STX16803 Test

[pvelez]

Last week, my PW focus box was returned after repair on the same day that my STX16803 also came back after having a chamber recharge and sensor clean.

So I set up and waited for it to get dark - which always seems to take forever.

It was still too light to take some flats. So on a whim, I switched to Ha and banged off a few shots of the 3/4 moon. My thinking was to see if the sensor iced up (it didn't of course) and to check the focuser (which worked fine).

Here is the result - 0.1 s image binned x2 I think. Only processing is a spot of deconvolution in PI.

THis is just a screenshot not a true JPG so don't bother zooming.

I'm not a planetary imager by any means and there is doubtless a host of faults that can be picked. Its also the WRONG camera to use for planetary work - like driving a B Double semitrailer to do the grocery shopping - its a bugger to park! But I'm pleased with the result nevertheless.

Pete

[RobF]

Interesting read Pete. You're certainly off the beaten track, but that looks like a top image for the trouble!

[EricB]

A very nice image, Pete, in my opinion.

Eric

[John W]

Hi Pete,
Great overall shot - nice and even. Cheers.

[RickS]

A good result, Pete, especially with the wrong camera :)

[bobbyf]

If that is with the wrong one, I'd love to see one from the right one!
I'd be very happy with that image.
Cheers
Bob

[Paul Haese]

Nice image, not the wrong camera either, right in this instance.

[PacoYepes]

Is very natural, congratulations.

regards

[gregbradley]

An exciting setup. That images looks great. Looking forward to seeing some CDK/STX images. Are you going to get an AOX for that?

Greg.

[pvelez]

Thanks everyone - for a spur of teh moment test it worked out quite well. It does highlight what a great camera and scope this is.

If only it would stop raining

Pete

[pvelez]

I'm toying with the idea Greg. It would be a natural fit. My only concern is getting a bright enough guide star for the AO to do its thing with. My fear is that I would need a rotator as well. Add that to the set up and I am looking at $3k+ without adapters. I can - just- squeeze that into my available backfocus - I think.

When I have the chance to use the STX on a real DSO target, I can see how sensitive the guide chip is.

But the AO-X does look sexy

Pete

[pvelez]

Make that $4k Greg - its looking a very expensive addition

Pete

[Paul Haese]

Yep adds up real quick. I can tell you. I have a 3" pyxis, Atlas Focusor and camera. With room for the AOX, which will come later. Too much cabbage spending for now.

[gregbradley]

What's the benefit of a rotator? I haven't had a problem without onefor years. I always thought it was more for remote setups. I suppose its more needed for a rectangular chip as well for framing. Square is more convenient that way.

Greg.

[Paul Haese]

Two things really Greg. Framing. You can get exactly the framing you want straight up. I use the Sky and CCDAP to determine the rotation, sometimes it is in decimals of degree, so it is good.

Yes perfect for remote setups. However more importantly is it for going across the meridian. You don't have to rotate images during processing and you can use the exact same guide star each time if you want.

Even a square can do with a rotation.;)

[gregbradley]

Thanks Paul. My rotator is the latest model 2 handed version! With the V1000.0 firmware.

Greg :lol:

[pvelez]

I have yet to determine whether I can pick out a bright enough guide star with the new set up. With the STL it can be a bit tricky - so a rotator lets me choose the guide star. I use CCD Autopilot and it handles this with relative ease.

Pete