Xsubmariner

Hi Adam, absolutely agree that the choice of calibration frames collected is down to personal preference and what an individual wants from their images. 

Yes, I use the last focus position for all my filters. Yes it is a compromise to the perfect world, but one that is acceptable to the quality of image I am seeking. The problem is there have been so few ideal clear nights available these last couple of years and I am getting no younger.

All my filters were clean and clear of dust when I closed the filter wheel and yet all of them have collected some dust on the filters, some more than others. Note my kit includes Atik, ZWO and Starlight filterwheels, note none are immune.

It depends on what level of imaging you wish to achieve. I always create flats for each of the filters in the wheel that were used in the data collection. If I am too tired to create the flats at the end of the collection night, I generate them the next day before the system is used again and focus altered.

There are many threads on the forum that go into detail about calibration frames, it is worth reading a selection to understand better the role of calibration frames in image processing.

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Hi and welcome to SGL.

Hi Steve and welcome to SGL, you will find the world of Astrophotography exciting.

Windows 10. All I want is a computer operating system, not one that constantly tries to integrate my accounts, data and grab information disguised as a software update at inappropriate times, even outside the scheduled update slot I have set.

Wellcome to SGL, you will find a wealth of Astro knowledge and expertise resides in the forum.

I have booked a pitch for the period and look forward to meeting the group.

Martin

Hi Ross from another in South Wales, your images are great and clearly show your photographic skill. I must warn you that Astrophotography is an addictive hobby that will likely stress you bank balance and sanity at times, but definitely worth the commitment. Welcome to SGL, I am sure with the pedigree of your images you will have a great time. There is a wealth of experience on this forum that will alleviate the many frustrating periods you will encounter.

Martin  

Hi and welcome Kevin. You will find this is a very friendly forum with a good depth of experience and knowledge willingly offered when required.

Nice picture rob, beware you aren’t seduced by the Dark imaging force. 

Hi Richard, and welcome to SGL. What mobile visual/imaging system do you use?

Hi Steve, welcome and greetings from South Wales UK.

Stunning image of an impressive Comet.

Hi and welcome to SGL, you will find plenty of information for beginners.

Hi,

The fine and course adjustments are with the same three bolts.  Using a Polemaster I found the PA was within 20 arc/secs. So far I have found the mount tracks ok without any further adjustment. Once I boot the system I unpark the mount and command a platesolve and sync which takes about 20 secs, following the solve I have found the mount takes 2, very occasionally 3 platesolves following a slew to centre the target. Note I use SGP centre to target and have set 2 pixel accuracy. 

Enjoy your new mount you won’t regret it.

Great to see you have resolved the problem, look forward to reading how the rest of the commissioning goes.

May I ask what is the problem with the QHY163C.

Martin

Hi John,

It looks to me like your dome or sidewalls are not quite circular which is causing the drive motor to to skip. Can you disengage the motor and try rotating the dome by hand to check for tight spots.

While my dome drive mechanism is different I have a couple of tight spots that were overcome by increasing tension on the drive wheels. 

Wonderful image with great detail. Thank you for sharing.

Martin

  I have a TS130 photoline 3.7 and AA130 telescopes and they are both very good scopes for AP.  If I could only keep one it would be the TS due to the focuser and camera rotator facility. Good luck with your search.

Hi John,

Sorry for the slow response, been busy building a very large retaining wall. Dave’s representation of the Mesu Mount points above is correct with my experience. I used the same spreadsheet to get initial settings, but in application had to adjust the GEM offset value to get the best scope-dome slot fit in my Dome.

My values are only representative of my mount centre line position giving N/S, E/W and U/D offsets and the Gem offset value to the centre line of your scope. 

There is no risk to your equipment other than the scope not aligning with your dome slot. I used Ascom POTH to set AZ&EL goto commands for the scope and mount to check the alignment initially. Let me know if you have further questions.

 Martin

Welcome Matt, this is one hobby where starting at a mature age doesn’t hinder your performance.

Hi Steve, welcome to SGL. Hope you contact your local society.

I used my ODK14” in the 2.2M dome. It was fine although there were a couple of positions where I noticed the slot was slightly misaligned and the scope partially shaded, not too much that it spoilt the session. Just couldn’t fit the dew shield.