Russell Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Hi all - thought I aught to introduce myself...I have been interested in the night sky for as long as I can remember, but have only really been observing for a couple of years so I'm pretty much a beginner.I'm looking to get into basic astro photography (I currently have the Meade LPI for the planets and moon and an old 35mm Pentax SLR for piggyback widefields), but am currently perfecting polar and drift align techniques (which are pretty non-existant at the moment TBH!) so I can take things to the next level.I really want to get out to as many events and star parties as I can this year and am currently planning to go to Astrofest (to get Patrics autograph naturally!), the Peak Star Party (www.peakstarparty.co.uk), Sky Camp (www.starparty.org) and hopefully the SGL event if at all possible.That's it for now - look forward to getting to know you all during those ( - - ) evenings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geppetto Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Welcome aboard RussellMake yourself at home mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelRat Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 SGL welcome from me too Russell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CELESCOPE Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Hi Russell welcome to the forum mate Rog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Welcome to the forum..Quite a few of us are into imaging...All at different levels.Hope to see you at one of the starpartys soon.Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russell Posted January 9, 2007 Author Share Posted January 9, 2007 Cheers guys - nice to meet you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaptain Klevtsov Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Hi Russell, welcome to SGL.Captain Chaos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyM Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Welcome Russell. You've certainly found the right place for advice on photography.Andy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russell Posted January 9, 2007 Author Share Posted January 9, 2007 Thanks Andy and Captain Chaos.I have used Cloudy Nights in the past, but really glad to find a top quality forum a little closer to home.Speaking of which - Andy: I live in Blandford too-small world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caz Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Hello Russell, glad you could join us here on SGL.... Polar alignment? Dirty word in my house... Caz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Polar alignment? Dirty word in my house... Forgoton how to do that ...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astroman Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Contrary to these two heretics, polar alignment is an essential skill. It's just a matter of degree. (Double entendre intended.) If you have any qualms or questions along these lines, feel free to ask me directly. Email or PM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caz Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Contrary to these two heretics, polar alignment is an essential skill. It's just a matter of degree. (Double entendre intended.) If you have any qualms or questions along these lines, feel free to ask me directly. Email or PM. Thats very generous AM, but I feel, no matter how many times I read the guides, or have it explained, its not going to be easy either way.Caz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaffa007 Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 How do Russ, welcome to SGL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Hi Russell welcopme to SGL.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartinB Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Welcome along Russell. Look forward to seeing some images from you soon. Good idea to get the hang of drift aligning for deep sky imaging. It gets quicker with practice. I still have to take a laminated sheet out with me that tells me which way to move the Alt and Az controls. Make sure you have a reticle EP, worth it's weight in gold. I take my scope out first and start drifting, by the time I have got all my other clutter out, connected everything up and gathered my thoughts the alignment is virtually done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lunator Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Hi RussellWelcome to SGL. Plenty of imagers her who can help you with all aspects of this hobby. Polar alignment is like colimation. The 1st time is utterlu confusing but it gets easier with practice.CheersIan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radioactive Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 Hello Russell nice to have you along with us all here on the SGL Forums hope to meet you in person at some stage maybe at one of the star parties Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russell Posted January 10, 2007 Author Share Posted January 10, 2007 Cheers all-thanks for the offer too Astroman.I've got a reticule EP and know how to drift align etc., but so far either the clouds have rolled in, my reticule batteries have run out or something else has gone wrong before I can really put my alignment to the test.What with all the and there's been very little opportunity to Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Warthog Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 Welcome aboard, Russell! You can learn a lot here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLO Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 Welcome aboard Russell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astroman Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 Contrary to these two heretics, polar alignment is an essential skill. It's just a matter of degree. (Double entendre intended.) If you have any qualms or questions along these lines, feel free to ask me directly. Email or PM. Thats very generous AM, but I feel, no matter how many times I read the guides, or have it explained, its not going to be easy either way.Caz I was actually addressing Russell, Caz, but it goes for you, too. Ian is exactly correct-at first it's tricky, but all it really takes is practice. I still have a sheet on which way to move the axes, but once squared, it only takes me a few minutes to drift align. I manage to do it with people lined up to look through the scope at public parties, even. Fear not! Anyone can get the hang of it, just practice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caz Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 >Now wheres the smack on the back of the hand smiley< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Warthog Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 >Now wheres the smack on the back of the hand smiley< Yeah, Russell, AM was addressing you! How did you let Caz get mixed up in this? Geez, Caz, if you're going to address Russell, make yourself clear, eh? Sorry, AM, what were you saying? Where are my pills? What's that in the water? :shock: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astroman Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 You guys are hopeless. Or maybe hapless. Anyway, I'll get my coat... But my offer still stands. For anyone here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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