DSLR mega-data work in progress - The Devil's Mask

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

"The Devil's Mask" NGC 6769, 6770 and 6771
This is a "mega-data" work in progress...currently at 1370 mins of integration

Telescope: Vixen VC200L with f6.4 reducer
Mount: NEQ6 w EQMOD
Camera: DIY Peltier modded Canon 1000D, with sensor at a nominal regulated 10 C
Guiding: Lacerta OAG with QHY5L-II
Software: SGPro and Pixinsight 1.8
Capture: 137 x 10min subs @ ISO1600 captured over 7 nights

I'm unsure as to how much more I will be able to extract with further integration, however I will continue to collect data on this over the coming weeks whilst I am waiting for my other "mega" project for this scope (NGC1097) to rise.

I have here the full frame and a 50% crop, as well as a comparison with Mike Sidonio's image from last year. Taking in to account the speed of Mike's scope and the QE of his camera relative to my gear I would need an integration time in excess of 4000 mins to achieve a similar exposure, so given i'm only a quarter of the way there I'm pretty happy with the detail i'm getting (especially considering how small these galaxies are in apparent size).

[disclaimer - i know the stars are not perfect, this scope could probably still do with a minor tweak to the collimation]

work in progress hi-res here: http://www.astrobin.com/118022/

[Rex]

Wow Richard that's an awesome amount of data, and like you said, showing some beautiful detail for such tiny targets. I dream of having a set up that I just need to turn on, frame target, focus, guide calibrate and let go. Great job mate.

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

...way to go Richard

Another nice job

Have to say, your comparison shows very nicely one of the main reasons I went with the AG12 in the first place...seriously Man, there are more and better things to do with 4000min of my imaging time and I probably prefer this version though

You're having fun with that new observatory ...I'm jealous

Mike

[Shiraz (Ray)]

coming along well Richard - nice detail showing.