Posts Made By: Dwight Talley

I have tried to guide using a web cam (quick cam 4000)and could only see bright stars. I don't have the skill to modify one and would like to buy a camera that will show a field of stars on my laptop to guide on when connected to my Celestron HD-102AZ 4 inch scope. I saw someone using a SBIG 2000 two weeks ago. It showed a clear starfield on his laptop while using a 4 inch scope. I don't have that type of money but would like that type of response from the ccd. My price range would be about $400. I would be guiding a non Gemini G11 mount either directly or using software like GuideDog. I dont need the camera for anything else. I have digital and film cameras for photos.

1. Would an old ST-4 guide camera show the response to dimmer stars?

2. Has anyone tried the new ccds that are out on the market?

3. Has anyone used their non web cam camera with GuideDog?

Thanks for your input.

Dwight

I have a new Meade 6.3 series 4000 FR that I am trying to connect to my Celestron C8. The reducer comes with instructions that I can follow but I am unable to bring the image to focus. Is there a problem between the two - one being Meade and the other being Celestron? Or are all FR the same?

Thanks

Dwight

I currently use a Canon 10d (unmodified) to take photos with my C8 and Meade 14. I shoot in raw mode. I have not heard how to set the white balance when taking the photos. I know that you can change the color temp when processing the images. Is there a standard color temp that I should use or a white balance setting that would be the best?

Thanks

Dwight

I had to move to europe on short notice and left my 12.5 mead dob in my mothers house. I was gone longer than I thought, 8 years, and returned to find that mold and fungus has covered my primary and secondary mirrors. I am thinking the time as let the mold eat down to the glass. Would it be worth the cost to have the mirrors recoated or should I just buy new mirrors?

Dwight :C

I would not use an LPI as a guide camera because it is not sensitive enough to see the dim stars that are always the only thing you see in the area you want to photograph. An older SBIG guide camera would be the best thing if your budget is limited. A modified Neximage camera will work also.

Dwight

Looking at the image, I don't think it is distortion due to not having a flattener. Looks like you had a tracking problem. The stars all point in one direction. When I imaged M51 with my STV I also had that happen. Determined that my calibration was off. I have not had a chance to image it again but this weekend I was tracking M109 for 5 minute subs with my TEC140 without problem.

Dwight

Looks like you got IC4617 as well. It is faint but there. Great photo.


Dwight

I use the Hyperstar on my LX200 14 inch scope. Works better than expected. Go to their site to see if your scope will work with it.

Dwight