Hello,
Here is my second attempt at RGB imaging with the DMK 21F04. I used a Lumicon manual filter selector and a Astronomik LRGB Dichroic Filter Set (Type II with Built-in IR Block). The telescope was a Meade 12 SCT with a Televue 3x barlow.
Seeing was better than last weekend, about 6/10 this time. I did make one big improvement in my technique. I now focus separately for each of the RGB filters. Since I have an Optec TCF-S focuser with digital readout it is a snap to return to the exact setting needed for each color filter. I can change focus in about 3 seconds while I am changing filters, and hit the exact needed settings for each color perfectly. This lets me get all 3 RGB AVIs in a little over 3.5 minutes. The Optec is a very precise focuser with very small steps and almost zero backlash.
I had been just focusing the Red filter and keeping the settings the same for the Green and Blue. Big mistake. The Green and Blue channels improved dramatically when they are focused with custom settings. I was worried that the Lumicon manual filter selector would have too much play in it, but it is working very well so far.
Kirk Vanden
Here is my second attempt at RGB imaging with the DMK 21F04. I used a Lumicon manual filter selector and a Astronomik LRGB Dichroic Filter Set (Type II with Built-in IR Block). The telescope was a Meade 12 SCT with a Televue 3x barlow.
Seeing was better than last weekend, about 6/10 this time. I did make one big improvement in my technique. I now focus separately for each of the RGB filters. Since I have an Optec TCF-S focuser with digital readout it is a snap to return to the exact setting needed for each color filter. I can change focus in about 3 seconds while I am changing filters, and hit the exact needed settings for each color perfectly. This lets me get all 3 RGB AVIs in a little over 3.5 minutes. The Optec is a very precise focuser with very small steps and almost zero backlash.
I had been just focusing the Red filter and keeping the settings the same for the Green and Blue. Big mistake. The Green and Blue channels improved dramatically when they are focused with custom settings. I was worried that the Lumicon manual filter selector would have too much play in it, but it is working very well so far.
Kirk Vanden
Attached Image:
