1st image on the new wedge (M42 of Course)

[dcalleja]

Hi all
Santa brought me a wedge for the Lx200 (makes for interesting conversation with friends - "What did you get for christmas. I got a wedge". The look you get says it all).

So this is my 1st attempt following 1hour of drift alignment and much alcohol to soothe my nerves (I am told drift alignment becomes easier with practice).

The clouds were rolling in so I only go 25s LRGB subs but I did a couple of 1 and 2 minute unguided tests that made me more hopeful of much longer images in the future.

I still find the Astronomik filters give a more pastel view of things compared to the Meade ones.

Let me know what you think?

Details:
Imaged on the LX200R @ f3.3 unguided
DSI Pro II
L 12x25s
RGB 12x25s
Post in Meade IP & CS3

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Nice image Dan. Is this the first try with the new filters and wheel? Did you do the same length/number of exposures for the RG&B? I tried my new wheel and Baader filters on the same target for the first time on Saturday night.

[dcalleja]

Peter
Thanks - I imaged the Running Man earlier using the Astronomik filters (http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/call...est_images.htm) but thats about it so far. Yes - all the same length and number of exposures. I know this is wrong but:

1. I'm not sure of the right ratio for these filters (but I do know I should do a lot less red) and,
2. I still have too many other variables I'm learning about - so I'm leaving colour balance and other arcana for later.

The wheel is terrific - so much easier than that stupid slide thingy Meade did.

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Nice running man (and other images on the website). I see what you mean about the pastel colour compared to your previous M42.

[Ric]

Hi Dan, a fine start with the wedge. I'm looking forward to your future longer images.

Cheers

[KenGee (Kenith Gee)]

Hi Dan,
I'm polar aligning a mount to at the moment as well. it can be frustrating. I like to take images once I get close to see the drift as it would effect the image. I could help but take a image of m2 as it was close to the star I was using. I was using a single shot colour QHY8. Good luck with your wedge.

[dcalleja]

Thanks guys
Really nice image Ken, how long was the exposure?

Polar is a whole new world for me to learn about and there is not a lot written on the web for us down south.

I feel that more beer will be required to assist the learning process.