keramos

Hello All, I wondered if someone could 3D print a Bahtinov Mask for me, I've got the STL file from thingiverse.com for this particular guide scope. I'll be more than happy to pay for time, material, and postage cost. Alternatively if someone know's where I can get the mask printed that too will be very helpful. ps: couldn't find a mask for such a small scope/aperture with any of the online vendors. Thanks in advance.

I need to research Mono vs OSC, looks like OSC have up'd the game seen some vids on QHY268C (expensiveeee!) and lots of ZWO OSC capability. oh well by the time I save up there will be something new in market.

Thanks MarkAR & Spongey, Where I live its approx Bortle 5 but more like 6 however where I plan to image is Bortle 4.

Hi Spongey, Thanks for the reply, I haven't bought the ASI120MM as yet and already have UV/IR cut filter. I did think about using the ASI174MM as guiding camera and only use DSLR, but wasn't sure what to expect from DSLR which is unmodified (until I read Steve Richards book, pretty good read I must say) If I don't invest the £145 in ASI120MM, then is there any filters I can invest in to use with DSLR which might be helpful given DSLR is unmodified for Astro usage. Aspiration is to get ZWO EWF+Filter+ ASI1600MM pro when funds become available.

Hello Everyone, I'm about to delve into the world of DSO imaging, well not immediately but with a month or so once I've got all my gear sorted. Telescope: WO Red Cat 51 ASI Air ZWO Finder and ASI120MM mini USB 2 Main camera (as of now).. 1) Nikon DSLR - D3300, this is an unmodified camera 2) ASI 174 MM USB 3 Mono I was wondering what I should expect in terms of results with the ASI174MM i.e. don't have filter wheel or LRGB+NB filters Given that I've maxed out my budget and will take me a while to get filter wheel+ filter lens & Cooled camera. What should be my expectations given my current kit? Lastly, if I do take images with ASI174MM without any filter wheel etc, do folks add colour in post processing (as done with solar)? With DSLR that is unmodified I believe relatively decent images can obtained but without finer details (as per Making every photon count). Any examples around for both ASI Mono and DSLR? Thanks in advance.

Morning All, I've been looking at locations where I could do some imaging outdoors as long it is safe and relatively dark, unfortunately I don't have the luxury of backyard or Garden. In addition to gostargazing.co.uk, I came across this site www.darkskydiscovery.org.uk, I've even reached out to https://www.hanwellobservatory.org.uk/ near Banbury to see if their grounds were open to armature astronomers (no response as yet). Been to Chesteron Mill (CV33 9LB) recent weeks (3 nights) to look at Comet Neowise, classed as Bortle 4 by Clear Outside app. Night 1 - I just went to scout and and was amazed that I could see Neowise, Night 2 - completely dark and loads of stars was surprised. Night 3- did some imaging (but was full Moon), with DSLR and flimsy tripod. Pros It does get relatively very dark, I could see milky way lanes (faint) with naked eye. Was quite and a few people imaging, either landscape photography or astro Public access Saw a group doing a night sky tour (I think), they were all huddled in chairs (social distancing of course) while someone was pointing at sky and giving a talk, could be a cult..who knows Limited parking Cons Bit of a walk up to the mill, so if you are strong then you can haul up your kit. Trolley might work but its grass so be warned, I'm trying to get a portable kit....still in the works. Glow from Warwick but it could also be due to summer and it took about 1 am to get completely dark The wind mill is an obstruction but you can pick a spot around it and stay there for the night. limited parking next to the gate/entrance, I would say roughly 15 cars seen parked (this was at the height of Neowise frenzy) I suggest go during the day and scout the area then decide. If I do hear from Hanwell Observatory I'll let you folks know...would prefer a location that provide access to mains (happy to pay a fee for elec) I'm still mulling over the kit I need, need to decided on Mount (needs to be go to) and Power supply. I wanted to attach an image I took on Night 3 but can't seem to upload a file, will try again.

Hi All, After being away for a long while I've decided to dabble in the DSO imaging (thanks to Neowise for the inspiration). Currently mulling over a portable mount either Explore scientific iEXOS-100 or iOptron Smart EQ pro+ (at the moment iOptron Skyguider not in contention). Needs to be portable and have goto (i'm rubbish at star hopping). Therefore need advice on two things: 1) Power pack One that can support at least 4-5 hours of imaging with the following: Main Camera - ASI174MM USB 3.0 or ASI 1600MM (at later date) Guide scope camera (ASI120MM) Dew strap x 2 Dew controller - 4 ch Filter wheel ASI Air Mount - hoping this should run off LiPo battery pack (that comes with the mount) for the duration If some of you kind folk could advice on power pack/tank that would be helpful. Would I also need some sort of power supply regulator to prevent damage to equipment? Budget ~£200 2) Dew Heater strap I'm getting two - one for main scope and guide scope. Do I need for main camera and guide scope camera? ps: I have a skywatcher power pack but that doesn't seem to hold charge. Any help will be appreciated.

Hello All, Been searching the inter web for info on "how to improve tracking" during solar capture (for time lapse animations). Came across this LuSol Guide. Did a search on SGL and no hits. Any one looked at this before or even tried it? http://www.oc-lab.fr/ - Nihal