Helix Revisited

[BruceG]

Tried to get some more data of the Helix Neb last night and set up around 9pm. A dozen 5 minute subs at ISO 1600 this time without the Teleview reducer.
My first time at combining images from more than 1 session and made harder by changing the scale of the image.

After these subs I had to perform a meridian flip and the 2 hours of data attained after that disappointed me with the object half out of the frame.

My modified 300D doesn't play with BYEOS and the LCD is fixed. When the target is straight up, I have no hope of determining if I have it framed properly. So only an hour of extra data in the 2nd image. The first image is almost 2 hours at ISO800 with the focal reducer fitted.

Oh well if nothing else I have learned to combine images from more than one session.

[raymo]

With brighter objects like the Helix, a cheap right angle viewfinder from
ebay will allow you to check your framing. No vari angle LCD is a pain anywhere near the zenith isn't it.
raymo

[BruceG]

Hi Raymo Ive been down the path of the cheap RH viewfinder and it was not even worth the postage. I then purchased a used Canon original.
Still I had issues and will only focus with a bahtinov mask. I am going to find a small LCD screen (like the car reversing camera kits) from China and use the video out port from the camera. Ebay will have an answer to this problem. Only trouble is it is frustrating and time wasting in an activity that already has enough frustrations with the weather and all matters else.

[Rex]

You picked up some nice extra detail in the second one Bruce, Well done mate. I have never tried combining images of differing scales yet, I can't imagine that would be as simple as a click of a button?

[BruceG]

Thanks Rex. I found it quite easy using Nebulosity (which I choose for calibration and stacking) it has 3 possible choices for aligning (Align only, Rotate and Align, and Scale, Rotate and Align). I used the 3rd option. All you must do is select 2 alignment stars in both sets and that's it.
I had hoped to get more data than I managed. The combined result is leaving me wanting more. Better luck next session I guess.

[rustigsmed]

looks good to me Bruce! nice job

[cometcatcher]

That's amazing for a modded 300D.

[BruceG]

Thanks Russell & Kevin, I will keep persisting with it now with imaging it on the western side of the zenith so I can get more time. I have ordered a 7" TFT screen that runs off 12V ($42 from fleabay) to hook up to the video out of the 300D. This should give me my LCD display remotely - not quite BY EOS, but better than lying on wet grass, trying to frame it up. Fingers crossed!

[raymo]

I wasn't suggesting that you focus with the RH viewfinder Bruce, just
framing. I also focus with a mask, but my el cheapo RH viewfinder is
fine for framing objects that are not too faint.
raymo

[BruceG]

No worries Raymo, I'm just spoilt by Backyard EOS using my unmodded 1000D and when I pull out the 300D it's like going back to film days and the frustration of finding you've done something wrong after developing the film. As I grow older I grow more impatient. Anyway I just got notification I will have my external screen for the 300 delivered tomorrow. Glory days!

[raymo]

How much was it?
raymo

[BruceG]

$43. Pressed the button Sunday night and it's on the truck for delivery at my work tomorrow. They can be has for half that price but them you have to wait for them to come from overseas.

[raymo]

Thanks very much Bruce. Sounds good.
raymo