Gstar-ex

[Duncan]

G,day everyone,
Just been looking through Aust. Sky & Telescope and saw an adv. for a GSTAR-EX $595.00. Description, real time planetary,deep sky imaging and can be hooked up to T.V,VCR,or PC.Does anybody out there have any experience with this or seen a review on same.

Regards,
Duncan:hmm:

[Radar]

Hey Duncan. I have seen these types of cameras around for a while.

You'll need a laptop to image with them and various stacking software like Registax.

If planetary and lunar is your thing, then this may serve you well.

I am not sure how big you can blow up images though. I'm sure the others in here can shed more light on this mate.

Regards

Ray :thumbsupmate:

[Duncan]

G,day all,
Have just found out heaps and i don't pretend to understand it all. MyAstroShop has some great info and image gallery on this camera. Even some photo's through a 10"skywatcher newt,which is what i'm aiming at buying.
Perhaps some of the more experienced among you can have a look at this and let me know what you think.
Cheers,
Duncan:thumbsupmate:

[Radar]

Hey Dunc, it looks good mate. I'm not really good at webcam or ccd stuff yet, so its hard for me to give a definite yay or nay. Shev /Rog, what are your thoughts on this imaging camera?

[AstroTasmania]

I do not own one, surprise, they are full resolution PAL video cameras, not webcams, specifically engineered for astro use. At the price, an excellent buy.

If you are interested in taking the video route, this would be a great way in, it is an Aussie product with local support.
I have their remote cable which operates a couple of my similar video cameras, together with its excellent camera control image capture & camera control software.

I have been doing video astronomy since 1988, and there are few cameras I don't have or have tested. I presented two papers at the NACAA Conference in Hobart 2004, specifically on using video for astronomy, both as an imaging tool and for live astronomy public open nights etc.. Prof. Fred Watson, the keynote speaker, was impressed.

Clear Skies...

[Duncan]

Thanks Shevill:thumbsupmate:

[AstroTasmania]

Here is an email from the GStar User Group, if of any interest.

If you are interested in GStar video, why not join their group and learn first and what they can do.

Hi all

A few of us have been mooting the idea of a camera users weekend
(place yet to be determined) later in the year. The primary objective
is to meet one another and share experiences, ideas, problems etc. A
dark sky location with power will be the site.

My idea is to do imaging throughout the night and have practical hands-on sessions on image processing during the day. Things such as best camera settings, use of GSTAR-COM and GSTAR-CAPTURE software will be covered. Best practices for lunar and planetary plus deep sky imaging.

We'll discuss capture devices, installation thereof, framing objects, LRGB imaging, taking and processing dark frames, focal reducers and image
enhancement etc. Everyone should bring there cameras and own telescopes and computers / video monitors along.

at this stage I'm simply wanting to get an idea on interest so if
anyone is keen in taking part, please contact me directly to register
your interest. I'd like to keep the group small and personal (perhaps
6 to 10 individuals). It should be a lot of fun too.

Cheers
Steve

gstar-users@yahoogroups.com

Clear skies... from an avid astro video user since 1988!

[Duncan]

Hi all,

Thanks for that Shevill i'll check it out tonight.:thumbsupmate:

Cheers,
Duncan