ZeroID
25-08-2014, 07:03 AM
Solved a few of my 'astro' problems over the weekend. Been plagued by guiding issues, accuracy of my SCP alignment and various computer issues stopping me from getting time to work on them.
But finally the weather and the equipment all decided to forgive me and cooperate.
Metaguide was recommeded as being a better option with the high frame rate ZWO cameras so I built a laptop solely for guiding purposes and got all the hardware talking, Problem 1 solved.
Connected via GPUSB and settings, found a star and calibrated. then watched the graphs, N/S & E/W drift. Slected 'Guide' and watched some more. Drift numbers said my SCP was out marginally in RA and more so in DEC. Half an hour later I was getting less than 1 arc/sec min in both. Problem 2 solved.
Ran some video capture on Saturn but all I did was prove my big scope badly required collimation, coma'd stars and blurred images. Shows what happens when you are not careful when you set things up. Too late and too tired to do then so it's on the next task list.
Conclusions:
Metaguide certainly works well and once you understand it the data it delivers is very useful. I won't compare it with phd as I've only used pdd1 intermittently and never managed to get phd2 with more data working with my setup.
Although I've said my pier is good it needs to be better, more stable. I can see me filling it with concrete or at least rocks one day soon or replacing it altogether.
Electric focussing is also looking as a good move to miniimise vibration and settle time. Not sure if that will be DIY or bought.
I've ordered a 50watt Peltier Module, $11.50 delivered and I'll get the ZWO attached to that. My ambient was 9* last night but the camera was running about 19*.
I'll see if I can get the SPC900 or the NexImage camers to work with Metaguide now as that will free the ZWO for my planned purpose, DSO imaging.
I have seen a Skywatcher 80mm f13.3 for sale I may get. If I mount that up with the Lunt and the 80mm F5 I can run guiding through either 80mm and still view the target. I like to be able to visually check on how it's going and lets me see if clouds get in the way. Metaguide seems quite capable of guiding at higher magnifications.
I'll run up another PC to handling imaging via CCD, the advantage of having an Ob and power handy.
My new roof is working well..
Can you tell it's been a good night ?? :P
Trouble is it's going to cost me more .. :shrug: ... ah well.
But finally the weather and the equipment all decided to forgive me and cooperate.
Metaguide was recommeded as being a better option with the high frame rate ZWO cameras so I built a laptop solely for guiding purposes and got all the hardware talking, Problem 1 solved.
Connected via GPUSB and settings, found a star and calibrated. then watched the graphs, N/S & E/W drift. Slected 'Guide' and watched some more. Drift numbers said my SCP was out marginally in RA and more so in DEC. Half an hour later I was getting less than 1 arc/sec min in both. Problem 2 solved.
Ran some video capture on Saturn but all I did was prove my big scope badly required collimation, coma'd stars and blurred images. Shows what happens when you are not careful when you set things up. Too late and too tired to do then so it's on the next task list.
Conclusions:
Metaguide certainly works well and once you understand it the data it delivers is very useful. I won't compare it with phd as I've only used pdd1 intermittently and never managed to get phd2 with more data working with my setup.
Although I've said my pier is good it needs to be better, more stable. I can see me filling it with concrete or at least rocks one day soon or replacing it altogether.
Electric focussing is also looking as a good move to miniimise vibration and settle time. Not sure if that will be DIY or bought.
I've ordered a 50watt Peltier Module, $11.50 delivered and I'll get the ZWO attached to that. My ambient was 9* last night but the camera was running about 19*.
I'll see if I can get the SPC900 or the NexImage camers to work with Metaguide now as that will free the ZWO for my planned purpose, DSO imaging.
I have seen a Skywatcher 80mm f13.3 for sale I may get. If I mount that up with the Lunt and the 80mm F5 I can run guiding through either 80mm and still view the target. I like to be able to visually check on how it's going and lets me see if clouds get in the way. Metaguide seems quite capable of guiding at higher magnifications.
I'll run up another PC to handling imaging via CCD, the advantage of having an Ob and power handy.
My new roof is working well..
Can you tell it's been a good night ?? :P
Trouble is it's going to cost me more .. :shrug: ... ah well.