Astromart

April 25, 2005 02:09 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Can you identify this nebula?

Posted By Don Spencer

could it be.....M16???? wink

Don Spencer

April 25, 2005 02:12 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Galaxy NGC 2841

Posted By Don Spencer

Hi Jim,
I am really impressed with the results your are getting from your webcam....keep up the good work.
Don Spencer

April 26, 2005 11:08 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Nebula LBN 1044

Posted By Don Spencer

STill amazed at what you are doing with this camera....nicely done!
Don Spencer

April 26, 2005 11:13 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Welcome Duncan..
You've come up with some very respectable images for your first shots...once you get the guiding down and master the focusing process, it all gets better from there...well, it's supposed to anyway.. wink

Don Spencer

May 6, 2005 11:40 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Which guider?

Posted By Don Spencer

"I'm using A/Z mode. I didn't get a wedge because I was told it would effectively disable the GOTO capabilities of the scope. Is rotation noticable in 30 sec or so exposures? "
Hi Ron,
I shoot with a 12" LX200 on the Meade Super Wedge and the goto functions are just as good as in alt/az, so I don't know why someone would tell you this...Maybe I'm just not reading your statement right..
I don't think a guider would be of any use in alt/az mod, as field rotation would be showing up in a matter of minutes, so like others have said, 30 to 45 second shots would be good. My suggestion would be to go ahead and practice with your setup as is, but get a wedge as soon as possible. With a good polar alignment (using the iteration and/or the drift method), you should be able to get at least 2 to 3 minute exposures unguided, even longer if you go with an off-axis guider (Lumicon's giant easy guider has built in focal reducers) or an independant guide scope.
I hope this helps,
Don Spencer

May 8, 2005 02:11 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Getting connected

Posted By Don Spencer

Hi James,
I can't help you with your current configuration, but, you can try something like this..
http://www.partshelf.com/usbtoparprin.html

Don Spencer

May 12, 2005 02:33 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky