Phil Dyer Astro Camera - Images

[Nibor]

I am now beginning to get some images from my newly purchased PD1 Astro Video camera and I thought it might be interesting to post some very first attempts as well as perhaps start a thread which might encourage others to add images from their PD1 cameras.

Last night (15th Oct 13) I had an almost (93%) full moon with plenty of moisture in the air and the usual light pollution but with clear patches!!! So I thought I would try the PD1.

Set up:- Orion (US) ED80 - Skywatcher AZ GOTO mount - PD1 astro mod video camera - PC indoors, scope outdoors, S/W focus controller, PD remote camera set up keypad.

              optical train:- camera / small c ring / nosepiece / baader UHC lp filter / 0.5 Antares Focal Reducer / ED80

              Camera settings:- as per Phil Dyers suggestions but did change sens up to experiement

              Capture by Kworld and Cyberlink Power Director Capture Software (came with PD kit)

Light Pollution:- This is the typical view from my balcony where I observe from - I do put up canvas screens but it is frustrating all the same!!:-

1. Pleiades 64x:-

2. Pleiades 128x:-

3. Plieades 512x:-

4. Plieades 1024x:-

Then I tried amending the video characteristics of the camera input using the video source which altered how the live view appeared on the screen. I changed things like hue/saturation/contrast etc and came up with the following screen snapshot:-

I did take some 20 second movie clips and will have a go at registax over the next few cloudy nights.

It is all very interesting and I hope others will share their experiences with the PD1 as the "season" progresses.

Bye the way - please ignore the "attached thumbnail" image - posting images is still new to me and I can't get rid of it!!

[Macavity]

Hope you don't mind - Had a "go" at the 512x image.

Just ONE click on "levels" in my old graphics package to fix

the grey as the "new black" in the image background...

I get the impression you're still getting better signal / noise

upto / including 1024x integration. "It's in there somewhere"?

Now if only *WE* can do it in real time? Suggestions ever welcome...

[Nibor]

Chris,

Well - !!!! What an improvement - !!!

Thanks for the tip - I have yet to sort out a graphics package - astro imaging  friendly suggestions welcome!!

[Macavity]

Another fun game you can play? 

http://www.oasi.org.uk/Obsvns/20021209_POP/Pleiades_COA.gif

Almost the same orientation! Check your limiting magnitude...

+12+? (Not far off the claimed +14 limit for 80mm aperture?)

[Nibor]

Another fun game you can play? 

http://www.oasi.org.uk/Obsvns/20021209_POP/Pleiades_COA.gif

Almost the same orientation! Check your limiting magnitude...

+12+? (Not far off the claimed +14 limit for 80mm aperture?)

Chris,

Thanks for this link - I had looked at the PSA Pleiades chart to check that I actually had imaged the Pleiades but this has more detail.

Cheers

[shirva]

Cracking image one of my favorite shots I took on dslr. ..nice edit Chris...Davy

[Nibor]

Just a few more very early attempts with ED 80, 0.5 focal reducer and UHC and IC filters and my trusty PD1

These are straight forward screen captures from "live" video viewing with only  slight tweaks using the video capture settings:-

Moon:-

Moon B.BMP

Orion Nebula (same night as Moon):-

M42 uhc ir 64 pd1 ed80 f moon.BMP

I must say that I am enjoying the VA experience and looking forward a bit of image processing once I get my mind around it!!

I do regularly visit the VA group and I am finding the threads most interesting and helpful.

Seeing "live" images on my own screen on kit which I have put together is very satisfying even if they are not as stunning as "Hubble" !!

PS - Just noticed the files are BMP - hopefully they will open OK

[hoops86]

Very nice Nibor! Looking good! im desperate to try M42 myself but sadly my limited view does not permit it

[Nibor]

Very nice Nibor! Looking good! im desperate to try M42 myself but sadly my limited view does not permit it

Chris,

Thank you for your kind comments - Any chance of Orion coming into view later in the year for you?  - perhaps trialling some future dates on Stellarium might give some hope?

Good luck - Robin

[hoops86]

Nah mate i checked and it seems it never comes into view for me. Will need to travel to another site for this one

[Laurie61]

Hi all, this is orion from last night C11 working at f5, single image from PD tweaked. 

[shirva]

Wow cracking image Laurie

[Carl Reade]

Good job Laurie Im waiting for this beast to get into a good postition.

Carl

[hemmi]

Interesting camera,  this is the first time I have heard of it.  look foward to seeing more.

[Spacedout]

Looks great Laurie I love this target!

Regards

Karl

[Dragon Man]

Wow, that's a real close-up Laurie!!!

Nice colour 

The PD cameras seem to be doing well.

[Laurie61]

I did try at f10 but it was showing up my dodgy polar alignment  it does show the trap stars though.

[Nibor]

Laurie,

Great photos - it does show the potential of this great value camera.

I am looking forward to having a go at it with my Orion Optics 250mm !!

[Dragon Man]

Nice Laurie. I never tire of studying the Trap 

You have captured it well!