Ouroboros

This discussion always focuses on OSC versus Mono. But is this the only, let alone the right question/comparison? Many of us use DSLRs because of convenience, ease of use, reliability, cost and because they provide surprisingly rewarding results in the time available to us, especially considering astrophotography is not what they're designed for. However, DSLRs fall down because of noise. A cooled OSC performs better in this regard. So the question might be: should the DSLR user move up to an OSC as a better way to do the sort of astrophotography they are already doing?

Is it a camera problem? The camera driver maybe? Have you tried testing the camera with another application like SharpCap?

I see. Maybe you could let the person who wrote Gradientxtermintor know. He might have an answer and if he doesn't I'm sure he will want to find one since he's selling this software.

That's a point. Though it struck me from Peter's post that he didn't know how to install the plugin rather than having problems with it. Hence my earlier link to the instructions in the xterminator website.

The Gradientxterminator website has instructions for installing the plugin. http://www.rc-astro.com/resources/install_plugin.html I don't use GX personally but Doug German has produced some free videos on how to use Photoshop for astrophotography including how to apply Gradientxtermintor. They're available on his website http://www.budgetastro.net/photoshop-basics.html

I've wondered whether one of those little diddy wifi security cameras that works with an iPlayer or android device might do the job. In fact does someone make an electronic polar scope that works in that way?

Even so it will be more convenient. Also some kind of waterproof cover might be worth considering, even if you only leave the mount in place over a run of nights that look like they might be clear. You could also leave the scope covered to take flats etc next morning if you're into imaging.

Is the idea to carry out the scope and attach it each time you use it? Or are you planing some kind of removable shelter so you can leave the scope set up?

Thanks, Bobmoss, for your excellent account. It was full of excellent tips for those of us who quite like the idea of doing something like this but are bit hesitant because we don't feel we've got the skills and know how. I liked the fact you didn't mind telling us bits you found a bit daunting. It encouraged me to think even I might have a go.