Supernova remnant RCW103 in Norma Ha.

[tornado33]

Hi all
Did some more testing of the Toucam for guiding. First I used the mighty 300mm F2.8 lens from Bert, with the Toucam attached to the small guidescope I use, manually guiding by looking at the guidestar on the laptop stationed nearby
3x15 mins ISO400.
Then I set up the 10 inch and used the webcam in the off axis guider. Wind was strong so I wasnt expecting to get anything usable, just testing, yet I was surprised despite the buffeting to get only slightly trailed stars, the guidestar was really jumping all over the place. Its 2x15 mins ISO 400

Both shot with Baader 7Nm Ha filter, Idas uv/ir filter, MPCC used with the 10 inch shot, and both with Houghys cooled 350D, sensor temp round -1 deg C
Full moon present.
Its a lot easier sitting on a seat in my freezer suit guiding by looking at the laptop and making corrections rather then standing and looking down the eyepiece
Scott

[ballaratdragons]

Both are great, Scott.
The 1st one is spot on!!!

Is the Toucam a standard model or modified? I autoguide with a standard Toucam.

Guiding with a Toucam is great isn't it. Now to build yourself a small room or shelter to keep the cold off you while you watch the computer :thumbsup:

[tornado33]

Thanks. Yes the toucam is great. It is in fact modified, Ive had to order a USB to parallel adaptor as the new notebook I have hasnt got parallel ports. If I use 1/2 sec exposures it will pick up fainter and this more numerous guidestars (in theory lol)

[davidpretorius]

wow, i really like that

happy upcoming 2000 posts!

[iceman]

Nice work Scott. What do you use as a guidescope?

[seeker372011]

scott

I have the same problem..also I find that the usb to parallel adapter is not recognised by K3CCD-this shows up as a "virtual port" and the older programs such as Guidedog look for an LPT1

I have had to buy a port replicator from ebay -once it comes I'll let you know how I go.

A PCMIA card is the other option but my laptop does not have a suitable slot

if you find a better solution let me know!

[h0ughy]

some little 76mm newt cass, looks almost like a baby telescope!!! He has it set up side by side the 300mm Canon on his Patented imageing platform. I think Scott posted a picture of this some time ago, have to find it?

[iceman]

I'm thinking of getting a cheap guidescope so I can do some piggyback photography.. just put the guidescope on the EQ6 and the camera + lens piggybacked on top. I can guide either manually or automatically using the ToUcam or DMK through the guidescope.

[tornado33]

Thanks for the tips, Ive not heard of a port replicator, I will see how the adaptor I get goes.
Here is a pic of the guidescope, a little 3 inch ex halleys comet special "focal" Kmart brand, cost $75 at the time. Not the best optics but it does serve the purpose as a guidescope.
Scott
PS my 2000th post has come up fast :)

[jase]

The 300mm lens in dynamite. Magnificent fov. Looking forwarding to seeing more perhaps with longer subexposure times to stretch on the Ha data.:)

[Garyh]

Both lovely shots Scott!!! the 300mm shot is expecially nice!!
cheers Gary

[Ric]

Very nice work Scott, lots of faint detail and very crisp images.

Cheers

[Dr Nick]

Wow! I love the 1st one! ;)