steve k

Solved the problem in the config section as magnitude limit was set too low... increase the number to around 10 and you should find the Messier Objects...

Updated firmware today to 1.1.1 and everything looks good with functional Planetarium however I can't seem to look up Messier Objects in search function. Have checked in config and everything ticked so not sure what I'm doing wrong.. ! Typed in M13 then Messier 13 and nothing shows up ! Any clues would be greatly appreciated !!

Was wondering if anyone had any further news as to when the Motor Drive system will be available to buy ?

Having purchased this brilliant mount in September 2020 I like many others have been eagerly awaiting the availability of the retro fitting motor drives. My original decision to purchase was based on the motors as I am keen to add tracking for EAA purposes. Other than brief updates on the progress of this development all has gone quiet recently. Does anyone have any info or rough idea when the motors will be available to purchase ?

Personally I've found the ZWO products to be good.. I've a couple of cameras , ASi294mc Pro and ASi290 mini Guider which are very good. The ASiair Pro has a terrible wifi range which can be overcome with a wifi extender however I wasn't happy when I got the product and then had to purchase an extender to fix a problem that was down  to very  poor design !!

Very impressive build !!

Recently purchased this mount and I am very impressed with it.. top top quality and a superb finish. Can't wait to get the motor system and hope it will be available for sale soon !!

Maybe consider a self fit encoder system.. these have good reviews..

https://www.365astronomy.com/astro-devices-encoder-kit-for-skywatcher-dobsonians-6-16.html

Have you set up your home network via the app first.. ie connect to the asiair hotspot and configure home wifi from there ?

41 minutes ago, ShineOn said:

The night of 6/4/20 was clear but with a 98% illuminated moon. With a paucity of narrowband targets to go at, I attempted something a little different.

This image represents my effort to image as many of the Messier objects over the course of one night, from my location in Bakewell, Derbyshire, England @ 53 degrees N. I managed a total of 90 (including ‘M51b’ and ‘M109b’).

I used Sequence Generator Pro to create a sequence, based upon the objects position in the sky at various points through the night (I am lucky enough to be able to image from my balcony which has excellent sky visibility from the NE to the W, and northwards to the altitude of Polaris).

All images were taken with my Atik 460ex mono attached to a Skywatcher MN190 using a Baader Luminance filter. Exposure lengths ranged from 5 seconds to 120 seconds depending on the target / proximity to the Moon and binned 2x2. Originally, I had hoped that SGP would handle the sequence automatically, but when I was confronted with a new error message and several early software crashes, I decided I needed to 'babysit' the process through the night.

Minimal post processing was done on each image in Photoshop to include levels and curves adjustments, gradient removal using Gradient Exterminator and noise reduction using Topaz Denoise. Each image was cropped / resized to 400px by 320px. Finally the processed images were assembled on a large blank canvas in PS.  The full resolution image can also be viewed here:

https://www.astrobin.com/full/8tnsnj/0/?nc=user

It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, spanning 3 days in the planning, execution and processing phases. I hope you enjoy, Simon.

Wow thats very impressive !!

4 hours ago, happy-kat said:

The startravel is an achromatic refractor which means it does not resolve blue light the same as the other colour wavelengths so will show chromatic aberration which can only be post processed out so far. The mount moves in tiny left right up down so is not tracking equatorially. A great suggestion for visual observing but will present limitations for imaging. I'm not aware if the az-gte flavour can take the firmware update to enable equatorial like the az-gti.

CA not disatrous with the Startravel series.. the mount can be configured to EQ mode with Firmware so for the money a good start for imaging although with more expensive equipment can be improved..

This may be worth a look.. have heard good reports on the OTA and represents good value for money..

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/startravel/sky-watcher-startravel-102-az-gte.html

Would be very grateful if anyone knows of an Auto Focuser that will fit the WO Zenithstar 61 ( 2019 ).. many thanks..

Love it great work !

Super Image

Welcome...Be prepared for a steep learning curve however it's a great hobby and very satisfying..

Welcome to SGL.. a great source of inspiration...

Well done good start.. its a long learning curve but so rewarding when it starts to  come together..

If I could see with my naked eye and telescope anywhere near the detail that the camera can see then I probably wouldn't bother with AP.. that said its nice to have a hard copy of the images to look back on and keep. Doesn't matter how technically brilliant the photos are as long as you as an individual enjoy them. Whatever you enjoy doing most don't forget to take in the wonder of the night sky in which ever way you prefer..

Very nice images.. you should be well pleased with those..

That's a good image to my eyes.. I have a ZWO Asi294mc Pro which is a very good OSC Camera. Had it for about 6 months and love the images that it captures. Occasional amp glow is no problem as easily calibrated out with Flat frames. Haven't done any NB imaging as yet as do not have the filter to do this. There are quite a few Narrowband filters out there which are designed for OSC cameras and from what I've seen produce excellent images.. sadly as usual anything that is to do with Astro is expensive !! Good luck with purchases..

Super image.. very dramatic and love the colours !!

I have this camera which I purchased around 6 months ago... I am new to Astrophotography so still learning techniques but have to say very impressed with this camera. It produces amazing images even in my relative inexperience hands. I use this on a Skywatcher Equinox ED 80 pro and OVL Field Flattener fitted with ZWO IR/UV cut filter. Have heard great reports about narrowband photography also especially with STC Duo Filter.

Welcome Hoth...I love your story how you got in to astronomy.. hope you enjoy SGL.. its a great community and great knowledge is imparted here by experienced people (of which I am not one !) I  have so enjoyed the journey so far of learning more from this site..

Wecome to SGL and this very addictive hobby... warm greetings from Essex,

England..

On 07/08/2019 at 17:03, Rocket Stars said:

Hi all! 

Im a fairly new to this amazing hobby! 

Taking in as much information as possible. But this is not a very widespread hobby. So all those forums are invaluble. Other tips on hangouts are more then Welcome! I exist on CN under the same name. 

I was thinking about NEAF. Is there a similar event in Europe? 

 

Have a super day!