Bahtinov Mask Questions

[Stargazer Jack]

Hi,

Today, my Bahtinov Mask arrived from FLO however I just have a couple of questions. On the first picture and second, the screws have been put in and I was just wondering if they were put in correctly or wether they have to be in all the way. On the third image, you can see it says '130 Short' however I have the Explorer 130M which is the 900mm FL over the 650mm FL and was wondering if I have the correct mask or wether I have been sent the wrong one (I doubt it). Thanks in advance

[Catanonia]

Screws all the way in so it hangs on your scope.

Whether it is the right one, not sure. Drop FLO a PM

[Stargazer Jack]

Thanks for that, will drop them a PM. One more question, if I wanted to image a planet, would I focus using the mask on the planet or on a bright star, thank you once again

[Psychobilly]

It's easier to use a bright star close by as you get a much sharper diffraction pattern... Planets can give very interesting effects so its definitley worth a look some time...

Peter...

[Stargazer Jack]

Thanks, will have a look as soon as the wind decides to calm down

[Bizibilder]

And don't forget to take the mask off before you start to take pictures. Not that anyone has ever done that................

[nightfisher]

these Bahtinov masks are a superb idea, im hoping my one for the 180 is waiting for me at home, focus on a star, then remove mask and swing scope round to your target

[Psychobilly]

And don't forget to take the mask off before you start to take pictures. Not that anyone has ever done that................

Fortunately its easier to see that its still in place on planetary...

But I wasted several hours on a few sessions on DSO's...

Peter...

[Stargazer Jack]

I'll try and remember that

[Psychobilly]

the ones I made clipped on front to the OTA so not that obvious on the end of a fracs dewshield.. in the end I tied luggage tags on them so they were a bit like the "remove before flight tags" you see on aircraft...

[earth titan]

And don't forget to take the mask off before you start to take pictures. Not that anyone has ever done that................

I've never done that (more than once an evening anyway).

[Stargazer Jack]

I have been looking on the Internet and came across bahtinov grabber. I have downloaded it however it comes up with an error along the lines of ASCOM error. Can I use this program with a SPC900NC or will it not work?

[Psychobilly]

Its probably configured to use an ascom focuser and cant find one or the ascom platform...

I use an older version all it needs is the video image to be displayed in a window which it can then analyse while you make focus adjustments

[Freddie]

Just load ASCOM and you will be fine even if you are not planning to use an auto focuser.

[Stargazer Jack]

Thanks for the help