First Saturn for me with SPC900

[solarwallace]

Not quite Spikey standards but happy for first attempt. Now I've just got to have another go at finding it with a x3 barlow - this was with the x2.

[Space Cowboy]

Good start! How are you finding the auto dob tracking?

[solarwallace]

I've got used to it now no problems really. I had to tighten two nuts up very slightly but it's not put a foot wrong since then. To be fair I guess it's come a long way on a boat. You just have to remember there's a little slack so it will take a while to respond if you change directions. So that means when setting up for tracking you have to move it in a particular direction last of all so that the slack is dealt with. That's explained in the manual to be fair.

I need to have another go now as I found the whole thing kind of addictive.

Steve

[Clayton]

Quite good beginning

[RogerTheDodger]

That came out well

[solarwallace]

Thank you for the kind comments. Doing this for the first time has given me more of an idea of what I need to get out of the actual imaging session before I even begin the processing.

I posted the picture on facebook and to my surprise got lots of great comments from all my non-astro friends which has encouraged me no end

Steve

[Spikey]

Very nice first image Steve, well done, much better than my first effort.

I can just make out a hint of Cassini

[solarwallace]

I've just seen Jupiterholic's pics though - amazing detail...

Very nice first image Steve, well done, much better than my first effort.

I can just make out a hint of Cassini

[Adz]

Steve thats a great first attempt, much better than mine. Well done

Was the focus spot on though?

[solarwallace]

Thanks!

No I don't think the focus was great. It was a quick, 'run out in the garden cos I gotta go to work tomorrow and I've go this new kit and I really want to use it' attempt. I'd better do it properly next time

Steve

Steve thats a great first attempt, much better than mine. Well done

Was the focus spot on though?

[Adz]

Oh yes I know that feeling well! You are buzzing all over to try out the kit and also convince yourself the purchases are worth it

In case you didn't know, a Bahtinov mask can help get perfect focus for imaging. You can make your own from a print out off the internet for next to nothing.

[solarwallace]

Thanks, yes I've just sold one actually as it was for my previous scope (6"). I was wondering about making one.

Steve