First lght DSI 3 Centaurus A

[Prickly]

Here is a first light with the DSI 3. The overall illumination of the galaxy looks a bit funny because I didnt put the filter slider in (leading to dark bands above and below the galaxy) and also the stars are a little egg shaped, I think because the scope was quite badly out of balance. For a first run though pretty happy. Next time I'll save all the files and use drizzle.

Cheers
David

[Bassnut (Fred)]

mmm, which mount?, exposure time?. Some work ahead of you there before you bother with drizzle.

[Prickly]

Hi Fred,

Using an Eq6 20x 30sec exposures with 30sec x 10 darkframes with the 140mm refractor. Temp around 6 degrees.

Really just a test run. In future hopefully better tracking and more exposures.

I see no reason not to use drizzle.

Anyway, we'll see how it goes.

Cheers
David

[Bassnut (Fred)]

If you get that much drift in 30 secs, fix polar alignment 1st, its just too hard to appreciate the rest of your effort until thats fixed.

[Matty P (Matt)]

Not bad for a first go with the camera. For only 30 second subs there is some detail showing. As you said this was just a test run.

Seems like you need a better alignment if you are getting eggy stars within only 30 seconds. Make sure the scope is balanced in both axis and accurately polar aligned.

Have you got guiding setup?

[Prickly]

Hi Fred,

Usually we get better tracking than this. The amount of drift was the same for 1 sec and for 30sec shots. I think the problem was more balance (out a lot and now fixed) but we'll see.

Agree with what you are saying - better tracking will improve the image. Just have to get into the routine of setting up right. Certainly when we've been imaging with Michael (Tilts) eq6 havent had any of these problems so I'm hoping for better next time round.

Thanks too Matty - yes its a start. Was using a qhy5 to autoguide at 0.2 sec.

Cheers
David

[TrevorW]

Good effort practice makes perfect

Cheers

[Ric]

Hi David, not a bad start with the DSI. A few issues to sort out as you have mentioned but the camera looks promising.

Cheers

[Tandum (Robin)]

Prickly,
Looks like a pretty good first light to me from a DSI. Check out http://wcs.ruthner.at/index-en.php for DSI polar alignment software.
robin

[allan gould]

Another program to try is Alignmaster at http://www.naa.net/garzarolli/alignmaster/index.html

[Ken]

Hi David glad to see your new camera arrived and you are putting it to use. Good first try but you can't beat 5 min guided subs, yes you can 30 min guided subs
Clear skies Ken

[Prickly]

Hi Ken,

Thought you would like to see it so I put it up. I have fiddled with it more and can get it a little smoother.

I'm pretty sure the issue here with the tracking is balance (which was badly out and counter the direction of tracking) - will give it another go again soon and we'll see. Too keen to try it out! Certainly the CCD cooling is working well over here in Canberra.

Thanks to everyone for the links which look useful - all help appreciated!

Hopefully more results soon - longer subs, colour and all. (I can see the combining will be fun)

Im pretty happy with the detail for a 5.5 inch scope.

Cheers
David

[Hagar (Doug)]

Nice first light. Practice doesn't make perfect but it does make improvements.
Keep at it.

FRED are you taking grumpy pills this week?

[Prickly]

Thanks Doug,

Heres a slightly better processed version I think for the record.

I know where Fred's coming from. I was a bit grumpy myself when I saw the star images. Guess you have to be a bit grumpy to get great images!

Friday is not far away - hope the weather holds.

Cheers
David