My 1st attempt

[Exfso]

Tried to do an AVI last night and got RR to have a go at tweaking it. It arrived dark on my computer, so I brightened it a bit with photoshop. Still got a long way to go, so here goes.
Focus may be a bit out, but my arms needed to be considerably longer to manipulate the laptop and focuser together. Also Jupiter only at about 45deg up, tried later when higher, but had some camera issues. I have to say a huge thanks to Paul for being patient with me.

[rumples riot]

Glad to be of service, good first effort Peter, I am sure that in time you will rival the best. :cheers:

[gbeal]

Well done Peter, and welcome to the bottomless pit that is astrophotography.
Can't see too much wrong with what you post. I would be keen to hear waht the eyepiece view was like.
If it was slightly soft, then what you have is as good as you (or anyone else) can expect. If it was razor sharp (Tak notwithstanding) then yes it can be better. BUT, still a very good shot.
I would look at a motorized focuser, of some description, it makes life ever so much simpler.
Gary

[[1ponders]]

Damn good first attempt Peter. :2thumbs:I also welcome you to the abyss of astrophotography. :D You've started on the right foot though. I don't think there are too many trying astrophotography that don't wish for a Tak and a good mount. (Lucky bugger)

Well done

[ving]

got some grs action happening on the left there hey.
nice start!
very nice :)

when you said RR, I thought Roger Rabbit :/

[Exfso]

Considering it was relatively early and I believe the Toucam is the equivalent of a 6mm ep. Plus was using a 5x powermate, at a focal length of 1000mm. the sums add up to a humungus magnification value, so not surprised that there was some breakdown. Through the ep at 400x was very clear, was quite impressed I must admit. So just have to get the "Knack" and hopefully might come up with something very nice. Must admit I would be buggered without the help of Paul. It is good fun trying though.

:astron: :cool: :cheers:

[Comet Hunter]

Great first attempt Peter! Welcome to the never-ending quest for perfection!!:D You're off to a great start. What are the details from the avi? frames stacked, recording settings etc?

:cheers:

[[1ponders]]

And what was the meg size of your avie?

[Exfso]

It was about 274megs, went for approx 60 secs.

[[1ponders]]

If your in focus and the seeing is good there should be plenty of detail in that size. Mine typically run from around 130 -200 mg (typical for Jupiter) up to nearly half a gig (that's for a 2000 frame saturn though), depending on the resolution, time and believe it or not, the barlow magnification. It seems that the more colour in the image (or should I say the less black) the more megs.

I certainly hope you get it sorted, You'll definately pull some stunning shots with that rig. :cool2:

[Exfso]

I will get it sorted, I am a Taurus, and we are stubborn. This is all new stuff to me, but with help from people here, I feel sure I will get my setup to operate at its fullest potential.
Ya gotta remember, I am an "old fart" and it takes a bit longer to pick up stuff than you younger blokes. (and I aint referring to the opposite sex either:eyepop: )

:)

[iceman]

That's a great first shot, the GRS just peeking around the corner!

Well done and congrats on getting hooked :)

[gbeal]

Peter,
yep a winner.
I normally use a Powermate, and aim for about f25 - f30. If the TOA is f6, then the 5x will be about as much as you can go. Sometimes I use eyepiece projection (instead of the Powermate) and this way I can vary the image scale/mag.
Gary

[Astroman]

YIKES First timer!!! I gotta get my eq6 and Toucam pro2.

Excellent image. Give yourself a pat on the back.