First Light with QHY8L

[peeb61]

Hi All,
After receiving my new edition to the equipment family (Thanks Theo for you endless support and Marc (IIS) for direction with extention tube/CC issues) I got the opportunity to give it a run on Thursday Night.

I'm using a Baader CC and luckily I had an extension tube in my kit that was close to perfect in bringing this camera to focus and avoiding coma in my images even though the camera sticks out from the focuser a bit.

The scope used is the Bintel f/4, 8" on an EQ6 and at the end of this focal train I have an Orion Light Polution Filter. I am using the EZY Cap software along with PHD etc.

Attached is my first light effort, even though the subject isn't framed properly....(So what I was excited!) I think it came up just nice for a single sub of 5 minutes at -10 using standard settings. No darks, bias or flats as I am just on the testing stage.

My problems as you can see, colours and this grid thing when you zoom in. :shrug:

This image in particular I put through Deep Sky Stacker.

How do you balance this out? :sadeyes:

This is a new step for me and a new direction and a couple of pointers will not go astray.

Paul

[Poita]

I think the grid is your debayering going wrong.
Give nebulosity a try, take a look at the steps outlined in this post:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=77781

[peeb61]

Thanks Peter...story of my life! I will take a look of these posts.

Many thanks

Paul

[Poita]

The guiding etc. looks good though, the stars are all the right shape and it looks like the image will be impressive after processing.

[Poita]

You should also try it without the light pollution filter when imaging and see how you go.

[peeb61]

Thanks Peter on both counts, I have thought about taking the LPF off and experimenting and see how far I can push the light pollution envelope.

We will see on the next clear night.

Paul

[peeb61]

Hi All,
It seems problem solved thanks to Poita, In Deep Sky Stacker you set the QHY8L Camera to 'Generic GBRG' in > RawFitts Settings > Fitts Files. I had this set on the QHY8 thinking it was a close match..but not in this case.

Now to fix that light leak.

Paul

[Poita]

Looking much better. I was told by Allan that he never bothered with LP filters on his QHY8 despite being at a light polluted site, and that the results were fine, so it would be worth giving a go.

I'm hoping to take my first images this week, all going well...

[peeb61]

I'll give it a go Peter without the filter and yes post yours!

Paul