First Tests

[Paul81]

Here are some first tests from Lodestar Live shot through the VX10 (riding on the AZ EQ6 GT in Alt Az Mode).

These are single frame subs (not implemented the live view stacking yet), with dark subtraction (only 5 frames). Each image is 30 or 45 seconds. The only processing applied is linear dynamic range, gamma and contrast - the levels are as I was using when live viewing.

M15 (30 secs)

M27 (45 secs)

M57 (30 secs)

M81 (45 secs)

M82 (45 secs)

M81 and M82 were very low and inside the orange murk - I would not have even bothered visually. All these images were unfiltered, next time I will add in the CLS filter.

I am convinced there is some more data to be pulled out, so am quite keen to implement other scaling modes. I'll probably try the raw fits files in something like FITS liberator. I also want to finish of the focus assist stuff. Like others, I have found the AZ EQ6 isn't 100% accurate in goto in Alt Az mode, so I found myself taking a picture of an object, putting an eyepiece back in to find the next object, then replace the camera and then refocus. I have sussed that the better method is to goto a nearby bright star, re-sync the alignment (using the camera) and then goto the object. Infact, I suspect after I have finished with any visual observing in a session, I'll quickly convert over to EQ mode and use the camera with the mount in EQ mode for better tracking and goto.

Once I have focus assist working, and the Windows side sorted (this was all run on a Macbook) i'll also look to get a copy on the web!

[shirva]

looking goooooooood mate...davy

[Astrogate]

Here are some first tests from Lodestar Live shot through the VX10 (riding on the AZ EQ6 GT in Alt Az Mode).

These are single frame subs (not implemented the live view stacking yet), with dark subtraction (only 5 frames). Each image is 30 or 45 seconds. The only processing applied is linear dynamic range, gamma and contrast - the levels are as I was using when live viewing.

M15 (30 secs)

M15_2013.11.4_20.03.50.438.png

M27 (45 secs)

M27_2013.11.4_19.55.15.697.png

M57 (30 secs)

M57_2013.11.4_19.45.25.397.png

M81 (45 secs)

M81_2013.11.4_20.11.17.557.png

M82 (45 secs)

M82_2013.11.4_20.15.29.879.png

M81 and M82 were very low and inside the orange murk - I would not have even bothered visually. All these images were unfiltered, next time I will add in the CLS filter.

I am convinced there is some more data to be pulled out, so am quite keen to implement other scaling modes. I'll probably try the raw fits files in something like FITS liberator. I also want to finish of the focus assist stuff. Like others, I have found the AZ EQ6 isn't 100% accurate in goto in Alt Az mode, so I found myself taking a picture of an object, putting an eyepiece back in to find the next object, then replace the camera and then refocus. I have sussed that the better method is to goto a nearby bright star, re-sync the alignment (using the camera) and then goto the object. Infact, I suspect after I have finished with any visual observing in a session, I'll quickly convert over to EQ mode and use the camera with the mount in EQ mode for better tracking and goto.

Once I have focus assist working, and the Windows side sorted (this was all run on a Macbook) i'll also look to get a copy on the web!

All excellent live captures with your Lodestar Paul.

Clear skies,

Chris A

Astrogate