Imaging questions about a Meade 10" SCT

[Wolfsong (Chris)]

Hey guys,

I've been pondering about a certain CCD Camera and how well it would work with a LX80 10" SCT and a Meade 4000 F/3.3 CCD focal reducer setup...

The camera in question is the:

QHY-8L 6 MPixel Cooled One Shot Color Camera

From Gama Electronics
http://www.gamaelectronics.com.au/index.html

any thought / help??

Clear skies

[allan gould]

The f3.3 reducer was made for small chip ccd cameras such as the DSI or DSI II pro or an st7. The qhy8 chip is way too large for the 3.3 converter -the f6.3 will just cover the chip with some vignetting.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

The x0.33 reducer can only be used on webcam sized chips or as a paperweight.

[Wolfsong (Chris)]

I see. I must apollogize since I'm new to the imaging game.
I suppose I should of mentioned I'm interrested in DSO imaging and wide field work.


So what focal reducer would the Large chip require so as not to produce any Vignetting or loss of resolution with 10" SCT LX visualback setup?


In the same breath, what I was trying to establish was, whether the camera was any good for the price range or are there better candidates out there?


Many thanks

Chris

[Poita (Peter)]

I've used the QHY8 with my 10" Meade and it is a great match, the drivers are a pain in Windows though. Nebulosity supports it and is a great place to start imaging.
I'd start off with the Celestron or Meade F6.3 reducer/corrector, it is a reasonable starting point and gives a fairly flat field and a reasonably wide view and fast-ish exposure times.

Start with that reducer as they are readily available 2nd hand for around $150 or less, and are also easy to resell for the same money if you don't like it, it is almost totally risk free.

I'd try and pickup a camera 2nd hand, decide on what you want, then place a wanted ad in the classifieds here, you will likely save some money, make a new friend, and get advice and some needed extras (brackets, extensions etc.) as part of the deal.