1st Light, FS-128 and ST4000XCM, M 8

[JohnG]

Hi all

This is 1st light for the SBig ST4000XCM one shot colour camera mated to a Takahashi FS-128.

A completely different learning curve for me after using film and DSLR cameras, after a couple of false starts learning about the software and how the hardware intergrates, this is my 1st serious attempt with this camera, things can only get better now as I understand how this camera works.

M 8

5 x 5 min @ -20c Lights, 3 x 5 min @ -20c Darks, 10 x Bias, prime focus of the FS-128, full frame, uncropped. No Flats (will get around to that).

Taken using CCDSoft, combined and Digital Developement in ImagesPlus 3.5, very slight tweak in Photoshop CS-2.

Cheers

JohnG

[RB]

Wow how smooth is that !!
Very nice detail and great colour rendition John.

A great first light image, I can imagine it's a different kettle of fish with the SBIG !

Glad everything's coming together for you.

:thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

Looks very good to me John - -must feel good to be back in the saddle

[[1ponders]]

Very sweet John. :clap: Way to kick off the game. :thumbsup:

[JohnG]

Thanks Guy's

Been a long while between photo's, with the move and rebuilding the Observatory :).

This is a whole new learning experience, made a few mistakes but, hey, thats what learning is about....:).

Here is M 4 as well, same details as the M 8, once again, full frame, uncropped.

Cheers

John G

[jase]

Been looking forward to this moment John. The FS-128 is a first class instrument, and coupled to the ST4k - you can't go wrong. Great first light image. Look forward to seeing more as you get further acquainted with the new gear.

[leon]

Ah, John, very nice indeed, well I can expect there will be no stopping you now, well done.

Leon

[JohnG]

Thanks Jase

Much appreciated, still got a lot learn about this camera yet :D, I need to take longer subs but, this is all new to me.

Cheers

John G

[JohnG]

Thanks Leon

It's good when everything is starting to come together :).

Cheers

John G

[Dennis]

A terrific image John. You've done really well considering the steep learning curve. The SBIG stuff will become 2nd nature once you've got used to it, you have many exciting nights ahead of you, not to mention bleary eyed days!

Cheers

Dennis

[matt]

Good stuff, John:thumbsup:

[JohnG]

Thanks Guy's.

I imagine so Dennis :lol:, done a lot of Night Shifts in my time so I should be used to it........

I am really pleased with how this scope and the ST4K go together, with the FS-128 native focal length of 1040mm and the camera Arc.Sec/Pixel at 1.47 x 1.47 it seems ideal.

Cheers

John G

[strongmanmike]

Great for a first light John, I can feel your excitment :) Good one shot CCD images are hard to find but this is getting pretty close so in time I feel you will be producing high class images for sure :thumbsup:

Mike

[JohnG]

Thanks Mike

Will try this object with the Tak focal reducer in due course, I think it will do a much better job on these wide neb's, at the moment dealing with a square chip is interesting and, as I said, need longer subs, this is all new to me :).

Thanks again

John G

[renormalised]

Nice piccie!!!. The guiding looks rather good as you have nice, rounded stars even at the edges of your field. Colours are not oversaturated and look natural. Looks great....good work:)

[Zuts]

Hi John,

What a great shot. The SBIG, TAK, dark skies combination will be a real winner for sure :)

Paul

[KenGee]

you must be hating having to work with gear clearly not up to the task;).
I sure there would be one or two people who would take the gear off your hands.:D

Great first start, the learning curve from DSR to CCD imager is steep but well worth it, and your off to a great start. How have you found using a deck rather then a slab on your observatory?

[JohnG]

Thanks for the comments Guy's

Guiding with internal chip is great, no flexure problems to develop.

KenGee, never had a slab, had compressed sheeting originally, found the cold seeped up through the floor, now have wooden decking with a sheet of 12mm C/D ply over the top, is excellent. Don't worry, have already had a person who shall remain nameless ;), wanting my gear, he hasn't offered me enough money yet :lol:.

Cheers

John G

[Omaroo]

Oooh, nice picture John :)

You posses my dream setup. Either an FS128 or FSQ106 and an ST4M with my FS60C for widefield. It's an inevitable path because the results are just always sensational, and you've proven it to me once again.

[spearo]

I'm happy to be named !!!!!
gimme gimme gimme !
f

[JohnG]

Thanks Chris, taken me a long while to get where I am, I am just glad it has all come together nicely.

Sorry Frank, still no, bit rough when I have to check your bags when you leave here :rofl:.

Cheers

John G

[Ric]

Hi John, great to see you back up and imaging again in the new obs.

You first light images are first rate, M8 is very sharp and detailed and M4 is very well resolved right into the core.:thumbsup:

I'll bet you are missing those clear coastal nights.;)

Cheers

[JohnG]

Hi Ric

They are fading into a distant memory :lol:, all I have to do is think back to when you were down there last, what was it, a month of constant cloud ;).

Been great here.....

Cheers

John G

[Ric]

Not wrong there John, We are heading down again soon for few weeks and catch up with all that lost sleep.:lol:

Cheers

[Rob_K]

Great work John! :thumbsup: I've been wondering how you've been going - looks like you're right back into it!

Cheers -

[JohnG]

Thanks Rob

Catch up with you at the BSG :thumbsup:.

Cheers

John G