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Started by Boxlock, 03/09/2005 02:30PM
Posted 03/09/2005 02:30PM Opening Post
Hi! grin
I've always been a visual observer, but recently picked up an APO/GM8 and it started me thinking about eventually attempting some kind of immaging. I also have a 14.5"f/4.3 Newt and equatorial platform. I need some direction where to start. I don't have any kind of CCD or webcam yet, basicly because I'm still broke from buying the scope/mount, and because I don't know enough to choose one intelegently. I do have an older digital camera, a Canon Pro-90is. http://www.steves-digicams.com/pro90is.html
Would apreciate any reccomendations for a good how-to book, so I can at least get some idea where I want to go from here, and be able to make semi-informed decisions about choosing the equipment I'll eventually want, and what to do with it once I get it. Thanks, JDBraddy

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Posted 03/09/2005 08:33PM #1
Hi James,
If you will be happy shooting planets and the moon for a bit, I found that starting with a webcam really helped me ease into imaging with quick results. All it takes is a Toucam or other similar webcam (or perhaps a Meade LPI), a laptop, very inexpensive 1-1/4 inch adapter and some free to inexpensive downloadable software (I use K3CCDTools for acquisition, Registax for processing.) There are lots of good tutorials on the web, as well. I found that it helped me make the transition from staring into an EP, notebook or sketchbook in hand, to doing all the tinkering necessary for shooting. It's practically a different hobby (yes, even more expensive!). I can't speak to using your digital camera, but I imagine this would serve the same purpose...and let you shoot DSO's as well.
Good luck with it all,
Larry Durst
PS: I did get totally hooked and now use a dedicated CCD imager.