130PDS with Imaging source dmk21au04

[shedifice]

HI,

Just getting back into astronomy after a few years off. I acquired a 130P-DS last year and have just started using it. I have got it all up and running with a SYNSCAN drive and doing some visual observing.

I obviously want to use it to image and have a few old imaging source cameras lying around dmk21au04 and a dmk618. When I tried these with IC capture i could not get either to focus. so i have the following stupid questions. 

• do I need some sort of spacer to move the ccd out further perhaps?
• Should I be using a lens/eyepiece with the ccd
• Is there any other capture programs that work with the IS cameras? 
• As they are small ccd chips, are the IS cameras really only for moon/planets rather than stars/DSOs?

I have a dead Canon 40D that i might try fixing to use for AP, my wife has a canon 70d but not brave enough to use that.  

Thanks in advanced for any info and advice. 

Regards

leigh

[Cornelius Varley]

18 minutes ago, shedifice said:

• do I need some sort of spacer to move the ccd out further perhaps?
• Should I be using a lens/eyepiece with the ccd
• Is there any other capture programs that work with the IS cameras? 
• As they are small ccd chips, are the IS cameras really only for moon/planets rather than stars/DSOs?

1.  A photo of the setup might be helpful here. Without knowing how the camera is currently attached we can't say, it might need to be closer to achieve focus.
2.  No. But a barlow lens can be used and is definitely recommended for planetary/lunar imaging (the DMK21 works well at @ f20 for this)
3.  The IS cameras can also be used with Firecapture or Sharpcap.
4.  The DMK21 is better at planetary and Lunar imaging.

[rnobleeddy]

I achieved focus with a  dmk21au04 (or very similar model) and a 130PDS. I don't have the camera any longer, but worth posting a picture. I always find it easier to check focus on a distant tree branch or chimney during the day - as it can be hard to find focus on a star in the dark if you have no idea which part of the travel you need to be in.

[shedifice]

Hi thanks for the replies. I'll grab a pic this weekend. Also I'll try the software Cornelian as I don't find ic capture very friendly.

I'll also get it out in the day for the focus check, obvious really. My boy wants to view the sun (with the baader filter!) So I can kill two birds with one stone.

Thanks.

leigh

 

[shedifice]

So I downloaded the other software and it recognised the cameras. I tried a distant house but I still cant get an image. 

If I cover the ccd the image goes black and if I expose it its white so its doing something. do I need to do something to the software of should I be able to see an image in the live window?

Confused. I have asked the wife and I have permission to use her canon so will see what that does on teh weekend (and get pics of the setup. 

 

L.  

[fozzybear]

which alternative software are you using sharpcap of firecapture ? 

You will have to change the Gain setting's and the exposure setting's 

During daytime set to 1's exposure or auto and set the gain to Auto and focus see what happens

[david_taurus83]

The PDS scope is designed to enable focus with a DSLR with 44mm depth to sensor. You may need to fit an extension to the nosepiece to move the camera back out. 

[shedifice]

I have used sharp apple and will give FC a go too. Thanks for settings advice. I used these cameras years ago but in a terrestrial setting with lenses etc (for work). 

Will trial the canon also. 

I am hopefully going to have a picture or something astronomy related soon.