SkyWatcher 130P Advice

[Stargazer Jack]

Not too bad, you could use the RGB align in registax. I have a 130M which is almost identical to yours and this is what I got (the black dot on one is a shadow from a moon)

For the smaller ones, no Barlow was used however I have still got some AVI's left.

Capture 01_10_2011 21_45_22-Finished.bmp

Capture 15_10_2011 20_24_45-Done.bmp

Jupiter 30_09_2011 21_35_28-Finished.bmp

[steviet]

Hi

I too have the 130PM but on an EQ2 with a single axis motor. Here are some images i took a couple of weeks ago with it. I agree with the comment to play around with the wavelets in Registax as it's amazing to see the detail that can be tweeked from what seems to be a blurry image. Looks like we are all getting similar quality pics. Gives me confidence that i'm heading in the right direction.

Steve

[Spikey]

Assuming you have your GOTO aligned this can be an easier way to get good focus. For focussing use a Bahtinov mask, it's a LOT easier and very much faster.

Get Jupiter displaying in your capture program from the cam and get your focus near enough.

Use the GOTO to slew to a bright star, make sure it's alos being previewed in capture.

Pop the mask on the end of the scope and adjust focus - using 150%, 200% preview can be useful at this stage.

Remove the mask, GOTO back to Jupiter, centre in the capture program and capture away.

This should have your focus pretty much spot on, the seeing and rotation times will be your enemy now

[great_bear]

my Barlows combined with the Maksutov give some unexpected results...

Barlows shift the focal plane. Since Maks shift their focal length in order to reach focus, it means you get a slightly different magnification factor.

[brucen]

Some great advice from everyone. Thanks. As soon as the clouds decide to clear again I will be able to shoot away full of confidence.

[brucen]

Following all the advice I am really pleased with the first pic tonight. Still using the 2 x Barlow so might not get a 3x if this keeps up! Thanks again for the earlier replies.

Jup6 18.11.bmp

[Stargazer Jack]

Superb image! Two things you could do: flip the image so the GRS is at the bottom and use RGB align, hope it helps

[brucen]

Superb image! Two things you could do: flip the image so the GRS is at the bottom and use RGB align, hope it helps

Thanks - will give it a go.

[Stargazer Jack]

Also, what camera settings did you use? I almost have the same scope (130M) so it would be nice to know

[brucen]

Sharpcap settings were:

Exposure -7, Brightness 37, Contrast 35, Saturation 20, Gamma 17, ColorEnab 255, BLC 0, Gain 44 using YUY2 for 3mins 30 secs at 10fps

[Stargazer Jack]

Sharpcap settings were:

Exposure -7, Brightness 37, Contrast 35, Saturation 20, Gamma 17, ColorEnab 255, BLC 0, Gain 44 using YUY2 for 3mins 30 secs at 10fps

Thanks for that, might have a try if it is clear later

[brucen]

Good luck! I tried the RGB Align but can't get a pic I am happy with. As it's only my third attempt I think I will count myself lucky and keep it as it is!!

[Stargazer Jack]

Thanks and no don't lose that image as it is very good for a first go