Beyond_Vision Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Yesterday was a nice clear evening for a change but looking at the weather forecast it was supposed to be cloudy after 10.00pm. The satellite images showed some cloud approaching which may hold off for a bit longer. So i duly set up my scopes at 7.00pm to cool down and waited until 9.30pm for it to get dark enough to align the scope. After getting the guide scope focused and guiding ok I centered the imaging scope on M81 and 82 and attempted to focus the imaging scope. This proved very difficult so I slewed to a bright star then achieved focus. I then slewed back to the target and the power lead snagged and the mount reset much cursing and four letter expletives latter I had the alignment set up again and was back on target. I started the first capture to check the image position and found it to be to the edge of the frame, I recentered as best I could then set it off for a 10 min sub. With 3 minutes to go to the end of the exposure the clouds were rolling in. I stopped the exposure just before they over ran the target but found that maxim had just terminated the exposure without reading the data from the camera. By this point I was losing the will to live and wishing I had stuck with my DSLR. The clouds cleared a few minutes latter and I decided to have a stab at M13 just to practice using Maxim and the CCD settings. Heres my first attempt consisting of 10 x 10 sec light frames and 10 x 10 sec dark frames and bias stacked in DSS tweaked in PSCS3 with Noels tools. Not the best M13 but an image none the less despite all the World trying its hardest to stop me. (click to enlarge)RegardsKevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whippy Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Good this imaging lark innit Kev? . At least you got something to show for a night of cursing!Tony.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themos Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I'm sure it'll get better, Kevin! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Great to see that you have finally had your first light. Try using gain of 60 and an offset of 115, its what I used to use. Eddie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barkis Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 We have all seen the results that come from this camera Kevin. It is only a matter of time before we are all Wowing at the images from yours too mate. Ron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgs001 Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Nice first light Kevin, in spite of the clouds and difficulties. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CELESCOPE Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 well done on getting of the ground with the CCD Kevin. it will take a while i guess , but at least with Eddie and SteveL you will have plenty of help .Rog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Heheh, Kevin, your description perfectly matches several nights i have had!!!Anyroad, glad you finally got a pic out of that camera!!!TJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paxo Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Well done Kevin, I've had similar problems with the weather myself the last few nights. I guess its onwards and upwards from now, looking forward to seeing and hearing about your experiences, and some stunning images.Steve.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 That is a promising start. Pretty good for the conditions. The field seems nice and flat through out the frame. Reckon you'll be going places with that set up.Anthony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lunator Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 Kevin Your persistence paid off. Thata good 1st image for your new setup. CheersIan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobH Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 Well done for showing great fortitude against the odds Kevin CheersRob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveL Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 Nicely done.. quick tip with the CCD.. you REALLY dont need to be taking darks with it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beyond_Vision Posted April 26, 2008 Author Share Posted April 26, 2008 Nicely done.. quick tip with the CCD.. you REALLY dont need to be taking darks with it! Thanks all for the positive encouragement. Steve what settings do you use for gain and offset are they the same as Eddie?RegardsKevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveL Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 Pretty much, I use 50/120 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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