First solar image

[Martin Pugh]

Hello all
I have been ultra keen to try out my Solarmax DS90 and PGR Grasshopper 2 since I arrived back in Australia. I have been using the scope visually and have never tried the Grasshopper 2 since I bought it last November (other than 'it works' test).

First of all - tuning the DS90 is not that easy - first there is focus, then the removal of reflections, then you tune the first etalon for contrast/brightness, and then you tune the second etalon for different features.

Then there is the Grasshopper 2 (a GigE camera) with its multitude of settings.

Anyway, there I was 4.30pm this afternoon with the bright idea of giving solar imaging a go.

Before you get too critical - it was 4.30pm, the sun was already low, focus is a little off as is the framing. But of course, I had to get everything done before the sun set.

Enough talk: This is a stack of just 12 TIFF images, and I am yet to experiment with video capture and any of the dozens of other settings on the camera.

http://www.martinpughastrophotography.id.au/Solar.jpg
Shows promise I think? thoughts?

cheers
Martin

[Clayton]

Nice shot Martin

[John Hothersall]

You can't beat new toys even if they are fiddly to get working, great prominences and I am sure you are well on the way to getting even more detail next time.

John.

[Martin Pugh]

Thanks chaps.

Certainly going to pick a better time to image and hope to post a far superior image in due course.

Martin

[Poita (Peter)]

Is it the mono Grasshopper2 with Sony ICX285, or the colour model?
Is it just me, or does the stack have a slight alignment issue?
Can you post the best single image, I'm really keen to see what the DS90 delivers.

[Star Catcher (Ted Dobosz)]

Hi Martin

You will have a ball with that gear.

Once you are hooked, it becomes addictive to see the dynamic changes that happen within almost real time.

I agree with Poita, there seems to be some offset in the stacking but I have no doubt that your combination will get you excellent results as you get a handle on the gear

Ted

[Paul Haese]

Focus is the main issue. Try toning down the gamma too Martin. It helps with detail and contrast.

[Martin Pugh]

Thanks for the tip there Paul.
Poita - this is the mono camera and I wouldnt want you to judge the DS90 from my rushed attempt.

I will post a much better image in the next few days hopefully.

cheers
Martin

[Matt Wastell (Matt)]

Well done - lots of promise - keep us in the loop!