If you are struggling with Maxim, then I'd try nebulosity until you get your head around things, I use Maxim DL myself, but got there via Nebulosity, hence the advice.
I would also recommend sticking with your modified DSLR for a while.
I personally love the QHY8 OSC camera, as it has effectively ZERO noise and just works effortlessly (once you get the drivers sorted).
I know in theory you get better results with filters etc. but you have to be willing to collect a lot more data, and one thing that is overlooked is that with an OSC, if you capture a total of (for example) 3 hours of data, you have captured 3 hours of Red, 3 of green, 3 of blue etc. albeit at a lower resolution.
In that same time you could only get 1 hour of Red, 1 of Green and 1 of Blue, albeit at higher resolution. So it isn't as clear cut as it seems when looking at how much data you have gathered with Mono vs Colour.
I know with the planetary cams, I don't get much difference at all on the planets with a DMK vs DBK capture on the same gear.
Mono is better resolution, but it is more capturing, more focusing, more processing and more gear. If you enjoy that, then go for it, you will eventually get better results and more control, but you can capture absolutely stunning images with even a basic QHY8 OSC or similar, have zero noise floor and less work to do
Now everyone jump in and flame away
