First photons captured by the '183MC

[AstroViking]

Hi all,

Apologies for the delay, got caught up with stuff and wasn't able to sit down and smash out the processing like I wanted to.

The '183MC-Pro has been a bit more difficult to get my head around than I expected, so I'm not totally happy with what I've managed to produce. (Also adding an EAF to the mix didn't help, either.)

However, it's all a learning experience and things will only get better from here.

Looking at the two 47 Tuc / NGC104 images side-by-side, I can see that my processing efforts are... for lack of a better word... inconsistent from one session to the next.

NGC290 makes me think of an explosion in a confetti factory...

Cheers,
V

Image 1 - NGC290 + a good chunk of the SMC
Image 2 - 47 Tuc / NGC104 taken 2022-10-17
Image 3 - 47 Tuc / NGC104 taken 2022-10-19

I've misplaced what camera settings I used, but they were all taken with the ASI183MC-Pro (cooled to 0 degrees C), on the SW 72ED @ 357mm focal length.

[Crater101]

Mate, as someone who has recently come into ownership of the same camera, I've been following your threads on the matter with interest.


If these are the early images, I not only look forward to seeing more of what the camera can do, but your own talents as well. Nicely done indeed there young man!

[AstroViking]

Warren - thanks very much! I'd love to compare notes with you regarding the best gain / offset values for various targets.

I remembered that as I'm now using FITS images, all the relevant image data is now in the file names and FITS headers...

NGC290 - 30 seconds at 100 gain, offset 0
NGC104 (1) - 10 seconds at gain 40, offset 0
NGC104 (2) - 15 seconds at gain 100, offset 8

Cheers,
V

[oska]

Hey V, be wary of low offset, I think it has to do with the black level but I'm not sure. Try with default offset and play with either gain or exposure at any one time until you get a feel for how your camera responds.
Keep 'em coming :thumbsup:

[Stephane]

Looking very promising Steve! That camera is going to produce some very nice images. Personally, the third image is my favourite. The background looks less hazy, and the stars a little sharper. Well done on your first light.

[AstroViking]

John, Stephane - thanks very much for the encouragement. Just need more clear nights to get outside and practise, practise, practise now...

[Dave882]

Great first light! I think I like the star colours in the second photo with lower gain. Sky darkness / black point is easily adjusted in post processing. Looks like you’re in for some fun as soon as these clouds clear!:thumbsup: