First Galaxies with new ZWOASI2600MC

[Startrek]

Currently down at our weekender in the South Coast NSW ( Bortle 3 skies) for 2 weeks or so and took the opportunity whilst clear ( but windy ) on Tuesday and Wednesday nights to image some Galaxies with my new ZWOASI2600MC cooled OSC camera
25% and 30% lit setting moon
8” f5 Bintel GSO newt on an EQ6-R mount
ZWOASI2600MC with Baader coma corrector ( no filters )
Ascom control set to Highest Dynamic Range ( Gain 0 Offset 10 )
Camera cooled to -15C
Goto and tracking EQMOD StellariumScope and Stellarium
Frame focus and capture APT
PHD2 Guiding Tuesday night 1.00 to 1.20 arc sec error total rms
PHD2 Guiding Wednesday night 0.75 to 0.90 arc sec error total rms

NGC 253 Sculptor Galaxy
45 x 4 minute dithered guided subs
20 x darks
No flats
Included a meridian flip

NGC 55 String of Pearls or Whale Galaxy
42 x 4 minute dithered guided subs
20 x darks
No flats

Stacked in DSS
Processed in Startools V 1.6 OSC linear data set

During the NGC 253 capture I was being hit by wind gusts of 15 to 20 km /hr for the first hour with Ra spikes on PHD2 but the mount hung in there and didn’t lose to many subs

During the NGC 55 capture I didn’t realise that I was slightly out of focus until late in the evening. Biggest mistake was using a star too far away from the imaging object to test focus.I usually use a 2.0 to 2.5 mag star as close as possible to the imaging object to test focus.This was the only blemish on the capture

Very satisfied with the performance of the new 2600MC camera under windy and moon lit conditions

Comments most welcome

Thanks

[Mickoid]

Two really good results there Martin, under the windy conditions and moonlight, I think that camera is doing a great job and your processing is spot on with these two galaxies. Very nicely done. :thumbsup:

[PKay]

Great captures M

Shame about the clouds tonight.
I had to race out and put on the rain coat...

[raymo]

Yes, top job Martin.
raymo

[Startrek]

Thanks Mick , Peter and Raymo
It’s going to be an enjoyable summer imaging, as previously the DSLR use to run at 30 to 35 deg C and subs were a noisefest
Now I can cool down to -20C or even to -30C with the new camera and eliminate that problem
Thanks again

[Sunfish]

A great couple of clear and colourful galaxies. Having a whale of a time down there on the coast.

[Wilsil]

Nice.
I tried NGC 55 earlier this week from bortle 6 area, but haven't processed them yet.

[xa-coupe]

Spectacular images Martin. I'm starting to think about a dedicated astro camera and seeing results like these are encouraging me to squirrel away bikkies and get a really good one.

[multiweb]

Nicely done. Great fields and colors. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Startrek]

Thanks Ray, Wilco, Jeff and Marc
My short run of clear nights has come to a halt , rain , cloud and strong winds for the next 3 or 4 days and clearing up just in time for a full moon next week
Patience is a virtue with this hobby

[xelasnave]

Great effort, I am happy the new camera has performed so well for you.
Alex

[Fernando]

Beautiful galaxies, for sure!

[Startrek]

Thanks Alex
At this early stage I can’t see myself in the future going mono with filters as this camera is so damn good
These new generation Cooled OSC will only get better with technology

Thanks Fernando
Kind comment , thank you

[Jackstar]

Great choices of galaxies, they look fantastic.
These cameras are great and you are really showing us what they are capable of Martin.
i look forward to your clear skies almost as much as my own.


thanks for sharing the details as always.


Jack

[LostInSp_ce]

I really like these Martin. The string of pearls is an absolute cracker! :2thumbs: