Only just managed to put all the new bits together, RC8+QHY9.
Took awhile to sort out some tilt issues and getting use to the new scope and camera, but here is my first light.
4 x 20min H-alpha of NGC3324.
No darks or flats applied, just DDP and some deconvolution.
And I can confirm that the stock GSO focuser(revised version) is definitely no no even for a relativey light QHY9+filterwheel.
Still need to work on obtaining a replacement focuser.
it's my 1st 20mins subs too my guiding and alignment will need to improve i think.
Excellent indeed! The guiding looks pretty sweet to me..
20mins through the RC8 with a KAF8300 sensor is pretty unforgiving. if even the slightest thing goes wrong you will know about it..
As for the focuser, Moonlite and Feathertouch options exist, the FT is the better of the two focusers in my opinion, however the moonlite is a more cost effective focuser.. I'm yet to try my current, heavy camera setup in a moonlite, but I know it sags my FT... The joys of having a 3kg camera setup in a 3.1kg telescope I guess..
Great work.. I'm really looking forward to seeing what you can achieve with this setup... So far it looks sensational.
Nice detail there, and I see no problems ppl bang on about with 8300 chips and long exposures (Ha rocks ;-). Whatever focuser you pick, make sure its auto, youll be glad you did and never look back ;-).
With a scope like the RC8, I would really recommend getting something motorized too.. makes life tons easier man.. The moonlite motor options are all pretty good, and relatively cheap too... The Stepper is awesome, but the DC motor combined with a Shoestring Astronomy FCUSB focus controller makes very accurate, computer controlled focus movements, and allows you automatically focus the scope with a click of a button.... Definitely better than guesstimating and walking back and forth to adjust the focuser..
As already mentioned, at that resolution is looks pretty good to me.
What did you mean by this:
e.g. difficulty lifting the camera or flex during / between exposures? etc..
James
My GSO drawtube sags under the weight of the camera.
The tilt angle present is dependent on which knob you tighten and which part of the sky the scope is pointing at.
Also the fine focus knob isn't able to shift the weight of the camera against the gravity.
For now, I took it apart to tighten few things up and the problem is manageable to some extent, but it isn't staying on my scope for very long that's for sure...
ppl bang on about with 8300 chips and long exposures (Ha rocks ;-).
You arn't referring to me are you Fred??? Yep Ha is easy in that regard, it is just all the other colours that are problematic and bloating appears.
Lovely looking Ha image Dave. Being conversant with this scope and sensor I can see where you are having problems. Left hand corner is the worst but the nebula looks really nice. I reckon though if I was going to buy another FT focusor I would go the 2.5" and not the 1.5. The 1.5 is fine but the 2.5 should hold more weight. I don't know if they make the adapter for that model though.
I've added some colour to it now.
Well this now my 1st RGB image, so many variables, so much to learn.
Funny thing is I haven't calibrated the subs with darks or flats and it still seems ok..well compared to DSLR that is.
Cropped a little, Ha as luminance from above and 30mins each RGB.
It is a very small image and things always look better at small size ....but still, the stars look nice and tight and clean, something that some other RC8 images haven't quite nailed, and the overall look is smooth and natural, great job!
my guiding and alignment will need to improve i think.
....but still, the stars look nice and tight and clean, something that some other RC8 images haven't quite nailed, and the overall look is smooth and natural, great job!
