Astro Geeks

[CptTrips]

Finally got around to finishing my processing of the sets from Sept 02. Some I tossed because they didn't look as good processed as I thought they would looking through the eyepiece.  This was one of the keepers:



http://jasonirby.net/bitbucket/archimedes_region.jpg



2007-09-02 UT09:22
12" Meade LX200Skynyx 2-1M/Green filter
600/3300 frames, Registax MAP



Also Did a little piggyback last weekend.  I screwed up because the software I was using to focus left the camera settings in small-jpg mode!  So I was happy I could salvage anything usable (painful learning experience).



http://jasonirby.net/bitbucket/andromeda.jpg


http://jasonirby.net/bitbucket/orion_nebula.jpg


Canon Rebel XTi/200mm Telephoto

Regards,
Wab

[boxboy28]

Wabs new nick name "AKHUBBLE"

[moot]

Nice pics Wabs!

[ChickenHawk]

Wow!  These are fantastic.

I'm blown away by your piggyback images.  I would love to know what camera settings you used and whether you used registax for these too.  Also, what kind of focusing software are you using?

Now I'm itching to give it a go on my setup.  If only these clouds would go away...

[CptTrips]

Originally posted by ChickenHawk
Wow!  These are fantastic.

I'm blown away by your piggyback images.  I would love to know what camera settings you used and whether you used registax for these too.  Also, what kind of focusing software are you using?

Now I'm itching to give it a go on my setup.  If only these clouds would go away... [/QUOT
E]


ChickenHawk,

Thanks for the kind words.  

For piggybacking you either need a film camera, or a digital camera that allows exposures of at least 1 minute.  If using a digital camera, one that is a SLR is probably best.  

I am using a Canon Rebel XTi with a 200mm telephoto lens.  The camera is attached to the top of my equatorially mounted Meade LX200 using a Losmandy dove-tail system.  Depending on your scope, there are tons of different systems for attaching.  People even do pretty well with "barn-door" tracking systems (goolge it). The tracking precision is not nearly as critical for piggybacking as for prime focus or high magnification work.  

Generally my settings should have been, large, raw mode, ISO 400-800.
My camera has a timer attachment that allows me to setup a series of timed exposures (like 40 x 1 min).  Some cameras can be controlled thru a USB or serial cable and a laptop.

For deep sky imaging I use ImagesPlus (http://www.MLUnsold.com) instead of Registax.  Registax might even have worked.  There are other programs as well that let you do the same thing.  ImagesPlus also talks to my camera thru a USB cable to help me focus.  Another program for doing that is "DSLR Focus".  There might be others.

If you have any other questions please ask.  I'll answer if I can.  Either PM me (JasonIrby@msn.com) or reply here so others might share the info.


Clear Skies,
Wab

[DREDIOCK]

Sweet.

Looking at that first picture. with all those stars.
Makes one feel kinda small in the universe.
Thinking our world is but one of billions