Getting into digital now

[A.S.I.G.N_Baz]

Hiya folks!

I've started to crack on with the digital now. At the moment I am really pushing the C11 with the 400D on the back of it at F10 prime focus.

Soon, I hope to save enough for a focal reducer for the C11 and an ED80 to go on top.

Anyways, check the site and have a squizz at my first few attempts.
http://www.aussiepeople.com.au/asignobservatory/Astrophotography.aspx

Cheers,

Baz.

[Radar]

Hi Baz,

I take it this is Eta Carina?

http://www.aussiepeople.com.au/ASIGNobservatory/images/astrophotography/KeyholeProcessedLarge.JPG

Not bad mate, especially at F10. If that is your first attempt it won't take you long to start mastering these objects.

What is your opinion of DeepSkyStacker?

Cheers

Ray

[A.S.I.G.N_Baz]

Hi Baz,

I take it this is Eta Carina?

http://www.aussiepeople.com.au/ASIGNobservatory/images/astrophotography/KeyholeProcessedLarge.JPG

Not bad mate, especially at F10. If that is your first attempt it won't take you long to start mastering these objects.

What is your opinion of DeepSkyStacker?

Cheers

Ray

Yes mate, it is the keyhole in ETA.

I like DSS, beause it is pretty simple to use. I don't really understand anything about logarithm thingys, but DSS gives me something to play with. It also registers, calculates offsets (whatever that means) and stacks images while I go have a hot shower to thaw out from the cold observatory! I really would like to sit beside someone who knows what they are doing, and watch them process a heap.

Baz.

[Radar]

I really would like to sit beside someone who knows what they are doing, and watch them process a heap.


Yep, it would make life so much easier sometimes to be able to watch someone else do everything.

I'm downloading DSS to see how well it works. I still don't really have a proper CCD camera yet though.

Do you have a heater in your dome Baz?

Cheers

Ray

[A.S.I.G.N_Baz]

I tried the heater for a while Ray, but it kind of defeats the purpose of trying to keep everything cold for the ccd and optics.

I just rug up heaps with thermals etc. The dome is perfect because the temp is the same as outside, but no issues with stray light from neighbors, wind or dew.

[Radar]

Of course, ccd chips need cold. I forgot about that part. :Chessy_Smile:

I'm still to make the jump to digital and ccd, though I'm going to very shortly. I want to get into tri colour imaging (hubble palette stuff).

I have a business for sale at the moment, and as soon as I sell it, it's dome and CCD camera time :thumbsupmate:

Keep posting your results Baz.

[A.S.I.G.N_Baz]

Good for you Ray! How exciting!!!! Are you going to build your own dome from scratch or buy one pre-fabricated?

I can vouch for the most awesome pleasure in building your own!

And I can also vouch that a 3 metre diameter dome is bare minimum to be comfortable!! Us astronomers like lots of techie stuff surrounding us, but still be able to move!

Baz.

[Radar]

I can offset the amount of tax I pay this year by buying a dome under a business name. I'll have to talk to my accountant and find out how much I should be spending to offset my tax. The sale of my business means that I'll be paying more tax this year unless I have expenses. So at this stage, I'm not 100% sure, but it looks like I'll be buying one (and hopefully some naglers).

I would like to build my own dome though, I think it would be quite rewarding, this would also leave some dollars for more equipment. Hmm, decisions, decisions, :hmm: