swag72

15 minutes ago, don4l said:

The only extras that I have downloaded are the G17, Hyperleda and  asteroid files.  It all works for me at focal lengths from 375 (Tak 106 with FR) through to 2000mm (Tal200k).

If you want to put up a fits file, (or a link to one), (dark subtracted is helpful) then I'll happily have a play. 

 

Thanks! I only loaded the G17 file..... I'll go and do the other two then and see if that sorts it 👍 BTW where is the asteroid files? I can't see them

27 minutes ago, don4l said:

I use ASTAP https://www.hnsky.org/astap.htm#asteroid_annotation

 

If your image file has a reasonably correct fits header then ASTAP can both platesolve and highlight any asteroids that should be in the field of view.

It usually works in a couple of seconds.

 

Oooo, I'll give that link a go.... many thanks!!

** That's a shame it doesn't work for me....... I'm just downloading the long focal length database but I can't imagine that my scope at 1200mm and my camera would class as a long focal length..... I was really excited at the prospect of this working as well **

2 hours ago, Knight of Clear Skies said:

Good to see Sara, AP isn't just about the showpiece objects. Hope you are doing OK down in Spain.

This might be a good place to ask, is there an easy way of checking images for minor planets within the field of view? I must have captured all kinds of things over the years without realising it.

All is good down here thanks, especially as we are finally allowed out for a walk and I can cycle outside. Who would have thought such simple things in life would make us so happy that we normally take for granted. 

I don't know about minor planets. With the asteroids I just put them all into CdC and then plan my imaging run to get them in the frame for 1.5 hrs. I guess if you know the designation of minor planets than you could check in a planetarium software to see if they were in your frame?

10 hours ago, Stargazer33 said:

Nice informative video Sara. 1 minute of my life well spent at the moment! 😊

Thanks! It's not exactly a pretty picture though that I prefer!! But needs must!

9 hours ago, Paul M said:

That's a good video. I enjoy tracking down asteroids, even if only with bins. I hope to do some imaging/time lapse some time too.

Ive got a few set up in the capture software to get.... when the cloud clears for more than a couple of minutes!!

8 hours ago, maw lod qan said:

Yes a very informative video. Thanks.

Glad you enjoyed it..... I like doing these.... something different to the norm and something that the moon doesn't affect too much, unless it's a really faint one.

I doubt this will interest many, but with a bit of mojo back and lots of moon and cloud about, imaging asteroids seems to be the way to go for me!!! 

I've documented quite a bit on my website about my asteroid imaging (https://www.swagastro.com/asteroids-and-me.html) Here is a short 1 minute of your life that you won't get back video (!!) of (6) Hebe. Very bright this one is, not surprising based on it's size.

33 minutes ago, RayD said:

 

I'm really interested to see you use a LP filter for luminance; something I hadn't considered.  Do you see a  noticeable difference using this rather then a L filter, or is it just personal preference?

Thanks for your valued input.

I've always used a LP filter as I have quite a lot of pollution..... never bothered to put the L filter in any wheel,  they're both in their boxes never having seen the light of day..... or the dark of night!!

A very kind mention @RayD....... I watch this with interest. I use RGB Chroma filter in one rig and RGB Baader in the other rig. Unfortunately they're not comparable as the rigs are very different in almost all ways! When I was more interested a couple of years ago I did wonder about swapping out the Baaders for a set of Astrodons, but in the end decided that the £500 odd or so was a waste of money. I never bother with the L filter in either set as I use a LP filter for all my luminance. 

Nice to see you back.posting Gina.....and a belter it is too.... what a great FOV 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

A great timely post for me John....... I prefer number 4 too. I have a GoPro on order and startrails are something I'm going to try.... I have no idea what to do with regards to processing so I'll look at the software you suggested....... Any tips in general?

I used to use NUC's to run my imaging rigs..... as you say I controlled it all remotely from my PC in the house. Initially I thought it was a great idea, but I found that after time (perhaps 2-3 years) they became totally unreliable, would continually crash and blue screen. In the end, I bit the bullet to replace them and got a couple of refurb'd DELL mini desktops. They are nearly 3 years old now and haven't missed a beat. They have been brilliant, best PC's I've ever used for the imaging rigs. 

I still use them remotely from my PC in the house. Initially I wanted to stick with a NUC or similar size PC as I thought that they looked good and tidy, but now I'm glad that I just have a desktop tower sat next to my pier.

1 minute ago, Owmuchonomy said:

Hi Sara, I saw your tweet on this too. There are threads on here somewhere because I recall reading them but some time ago. May have to try searching for them?

Cheers Chris.... I did search before I posted but didn't see anything that I was looking for

No one uses one then? I have seen something from Ton O'D and it looks quite cool.....no one else?

I've got a Go Pro on order, specifically for a 2km zip wire that I'm going to do later in the year... But I did wonder is there anything astro that I can do?

Anyone out there with a GoPro (or similar small action cam) that has tried it for some astro stuff? Star trails look doable. 

Please show me what you have 👍

I have used a couple of intel NUC's and found them to be unreliable after a period of time... both of them died. In the end I bought a couple of refurbished DELL desktops from a company in the UK. They have been brilliant and not missed a beat. I only use them in the obs for running the equipment and access them through remote desktop and run it all from the laptop in the house. I would never bother with small PC's again. As I rarely go into the obs the desktops fit fine next to each mount and don't get in the way. I specifically bought ones with a lot of USB ports (12 I think) and upgraded the hard drive to SSD. 

Hi and welcome to SGL.... Used to hail from Somerset myself, although now living in Spain

Ooooooo.... that's absolutely lovely Harry 👍 I can see how this is an iconic image for so many.

Nice one Carole 👍🏻👍🏻

21 minutes ago, Davey-T said:

For the price of only three Mesus you could have a 10Micron GM2000HPS, no need to worry about guiding and non of that fiddly Sitech stuff 😂

Dave

I dont use my Mesu for the dual role...... a simple EQ8 does that

27 minutes ago, Jkulin said:

That was exactly what was going through my mind Olly, I know it means an extra mount and pier, but surely would be far more accurate and less problematic?

If I had my time again I would have had separate mounts for each scope....... far easier I think.

I avoid an OAG on my dual rig.... Focusing would be a pain with using one.

2 hours ago, Laurin Dave said:

if you don't already, tape up all the air vents on your shoes.. keeps the wet out too

I did that, and have also bought winter boots...... still no joy

4 hours ago, Littleguy80 said:

They look really good. If my issue is too many socks this may be the answer. 

If it ever stops raining here and I can go outside on my bike I'll let you know how these perform...... I really do suffer from cold feet to the extent that the ONLY way I have found any relief so far has been wrapping my feet in tinfoil. The downside was the small cuts I had all over my ankles for days and the mess of trying to get the broken tinfoil put of my socks and off my feet!!!

7 hours ago, Littleguy80 said:

Cold feet are still by nemesis during these sub zero winter nights. I picked up some cheaper snow boots last winter but they’re not getting the job done, even with ski socks and neoprene socks on! Any suggestions to keep my toes warm?

How about hot socks? I have just got a pair of these to use for cycling as cold feet are the bane of my life.

I like this a lot...... I've tried this one before and it is a faint sucker...... well done on a fantastic capture 👍🏻👍🏻

With DHL my new QSI did a bit of an EU tour coming from the UK to Spain..... I had the tracking number and watched it go to Belgium,  Hungary and Romania...... eventually made it back to the UK and it started again. Journey was much more direct this time...... UK to Spain. It's nerve wracking to watch 😊