TakMan

Cheers Stu! Forgot to add the GONG image for reference, so here it is: And while we're at it, the next image - those lower filaproms (I think that's the correct term), that looked a bit birds flying across the face of the sun.... or perhaps those porcelain ducks folks stick on their walls ! 3.37pm Best 100 of 3000. Flat calibrated. Inverted: Damian

Seeing 'Rusted' post earlier today, reminded me I saw something similar when imaging on Monday... Well, a 'loop' appeared to form around 3.50pm and by 4.25pm it had gone. Brighter areas appeared, but not as dramatic as those in Rusted's post. This image taken at 4.00pm. Best 100 frames from 3000. Flat calibrated. 0.29"/Pixel And inverted: Will add more from the day when I get chance, but we've had a 12 mile walk earlier, so it's time to put the ole feet up and catch up with qualifying for the ADAC Total 24hr race from the Nürburgring Nordschleife! Clear skies for tomorrow morning although I'm under strict orders that we're out at 11.15 ! Damian

Nicely caught! I saw a loop appear when imaging on Tuesday (still to process I’m afraid!), but if memory serves, it didn’t last more than 15 minutes and also ended with these brighter areas.... will have to post later as currently at the in-laws with my feet up waiting for fish and chips - a treat having done a 12 mile walk today! Hope to get out tomorrow morning though if the forecast holds... Clear skies... D

A detail from the surface... taken 9.03am Best 50 frames from 3000, visible in the upper middle section of the GONG image. Enjoying going through the data and practising processing... This is the region that became AR2829, imaged around 11.30am. You can see it as a disturbance on the left of the limb on the GONG image.

I agree, I decided to learn how to sort the old DELL to run the deep sky stuff and after a few teething troubles, it does work a treat and gives me so many more features (plate solving being the big one) than what I’d been using under OSX. At the moment though, my Mac is my fastest machine and I can achieve write speeds of 110fps @ Mono12p and 164fps @ Mono8. I use M12p because I don’t get the odd artefacts (in the dark areas once stretched), that I see from the Basler running in M8. The Mac is also fully calibrated (along with the monitor), so design work prints as I see it on screen - colour calibration is a dark art as much as astro imaging (so I have a chap that sorts that for me!) I also agree completely with regards to the ‘cult of Apple’, it’s rather pathetic seeing people queuing for the next phone release. My background is graphics and although software now runs on both the main platforms, once upon a time it didn’t. If you’d presented work to a professional printers with something from Windows, they’d have turned you away and laughed you off the premises!

Thanks guys, pleased with the result as the capture conditions didn’t hint that the final image would be that good. Nope, I don’t know how you do it ‘Rusted’, my MacBook runs very hot whilst imaging, even running a separate SSD drive (so I’m not hammering the one in the laptop). I’m running AS!2 (couldn’t get v3 to work) and ImPPG via WINE, so I presume it’s a bit slower than running native? I don’t suppose it helps either that I’m putting 3000 separate.tif files (that’s my only save option using the Basler Pylon software on Mac), through it to process as well (I tried PIPP, but it constantly crashed when running under WINE on the Mac) and on an old i3 Windows DELL laptop (the machine I use outside to run my deep sky imaging gear), it was verrrrryyyyyy slow and often returned a result of 1 frame - for some reason not able to select the best 300 frames from 3000.... Finally, ‘Rusted’.... “it doesn’t show”, I use your posts to not only give me an idea what the seeing is like as you are usually up and running before most on SGL, but also what my results should look like - similar sized scope and 174 camera! Clear skies, Damian

Don't know where you guys and girls get the time to process all this solar data! Found time now for just one, from the 20+ files from Tuesday (still got Monday and Sunday to go through)! AR2827, taken at 9.07am Roughly 0.29"/Pixel Best 100 frames from 3000, flat frame calibrated. Damian

Superb, the end result has paid back all your effort.... and amount of data! Damian

That’s lovely - super detail and nicely processed... D

First time out solar imaging since furlough last year! With astro-darkness behind us, took the deep sky gear off the mount last week to fit the lunar/solar imaging kit... Plenty of new things to get acquainted with.... and with the wife insisting on a morning walk, it meant setting up around lunch time... and imaging when the seeing had inevitably gone downhill. First 'solar' light for the TEC140-ED (with Baader 160mm D-ERF). First time with the (new to me) Hinode Solar Guider - looks to work well (easy to set up and I tried moving the mount when it was guiding and it returned back to the initial position!) Should prove itself quite useful in the future. In action below... As the Basler Pylon OSX software only saves out as individual .tif files when imaging on the MacBook Pro (thousands of 'em), I've also had a go at setting up PIPP on my deep sky imaging acquisition / guiding Windows laptop to whittle the 3000 files down (per run - 110fps in Mono12P), to a manageable 300 frames (saved into a .SER file), then to be processed back on the Mac via AutoStakkert2 and ImPPG (under WINE) and of course PsCC2017. This is the first image of the afternoon - have another 7 runs to process which will add to this thread as and when... Hope to try again tomorrow morning! Damian 150 frames used, no flats or darks.

Proper first light (and 'completed') image for me with the new (S/H) Atik, purchased Oct last year... Taken my time to migrate from using a Mac to fully 'Windows' PC. Not really the best time of year for my imaging rig, but decided to use the time to get everything bedded in ready for the Autumn, although the camera is waiting to go back to Atik for a service as there is dust inside the sensor chamber. Now with everything running under one system, I've been able to join the 21st century of imaging - blind solving/syncing the mount, plate solving over multiple nights of imaging, auto-dithering, scheduling in autofocus routines, etc, etc. I've even been able to get the capture software modified to make use of the 18 second download time of the Atik. Now that time is used constructively to send the dither command and settle the mount ready for the next exposure, so far less wasted time! I've also lightened the gear on the mount, moving to an OAG. With that and the new multi-star guiding in PHD2, imaging sessions have been a lot more productive.... if only the weather would play ball...... Had a bit of a scare when reviewing the flats, especially the L, with distinct vertical banding, but this appears to be par for the course with this 16200 chip having reviewed images across the web. Not so the horizontal and vertical large 'patches' across the L flat frames... I've been PM'ing fellow 16200 owners for advice... did think it was an issue with the camera, tried multiple versions of creating flats (having come from the 'smaller version' of the chip - the 8300, plus a camera that also had a mechanical shutter, I thought I was well versed at creating flats...), but now I'm convinced it's my bortle 5/6 skies and encroaching light pollution. So many experiments later to find the best way to utilise the background removal in APP (plus the 'hot column correction), I have my first LRGB image (via PsCC2017) having beaten this into submission! You can still see the 'patches' as unevenness in the background, but considering where they started at, I'm quite pleased with the result. The data is easier to work with than the 8300 and my 20min Ha experiments are simple and fun to manipulate, so looking forward to later in the year when the large nebulas re-appear. Do have an ole IDAS filter that could swap out for the Baader L filter, but last time I used it with the SBIG8300m I felt the stars were more bloated than using the pure L. In hindsight, perhaps 300 sec exposures would have been better for the Luminance as the stacked file was very 'light grey' in the lower portion of the frame, something to remember next time out! In fact, the 'patches' were not to be seen on the single Luminance files - probably because they were swamped by the light pollution, so one theory is that the flat frames were then introducing it as correction for the unevenness recorded in the actual sensor...? Joy! Some tilt to address in the top left, but as the camera needs to come off again. will leave that until after the service. Details: L 30x 600sec Bin 1x1 R/G/B 18x off each 300sec Bin 2x2 FSQ @ f/5 (removed the reducer also!), Baader 2" filters, Atik EWF3 and OAG Plenty learnt, ready to start process 2 tomorrow! Damian

Still sorting the (new to me), Atik 16200 imaging train as I try to shift from my trusty SBIG 8300, Mac to PC for mount control/capture and from a separate guide scope to the Atik OAG.... The camera needs to go back to Atik (awaiting the email from Vince) as there is dust inside the chamber, so this is a good time to get everything checked - ready for the autumn season. After some imaging/testing time at the rear of Leo in the last week, I noticed on my flat frames a strange half moon light - by the dust mote (that was over-correcting the lights). Eventually I worked out it was the screws surrounding the sensor cover window (or the 3x rounded cap screws that attach the EFW3), bouncing the light onto the back of the filter (Baader L in this example) and I suppose onto the cover window and onto the sensor. To test the theory, I opened the imaging train up and added a Sharpie pen to them. Couldn't get into the cross-heads with the pen, but with re-testing, the reflection had gone! Perhaps it would never be an issue with the actual light frames, but you never know with a bright star in the frame of a future target...? So today, after shifting slightly outwards the OAG stalk, I addressed the stainless steel screws 'properly', by (again), taking everything apart and lightly painting a cover of matt black acrylic paint over them and into the x-heads (a bit of overspill), nothing too heavy-handed as I didn't want to glue the things in with paint! The finished effect is duller than the pic here and the reflection has gone after another round of testing. Always something to catch us out, hey!? Why Atik can't use black screws is another matter..... Perhaps this may help others out at some stage.... Damian

Totally agree David, a season that never really got started ! I have 2 images that I would say are (sort of) finished and one of those was started a previous year! Both would benefit from additional data, yet I did collect some new channels to add to previous images when the mood takes me. I think that's the secret to imaging in the UK, just have rolling projects.... or go back to a OSC... Like you, I'll be taking the FSQ off the mount shortly and adding the TEC - ready for some solar, lunar and perhaps planetary imaging. Autumn will come back around quicker than you know it... perhaps next season will be better 🤞, hey...?! Damian

I must have been lucky with the SBIG then, as mine had no column defects at all (perhaps due to a lack of use!) But I have to say, what a great FOV with the 16200 and lens combo. Now you have me re-thinking... perhaps I should consider using the focal reducer on the FSQ with the Atik..? It would give me an even bigger field than using the scope ‘native’ with a full frame sensor, at the expense of resolution - yet still more than the 9 micron 11000 camera still used to great effect by Ollie and the like... choices, choices, hey! D

I think you’ll be pleased with the camera. I presume you got Jessun’s camera/FW bargain..?! For me, the resolution has been a pleasant jump, I’ve gained enough extra FOV to ‘compensate’ for the cropping after nightly realignment and dithering (I did anyway with the old camera but this is a definite extra requirement as you’ll be aware as most 16200 class II chips have a defect or two, or three - mine has a bright column defect right at an edge), but this has been removed with the darks and the dither. There is still that classic microlensing ‘cross/star’ effect on the bright stars (like the KAF8300, but not as prominent I feel...) I’m sure it doesn’t match the newer (and more expensive), CMOS sensors for noise and sensitivity, but I like the extra bit of real estate over the APS-C size and much prefer how the stars are rendered on CCD than most of the images I’ve seen on the newer devices (any idea why they look more... ‘fuzzy’..? In print terms, I’d have called it ‘bleed’ from too much ink being put down). I don’t know if that is something to do with the CMOS tech, the optics used or the smaller pixels though... or something else... Thanks for the reply... D

Picked up second hand (hardly used, less than 2yrs old) late October last year for a great price. Wanted to get this 'Winter Season' out of the way before swapping things over - did this season ever really get started.... 😪 So, first light testing (26th Feb). First time out using the Atik OAG and EFW3, having ditched the Tak Focal Reducer, the TrueTech filter wheel and separate ST-80 guide scope. Before, was using two computers: the MacBook to control the SBIG camera/Robofocuser via 'Equinox Image' and a Windows (7) PC for CduC and PHD2. Now with everything running with one machine, hoping to try platesolving next time out - it all works via ASTAP testing on the dining room table! Thanks to 'Han59' on here for his help and advice getting CCDciel set up- the autofocus 'stay in place' routine worked a treat on the night. Slight issues with the EFW3 loosing connection, but I think that was a flaky USB connection into it, plus the odd 'very PC' com port issue - something we Mac users have little idea about! Taken under a 99% illuminated moon. Baader 7nm Ha 2" mounted filter, just 3x 1200 sec exposures. -20 cooling. Dark and flat frames (no flat darks though). Pre-processed in Nebulosity and then gradient removal and sharpening in APP last night whilst watching a film, so no great care taken at this stage for this image. Some tilt in one corner which I will try and address at some stage. Don't like the camera rotation. Having undertaken the test, removed the gear last weekend, added an additional spacer so that the focuser doesn't need to be racked out so far, adjusted the OAG stalk as there was too much shadow on the flats for my liking, rotated the camera 90 degrees. Cables now all sorted and the EFW3 USB secured - 'garage testing' appears sound! This camera gives me a slightly larger field and a nice jump in resolution 2.33" per pixel over the previous set-up (the SBIG 8300 and Tak FR was 2.88" per pixel). I've seen mentioned elsewhere that the data from the 16200 was very 'easy' to work with and even at this early stage, I felt it was, even with just three exposures, compromised with the moonlight. One issue has come to light... there is dust inside the camera chamber. Atik/Vince have been great and despite a backlog with Atik due to Covid/Brexit, the camera will be going back for a service soon. So some more testing and sorting once it's back and I'll be ready for the Autumn season - with the nights getting shorter, the FSQ will be removed to make way for the TEC140 and it's lunar/solar imaging duties... perhaps I will have to sort the ST8300m to play with the TEC as well at some stage... Damian

Love your choice of colours and framing, quite different to the usual presentation of this. Lots of fine detail too. Damian

I wouldn’t think so Jeremy, J likes to save her pennies, not “spend them frivolously!”

Thanks Mike, thought you'd appreciate the post. I should point out here that J isn't.... 'quite'.... the dragon as I portrayed for the comic effect (!!!), she did in fact buy me two small gifts while I was busy taking photos in the shop. The paper 'zodiac bauble' hangs above my desk as I type. The keyring has a working mini planisphere on it's reverse. D

Quite agree, left J there are brought back a CCA250 and a TOA150.... sort of... ‘twins’...!!!

Found this via the Uncensored Tak users group, that came via the AstroPhysics group. All in Japanese, but interesting to see, especially for us ‘Tak’ nuts! Enjoy... Damian

Thought you'd like it David - right up your street! D

Thanks Brendan!

Just going through the old back-up drives on a wet Saturday afternoon... Came across these pics from our holiday to Japan, back in 2016 that I never posted to SGL - meant to... better late than never! Japan was always somewhere I'd wanted to visit back from the days in art college. The graphics, comics, cartoons, culture, video games (that Designers Republic work done on the Playstation game 'Wipeout', will always stick in my designer memory, it was so modern and out there, so non-Western) and import consoles. Reading in awe about that 'Akihabara' electronic district (sounded far sexier than Dixons, Currys and Comet on the UK high street), those Japanese girls.... (I'd got my Konnichiwa sorted in anticipation!) and Alpahaville's 'Big in Japan' (1984) plus Aneka's 'Japanese Boy' (1981) for those old enough to remember those... 'classics' ! We did it as a package holiday with VJV around J's school Easter holidays so we got to see the cherry blossom. Julie is a secondary modern languages teacher, French and German. When in Austria or Switzerland walking (we were pre-Covid doing quite well working our way through the Inghams 'Lakes and Mountains' brochures), they think she's a German lass married to an English guy - as she turns to me to explain when the next train is coming, etc. But she readily learns (and remembers) Italian, Spanish, a bit of this and that, Icelandic and Finnish on the planes over (when she's not explaining just how different they are and one, I think Finnish, is similar only to Hungarian... "isn't that fascinating?" - errr, no, not as much as the film dear!) and turned her hand to Japanese as well on the KLM flight to Osaka! I was rubbish at languages. It went in one ear and out the other. Our teacher at school, who we still occasionally see, thinks it rather amusing that the 'language idiot' actually ended up getting by when abroad.... by marrying his own Babel fish - it's so much easier than having to learn it! So Japan, 2016, I was turning 45 and we were just about to pay off the mortgage - didn't matter about the cost, we were going and I had it in mind that I would somehow get to the famed... 'Takahashi Shop' (I'd read and re-read the posts on CN), once we got to Tokyo. http://www.starbase.co.jp As it was my birthday, I was sure I'd be allowed to go! At the end of one day's extensive tour, as we were heading back to the hotel, I asked the guide how to find the place (obviously I'd already asked if I was allowed to). After the sort of weird eye contact between the wife and guide, how only women can do, that says without words 'not another bloody odd-bod male thing he's come up with', with the map displayed on the phone, we headed off for our first time onto the Japanese transport network on our own... I always thought it would be good for J (in a sort of 'sadistic' way), to understand how it feels to be abroad without being able to understand the signs or the language (I think she did get it), but she did a grand job of delivering me to 〒110-0006 Tokyo, Taito City, Akihabara, 5−8 秋葉原富士ビル 1F plus it was still open - I hadn't checked that in my excitement... Amazing Aladdin's cave of (mostly Tak) telescopes and astro stuff ! Not a word of English and some stilted Japanese from Julie. I'd gone 'prepared' though with some of my own astro pics saved from my SGL account and some pics of my Tak gear loaded onto the phone - I think he got that the EM400, FSQ and the TSA were mine as I flicked through them - well, I pointed at the pics on the phone and a proud me and spoke in slow but clear English, just as 'we' do abroad when 'they' don't appear to understand perfectly good English.... he went away and came back with one of Takahashi's early fluorite scopes, the TS 90, the precursor to my 102s. http://astrosurf.com/sogorb/takahashi/takahashi_ts_refractors.html One day we'll go back, J wants to see the monkeys in the hot springs and I think both of us would like some more time in Tokyo.... I'm sure I'll be able to wangle another visit... but let's just drool and dream for now... Stop dribbling! Well, I must have made the right noises, the ooo's and arrhh's, a good few bows and smiling.... Julie I think he said I can have it..... NO ! But Julie... NO ! ...ok... I'll give it back then... Not even for my Birthd.. - NO ! [removed word]... Have I died and gone to heaven...?! ... J: "you used to look at me like that...." ! J telling (scaring), the nice manager, "He's got more than enough scopes for one man, how many does he need..? No, he's not allowed to buy anything", in Japanese of course so I don't understand! I'm sure that's the look of, 'you surely have had enough time in here now, you've surely got enough pics for your forum thing and you must surely realise you're not getting any of them...??!!' I presume this is fluorite...? ...although I've no idea what the white toothy creature is below ! Julie, can I hav... "NO"...... ok....... Gives a clear idea of the old green and newer blue Tak colour scheme... ... Julie... NO ! We'll come back, one day... can't we dearest...? Hope that was a bit of fun anyway...? Damian

Thanks for the replies guys. I see you've done a reprocess Brendan since I last posted, looks great. I tried your orientation (portrait) with my second process below, but it didn't work as well as yours - I think my more rectangular chip didn't give the right look and I didn't want to crop it down... Anyway, using the same data set as previous, a complete re-process, this time taking greater care with the stars and brighter regions. The palette is perhaps more in-keeping with a traditional RGB image, also the overall brightness is not so aggressively pushed as attempt #1… a bit more muted and more overall... ‘dustiness’ ! Rather than aim for the usual two colours of (magenta) red and blue, I tried to get some others into it as I went, so some teal with the blue OIII and orange hues in the extremities of the red Ha, just for a bit more interest. This time I used the Ha as a selective luminance layer, so you could say this image is: Ha/Ha/sG/OIII - click for the full size jpeg. D ...and as more of a Hubble Palette SHO look.... ...plus a rotated and cropped version centreing around the famous 'Leaping Puma' Bok Globule...