SPC900 Focus

[Sully]

Hoping some can advise me on this one,

Just been out trying to get some images with the said camera. When I use the camera on its own I can get an image, a small one, but when I insert the Tal x2 barlow all i can get is a washed out disc. (first time I've used it for imaging)

Is this due to the seeing not being very good and a bit of hazy cloud around or is the barlow over magnifying my scope?

I've tried focusing and nudging the gain and exposure sliders around in Sharpcap but to no avail.

Any advice welcome.

Thanks,

Sully

[steelfixer]

Sully you do not say what you are trying to image.

I would guess its Jupiter?

Do you have an IR filter on the camera?

If not you are going to need one to see any detail.

I have also been reading a post on the settings that you have been on.

Sully I have found in my experience the Gamma setting on sharpcap should be all the way over to the left. ie - off.

If you have the Gamma turned on it will blow the image out and all you will get is a bright disc.

[themos]

My advice is post a picture!

[Sully]

I've been trying to get some Larger Jupiter photo's. The camera's got an IR filter on it. I've not figured out how to post one of the thumb nails yet, when i do I'll put one up.

[steelfixer]

Sully I have just read the post on settings by bigbox that you have been on.

In my experience the Gamma setting on sharpcap should be set all the way over to the left, ie - off.

If you have the Gamma set up it will blow out your image and all you will get is a white disc.

[steelfixer]

Sully when you reply scroll down a little and you will see the 'go advanced' box.

Click on this and it will change the screen.

Scroll down and you will see 'manage attachments'

Click this and it will allow you to add a photo.

[Sully]

Here's a photo I got without the barlow.

Jupiter180112non.tif

[themos]

Yes, that's an ok frame.

[steelfixer]

Sully thats not too bad for a first attempt.

I would suggest you back off the Gamma and try it again you will hopefully find you will get some colour in the image.

[Sully]

So should I not bother with the barlow? Is it over magnifying? Cause that picture is without the barlow.

[bigbox]

Sully, I'm NOT JEALOUS!!! @ all, honest i'm not!!!! :p:p

seriously well done, least 1 of us has got something....

Regards Ady

[steelfixer]

Sully go for it with the barlow.

Try these settings.

Frame rate - 5 fps - less frames more detail

Gamma - zero

Gain - 75%

contrast - 75%

Adjust brightness to suit.

Once you have an image you can play with the gain,contrast and brightness controls untill you find what works best for your setup.

[Sully]

Bigbox have you been trying with the x2 & x3 or just the camera?

[Sully]

Cheers Steelfixer, I'll go an try that.

I'm going outside now, I may be some time.

[bigbox]

Niether the past couple of night's to be honest, but when i have ive just been using the cam on its own no barlows....

[steelfixer]

Sully I wish you all the best.

Let us know how you get on.

[bigbox]

Sully post more pics if you get some good results, will give me some inspiration to try harder lol...

[Mike Hackenbacker]

the advice given here is sound,as i have a 130m and nexstar 4 so the imaging advice is usefull o me too.btw nice picture a lot better than mine

[moxican]

If I may give an advice too. I'd suggest going easy on the contrast. I've lost details because of high contrast before.

I like the image also. Note that when you barlow live view is going to suffer. It's gonna get better after stacking if was focused properly though.

I personally don't see much difference in results between 5 fps and 10 fps unless the seeing is really perfect. And yes I agree to the gamma being zero as well.

Here is one on a good seeing with 2.5 Powermate + SPC900 webcam + IR filter + 10" Meade SCT.

Photoshoped3.tif

[steelfixer]

Well Sully I am waiting with baited breath to see your next image.

How did you get on.

If you need some idea what you can expect the attached image is with my kit and a 5x barlow.

I know you wont get quite to this level because of the difference in scope size but you should get pretty close.

You want to get your image slightly on the dark side so when you process through Registax you can boost it with the wavelets.

[bigbox]

Here here come on sully we're all wait on that next image...

[bigbox]

Come on Sully, we're still awaiting your pics from last night where are they???

[Sully]

Sorry Lads, but I think the clouds could feel my lumpy determination when i left you, cause they Rolled over and flattened it! Couldn't see a thing, gave up an went to bed. Don't worry I'll be back next clear night.

By the way, Crackin image Steelfixer.

[bigbox]

I got my gear out last night around 16:45 to cool down while i got dinner ready went out about 3/4 hr later to find it lashing down with rain . luckily nothing got into the main ota and everything is good to go. looks like sunday night will be my next appointment with the gods above...

[steelfixer]

Don't that just figure.

Well better luck next time folks.