Using a Powermate for imaging

chiaroscuro (Luke) · #1 17-01-2015, 02:42 PM

I'm keen to try imaging Jupiter, and wondered if it would work to use a 2x powermate with the DSLR through my 900mm refractor? Has anyone done that? Any problems?
Also, is there any easy way to get around the incompatibility of Canon movie files with registax? Any help appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Luke

hobbit · #2 17-01-2015, 03:44 PM

i've tried (with a astrocam) but everytime I add the powermate jupiter "disappears" Very frustrating.

Tony_ (Tony) · #3 17-01-2015, 03:47 PM

Hello Luke,

The 2x powermate with your refractor should be okay.

You will need to convert the canon movie file to an .avi file. You can do this with the canon zoom browser software. Use "export" - "export movies".
The .avi file will work with registax.

Regards,
Tony.

Tony_ (Tony) · #4 17-01-2015, 03:49 PM

If your mount isn't driven it will be difficult - Jupiter will move through the field of view too quickly.

chiaroscuro (Luke) · #5 17-01-2015, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony_

Hello Luke,

The 2x powermate with your refractor should be okay.

You will need to convert the canon movie file to an .avi file. You can do this with the canon zoom browser software. Use "export" - "export movies".
The .avi file will work with registax.

Regards,
Tony.

Thanks Tony. I did try that using VLC but it didn't seem to recognise the files. I'm not sure if the fact I'm using a Mac and Registax through Wineskin makes a difference. I'm using DSS through Wineskin, and it seems to work OK.
Anyway, I'll give your suggestion a go and report back.
Thanks again.

chiaroscuro (Luke) · #6 19-01-2015, 10:07 AM

Well,
I've downloaded the Canon software and exported the file as an avi, but Registax just doesn't seem to load and data from the file. I've tried dragging and dropping into the registax window - "This file is not drag and droppable"
and I've tried loading it from the MRU drop down menu where it is listed, but nothing happens - it lists but nothing happens. All a little frustrating - I think I'm heading towards Raymo Rage!

Luke

icytailmark (Mark) · #7 19-01-2015, 10:23 AM

if your mount doesnt have tracking its difficult to image jupiter using a barlow or powermate. To get some good detail out of planets you want a least a min of images.

rustigsmed (Russell) · #8 19-01-2015, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiaroscuro

Well,
I've downloaded the Canon software and exported the file as an avi, but Registax just doesn't seem to load and data from the file. I've tried dragging and dropping into the registax window - "This file is not drag and droppable"
and I've tried loading it from the MRU drop down menu where it is listed, but nothing happens - it lists but nothing happens. All a little frustrating - I think I'm heading towards Raymo Rage!

Luke

drag and drop is not for video only a bunch of images.
make sure you have the most up to date version. I convert my canon dslr video to avi via canon zoom browser also and open the video under Select. it may take a bit for it to load.

is it loading at all and not processing or is it not loading at all?

sharkbite · #9 19-01-2015, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiaroscuro

Well,
I've downloaded the Canon software and exported the file as an avi, but Registax just doesn't seem to load and data from the file. I've tried dragging and dropping into the registax window - "This file is not drag and droppable"
and I've tried loading it from the MRU drop down menu where it is listed, but nothing happens - it lists but nothing happens. All a little frustrating - I think I'm heading towards Raymo Rage!

Luke

Matey - i use a thing called "Pipp" to align and stack -
it seems to accept MOV.

you could also use Autostakkert + Castrator after converting the video
with a video transcoder like Freemake...

Registax can then be used to play with the resultant .TIF file

Dunno, but i reckon the powermate might result in
a very small image - but that combo should be good for the moon!

cheers, and good luck!

chiaroscuro (Luke) · #10 19-01-2015, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustigsmed

drag and drop is not for video only a bunch of images.
make sure you have the most up to date version. I convert my canon dslr video to avi via canon zoom browser also and open the video under Select. it may take a bit for it to load.

is it loading at all and not processing or is it not loading at all?

Hi Russell,

I've tried converting to .avi with image browser, VLC, but it doesn't load anything. I've just tried another video conversion freeware for Mac called MacX freeware video converter, and that only does mpeg/mp4 formats - again it wasn't recognised by Registax. The only thing that has loaded images is using the canon software to convert the movie to individual jpegs, and then I loaded the jpegs using Registax, did the alignment points and then the programme seized up during alignment.

chiaroscuro (Luke) · #11 19-01-2015, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharkbite

Matey - i use a thing called "Pipp" to align and stack -
it seems to accept MOV.

you could also use Autostakkert + Castrator after converting the video
with a video transcoder like Freemake...

Registax can then be used to play with the resultant .TIF file

Dunno, but i reckon the powermate might result in
a very small image - but that combo should be good for the moon!

cheers, and good luck!

Castrator isn't Mac compatible unfortunately, and I can't find a Mac equivalent. Is Pipp Mac-compatible?

Cheers
Luke

sharkbite · #12 19-01-2015, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiaroscuro

Castrator isn't Mac compatible unfortunately, and I can't find a Mac equivalent. Is Pipp Mac-compatible?

Cheers
Luke

it would seem so!

https://sites.google.com/site/astropipp/

cheers,

raymo · #13 19-01-2015, 01:35 PM

I wouldn't wish it on anyone Luke, but if you want to volunteer to
take some of it, go for it.
raymo