Interested in getting into Astrophotography? - new series just for you!

[ZL4PLM (Simon)]

if you are interested in getting started in astro photography I am about to launch into a new series of video blogs on building a "reasonable" priced imaging system on my Youtube page http://youtube.com/@teamastroworkz

Tyler Bowman and I have been working this series of articles to help newcomers and intermediate imagers as we feel the world forgets the newcomers to the hobby and we are keen to bring people onboard and help you along.
We both get recurring support questions that need answered and the same stuff gets asked time and again - we are going to focus on the simple stuff that trips newcomers up and help you get over those hurdles!

We're going to look at mounts, scopes, cameras and things you need and more importantly don't need to get started.

We will look at the options available, how to get started and build a compact imaging rig in stages and explain the background information to what's needed and how to set it up. You can follow along or add the bits that you want or can afford.

If you'd like to follow these then please drop by and DO let me know of any topics that you'd like to see. We are not full-timers doing this so you won't see us selling out and we will definitely be telling you what to avoid buying as much as telling you what you should be looking for! Warts and all!!

So do shout out and tell me; what things puzzle you as a newcomer, what things would you like help with, explained or want to know more about ?

[AstroViking (Steve)]

Looks good to me - subscribed and off to watch some videos!

[Crater101 (Warren)]

I asked in another thread about what was the biggest hurdle people faced when starting. For me, it wasn't about polar alignment, or NINA, or ASCOM, or or focal lengths, mounts, etc.

It was what cable went where.


I read books, magazine articles, watched YouTube videos and no-one actually said anything like "You plug your guide camera in here, you connect the ST4 port of the mount to here..." or anything remotely similar. There was a bit on cable management, but very little on what the basic cables did, where they should be plugged in, or why. I (eventually) figured it out through a combination of freeze-framing some videos to try and see what went where - not easy with the spaghetti junction of cables on some rigs - and through a series of failures when I tried connecting things up and it didn't work.
I've been an observer for some time before I tried my hand at astrophotography, and I thought I was familiar with the basics. But sometimes, things aren't basic enough! While I think I'm pretty squared away with it all now, a video on why the cable from "X" has to go to "Y" would be informative.

[ZL4PLM (Simon)]

Originally Posted by AstroViking

Looks good to me - subscribed and off to watch some videos!

thanks ... keen to know what information gaps you see

I've got some comments from the videos already and my spreadsheet had like 70+ videos already

Gonna be a busy holiday!

rgds

Simon

[ZL4PLM (Simon)]

Originally Posted by Crater101

I asked in another thread about what was the biggest hurdle people faced when starting. For me, it wasn't about polar alignment, or NINA, or ASCOM, or or focal lengths, mounts, etc.

It was what cable went where.


I read books, magazine articles, watched YouTube videos and no-one actually said anything like "You plug your guide camera in here, you connect the ST4 port of the mount to here..." or anything remotely similar. There was a bit on cable management, but very little on what the basic cables did, where they should be plugged in, or why. I (eventually) figured it out through a combination of freeze-framing some videos to try and see what went where - not easy with the spaghetti junction of cables on some rigs - and through a series of failures when I tried connecting things up and it didn't work.
I've been an observer for some time before I tried my hand at astrophotography, and I thought I was familiar with the basics. But sometimes, things aren't basic enough! While I think I'm pretty squared away with it all now, a video on why the cable from "X" has to go to "Y" would be informative.

now THAT's the kind of feedback I'm after

def see issues about that and even basics like what drivers to install and when

what is ascom for example or whats ST4 and where do I plug that to

sounds a good idea for some videos though!

Love it!

thanks

Simon

[Crater101 (Warren)]

Originally Posted by ZL4PLM

sounds a good idea for some videos though!

Love it!

thanks

Simon

You're most welcome. If it helps bring people along into the hobby, then that's a good thing.


All the best with the channel!

[LonelySpoon (Neville)]

Just subscribed.

Anything to minimise the weak points in my imaging, with the aim of eventually proving that I am the weakest link...

Thanks.

Neville
LSO

[ZL4PLM (Simon)]

Originally Posted by LonelySpoon

Just subscribed.

Anything to minimise the weak points in my imaging, with the aim of eventually proving that I am the weakest link...

Thanks.

Neville
LSO

thanks Neville ... well after many years I am still learning about stuff so this hobby is one that keeps you on your toes!

theres a lot of moving parts and its trying to keep it moving thats the fun bit

us humans just need to try keep up LOL



thanks and I am def interested in topics that cause frustration and upset!



thanks

Simon

[nosleep (Nick)]

Thank you for this Simon. It could prove to be a much needed resource. I subscribed, so now to watch some videos.
Great work,
Nick

[ZL4PLM (Simon)]

Originally Posted by nosleep

Thank you for this Simon. It could prove to be a much needed resource. I subscribed, so now to watch some videos.
Great work,
Nick

thanks Nick

do shout out with any subjects you want to see covered off

We want to ensure you deliver what you need as content - not want we want to make

v much aimed at newcomers / intermediates but experts might find some interesting tips too !