Tonights Moon

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Having finally got a decent mount (and no clouds !!) setup in the garden tonight to attempt some pix via the little NexImage SSI. This is 300 frames at 5fps (75 secs) stacked in Registax6 with some wavelet processing and sharpening in Paint Shop Pro 6. Also had some minor clouds drift across during the the exposure. 114mm f8 Newt with the moon cap on. Drift alignment was not great but SynScan let me correct during the exposure quite nicely.
I HAVE to set up an aligned marked location at home to make it easier.

[iceman (Mike)]

Nice start! Why do you need a moon cap?

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Too Damn bright !!! Was trying to bring the contrast up and not burn the CCD out. I actually realised afterwards that I have a 1.25" Moon Filter, part of a recent acquisition, which I will use next time .

And I am using AmCap which does have good control of all the camera settings. Plenty of options.

Lots to learn .. lots of fun .. so many things to tweak.

I was just pleased to get usable images that could be processed and played with. Now we'll start to refine the processes.

[iceman (Mike)]

AMCap? That's years old!

Can you not just reduce the exposure time?

Using a moon cap or even a moon filter is not the best way. If the moon is too bright, you need to reduce the exposure time until it's about right.

The moon cap is turning your 10" dob into a 60mm (or less) scope.

Doesn't the NexImage come with capture software?

[ZeroID (Brent)]

The NexImage Capture software is AMCap 9.1.9.7
It has auto exposure control and manual control. I'll have another go when the clouds clear using full aperture. I'm only using the 4.5" Newt. The 10" is a Dob although I'm thinking about rebuilding into a lightweight OTA that can be switched between a Dob cradle and the EQ Mount.

What software do you suggest for capture ?

I've also gotten approval to build a small mini ob out the back. Got some ideas about a simple sliding shed on 'rails' that locks around the scope and mount when not in use but pushes back and becomes the support 'office' with PC, power supply etc when I'm out there. It will be inside my fenced concrete slab so protected from most light and wind.

I also noted for the first time fogging on the primary after my imaging run when I took it all back inside. I see another mod coming to the scope with a miniature PC fan blowing across the mirror when required. Find one in any dumped laptop at work. Run at 3.3 volts. Maybe even use the thermosiphon heat exchanger that laptops have on the CPU to provide warmth or cooling.

So many ideas, so many options. Great fun !!