Uranus (and retinue) on the move...

[Macavity]

Despite brief excursion into the forum of "proper imaging"

(the techniques / practitioners are kindred spirit anyway),

herewith a composite of Uranus + moons over 3 nights:

As a general comment re. video astronomy...

I hadn't used my MAK150 for VA in ages... Despite the

X2 (plus!) chip in this Watec 910HX, at an aperture of f/12,

things were rather close to the (noise) limit on this one.

I tried a few tentative shots of planetary nebulae, but

with only 6" of aperture to play with... I sense I will now

mostly use this scope for planetary (video) imaging.

I genuinely believe that, if you have an 8", 9", 11" SCT,

you have sufficient in reserve. Personally, I'm thinking

"Sky-T-2" - and rekindling an interest visual astronomy!

[RobertI]

Very nice set of captures Chris, thanks for posting. I'm probably being dim but what are the lines for?

Regarding visual, if your skies are good enough, why not? I would like to do both side by side, with the RC6 for VA and the 8" SCT on the Skytee 2 for visual, and view the same object using both to compare. Unfortunately my skies are not good enough for visual at the moment and I would have to transport the scope, hence my move to VA. Personally I am finding 6" fine for DS VA but haven't done much with the 8" to compare yet.

Rob

[Macavity]

Very nice set of captures Chris, thanks for posting. I'm probably being dim but what are the lines for?

Not at all dim, Rob! The lines join up a few stars that "got in the way".

From a presentation point of view another method would be better!

Recently I have finally bitten the bullet with GIMP, and still learning...

In modestly better financial shape recently, I found I was missing my

(sadly sold off) GIRO III and thought I'd try a Sky Tee. If nothing else

it would be handy to hold my 8" f/4 Newt while I fiddle with collimation.

(I never feel very confident with a little used, rickety, ironing board)

Coincidentally, can I congratulate you (quietly) on your website. I was

checking it out last night. On much of this (as ever) I sense a kindred

spirit in ideas! Anyway, you prompted me to include a link to mine.

I warn everyone, in advance, that some of the gallery objects might

not be of "classical imaging" quality. Mostly FOUR minute exposures 

of a large number of list objects. I can now better them at leisure? 

Very much a work in progress, but I am getting the hang of galleries

slides-shows (customising appearance thereof) etc. etc. 

[RobertI]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for your kind words on my website and I'm really glad it's been useful! I must admit, it was nerve wracking putting myself 'out there' and I have only ever had two comments about it (including yours) so it's difficult to know how it's perceived. I think most people look at the images and think, "they're not very good" but you probably have to be into VA to understand. Anyway I mostly do it for my own amusement and a record of what I've been up to. . Funnily enough I had just been browsing your website from your link on another post you made and I have to say your images are far better than mine! I shall look forward to seeing how ithe website develops so please keep at it!

As far as the SkyTee 2 goes presumably you know about the weak saddles and that they have to be upgraded in some form to be safe? This needs to be factored into the cost. Doesn't necessarily mean forking out on the £60 ADM saddle, you can just upgrade the thumscrews for a couple of quid. Anyway I can point you in the direction of some relevant threads if you need them.

Rob

[Macavity]

As far as the SkyTee 2 goes presumably you know about the weak saddles and that they have to be upgraded in some form to be safe? This needs to be factored into the cost. Doesn't necessarily mean forking out on the £60 ADM saddle, you can just upgrade the thumscrews for a couple of quid. Anyway I can point you in the direction of some relevant threads if you need them.

Rob

Belated thanks, Rob!

Yes, I did buy the Sky Tee 2. In "barefoot" form, the general wisdom was right.

So I further purchased an ADM clamp. I already had a "masseeeve"(?) clamp...

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p1772_Starway-Dovetail-clamp-DX---GP-standard---for-high-loads.html  (M8 Cap bolts should be strong enough!)

for the frac. A "good thing" overall, despite the now customary price escalation.

[laudropb]

Very impressive series of capture. Thanks for posting.