First image with guiding.

[apaulo (Paul)]

Hello
Well the first attempt of autoguiding went extremely well. Easy to setup and balance the mount. I had to reinstall the orion drivers but that was the only hitch! Found a guide star using my ED80 and was up and guiding within 5 minutes. I did two 5 minute exposures but the batteries ( 4 rechargable AA ) didnt last long. So I did 10 x 3 minute subs.

Here is the result.
NGC55
Bintel 8" astrograph Newt.
Pentax K-x (power hungry bugger)
iso 800
3 minute subs x 10 + Master flat, bias and dark.
Guided with Orion star shoot and ED80 guide scope.
NEQ6pro
Processed with DSS PS CS2.

http://s1227.photobucket.com/albums/...=ngc55edit.jpg

Regards Paul.

[TrevorW]

A number of sins can be hidden in smaller scale images to detemine whether your guiding effort may be lacking in one department or another requires a larger image IMO.

A very good polar alignment helps, fixed focusing so the focuser doesn't shift during the imaging run. Flex of the main scope etc

I'm sure others can ad a heap of things that may affect the outcome. All in all based on the scale not a bad effort IMO

PS: buy an AC adapter for the camera.

Clear Skies

[apaulo (Paul)]

Hi Trevor,

Yes saving for a AC adaptor as we speak. I reckon I have entered a whole new level playing field here. The polar alignment was spot on Trevor and only time will bring issues to ahead! At present I am very happy with the start. I am using a Losmandy Side by side saddle and the two counter weights are handling both scopes quite well.

Here is a picture of the setup.
http://www.mpas.asn.au/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=1697

Thanks for the heads up
Regards Paul.

[TrevorW]

I myself moved away from side to side as difficult to balance spot on IMO

went for a rigid set up for guidescope as well no rings

if you haven't already get a copy of Alignmaster, great tool for aligning the scope

Clear skies

[Ross G]

Looks good Paul.

Nice detail.

Ross.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Great field - nicely done.