jupiter, need help

[Harpspitfire]

this is my version of jupiter, i seen some GREAT images here, and would appreciate any help, im not to crazy about lacking detail and sharpness, i used a c9.25 with that new GSO 2.5X barlow i got. i think the barlow did well for only $49- one issue is maybe my collimation is off? i also used the neximage webcam which is the lower class imaging cam, would the spc900nc be an improvement? my settings werent correct im assuming, saturation was 90%- looks like it was to high? i had the gamma at 10-20%- frame rate 10fps, should i try that raw mod at 5fps? im kinda leary about messing the camera up since i lack computer skills, i used registax 5, i couldnt R6 to do any better or even work right- i tried ganymede also , but not much success- john

[Paul Haese]

Actually for the camera you are using this is not too bad. I would be more inclined to advise you to buy a colour camera from the imaging source. The cameras that you have mentioned are far too slow and will not give you enough frames per second. You can image from around 90-120 seconds with a colour camera. For the planets speed is quite important.

You might also want to look at not only your collimation (which you should check every session as a matter of course) but also to ensure the telescope is cooled properly. If you are game I have a how to install peltier coolers onto an SCT (follow the link for Earth and Cosmos). This type of active cooling will enable you to accurately determine the seeing, capture great data when the seeing is good and make it far easier for collimation. Any temperature over 0.5 of a degree C of ambient and the mirror will be releasing thermal energy, that means tube currents and a wobbly looking imaging with blurred images despite what the seeing may actually be at the time.

Keep plugging away though. I have spent thousands of hours planetary imaging now and eventually you will crack a good night and capture some great data.

[Harpspitfire]

superb jupiter images on your website!- ill check my collimation, i tweaked it with a homemade artistar but havent tested it yet in realtime, i might get that hubble star for $25, i was pretty much set to push the button on an imaging source camera, but then i seen another imager posted jupiter with the neximage using a C11 somewhere else, the image was not only better then mine but vastly superior, so i dont feel im ready to upgrade yet until i fine tune my capture and processing skills better

[Clayton]

Not too bad John.
Colour looks OK to me.
Seeing can also have a major influence on sharpness as well as your skill with the focus. An electric focuser is almost essential but good results can still be got without one if you are patient and carefull.
Collimation Paul has already well addressed.
I would experiment a lot with the FPS and try pushing the boundaries a bit, and don't be afraid to experiment with longer timeframes as well.
You have nothing to lose, and can gain a lot of insight with these trials.