Some shots Taken with a C14 Edge HD

[PeterSEllis]

Hi Guys,

Been a while since I last posted, I'm trying to master the C14 Edge HD at F10.
It is not easy in Melbourne with light polluted skies, coupled with appalling seeing conditions.
But there are see some details in the DSO's, and it is a start.
The pictures are:
NGC 4594 (M104 Sombrero Galaxy), NGC253 (Sculptor edge on Galaxy), NGC5128 Centaurus A Galaxy)

These shots are taken with a Canon 1000D, 20 x 3min Subs, 10 Flats and 10 Darks,


Cheers
Peter

[Cimitar]

Hi Peter,

I really like your image of NGC 253! That's some very nice 'close-up' action going on :thumbsup: . I look forward to seeing more of your images.

I'm keen to give F10 imaging a try as well now that I have improved my polar alignment and guiding skills.

Cheers, Evan

[vapeinspace]

Very cool! What mount are you using Peter?

[PeterSEllis]

Hi Evan,
Thanks for your comments. I will let you in on a secret, these shots are done at F10 because I haven't managed to get the C14 Edge Focal reducer working properly, probably because the edge does require very accurate collimation.
With nearly a 4 meter focal length, collimation is nothing short of a bloody nightmare. I am yet to see a night with good enough seeing conditions to use a real star for collimation, "even when using MetaGuide". Forget an artificial star, my backyard is not big enough "by miles". I'm starting to have some success with the Hotech advanced laser collimator, all is not lost yet.
There is a big learning curve on a C14, something you don't hear about too often on the NET. If I had my way again would I get a C14 EdgeHd, Hmmm, I'm still thinking on that one.
I do envy the Refractor crowd, they may not have aperture, but they do have accurate collimation

Cheers
Peter

[PeterSEllis]

Hi Ryan,

I'm using a Skywatcher EQ8 Mount, and so far very happy with its performance.
The the C14 Edge OTA with the Orion Autoguider plus everything else attached is well over 25Kg.
I'm 65 and my strength is not what it used to be, it is very close too my limits, but the EQ8 can handle it.

Cheers
Peter

[vapeinspace]

Nice Peter. I better get me one of those Skywatcher mounts. Probably the the 5 or 6 pro though. I don't think I'll ever have a scope larger than 8 inch.

They seem to be the mounts to get.

[PeterSEllis]

Hi Ryan,

I started with Skywatcher EQ6 and was more than happy with it, in fact, I still have it with 120mm refractor set up at a Dark Site. I had a C11 (non edge version) set up on it, but it was just at its limits, when you added a Autoguider plus camera etc, for AstroPhotography (general rule for Astrophotography, no more loading that half the mounts maximum loading capacity).
Other than being a little noisy when slewing at maximum speed, I had no complaints about it, and even when working at its limits, performed well.

Cheers
Peter

[vapeinspace]

:thanx:

[egoleonard]

Quite beautiful image of the NGC 253.Keep it up mate.

[John W]

Hi Peter, Some great shots there esp. with a dslr. Thanks, John W.