First ever solar image

[matt_baker]

Seems like a bad image, I know but this is my first ever solar image with a Ha scope

I was wondering if any of you could give me any tips to improve these images?

I'm using a Lunt LS60THa and a ASI120MC (I know I should have a mono)

I did a quick stack and edit on PS to get this and I've noticed that it's out of focus.

I do find it hard to determine when it is in focus properly too

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Very nice first go. Apart from getting an ASI178MM, which is ideal for this kind of imaging, I would have a look at some tips for processing here:

 

[xtreemchaos]

that's quite a good image, theres not a lot to focus on on the disc but if you go for proms first "if there is any on the day" it gives you something to focus on . well done. charl.

[matt_baker]

Worked on it a little more, not sure if it's an improvement

 

Edited October 27, 2019 by matt_baker

[Davey-T]

Looking good, what software are you using for capture and processing ?

Focusing is much easier when there's a nice Sun spot to focus on, hopefully some will show up soon.

I use Firecapture, AS3, imppg and then P'Shop.

As Michael said the ZWO ASI178M works well on the LS60, it's what I use and just about squeezes a full disc in at good resolution.

Second image looks pixelated.

Dave

Edited October 27, 2019 by Davey-T

[matt_baker]

34 minutes ago, Davey-T said:

Looking good, what software are you using for capture and processing ?

Focusing is much easier when there's a nice Sun spot to focus on, hopefully some will show up soon.

I use Firecapture, AS3, imppg and then P'Shop.

As Michael said the ZWO ASI178M works well on the LS60, it's what I use and just about squeezes a full disc in at good resolution.

Second image looks pixelated.

Dave

I'm using sharpcap then AS!3 for stacking then registax and PS for processing

I think without a barlow, it's very undersampled and blocky but it's just so hard to focus with the barlow and no sunspots

Edited October 27, 2019 by matt_baker

[Merlin66]

I added a SW electronic focus motor to all my solar scopes......

This allows you to comfortably concentrate on the image while tweaking the focus.

[Peter Drew]

There will be a guaranteed "sunspot" on Nov 11th.    😀

[Nigella Bryant]

Hi, it does seem undersampled. I use the lunt 60mm but the zwo asi120mm. I also use a 0.5 reducer for full disk. I follow similar process, autostakker3, 25% stack, photoshop to add false colour. I use a 3x Barlow for closer images. ISS caught using the above. I'm new too to using the lunt, unfortunately there's not much going on. I've also added an electric focuser which really helps in focusing. 

Edited October 29, 2019 by Nigella Bryant

[matt_baker]

This has been my best shot at processing it. Have cropped substantially for the out of focus parts

 

Edited October 29, 2019 by matt_baker

[Merlin66]

Matt,

A bit over cooked...the actual surface is smoother and more flowing......ease off the wavelets and contrast.

Just my 2c.

 

[matt_baker]

12 minutes ago, Merlin66 said:

Matt,

A bit over cooked...the actual surface is smoother and more flowing......ease off the wavelets and contrast.

Just my 2c.

 

Okay, gotcha

[Davey-T]

Some tutorials on solar processing here.

Dave

https://brierleyhillsolar.blogspot.com/p/imaging-tutorials.html

[matt_baker]

I followed the full disk tutorial on daveys link. 

Think it looks much better now

There's no flats so it looks much darker in the middle

It's weird how one set of data can vary so wildly, just by changing the processing

Edited October 30, 2019 by matt_baker

[Merlin66]

Matt,

Well done, looking better.

 

[matt_baker]

What would be a good exposure value to start with then adjust gain? 10ms?

[Merlin66]

I use an ASI 174 and ASI 1600 for solar imaging with my SM60/ED80, x2.5 PM.

I work at Unity gain (174 = 189 gain, 1600 = 139 gain) and Gamma = 50.

I never touch these again.

Using the exposure I push to get the histogram up to around the 90% mark.......

For proms, I leave the Gain and Gamma untouched but push the exposure to show the prom.....maybe, just maybe, for the fainter proms I'll push the Gain a few points......

[richard ashbee]

Is this  auto focuser any good for the Lunt 60mm with  ZWO As1178 - ZWO hand controller for ZWO EAF Electronic Auto Focuser. Would you recommend- thanks

 

[Merlin66]

Richard,

You need feedback from actual users...

I use my SM60 etalons on an ED80 fitted with a 10:1 focuser. I then added a SW electronic focuser motor geared to the fine focuser knob. Works well for me.

(I also rigged up a similar motor to semi-remotely tilt the front etalon!)

 

[Nigella Bryant]

I use a JMI electric focuser and hitechastro usb controller on my lunt 60mm.

[Pete Presland]

Congratulations on your 1st Solar image, a nice way to start.