The Prawn Nebula with FSQ106ED and QHY8

Hagar (Doug) · #1 26-06-2009, 11:47 PM

The second (less than good) image with my new FSQ106ED.

I managed 6 X 15 minute exposures. The seeing tonight was terrible but I had to try it out. I also notice that the camera has a slight tilt which should be fixed once I get the srew together camera mounting rings and CAA I have just ordered but in the mean time I will have to live with the 2" clamp connections.

Still I am reasonably happy with the image, it shows some of the capabilities of the scope while imaging at native 530mm with my QHY8.

Telescope: Takahashi FSQ106ED F5 530mm
Camera: QHY8 OSC Cooled
Guiding: QHY5, WO 70mm and PHD

When I went back outside because PHD had lost the guide star I was horrified at the amount of dew which had settled on the computer, keyboard and whiteboard. Water trails all down the whiteboard and LCD Monitors. At least the dew heaters had worked and the lenses were clear and clean.

Hi res version at: http://www.darkskyau.com/cm/displayi...170&fullsize=1 BEWARE ALMOST 6MB.

Gama · #2 27-06-2009, 01:47 AM

It really is a step up in imaging quality with this scope Doug. Producing really nice images now.

Theo

Alchemy (Clive) · #3 27-06-2009, 07:59 AM

just had a look at the large image, will take it to my good monitor for a closer look . good to see you out and using the new scope.

As for the dew on the computer, after killing one computer, i put a blanket over the whole lot, the heat generated by the computer keeps everything dry, and it doesnt overheat at all.

( if you put up 6 meg images can you give me a warning please as it takes forever plus i have limited download limit)

cheers clive

Hagar (Doug) · #4 27-06-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alchemy

just had a look at the large image, will take it to my good monitor for a closer look . good to see you out and using the new scope.

As for the dew on the computer, after killing one computer, i put a blanket over the whole lot, the heat generated by the computer keeps everything dry, and it doesnt overheat at all.

( if you put up 6 meg images can you give me a warning please as it takes forever plus i have limited download limit)

cheers clive

Sorry Clive this was just an experiment, usually I don't bother posting the very big images for this reason. It even takes quite a while to come up on my monitor. I ill put a note on it.

TrevorW · #5 27-06-2009, 09:33 AM

Put another one of the barbe Dougie

Hagar (Doug) · #6 27-06-2009, 06:29 PM

Thanks Trevor, pretty happy so far.

multiweb (Marc) · #7 27-06-2009, 06:31 PM

Field as flat as a Tak.

You're going to have fun with your new toy?

Tamtarn · #8 27-06-2009, 06:43 PM

Another great image Doug. It's good to get in the practice with new setups even if it's only a few frames. Then you're all ready to fire a higher number of subs during the next new moon phase.

The dew has been pretty heavy here as well the last couple of times we've been imaging. Like you the dew heaters and dew shield do a great job protecting the scope.

jase (Jason) · #9 28-06-2009, 04:38 PM

Not bad work Doug. Image looks a little flat IMO. Doesn't show the full range of tones available. Given the reasonable quantity of data you've collected, I suspect there's more info hiding in the shadows. Keep at it.

Hagar (Doug) · #10 28-06-2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tamtarn

Another great image Doug. It's good to get in the practice with new setups even if it's only a few frames. Then you're all ready to fire a higher number of subs during the next new moon phase.

The dew has been pretty heavy here as well the last couple of times we've been imaging. Like you the dew heaters and dew shield do a great job protecting the scope.

Thanks Guy's, Dew is a major problem here but at the moment dodging showers and clouds makes it near impossible. I am enjoying the little bit of time I get with this scope. It is really something else. Worth the money, I think.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jase

Not bad work Doug. Image looks a little flat IMO. Doesn't show the full range of tones available. Given the reasonable quantity of data you've collected, I suspect there's more info hiding in the shadows. Keep at it.

Thanks Jase, My processing skills are lacking with these wider field shots so I will need to experiment quite a bit but hopefully I will get there.