AP1600GTO first light test

[strongmanmike]

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 (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/169044418) (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 :question:, so a slight collimation tweek may be necessary..?

Next post will be a full blown image, promise :P

Mike

[Sunfish]

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

[Geoff45]

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

[strongmanmike]

:question:...wadda ya meeeean? :lol:

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

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Hope so, as I said to Geoff, it won't be Cen A :P...or Eta Carina or any of the easy big six or seven :rolleyes: ...probably....

Mike

[Geoff45]

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

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

[peter_4059]

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

[strongmanmike]

Ha ha yeah maybe Geoff...maaaybeee :thumbsup:



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

Mike

[Andy01]

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

[strongmanmike]

Hope so :thumbsup:

Mike

[multiweb]

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

[gregbradley]

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]

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]

Go on then - M83 it is :lol:

[Geoff45]

No. Too much skill required,:juggle::juggle:

[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

[strongmanmike]

Yeah I'm leaning that way too...I don't want to start chasing my tale and make it worse :eyepop: :lol: 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 :eyepop: I wouldn't want to be put to shame :D

Mike

[Stevec35]

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]

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



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

[Placidus]

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!

[strongmanmike]

Not quite superb yet, needs a good sized tweak...but close to ok :)



Sooo? what weird animal shapes did you manage to see in that image..? :question: :P



Man you are a versatile couple of mega brains....:thumbsup:

Mike