Gan

very helpful information, Thanks to ratskrad. In regards to GT81 and 6AIII, a small correction if I may: the second number ( Backfocus) for GT81 is 62.1. ( from the same link as above) I haven't used this measurement in practice as yet, but I should try because last night I got very elongated stars in the periphery. I am still struggling with the full kit.

That's great. Thank you Skipper Billy. I had a good couple of hours of clear skies last night and took more images of M 42 with NINA and simply took the subs in FITS file. They came out in colour when I processed in GIMP. However, I have a feeling software like Pixinsight may bring out more out of it. I am not very good at post processing and heard that Pixinsight is a bit more complex programme with a steep learning curve. Just not very confident at present to try even the trial version.

I would try Flats wizard in NINA.

I had a similar problem once, but I was very stupid not to realise that the dust cap was still on one of the attachments in the image train! It took a while to realise that and I didn't tell anyone about that, until now!

I am eagerly waiting for a session of imaging, but skies are not cooperative. Hopefully soon. Thanks for your help Skipper Billy. -Gan

Ok. Will try that Thank you David_Taurus!

1. Yes, that's right. Now I realised that it would be better saved in FITS in NINA as I mentioned above. 2. Here is the DSS autosave TIFF file ( stack of 10 lights and 10 darks and 10 flats and 10 dark flats), I have not stretched the image in GIMP yet, because I don't know how to debayer using GIMP. Autosave.tif

2021-01-23_21-05-40__-10.00_120.00s_0001.tifI thought I did, but very sorry if I had mistakenly uploaded a stacked image, but just in case I will upload once more a sub direct from camera. Not stacked. 2021-01-23_21-05-40__-10.00_120.00s_0001.tif

Wow, that looks good. This is a single sub ( not stacked). How did you you do that debayering?

I changed them from FITS files to TIFF thinking that I will be able to see them in GIMP directly for a 'preview' before stacking in DSS. I will try again taking FITS files and debayer and stack in DSS, to see if it makes a difference. Thank you

I presume you mean once we open this file in a stacking programme or when we are doing the post processing. I tored that in DSS with no benefit because the Tiff files have no facility for debyering in DSS. Perhaps I should try once again taking FITS files and try debayering in DSS.

I guess you are referring to this page. I have ticked this anyway but I suspect this is for a preview purpose but not actually the downloaded image.

2021-01-23_21-21-18__-10.00_120.00s_0001.tifI opened the files in DSS and stacked. the Autosave file ( not attached) also showed no colour. Thanks for the help. 2021-01-23_21-21-18__-10.00_120.00s_0001.tif

I wonder if someone could be kind enough to suggest what settings need to be changed to see images in colour, obtained in NINA using ASI 071 MC Pro camera ( saved as TIFF files). Much appreciated

Almost always it said couldn't align, but didn't see any obvious explanation. I will check the log this time. I will try these measures as you suggested and will see. Thanks a lot.

Sharpcap Pro: Livestacking issues: Tried many times but can't get anywhere with this feature. Simply not getting any stack at all. Where am I going wrong? Kit: NEQ6 belt mod, Edge HD 8, ZWO ASI 071 Mc Pro, PHD auto guide using QHY 5Lii Mono,

I wonder if someone could help me please. I have a NEQ6 Pro mounted on a pier with an adapter plater ( installed by Pulsar Observatories) about three years. Of late I noticed that the mount is not stable/steady on the pier adapter plate and rocks/wobble, despite tightening the bottom bolt underneath the plate ( obviously I had to dismantle everything to access the underneath ) This is affecting the polar alignment. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

certainly. will try the demo version. Thank you

Hi Guys Finally got my ASI 071! I need some help/guidance please regarding switching from DSLR to CMOS astrophotography. 1. SOFTWARE: As I am completely new to CCD/CMOS astrophotography, please could someone suggest best software to take few nice images of DSO. I am not aware if there are any standalone imaging software ( like Backyard EOS for Canon DSLR). I am familiar with sequencing software like APT, SGPro and NINA etc. These are very nice programmes but I feel their main concentration is on the whole sequence set up rather than just imaging side of it. I will perhaps get to grips with these eventually. But in the meantime if I want to just experiment with the new camera ( ASI 071) and understand the camera better, is there any software that does just that? 2. SETTINGS What are the ideal settings for the CMOS cameras for DSO imaging. For instance in DSLR imaging your parameters are i. exposure duration ( either long exposure with guidance e.g. 180 sec or more or shorter exposure with lot more images to be stacked in post-processing ii. ISO : 3200 or 6400 or even higher etc. Help and guidance please. Much appreciated in anticipation Gan My Gear: Edge HD8, NEQ6 Pro, QHY5L II for guiding, Celestron focuser

Thanks all for a very helpful discussion. Sorry for not responding sooner. I was away for a month on job and just returned. I guess now its the decision time!

I shouldn't have procrastinated. After Xmas the price has gone up for these cameras. Now they are costing at least £150 dearer! Incidentally I read few reviews re. ASI 071: about the frosting/icing on cooling below certain temperature. I understand that the QHY conuterpart ( 168C) hasn't got the same issues. Am I right?

Looks like you showed me clear direction. The pictures are very informative regarding the FOV differences. I will be on the job and will keep you posted. Many thanks for your excellent help Gan

Wow, thats was really educational. Really enjoyed reading it. Slowly getting there in understanding these concepts. (I am sorry. I should have given few more facts. My area is about 4 on Bortle scale. Not sure how to quantify seeing. Scope 8 inch Edge HD. Mount is NEQ 6 Pro with Belt modification.. Guiding with QHY 5 II L Mono and PHD. decent exposures up to 180 sec. Currently using Canon 80 D UnMod. Main purpose is to do DSO photography) My confusion was between ASI 294 /ASI 071/ ASI 533. Not sure which one to choose. with the help of above information I will take a close look at what is the best combination of camera and my existing scope. Have no plans currently to spend on new scopes. Once again many thanks Vlaiv. Much appreciated. Gan

Let us suppose budget could be stretched a bit, which following parametrs would carry more weight? ( for DSO photography) : 1. Resolution ( arc sec/pixel) 2. FOV 3. resolution ( pixels) 4. Read noise 5. Pixel size 6. QE 7. Full well capacity 8. FPS (The contenders then would perhaps include ASI 071, which is £500 more expensive)