 devices (I do have one somewhere that shipped with the Nova)….

Now Sergie’s old Nexus WiFi thingy, hooked up to an iPad offering a push to digital planetarium with corrected views, etc seams to be a much better way of doing things!!!!

Damian

Yes, I spoke with his son Jake after his father’s passing.

I was very fortunate to receive the tracking unit for my mount (possibly the only one outside the States…)

To be honest, I prefer the operation without the tracking as it’s a bit fiddly and doesn’t work as well when out of balance. Perhaps with Charles’ help, it could have been dialled in better after…

I think the Rowan mount will do much better in that regard, but I still won’t be getting rid of my Nova Hitch!

Jake did start a Kickstart campaign, but I don’t think it took off…

Here is a link to one of many FTX CN threads, it gives a god idea what such a well thought out bit of engineering is capable of..!

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/646341-ftx-plus-alt-azimuth-mount-for-grabgo/

Just to chime in - as you’re that side of the Atlantic…

You could also look out for a second hand Half Hitch FTX-V2 or V1 (with or without the upgrades).

That would give you the late Charles Riddle’s ‘2-axis’ balance. That would negate some of the eyepiece / weight changes and also has axis locks.

Like the DiscMount, well made (much lighter though), scope positioned over the tripod centre-line, encoders for push to…

Just a thought. Like ‘SpaceHopper’, I’m happy with my own buying decision - the Half Hitch Nova Hitch mount (would also work for you), like the fact it is a ‘bit different’ and does what I wanted - free flowing and graceful movements without stiction.

Just an alternative idea based on your location…. if you can find one - although they do come up second hand as I get notifications via the old Yahoo group!

Damian

12 hours ago, ollypenrice said:

Nice to see you back!

Thank you Olly…
Wouldn’t go as far as… ‘back’ - I don’t think I have the output of work to go that far!
Good to see that you are still producing lots of quality work, I dread to think how many hard drives you now have full of data!

D

Got chance today to have another play with this data-set after re-doing the RGB calibration and LP removal.
Slightly different colour palette from that previously posted... also now different areas of dust showing (especially lower left), whether this is now correct I have no idea !
You can see the misshapen stars* more now in the lower right which is a bit of a pity, but there is more detail now resolved in the central blue wisps of dust and the larger stars are just a tad smaller which makes me happy.... and perhaps just a tad less noise....
Could continue to play for hours and continue to get different results, but today I can say has been fun - and it's been some time since I was able to say I've enjoyed the processing part - so a win-win.
* If I had PI, it would be interesting to see if the new 'XT's' could sort this out, but I don't want to upgrade my Mac's OSX to be able to try, so for now I'll have to live with it....

Thanks for looking again....

Damian

To finish, just as a bit of fun - a bit of... 'art'... dare I use that word here - pushed to within an inch of its life with a dose of Star Spikes Pro !

The structure of the underlying CCD is starting to show - vertical lines in the centre and on the right (I've seen this with other 16200 based cameras), but I think that next year it's still worth getting more data on this...

I left a simple 'like' yesterday Adam when phone browsing...
Made a mental note to return this evening to look again on the proper screen.
Your result deserved the 'effort' of using the keyboard !

Love the colour palette and detail - especially the dark dusty wisps that dissect the main nebulosity.... and you nailed the composition.

On 27/02/2023 at 00:09, Adam J said:

Hopefully not pushed it too far

Definitely not!

Would hang that on my wall quite happily !

Damian

Very nice Wim, that MN190 is working a treat - don't see much data from them these days, which is a pity considering the result posted.
That background is very nice and neutral - I presume you have decent skies up there in Sweden....
If only.....!

D

19 hours ago, Sunshine said:

it is wonderful!

Thanks 'Sunshine' - good of you to leave a comment.

Damian

Lost the mojo for major processing runs (mostly sticking to mono Ha to 'see where we are')... this is one of my first broadband projects for some time - enjoying the capturing / honing the equipment side still though and slowly collecting plenty of narrowband data to sort at some stage when the mood takes me.

Still reguarly check in here to admire the constantly improving output of work - feel I'm getting left behind a tad !

Clear Outside now suggests that the outskirts of Lichfield is a demoralising Bortle 6 region... plus the added 'bonus' of HS2 engineering works not much more than a mile away - hence my propensity to concentrate on narrowband target acquisition.

Was hoping to collect more on this.... and forgot to try 2x BIN for the RGB component - so that's a test for another day.

This is currently running at 27x 600 seconds (4 1/2 Hrs) for the Luminance, and 9x 600 seconds (1 1/2 Hrs) for each of the RGB channels (all 1x BIN).

So next season, would like to double that amount to try and get more of the dust - still amazed that I got what I did !

Chroma 50mm unmounted filters, dark and flat frame calibrated + dark flats (aligned/stacked/gradient removal in APP).

FSQ106ED @ f/5 - Atik 16200M (running at -20ºC), Atik OAG/SBIG-ST-i

A quick and cheerful processing run then. Global applications of levels, curves, contrast enhancement, a small amount of star and noise reduction. A colour saturation adjustment / boost, with a single dose of HiPass sharpening - all via Ps in under an hour with zero masking....

Next go will be more considered with the application of stand-a-lone StarNet++ (after a Ps pre-stretch) - all on OSX.

Decided to leave the green in for now.... have an old copy of Ps on a Windows7 machine that has HLVG, so may even try that as looking on SGL, most versions posted are more icy-blue, so this version is something of an outlier.....!

Do the double-click for the warts and all, full size jpeg (small crop from stacking only).

Clear skies...

Damian

An unexpected clear spell, so out imaging again - four nights on the trot now! Not as cold tonight, but nipped outside with a Coffee (plus Baileys!) to take in the view… saw a few Geminids the last few sessions. Just slewed the scope over to M45 to start getting the colour component for this data set - Blue tonight as we’re right on the Meridian, so perfect position for that colour…. and no moon either…

Thank the Lord for TeamViewer - although I usually run it on a laptop, tonight it’s via the iPad, so I can stay in the house watching some recorded TV with the wife - don’t want her to feel she has become an astronomy widow….

Last night was the first time I’ve left the gear completely unattended - work was sponsoring the Lichfield Illuminated Cathedral, so with complementary tickets in hand, we went to enjoy that - TeamViewer on the iPhone then, just to keep an eye on things - quite amazing the tools we have at our disposal now, isn’t it..?!

FSQ on my Scopebuggy inspired dolly - makes set up a 20 minute routine that I now have down to a fine art!

Wishing you all a good Christmas - with a sprinkling of clear skies!

Damian

5 hours ago, CraigT82 said:

For me it’s mostly the hands and feet that suffer. Haven’t yet found any gloves that keep my fingers warm whilst letting me operate everything without taking them off. The search continues.

I would suggest some silk gloves and socks - Jasmin Silk have a decent offering for a sensible price.

https://www.jasminesilk.com/accessories/silk-gloves-socks-balaclavas

You’ll think a thin layer like these will be useless. They are anything but…

It was recommended to get some when the wife and I first went to Lapland more than 10 years ago. Since then we’ve done the Ice Hotel, etc, etc.

Been down past -36 degrees. The idea was that you could whip the snow gloves off to operate the camera (aurora pics, etc), yet still give the old hands some protection from frostbite for short periods.

As a first layer, you’ll be amazed at the difference silks make to the hands and feet.

A nice little Christmas stocking filler to yourself then!

Damian

I concur.... with both Stu and Rob!

I have both rubber and spiked feet for my visual set-up using a Planet tripod (and a Half Hitch mount rather than a Rowan). After trying both, I now use the spikes pushed into the grass... mainly because grass is also a lot safer if I drop an Ethos !

What I would recommend for spikes, is to attach large washers between the spikes and the tripod - this allows you to push the things into the soil to a 'stop' (the washer) and that also stops sinkage as the night progresses - this is 'useful' if you are running encoders / push-to, to keep everything nice and true -stopping the system loosing that little bit of alignment over the night (although that can usually be re-done quite quickly,  but why not stop the issue in the first place!)

And I prefer it that way, just my OCD !

Just my pennies worth...

Damian

Another ongoing project, currently grabbing OIII subs for The Lion, but will be switching to this with the moon about to appear now that I've collected 11hrs of the stuff - 'just' the SII set to get next!

So, just a play whilst monitoring things via Teamviewer.

Slightly disappointed by the data so far - think in the back of my head I knew these subs were affected by hi-cloud.... it wasn't as 'clear' as the forecast made out last time out!

This is currently running at just 18x 1200 seconds (6 Hrs), Chroma 50mm unmounted 3nm Ha, dark and flat frame calibrated + dark flats (aligned/stacked in APP).

FSQ106ED @ f/5 - Atik 16200M (running at -20ºC), Atik OAG/SBIG-ST-i

Processed in Ps and stand-a-lone StarNet++ (after a pre-stretch) on OSX.

A small amount of noise and star reduction....

And don't look too closely at the horrid stars in the upper left - not found a way to address the tilt in the system 😡

So a start then to see where we are - do the double-click for the full size jpeg (small crop from stacking only).

Clear skies...

Damian

Out of interest, those two brighter blobs to the upper left are: Sh2-148 and on the very edge, Sh2-152

We've had a new patio laid and extended - which will allow me to roll the imaging gear (on a scope-buggy type contraption) further away from the house. I can now get away from the central heating boiler vents from us and next door, plus it'll give me greater access to imaging targets around the Pole and more imaging time before the usual targets set over the other neighbour's roof - to the left in the pic below).

I'm not allowed to have a full blown observatory !

Anyway... Not quite the 'postman', but two men brought this over yesterday - the new 'warm room'....

Well, the wife tells me I can use it when I'm out with the imaging gear anyway - her new infrared sauna !

At least it is 'dry' unlike a traditional sauna - so I can monitor things via the iPad or laptop quite safely from it and see the night sky to boot - roll on those cold winter nights 😳 !

I shall be heading out there in a bit to give it a go 🥲

Damian

Could this be light leak from the viewfinder..? With my old Nikon D3, there is a manual shutter on the viewfinder to stop that when working remotely (so your face isn’t a natural light shield).

Worth a dark frame test with and without a home made cover on the back to see if that helps…

Damian

11 hours ago, Spitfire said:

Can you indicate the star that is orbiting Cygnus X-1

Hi Geoff - hope you're keeping well...?

From browsing the internet, the location of the 'Cygnus X-1 system', so the Black Hole and its mag 9 binary companion - a blue supergiant variable star HD 226868, is here:

I saw this post and it reminded me that this would be an easy data set to add to the next clear night - that was last Wednesday evening just before the start of the Jubilee celebrations.....

No moon, but now only astronomical twilight subs, started around 11.45pm and got 8x 1200sec subs with the newer 3nm Chroma Ha filter - to add to the 4x 1200sec with the old Baader 7nm filter and 4x 1200sec subs captured with the (returned) Baader 3.5nm CMOS filters as shown originally here (hence my 'variegated' header - a horticultural nod to the mix of different Ha 'reds' that make up this particular tulip ! 😞

Perhaps I'll eventually ditch these first 8 as the newer Chroma subs have higher transmission (similar to the appearance of the 7nm filter) but with greater detail / contrast and the smaller stars of the Baader 3.5nm CMOS...

FSQ106ED @ f/5 - Atik 16200

Pre-processed, stacked and gradient removal in APP. Processed in PsCC2017 with stand-a-lone StarNet++ (on Mac).

Just a play then to see where we are - would like 10hrs on this, so some way to go yet.

Double-click for the hi-res - 100% with a small amount of stacking artefact cropping.

(....tried, but can't get rid of the poor stars - especially in the top left, so don't examine too closely!)

Starless:

Damian