2STAR

HI, has anyone using a ZWO camera tried this out for EAA yet, ZWO ASI Studio software, it looks a lot less complicated than some of the other software out there, sources at ZWO state that further features will be added to it as and when. Regards eric

Thanks to all at FLO during these uncertain times, my new ZWO 533 MC PRO was due to arrive on Tuesday 14th April, it arrived today Saturday 11th !!. Great Speedy Service and in particular during this period . well done and thank you. Eric

Its not been good for a while with all the bad weather, been a couple of half decent nights in March and same April, I have done some visual and was out for a an hour or so each time. Unfortunately due to the current pandemic I have not received my new Astro Camera from FLO, still, its a little price to pay considering what some folk are having to go through, and I suppose it puts things in perspective all round, hope everyone is well and see you all soon hoping. Eric

Have ZWO started exporting as yet, is there a approx ETA ? regards eric ps: I am requesting this on Medical grounds as being 69 yr old I need to isolate myself in the backyard as and when possible😁😁😁😁😁😁

Yes Vicky, worse season in my 4 yr at this lark. I understand why Winscar has dropped off due to some members not feeling comfortable or even safe there anymore due to the appearance of some weird characters , other than the usual doggin mob lol. The site recently used at Towton wasn't bad but it was on Farmland we did not have permission to set up on,and I didnt think this was condusive to a good nights comfortable imaging. There must be someplace within 30 or 40 mins we can find, I think collectively we could find it. Other than that, Sutton Bank visitor car park (easy to get to)or pay £5 to use that farm about 5 mile further on but with facility and safe. For the number of times we go out in winter the camp site is empty and for a fiver worth it in my opinion.

Is this group on here extinct, its a shame that we do not post here, lets try and get it up and running again with contributions/chat etc. Also, we need to seriously look at finding/going to a reasonable darkish sky together, where we are not trespassing on private proprty etc. I am raising this as I was unable to attend the AGM. eric

Leads not correctly placed on ths diagram

The power lead in this above diagram is not correct, the power lead is attached first, then the dec lead, thus avoiding them becoming 'tangled', there is no problem during operation with either lead if attached like stated. The AZ/EQ 5 gt also has dual encoders incorporateed. The tracking is smooth and good in both eq or alt/az. regrds eric

Have a read up on the Optolong L-enhance duo band filter.

Something I was going to ask the requisite 10 + stars are in the FOV with the zwo533 at 80mm f5 for PA ? eric

OSC for me, have used the Atik Infinity for 3 yr now have ZWOasi533 pro on order with FLO, Mono obviously gives fine detail image & produces better results, so its a case of how much do you want from an image, a reasonable photo in quick time does for me. Short subs on alt/az or eq ,with optolong l-enhance filter subduing a lot of LP from bortle 7/8 backyards as well as bringing colour out on Emission Nebula. 3 or 4 DSO's a night is easy and the final image looks ok. regards eric

Andromeda should just about be in the fov with the f5 80mm espirit.

My mistake , it reduces halation, I have obviously been given some duff information regards eric

I have used my espirit 80mm f5 for imaging (mostly eaa), I have researched in detail and the 533 is a perfect match for my specific 80mm, the sq sensor fits most objects in the FOV I wish to image, and there are LOTS & LOTS of DSO Objects suitable ! I will be using the Optolong L-enhance duo band filter for my bortle 8 backyard where most of my imaging is done, it restricts a lot of LP and additionally brings out colour particularly in Emission Nebulla ,Just waiting for things to settle down in China and delivery of my 533 from FLO. ERIC

Vignetting should not be a problem with the 533 sq chip size and 80ed from what I have read so a Flattener is not required. eric

As mentioned, the weather here would have curtailed use of my on order ZWO 533 in any case, so in many ways it is not that fustrating in reality. eric

Where in West Yorkshire are you, if near Wakefield come and join us. eric Wakefield Astronomical Society member

Good advice

For my West Yorkshire backyard sky (bortle 😎 I am going to Stick with a OSC, with a optolong or zwo duo band filter, & sharpcap. The new OSC CMOS cameras are very sensitive with low noise and image capture in colour is a lot easier learning curve than messing with Mono & filters etc. The duo band filter is a good LP suppressor & boosts certain Emission Nebula colour. The Mono cameras are a favourite amongst some folk, but not for me. I was torn between the 294 & 533 , the square sensor and FOV of the 533 is sufficient through my 80 mm Espirit to capture the images I want. Each to their own and as is often said regarding astro gear, it is a very subjective subject !! On order ZWOASI533pro with FLO, due March sometime hopefully, 🤔 regards Eric ZWO 533 pro arrived, optolong L-eNhance dual band filter arrived, next step, as I do EAA mostly is to try the new ASI Studio software, simple UI and although in its initial development looks ready made for EAA enthusiasts, Sharcap although tried & tested software has a steep learning curve and I found 'glitches' in its stacking of images, so next clearish night I will have a go with the ZWO Studio software and see how things go. regards eri

You need a goto, alt/az is ok if using sharpacap and a CMOS OSC, SC makes slight adjustement to keep object on track and minimise Field rotation, the latest CMOS cameras from ZWO are also good on a alt/az mount. For really good images it has to be EQ though. eric

Brilliant report and great images.

What is the licensing issue ?

The Optolong dual band filter has good reviews for OSC cameras especially on Emission Nebulas, and there are lots of those , also, a good LP filter all in one. Eric ps: You cannot really use individual colour filters on a OSC . Change of tack, Now going for the 533 suits my set up better, on order with FLO when ZWO are up and running again.

Give the eyepiece a miss ,Use a Telrad to get you on target, then mess with your settings, Alt/Az works fine. eric

Interesting article, I have just sold my Atik Infinity, had it 2 yr and it is a good camera , easy to use software, and can capture decent images for the purpose of EAA, it is however when all said and done a video camera for DSO, drawback is it is not intended for the purpose of capturing Solar System objects. I have been thinking of buying the Atik Horizon but not certain it is worth the extra cost over the OSC ZWO294 MC pro which has both DSO and Solar System capability. ( I dont know if the Horizon has Solar System capability) Sharpcap 3.2 apparently works very well with the ZWO range, and I think I may well be heading in that direction. However, anyone new and wishing to start out capturing DSO's I would highly recommend the Infinity for its ease of use. Eric