My second go at Saturn.

[Dave47tuc (David)]

Hi,
First of all I must congratulate all those who post images. I really enjoy them as well as others. I still shake my head on how good they are compared to years ago.
Some of the Saturn and Jupiter shots I see here and on CN are just amazing.
Well done to all of you.

Now I have tried doing a little imaging. I thank those who have helped me with my dumb questions in the past. Now I’m no computer expert, yes I know how to set up and use a scope!! But I don’t know how to use Registax or other type programs.
Thank goodness for the Meade software. I’m finding this fun to use and cut my teeth on.

Now my image is nowhere near what others post here but I have only had 2 attempts at this.
Some may have seen my first image now here is my second with the advice of some of you. It’s not a great image but it’s better than my first so maybe I’m learning!

This shot was with a Meade LPI (thanks Darren) with my Intes 6” Maksutov.
With a 3 x Barlow. 116 images stacked with the Meade software exposures where 0.707 seconds each. Gain 100% seeing was about 3/5 and time was 2 am local time 09/01/07

The hardest thing I’m finding is getting focus. I see why people put very fine focusers with computer or something like control on them. I have to do mine by hand!

Thanks for looking and any advice welcome.

[RB (Andrew)]

I like it, thanks for sharing Dave.

It's a good start and I know how hard it is to focus and to learn "the ropes".

Keep up the good work.

[matt]

Nice effort, Dave.

Do you have Photoshop or any other image processing software?

That could do with some brightening

[iceman (Mike)]

That's excellent Dave! Way better than my 2nd attempt!

Really nice job.

[matt]

Dave

Hope you don't mind? Will delete if you want, but I just had a quick play with your image in PS... (levels, saturation etc)

Definitely got the Cassini Division and some banding on the globe.

Great 2nd capture

[RB (Andrew)]

Yes I agree Dave, I hope you don't mind if we have a go.
There's more detail there.

If you don't want us to, please let us know and we'll delete them.

[bird (Anthony Wesley)]

Dave, I spent my first year of imaging focussing by hand. consider it a right of initiation :-)

After that I came to my senses and bought an electronic focusser.

Bird

[Dave47tuc (David)]

That’s ok . Gee they look different . I have some kind of software to manipulate the image . I will give it a go and see what happens.
I’m glad you changed them it lets me see the image better.
Thanks for the comments and bird I’m back in the first grade!!

[beren]

Dave thats a fine image for your limited time using the LPI . Once you get the basics covered try experimenting with the slider and histogram settings plus the kernal filter

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

NIce one Dave.

[davidpretorius]

yup, love it.

daves rule!

[stephenmcnelley]

Dave you have produced! the image is there essentially and of a good scale, not bad at all and full of potential. thanks for posting.