Sun 13-03-2013

[johnnyt123 (John)]

Hi Guys...

I gave solar imaging a try a couple of weeks back..
I used a Meade DSI to take 20 shots which were stacked in registax of 6 regions that I manually stitched. then i overlayed this onto onto anoher series of shots that at longer exposure to capture the eruptions and filaments.
It took too long....

Any feed back and gentle criticism would be appreciated....

Thanks

Johnny

[niko]

great work - what scope did you use?

[johnnyt123 (John)]

sorry i forgot to mention the scope used.
it is:

Lunt 80mm double stacked, b1800 filter.

I still have so much to learn regarding solar imaging...

I tried to use a 2x Barlow but i couldnt get enough extension to get the camera in focus...

Better luck next time

[Solar (Ralph Smith)]

Thats better Johnny.
Now for a DMK mate.

[Ross G]

Hi Johnny,

Great looking solar photos.

Good luck.

Ross.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Johnny,
As you're probably finding the DSI isn't the best camera option...the DMK series will give you even better results!
Either the stacking/ wavelets processing is generating "blocky" artifacts or the pixel size/ sampling of the DSI....
You can get great results from the Lunt, you just need to compliment it with an appropriate camera.
Onwards and upwards.

[johnnyt123 (John)]

Hey Ross. How have you been?
Thanks for the positive feedback.

Ralph. I emailed you here pics last week but I didn't get a reply back.
It's all good though.

The DSI was leaving a a lot of artifices. It isn't the best imager for the sun.
So Ralph and Ken, you both suggested a DMK. Which model is best suited for solar imaging and deep sky imaging?

Thanks again guys....

Johnny.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Johnny,
The DMK 21 has a smaller chip but better frame rate....
The DMK41 has a larger chip and seems to be a favourite with the solar guys and the DMK31 is the "compromise"
I have and use the DMK21 and DMK41.
The DMK is a planetary/ lunar/ solar camera not suited to deep sky.
I use an ATiK 314L+ for my spectroscope imaging.

[gbeal]

Mono camera for sure, but it doesn't have to be DMK.
Get the ASI120mm. Camera is excellent, price even better, service awesome.
Gary

[Solar (Ralph Smith)]

Hi Johnny,
Sorry about the email mate, I did reply, no idea where it went.
What are you after with your gear as a base, Full disc or
closer in work. What is your scopes focal length?
Get Rod Wodaskis CCD Calculator down loaded and I will give you a ring and you can sort out the primary fields of view you want to achieve. Once you settle that you can go up and down with reducers and barlows.
Then you can decide which camera you need to complete your combo.

[Matt Wastell (Matt)]

Hi Johnny
Great stuff - as discussed the DSI is not ideal.

Send me a private message - I have a proposal!

[Solar (Ralph Smith)]

Originally Posted by gbeal

Mono camera for sure, but it doesn't have to be DMK.
Get the ASI120mm. Camera is excellent, price even better, service awesome.
Gary

Can you post some shots taken through the ASI120 with H-Alpha please.

[Paul Haese]

With the right camera you can get great results. Take a look in my web site under the solar section under mosaics. I was using the DMK41 but sold it for a PGR 2.8mp camera. Great electronics and great camera. Expensive but worth it. Noise is everything in solar imaging.

You have a nice scope and now you need to reward it with a nice camera. BTW I have a DMK41 I can let go for cheap too.

[johnnyt123 (John)]

Alright guys..here's a little update

Paul, Ralph, Matt....thanks for all your support and recommendations....

Seeing as its my birthday tomorow I thought I treat myself today so I made a dash to BinTel this morning and bought myself the following:

DMK51AU02.AS
Televue 5x powermate
Televue 3x Barlow
1.25' and 2' T Thread adapters (for the DSLR that i am yet to buy)

I was so excited this morning but knowing my luck the clouds rolled in and now it is storming....
I hope there will be a slither of sunlight to test all this gear out....
I will keep you all updated and hopefully show you some solar pics you can all enjoy...

Hope you all have a great Easter and long weekend.

Johnny