First completely unattended image -- vdB142

This is my first completely unattended imaging project. This was taken over a few nights and I slept through it all!! I used CCD Commander to start the cameras, slew to IC1396 after it reached 40 degrees elevation, take the various Ha, R, G, B frames, focus on a nearby star every 30 minutes, and then at the end of each run park the mount and take darks, then finally warm up the cameras. All I did was get up in the morning and power down the computer and close the clam dome!! I almost feel a little guilty (almost)!!

Anyway sorry, but I'm so excited to get more data this way.

IC1396 and vdB142:
http://www.tvdavisastropics.com/astroimages-1_000051.htm

Details on link.



Best,
Tom

Attached Image:

The sky was ablaze like that and you slept through it? That is one amazing setup...and an even more amazing image. Absolutely great.
Congrats,
Larry

What a wonderful setup and image Thomas! Congratulations!
Now, we could call you a "cheater" for doing it this way, but we won't do that, right boys? 8)

Keep'em coming, no matter what method you use... and thanks for sharing!

Tom,
That's awesome!
It must be like having a cyber Tom out in your dome
Looks like it works just perfect,that is a beautiful image!

I guess now you could say you can take great astrophotos in your sleep



Jason

Tom,
Great image and very interesting to hear how you did it!

But sleeping through it all? Sounds to me like you have been turned to the Dark Side. Next you will be posting an image that was processed while you slept. Then we will know for sure your turning was complete.

Great result too! so that would make you an "Armchair Astronomer" woudn't It? 8)

Well done, Tom. Very impressed with the images from your current setup.

Also, kudos on your M13 APOD today!

Tom,

Looks like you got an automated set up all tuned up and purring along nicely! Well done! I was surprised to see an IC1396 post this early in the year, but hey, if it's up, shoot it! Congrats! And congratulations on your M13 APOD as well!

Eric

Thanks guys for the support and encouragement.

Tom

An absolutely stunning image, Tom. You've mixed the Ha in well with not a hint of salmon color.
The square stars are a little disconcerting, but I read on another group how you're going to get rid of the secondary vanes so that will change that. How are you planning on supporting the secondary with your modification?
Congratulations on the M13 APOD, too!
My regards,

dan