Atik314L+ adn WO GTF81 first light

[mytola]

So, some weeks ago, the weather finally allowed for some imaging with my new setup. I had a go at m51 and m81, both L only, and ~30min total exposure. When aquiring data for m81 I think there were some guiding issue. When I did m51 I tweeked PHDs max RA duration, and it worked a little better, but I think I can still do better with the guiding.

Both stacked in DSS and postprocessed in Photoshop and Lightroom.

http://www.flickr.co.../in/photostream

http://www.flickr.co...in/photostream/

[Stephen Green]

Very nice images Andreas

Stephen

[Martin-Devon]

Andreas, you've posted a couple of really nice images there - your set-up is working well.

[Gina]

Very nice indeed

[mytola]

Thanks for the replies!

I guess the real test for the scope will be to get some RGB integration, but my mount broke down before I could capture any. Just received a new RA stepper motor, so hopefully I will be able to fix it!

[x6gas]

Those are 30 minutes each total integration?

Blimey, that's impressive! With the 40D?

[ollypenrice]

I particularly like M51.

Your CCD is working well and just needs exposure time to give you a killer result.

Olly

[mytola]

Thanks x6gas! No, it was the Atik

The m51 is around 30 minutes, I think the m81 is about the same, maybe a little bit more. I don't remember exactly how many of the subs I used...Location is quite dark, and I think the camera ran at -30degC.

[mytola]

Thanks Olly,

I struggled with longer subs than 3min. Don't know exactly why, but I'm going to try better PA and balance, better guide star, and then looking for flexure(hoping it's not that). I'm using the included finder/guider scope mounted on the "handle" of the gtf81. It seemd rigid, but I guess the guider could be bolted much firmer to the scope...

Don't know what is possible to achieve, but this is my typical guiding graph:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22286049@N05/8498028847/in/photostream

[x6gas]

Thanks x6gas! No, it was the Atik

The m51 is around 30 minutes, I think the m81 is about the same, maybe a little bit more. I don't remember exactly how many of the subs I used...Location is quite dark, and I think the camera ran at -30degC.

So sorry - didn't see the Atik in your kit list, nor in the title of the post

The PhD graph looks pretty bumpy to me, especially for this focal length. What settings are you using?

[mytola]

I suspect the quality of the guide star wasn't too good - I barely saw it through the noise. Was using the default PHD parameters apart from the RA duration I thought, but I see that is 1000 now, which I think was the default...oh well, I have to play around a bit more next time

[stellawolf]

Nice couple of images well done