A change to the original post (recycling)

[EA2007]

Hey all,

Changing this post as I have new means...........(previous post was on CCD's and webcams)

I am in need of changing my current scope setup in favour of a more 'imaging friendly' solution. I have 2 scopes @ present a NexStar4SE and an 8" Dobsonian, the NexStar4 is proving difficult to image with as it has such a slow focal ratio. So originally I was gonna dump my dSLR and opt for a CCD/webcam.

However I have figured that I can purchase a C8-N GT for around £540 from our chums at FLO, this has a speedy focal ratio of f/5, faster than my current scopes an f/8 and an f/12. Read mixed reviews on the scope though, some images I have seen from this scope are great whereas some people state that the C5 mount will not allow good tracking for more than a few minutes. I have used my NexStar on many ocasions and the tracking is A-Ok, so I imagine that the tracking on its big brothers on a sturdier mount will possibly be better.

Cheers guys (and girls!)

[Kai]

Hi

What scope are you planning on using for the Dso's ???

[EA2007]

I have a NexStar 4SE. Not the biggest of scopes or fastest (f/12) but it has a wedge and tracks nicely.

Been advised to get a focal reducer to bring it down to f/6....

Also got an 8" dobsonian

[Kai]

Download CCD Calc http://www.newastro.com/newastro/book_new/camera_app.asp

You can then input your scope and camera,and then browse the images to see what they will look like (ie if it will fit on the chip).You can also enter the reducer as well.

[Sam]

That link is very useful - just explained why m81 filled the whole chip of my SPC 900NC!

[EA2007]

Thanks, I downloaded it but it didn't prove much use to me.

Anyone have any information on the range of CCD's modded by Andy at Astronomiser.co.uk????

The blue adonised one's he sells are of a resolution of 640x480, is this enough for DSO imaging??