Finally guiding, NGC253

Rod771 (Rod) · #1 11-11-2013, 12:15 AM

This started more as an equipment test of my new .7x focal reducer, OAG and Lodestar CCD. Also just to learn how to set up guiding with PHD. I was pleased when I finally got PHD calibrated and guiding. There was a bit of this

D'OH! Once the settings were right and everything settled down, I decided to see how long of a single sub I could get before the stars looked ugly. Got to 10 minutes (didnt test anything longer than that), and started to do a run of subs. The guiding wasn't perfect and the seeing was average and yes, the 60da's pixels are way too small for this focal lenght but im quite happy with this as a start.

I've got to say, this was a lot more challenging than slapping the Hyperstar on and snapping away, although I don't mean the difference in focal length but more of the difficulties in focus and framing, nothing comes through to the Live view screen at F7. I had to switch to looping short exposures to focus.

So here's my first guided image: NGC 253
2 x hours of 12 x 10min subs, Canan 60da @ ISO 800,
.7x focal reducer - FL 1960, C11 HD on CGEM DX
Guided with OAG/Lodestar.

Large image click here

This was my second deep sky image of a galaxy, I've decided to include my first for a bit of fun

M83 imaged with the Hyperstar (only 10 mins exp), you might have to squint

Thanks for looking

strongmanmike (Michael) · #2 11-11-2013, 12:19 AM

Well, you must have been quite relieved to see that image form on your processing screen Rod, nice job. Wishing you many more, hopefully more streamlined, nights ahead

Mike

renormalised (Carl) · #3 11-11-2013, 01:09 AM

Nice shots.

broca (Steve Coates) · #4 11-11-2013, 02:42 AM

It is always nice when you finally get everything running. Nice images!

Jon (Jonathan) · #5 11-11-2013, 07:12 AM

Nice stuff, Rod. Good start.

Can't you use Backyard EOS to focus? It's what I do - the FWHM tool is great. As you say, a loop of 5s jpgs at ISO 6400 will give you a good base. Pick a smallish star at those settings, whack the Backyard EOS zoom box on it, and adjust the focus till the FWHM is as small as possible.

Still, looks like you got focus pretty well however you did it :-)

gregbradley · #6 11-11-2013, 09:05 AM

It was worth the effort to sort it out. That's a nice looking Sculptor image.

Greg.

LewisM · #7 11-11-2013, 12:02 PM

Nothing more rewarding in this wonderful hobby than when everything works.

I know the feeling, after having guider issues for over a year (and all stupid remnant dll related!)

Rod771 (Rod) · #8 11-11-2013, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

Well, you must have been quite relieved to see that image form on your processing screen Rod, nice job. Wishing you many more, hopefully more streamlined, nights ahead

Mike

Thanks Mike, yes I was very please when the first exposure displayed on the lap top and enjoyed processing too. Now I just wish I had a permanent set up. Cheers

Quote:

Originally Posted by renormalised

Nice shots.

Thanks Carl

Quote:

Originally Posted by broca

It is always nice when you finally get everything running. Nice images!

Cheers Steve, All I need now is consistency.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon

Nice stuff, Rod. Good start.

Can't you use Backyard EOS to focus? It's what I do - the FWHM tool is great. As you say, a loop of 5s jpgs at ISO 6400 will give you a good base. Pick a smallish star at those settings, whack the Backyard EOS zoom box on it, and adjust the focus till the FWHM is as small as possible.

Still, looks like you got focus pretty well however you did it :-)

Thanks John,

I did use BYE for focusing, I'm just used to focusing with the live view enabled and seeing the FWHM changes in "real time", which is possible at F2 with Hyperstar. I just found it harder to frame, and focus took a little longer but I was happy where it ended up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregbradley

It was worth the effort to sort it out. That's a nice looking Sculptor image.

Greg.

Thanks Greg, I was a little concerned about the image scale but after seeing you result with SX694 at 2940mm. I think the 60Da (.45 arc sec/pixel at 1960mm) will do for awhile.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LewisM

Nothing more rewarding in this wonderful hobby than when everything works.

I know the feeling, after having guider issues for over a year (and all stupid remnant dll related!)

Yes, sometimes you need to uninstall manually before upgrading

tilbrook@rbe.ne (Justin Tilbrook) · #9 11-11-2013, 08:18 PM

All looks promising Rod!

Some good detail coming through, can't wait to see some wide fields from the hyperstar.

Cheers,

Justin.

TimberLand (Justin) · #10 11-11-2013, 10:25 PM

Nice 253 your setup looks like a goer.

I feel your pain with guiding issues. Mine where mostly the monkey at the keyboard but still painful to track down.

Cross fingers for some clear weather.

Justin

multiweb (Marc) · #11 12-11-2013, 08:03 AM

Excellent. Now the sky's the limit.

Rod771 (Rod) · #12 13-11-2013, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tilbrook@rbe.ne

All looks promising Rod!

Some good detail coming through, can't wait to see some wide fields from the hyperstar.

Cheers,

Justin.

Thanks Justin! Yes, Im planning on attacking Pleiades, M42 (again) and the Horsehaed/Flame with the hyperstar soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimberLand

Nice 253 your setup looks like a goer.

I feel your pain with guiding issues. Mine where mostly the monkey at the keyboard but still painful to track down.

Cross fingers for some clear weather.

Justin

Thanks Justin! I have no doubt that my issues were operator orientated

Quote:

Originally Posted by multiweb

Excellent. Now the sky's the limit.

Thanks Marc, it certainly is, cheers.