Wow – that is an impressive array of ‘scopes, mounts and sensors! As you well know, things can go wrong on these occasions.
Make sure that you have notes on each ‘scope/mount/sensor combo and what you want to achieve with it.
Jot down the types of images and image sequences you want to record.
Note details of optimum exposure times, etc. based on previous results.
Check that everything is working.
Make sure that sensors are in focus and check on a regular basis.
Ensure you have the necessary remote releases, etc.
It will be quite a challenge operating multiple systems so follow a written plan and operating procedures to minimise potential problems.
Good luck mate!
Cheers
Dennis
PS - declare the zone around tripods off-limits to avoid a repeat of your tragic Duckadang experience, and don't forget to check focus, and then check it again!
I love a challenge - right up until it fails
Only me operating the scopes. Imaging everything from home. I will be keeping the moon centred in all shots, I know my limitations , well OK maybe not but I am willing to give it a good try.
We are forecast for clear "warm" skies on Tuesday, setting the scopes up and drift aligning as best I can Monday night/Tuesday morning and doing some test shots. I have only just bought DSLR focus and as yet not used it (better learn damn quick methinks) on either the canon or the Pentax - it wont work with the 400D though. Could use imaged plus there, but haven't used that either. Aah such a computer software Virgin.
No I will be leaving the tricky shots to the seasoned Paparazzi such as you and Mike - to get the money shots
Just have to remember to set the mounts on Lunar
NOW all I need is to get a crash course on using K3cccdtool to get the polar alignment right on each scope (might be cheaper to fly Paul down for the hour or two to get it right) and go from there. the 240 Volt advantage will be needed, the dew here tonight is horrendous - fog expected in the morning and similar conditions right through until Wednesday. the dew heaters will be working overtime
I will be using my security cam.
Everything is automatic and i just record the whole eclips.
Here is one of the single shots out of an avi.
Fills up the frame with my 70mm refractor.
Erick i have 1/2 Tb of hd space and my program can capture to dvd and cd.
I can also compress the data while capturing.
So i am not too worried about file size
Just worried about the weather
>snip
No I will be leaving the tricky shots to the seasoned Paparazzi such as you and Mike - to get the money shots
>snip
Hi Dave
My horizon is blocked all the way up to 30 degrees in the East, so I won't get any creative or fancy images this time round. I'll probably just set up in the back garden and grab a few souvenir type photos with the Pentax *ist DS and the Vixen 4".
I’ll consider this a practice run for the 2011 total lunar eclipse.
Here is a simulated view garnered from Starry Night Pro V6. I exported 18 screen captures at 15 min intervals and assembled them in a 6:30pm to 10:45pm sequence using Layers in Photoshop CS3.
Camera, lens and focal length details are on the composite image. Simulated FOV approx 39° wide x 56° high.
Cheers
Dennis
Great image Dennis, I've done the same thing on my SN v5 to get an idea of what to expect.
I just want to ask, in your simulated shot, did you have the "enlarge moon" option selected in SN?
testing out the Meade LX200R and the Pentax K10d and a celestron f6.3 focal reducer. if I can get good enough focus then this is a winner. all on a G11
They look nice Dave, great field of view. I'd add a bit more exposure - check your histogram after the shot. It's a tad on the dim side. Nothing that couldn't be adjusted in PP though.
They look nice Dave, great field of view. I'd add a bit more exposure - check your histogram after the shot. It's a tad on the dim side. Nothing that couldn't be adjusted in PP though.
I knew they were but after I set up the scopes for real tonight I will hone the shots (and learn to use DSLR focus)
thats a nice fit Houghy!... what focal length does that come out at in mm?
I shall be doing a widefield composite with the miss`s camera while doing closeups with the newt. Moons a bit small with the newt but with a 2x teleconverter its a real tight fit, so will stick with prime focus and a faster shutter speed.
Shall stay at home and do it on the back lawn where I have a better view of the horizon as from the half finished observatory I can`t see the lower 20 degrees of the sky.
Done some test shots last night to get the widefield shot in the best spot between the trees..should just clear the trees when the preumbral stage starts..
forecasts still looking good!!..
cheers
thats a nice fit Houghy!... what focal length does that come out at in mm?
I shall be doing a widefield composite with the miss`s camera while doing closeups with the newt. Moons a bit small with the newt but with a 2x teleconverter its a real tight fit, so will stick with prime focus and a faster shutter speed.
Shall stay at home and do it on the back lawn where I have a better view of the horizon as from the half finished observatory I can`t see the lower 20 degrees of the sky.
Done some test shots last night to get the widefield shot in the best spot between the trees..should just clear the trees when the preumbral stage starts..
forecasts still looking good!!..
cheers
mmm have to work that one out, scope was f10 - then went to f6.3 with the focal reducer, the FL at f10 2540mm