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Everything posted by Demonperformer
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Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
Yes, you get more backfocus. For extensive discussion: -
Two purchases recently from 365 Astonomy: (1) The ever-popular ZWO ASI1600MM-cooled. I had been considering this ever since I started following Gina's progress with hers. It was on offer at 10% discount, so I decided to "jump". Despite saying "Available now from UK stock", it wasn't. An email to Zoltan produced a quick response, advising that this "only indicates that we now keep it in stock usually in the UK". For actual stock availability of their website you need to refer to the "traffic light button" (see image). OK, for £130 off, I'm not going to gripe too much about having to wait an extra few days. It arrived on Monday (8 days after it was ordered), well-packaged and secure. (2) An adapter ring, to enable me to use 1.25" filters in the 2" filter thread of the EOS-lens adapter for this camera (an item I found to be not-easily sourced in the UK). This arrived this morning and does precisely what it says on the tin - screws into the 2" filter thread and accepts a 1.25" filter. Less than a week from ordering to delivery. Not going to complain about that. All-in-all, a happy bunny, who now wants some clear skies so he can go out and play with his new toys. Thanks.
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Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
Don't know if this would be of any use. I have one and the main body is genuinely 9mm. The threads on either side make the total 13, but the extra 4, of course, doubles up on whatever you attach to it. The catch is that, if you still need a filter wheel, that is likely to take you over the distance you have available! There's nothing for it ... you are just going to have to design a combined FW/OAG that meets your exacting standards and get the 3D printer on the job. The only 'optical' bit (I think) would be the OAG prism - and as you have just bought an extra one that could be cannibalised ... -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
Yes, polemaster is brilliant - and I speak as someone who was faffing around for (literally) years with other ways and never getting anywhere near polar alignment. Can certainly do 5m subs with round stars (on an EQ6!) and was going to try and push it further the other night, but the cloud rolled in. I'm not sure I would recommend it as a mandatory purchase with an EQ mount (because of the price), but if anyone was having the least difficulty getting PA sorted, I would not hesitate to recommend (because it is so easy & accurate). I have tended to pretty much ignore the final stage (from when you press 'Monitor'). As you say, it tends to dance around a lot, and I have also found that the adjustments can be so small that I can do more damage than good by trying to make them (also I get confused with translating up/down on the screen with which bolt to tighten/loosen on the mount, so am likely to go the wrong way anyway!). -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
'Brain the size of a planet' you mean? -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
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Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
It does pose a problem, doesn't it? I wonder if SX will make spare carousels available separately, which would mean you could have a broadband wheel and a narrowband wheel. -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
Even to my unpracticed eye, that looks incredibly good. Think I won't waste my money on the 2" filters after all, and will promote the 1.25">2" adapter from 'in the meantime' to 'permanent'. -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
Just wonder, Gina. Are you getting much in the way of vignetting with 1.25" filters and this camera on your original subs. The fact that the EOS-lens adapter takes 2" filters and the large chip size make me wonder. I've got an adapter coming that will enable me to use the 1.25s, for what I thought would be a temporary measure, thinking I might have to swap my 1.25's for 2's when finances allow, but will be good if I won't have to. Thanks. -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
Been there, done that, got the T-shirt ... -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
I enquired, but got no response. -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
Mmm ... well ... The specifications list the Interface as USB3.0/USB2.0 and looking at the two versions here, I don't see how it provides a USB2.0 connection if it is the older version. But then, it does talk about "guiding" and the newer version does not have a specific guide port (although that can be done through USB). In addition, I don't think they have helped themselves by saying " This product listing is for the COOLED MONOCHROME version of the ASI1600." and then further down talking about " Features of the NEW ZWO ASI1600MC-COOLED "! All-in-all I will adapt to whichever comes. It is, afterall, the sensitivity of the chip/electronics that is the main appeal and, based on the link above, that certainly seems to be identical in both versions. Thanks. -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
Gina, hope you will forgive me using your thread for a 'headsup', but it is relevant ... 365Astonomy are currently selling the ASI1600MM Cooled for 10% off, i.e. £1184.00 including delivery (that's a saving of £132 on RRP). Stated to be "available now from uk stock", although checking the thread on the supplier reviews board, such statements can be a little inaccurate on occasion. Even so, I thought the saving would be worth having to wait for a week or two if I have to. I wonder if buying an astro-camera has the same effect on the weather as buying a telescope ... -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
Given your results using the 5nm filter, this must surely be down to the conditions and not the filter (or, worse still, the camera!)? -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
That's the problem with a lot of the literature that is produced - it assumes a certain level of expertise before you start. Which is probably why I end up asking so many "dumb" questions on SGL. -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
I've been having a look at the ASI camera specs, and that is one serious piece of kit. It seems to replace everything from a planetary webcam to a DSLR, in one cooled-ccd package, all at a price that is about 70% of the atik-460. You must let us know what the catch is when you find it ... -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
I am amazed (impressed) by the data you are collecting through your Hα filter with 30s (and now 15s!) exposures. I realise you are using f/2.5, but that is still only about 6x faster than an f/6 scope, and people are always talking about needing 20-30 min exposures, not 3m ones. Is this down to the sensitivity of the camera? -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
Some nice images starting to come out of this setup now. Are you using the camera lens at its full f/2.5 to get that much data, or have you stopped it down at all? Thanks. -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
That sounds like an interesting idea. I, too, run everything off a win7 machine (laptop), but have been considering getting another 'dedicated' machine for running everything at the scope, but the cost of (even 2nd hand) laptops would be a bit of an extravagence for me. However, a quick look on google, reveals some pi3's for sale in the £30/35 region. And not having to run windows would be an added bonus! Do let us know how you get on, if you do decide to go down this route. Thanks. -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
Gina, I am no expert, but a quick google suggests that depending on the speed of the device, 3 or 5m is the maximum. I gather you can get some sort of 'booster' to push the length further. You will know your own system best, but it might be worth considering if this would solve the problem better, as new cables of the same length might not help if you are pushing your devices to the limit of length. But, as I say, I'm no expert. -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
That's good, Gina. Hope the view at 1500 light years is better than 5 miles . -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
Looking at the weather forecast, I suspect (imaging-wise) the moon might be the least of your problems tonight .... -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
Gina, Not sure if you have this link, but it is great for setting up AT - which (contrary to my views on its PA-ability) works wonderfully at plate-solving. http://www.lightvortexastronomy.com/tutorial-setting-up-and-using-astrotortilla-for-plate-solving.html -
Thoughts on which imaging rigs to concentrate on
Demonperformer replied to Gina's topic in Imaging - Discussion
My 2p (and it's probably worth a lot less than that) ... I would think that something that would pay real dividends when set up would be your triple 400mm NB rig. I'm sure the EQ8 would handle that with ease and considering the amount of time needed in each bandwidth, being able to take all three at once would seem to have major potential. I'm presuming that you would only need to guide on one scope and success would be dependant upon how solidly the scopes were held together. Thanks. And you are going to love the polemaster ... so simple even I can do it! -
The "No EQ" DSO Challenge!
Demonperformer replied to JGM1971's topic in Getting Started With Imaging
From my (extremely) limited use of flats, I seem to remember that it helped if I took half of them, then rotated whatever I was using to diffuse the light (be it tea-towel or anything else) through 90o and then take the other half. That way, any irregularities in the "diffuser" get cancelled out.