* Repro Added * First light for new toys M20 and IC 434.

[desler]

Hey all, Last night was the night I've been waiting for to have a play with my newly acqired FSQ106ED.

Great night, little wind, Moon after midnight but overall the seeing was reasonable. Funny as I sit here in the Observetory and post this, Im being deafened by wind and rain. Melbourne Eh?

First up was M20 disapearing into the west, I normally avoid imaging in this direction due to a rather large and ugly palm tree, but there you go!
Only L 55 RGB 35 in 5 minute subs with darks, flats and biases applied.

http://www.pbase.com/desler/image/138197196/original.jpg

Later in the evening I gave my old favourite of the horsehead a go with the moon and about 65% and just to the north west, I used a Baader 7nm HA filter and managed to get 10x 15 minute usable subs for a total of 2.5 hours.

http://www.pbase.com/desler/image/138197166/original.jpg

Overall, a pretty long night, with the typical assorted problems and misadventures. But that is all part of the fun. Going to bed a little after 5, when I had to take SHMBO to an appointment about 10ish was pushing it a bit, But as I said to her today "Well, you did let me buy it!"
Hahaha.

Comments always welcomed.

Darren

PS, A quick shot of last nights setup.......

[CoolhandJo]

Looks like the scope is a good fit for your rig. Great clear detailed shots!

[JohnG]

Looking good, Darren.

Nice first light :thumbsup:.

Cheers

[multiweb]

FSQ106ED ... drool... :P Top shots. Love the M20 field. Great star colors I'm green. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[atalas]

Sweet Sweet Sweet ! well done Darren....Ha looks spectacular but a bit cooked in the highlights....hey,lets call It specular shall we....nice nice nice.

[Hagar]

Very nice start with your new instrument Darren. Now you know why we all love this scope.
Stunning effort considering how crook you sound on the phone.

Looking forward to seeing lots more.

[desler]

Yes Paul, All seems to work well, just glad to get it all together and get everything working.




Thanks John, can't wait to get to some dark skies.




Very happy Marc, Can't wait to get to Snake Valley!




Thank you Louie, Probably little overcooked, I really find the right balance with Ha difficult to attain. More practice required!

[niko]

They're great Darren - well done!

Having the Observatory must be a real boon - I'm jealous as!

see you soon

n

[cventer]

Very nice. What camera? Is that with qhy9? What filter wheel and filter sizes do you use ?

[desler]

Thanks Niko! Is it November yet?



Chris, Yes mate, QHY9, Standard 2 inch QHY filters in QHY2 Filter wheel.
I've had one or two issues using the on camera cable to drive the filter wheel, but have connected the RS232 cable and driver, and running really well.

Darren

[niko]

Darren,

let's see some photos of your observatory! I need the inspiration.

As the day draws closer to me having to move in with the wife I am madly scrambling to get a shed built (every man needs a shed as we all know!) and I'm wondering whether I should make a portion of the roof roll off or just have the tripod sitting next to the shed on the pavers.

niko

[desler]

Here you go mate.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=78082


If it's going to be your shed as such, I'd go with the paver option and a tele-gizmo cover, and run it all from inside the shed. Other than that, I'm not 100% sure about partial roll off designs. One thing for certain, Not having to set up and pull down every imaging session is fantastic.

Darren

[desler]

Not stretched as much, what do you think?

Darren

http://www.pbase.com/desler/image/138231362/original.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/desler/image/138231362/original.jpg)

[LucasB]

Beautiful photos Darren. I'm just down the road in Altona North so I am always interested in local produce! :thumbsup:
Lucas

[TrevorW]

Nice HH Darren

[dugnsuz]

Both very nice images Darren - the Horsehead looks very smooth

[Ross G]

Great photos Darren.

So sharp and great detail and colour.


Ross.