New member from Perth, WA

[Wilsil]

I thought it was finally time to say hi.
I did sign up a few months ago and did some searching.
Lots of info here.

In the mean time I acquired a HEQ5 Pro GOTO and a Skywatcher ED80.
Now it is time to get it all working. :-)
The biggest issue I have is polar alignment but that seems the common theme.
My imaging camera is a Canon EOS M6 mark ii, a mirrorless camera.
I have a Orion Starshoot guide camera and guide scope on loan, so last Friday I tried for the first time drift alignment in PHD2.
Still a lot to learn.

[AnakChan]

Good to see you here mate.

[Wilsil]

Got my first picture of M20 last Tuesday at Gingin Gravity Discovery Centre.
Pretty stoked with the result.

[neurosis3000]

This is a pretty good result for a first shot!

I wish I could have gone to the Gingin Astrophoto sessions but I couldn't make 3 out of the 4 dates.

Have been there for sky watching night and spoken to Rick and the team. They're great!

Only started 2-3 months ago and just getting all the gear to work together HAHA

So much to learn...

[Wilsil]

Indeed much to learn, but I am really enjoying it.
Next step for me is auto guiding so I can take longer subs.

[raymo]

Your next step is not guiding, it is learning the procedure of setting up your
mount, and acquiring decent data, and then learning stacking and processing
until it becomes second nature.
Your ED 80 will allow unguided subs of around 90-120 secs, depending upon how well your mount is polar aligned, and where in the sky your target is located, which is plenty long enough to produce some very nice images.
The one single most important thing on the path to great images is processing, all the rest can can be learned in your own good time.
If you are starting out with a DSLR, 90-120 secs @ ISO 800 or 1600 can
produce some great shots.
raymo

[Startrek]

Welcome to IIS and trust you will enjoy your Astro journey
Raymo gives good advice , guiding can wait for a little while until you learn the night sky , nail some good images relying on good polar alignment , tight focus , short exposures up to 90sec , stacking and honing your post processing skills
Guiding still relies on good polar alignment
You have great entry level Astro rig there so enjoy it’s capabilities, it will serve you well and provide great images

Good luck !!