AP1600GTO first light test

strongmanmike (Michael) · #1 12-04-2019, 08:52 AM

Well after 6 months I am finally back in the imaging saddle, longest hiatus from imaging since 2003.

After having pulled everything apart for cleaning and then reassembling all the imaging gear up on the new AP1600GTO and collimating the AG12 (using Catseye tools), then becoming familiar with the operation of the new mount, it was time for testing the collimation, tracking and guiding.

This is only a simple 7 X 5min of Luminace (no flats or darks) test, using the SXVRH694 through the 1120mm F3.8 Newtonian = 0.83"/pix

The seeing was quite ordinary but all looks reasonably ok..? Some minor star wonkyness is evident, mainly top left and lower right

, so a slight collimation tweek may be necessary..?

Next post will be a full blown image, promise

Mike

Sunfish (Ray) · #2 12-04-2019, 10:02 AM

Great detail. The final images should be worth waiting for.

Geoff45 (Geoff) · #3 12-04-2019, 10:08 AM

Looks good Mike. I see you are back to your favourite galaxy.

strongmanmike (Michael) · #4 12-04-2019, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff45

Looks good Mike. I see you are back to your favourite galaxy.

...wadda ya meeeean?

He he, don't worry, it was just a test image, the next full blown image won't be Cen A

Mike

strongmanmike (Michael) · #5 12-04-2019, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunfish

Great detail. The final images should be worth waiting for.

Hope so, as I said to Geoff, it won't be Cen A

...or Eta Carina or any of the easy big six or seven

...probably....

Mike

Geoff45 (Geoff) · #6 12-04-2019, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

...wadda ya meeeean?

He he, don't worry, it was just a test image, the next full blown image won't be Cen A

Mike

How about a go at this one as a trial of the equipment?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_Horseshoe

peter_4059 (Peter) · #7 12-04-2019, 10:20 AM

Looks like a great start Mike. It's always more enjoyable when things just work.

strongmanmike (Michael) · #8 12-04-2019, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff45

How about a go at this one as a trial of the equipment?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_Horseshoe

Ha ha yeah maybe Geoff...maaaybeee

Quote:

Originally Posted by peter_4059

Looks like a great start Mike. It's always more enjoyable when things just work.

Yeah well it was a slightly rocky start... but I worked it out (I think..?)

Mike

Andy01 (Andy) · #9 12-04-2019, 01:51 PM

Looking good there Mike - many happy hours of fine imaging ahead methinks

strongmanmike (Michael) · #10 12-04-2019, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy01

Looking good there Mike - many happy hours of fine imaging ahead methinks

Hope so

Mike

multiweb (Marc) · #11 12-04-2019, 04:24 PM

Cool - ready to rock'n'roll now, just on time for winter.

gregbradley · #12 12-04-2019, 05:32 PM

Good to get a start with the new gear.

Tracking looks spot on. As you say probably a bit more collimation and perhaps a bit of tilt there.

Top left seems pretty perfect. Top right not too far off but the bottom left and right are a fair way off.

Greg.

John Hothersall · #13 12-04-2019, 06:50 PM

Looks great, your TAK mount looks a little unwell compared to the big white 1600. Your mirror is so filthy, at least it's all clean now ready for clear skies.

John.

LewisM · #14 12-04-2019, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

Hope so, as I said to Geoff, it won't be Cen A

...or Eta Carina or any of the easy big six or seven

...probably....

Mike

Go on then - M83 it is

Geoff45 (Geoff) · #15 12-04-2019, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LewisM

Go on then - M83 it is

No. Too much skill required,

codemonkey (Lee) · #16 13-04-2019, 07:22 AM

Lookin' good Mike! Stars look slightly off in the corners, but I had to look pretty damned hard... could barely see it until I zoomed. Frankly I'd probably be happy with it the way it is :p

Quote:

Originally Posted by LewisM

Go on then - M83 it is

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff45

No. Too much skill required,

Nothin' wrong with a good M83! :p

strongmanmike (Michael) · #17 13-04-2019, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codemonkey

Lookin' good Mike! Stars look slightly off in the corners, but I had to look pretty damned hard... could barely see it until I zoomed. Frankly I'd probably be happy with it the way it is :p

Nothin' wrong with a good M83! :p

Yeah I'm leaning that way too...I don't want to start chasing my tale and make it worse

sometimes chasing perfection can be impossible...I'll see how I feel next time I am out there

I agree, nothing wrong with M83...but your recent version is so bloody good

I wouldn't want to be put to shame

Mike

Stevec35 (Steve) · #18 13-04-2019, 04:53 PM

At the very least I would say that's a good start Mike. I can't see anything significantly wrong with the stars but perhaps my ageing eyes are at fault there.

Cheers

Steve

codemonkey (Lee) · #19 14-04-2019, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

Yeah I'm leaning that way too...I don't want to start chasing my tale and make it worse

sometimes chasing perfection can be impossible...I'll see how I feel next time I am out there

Yep, as the saying goes "perfect is the enemy of good"

Quote:

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

I agree, nothing wrong with M83...but your recent version is so bloody good

I wouldn't want to be put to shame

Mike

Ha! I doubt I'd be putting you to shame Mike, but I appreciate the compliment all the same ;-)

Placidus (Mike and Trish) · #20 15-04-2019, 06:34 AM

Test image looking superb.

Oh the joys of being back in the saddle, and such a fine mount too!

We took our first photo with an an astrocamera in about six months yesterday. I put a piece of alfoil over the camera, pricked the foil with a biro to make a pin-hole, and took a 1 sec (unguided) photo of the study ceiling fan. (Been 6 months writing the all-new software and making all-new electronics.) Won't be long now!