Very first M31

[SimmoW (SIMON)]

and what a sight it is. No wonder it's such a popular target, it might take a lifetime to perfect.

This was only 3 pics of around 4 mins as the galaxy was setting fast by the time I pointed at it last night (well, this morning actually, after more disasters with my ZWO camera, needing to download and reinstall its drivers and even do a firmware update).

Biggerer file here

[raymo]

That's lovely Simon. I was looking at getting a ZWO; do your problems
seem to be common, or unusual?
raymo

[SimmoW (SIMON)]

Thanks Raymo. Well the problems i've experienced with it and PHD, I wouldn't recommend it to a good friend. The QHY's seem to be bullet proof.

The cam itself is built well, but my experience the last 2 weeks has not been good!

[raymo]

Thanks Simon.
raymo

[RickS (Rick)]

It's a challenging target from the Southern Hemisphere. Well done, Simon!

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

Nice one Simon, plenty of detail there

[LightningNZ (Cam)]

That's a great pic for only 12 minutes of exposure. Very nicely done.
-Cam

[PeterEde (Peter)]

WEll done. Not sure I can get that from my back yard. My shed is in the way and a street light will probably over power it

[raymo]

You and me both.
raymo

[jsmoraes (Jorge)]

the problems i've experienced with it and PHD

I am using ASI120MC ZWO camera with PHD 2.0 and to have it working well I must use the option of 640x480 mono bin 2 with 1 second and USB rate about 60 %.

I wouldn't recommend it to a good friend

Me, too.

The image of M31 is well. What camera did you use ?

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Are you sure it's the ZWO causing grief or PHD ? I've had all sorts of issues with PHD and switched to Metaguide. Works a lot better. Haven't had any problems with my ZWO except for dust on the sensor.

[Saturn%5 (Graeme)]

Pretty sweet Simon

[SimmoW (SIMON)]

Thanks guys. I took this at Heathcote, could never see it from home either! I used a Canon EOS40d modded. Thanks for the guiding tips too, and I must try metaguide soon.

[Retrograde (Pete)]

Great shot Simon - even more impressive from the southern hemisphere!

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

nice one Simmo, I hope to snag it one day!