Hi Robert,
We have no experience with the ST-i, but we've had our fair share of
guiding difficulties :-)  Sometimes (at least for us) longer guide
exposures can help, as it will smooth out the guiding.  Do you use the
graph in PHD?
- C&T

On 4/27/2012 6:20 PM, Robert wrote:
>
> Been a while since I have posted anything but finally the weather got
> more friendly.
>
> I wanted to test my new SBIG ST-i mono as an OAG guide camera. There
> has been growing pains. I had no problems obtaining guide stars and
> getting a good focus thru the SV130. However I did keep getting "Star
> Saturated" and "Low SNR" messages while using PHD. Never had these
> problems using an external guide scope and an SSAG. Finally ended up
> using a 5 second shutter speed on the ST-i. I had never gone higher
> than 1 second with the external guide scope. I also changed mounts
> without improvement.
>
> Anyway I will have to refine my technique to improve the OAG
> experience as the guiding was less than stellar for the 3 nights. I
> had many unusable frames and the guiding was pretty erratic. I am sure
> some of the problems were due to me constantly changing guide
> parameters. The sky conditions may have been part of the problems as
> it was the first night after some strong storms.
>
> Here is a link to the final image:
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/14381217@N03/6970942630/in/photostream
>
> Anybody else have experience using the ST-i with or without an OAG?
>
> Clear skies to all.
>
> Robert Collins
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/14381217@N03/
> Yuba City, CA
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello,

I am also interested in some of the the new herschel wedges on the market too.

Is there any possible way the scope can be damaged?
I have heard that incoming light can start to fade the anodized
components of the scope.  Would anyone with experience with a wedge care to
comment?

Thanks,
Bill A.

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Douglas Joyce <drjoyce@...> wrote:
>
> HI Fernando,
> I am planning on the photographic version as it really is the visual one with
the addition of three  removable filters for photography.
> Doug
>
>
> [Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description:
Description: Description: Description: Description: Description:
cid:image001.jpg@...]
> Douglas H. Joyce, D.O., FACOS
> 25092 Olympia Avenue
> Punta Gorda, FL  33950
> 941-286-1020
> drjoyce@...<mailto:drjoyce@...>
> www.jvai.com<http://www.jvai.com>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

One eyepiece I used briefly several years ago, purchased on behalf of a friend
who was buying my older Williams Optics 80 mm f6 Megrez, was the Baader 8-24
zoom, whose only limitation for that particular focal length combination was
that it tops out at 60X, fine for larger objects, but shy on power for even the
moon, and certainly any planets, such as if used with the scope I acquired to
replace it, Vic's prototype Raptor SVR80ST-2.

I have noticed that a year or so ago, that Baader introduced a dedicated
barlow/multiplier, that screws onto the bottom of the zoom, to provide a
3.5-10.5 mm ocular, the higher power part of its range seemingly an ideal
lunar-planetary eyepiece, allowing up to 140X.  Cost for both the zoom, in its
latest Mark III iteration, is $289, plus $129 for the multiplier, the
combination seemingly ideal to cover most use of the scope from 20X to 140X, and
certainly simplifying the issue of eyepieces when transporting the scope by air.

Might anyone have any ACTUAL FIELD EXPERIENCE with the Mark III zoom and this
multiplier?  Thanks.

Hi C&T, many thanks for answering.

I do use the graphing function of PHD and also study the log. Much information
there too.

Last night I used the ST-i with my 50mm (F3.5) guide scope and it performed very
well giving me one of the smoothest graphs I have ever had. My RMS was 08. I
received no PHD messages and my exposure was 1 second. My OAG problems are not
with the ST-i and are likely to be technique/PHD-settings oriented.

While using the OAG last week I was surprised that I immediately got a "Star
Saturated" message and a couple of guide frames later received the "Low SNR"
message. After some thought this seems easily possible as the two refer to two
different things. With the saturated condion PHD can't find the center of the
guide star. And, using the SV130 (F7) would certainly require more exposure than
the F3.5 guide scope. 3, 4 or 5 seconds is probably reasonable.

Looking at the log revealed star mass to be less than 2,000. I normally
experience between 30,000 and 125,000 while using a guide scope (although last
night I had below 5,000 with the guide scope and ST-i).

I have to change my technique with the OAG. I need to calibrate the guide star
after I do a final focus. Last time I used the OAG I calibrated before final
focus. The change in focus in the guide star would probably affect the validity
of the calibration. I also need to wait for the skies to stabilize before trying
again.

Clear skies.

Robert Collins
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14381217@N03/
Yuba City, CA

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Craig Temple <ctastroimager@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Robert,
> We have no experience with the ST-i, but we've had our fair share of
> guiding difficulties :-)  Sometimes (at least for us) longer guide
> exposures can help, as it will smooth out the guiding.  Do you use the
> graph in PHD?
> - C&T
>
> On 4/27/2012 6:20 PM, Robert wrote:
> >
> > Been a while since I have posted anything but finally the weather got
> > more friendly.
> >
> > I wanted to test my new SBIG ST-i mono as an OAG guide camera. There
> > has been growing pains. I had no problems obtaining guide stars and
> > getting a good focus thru the SV130. However I did keep getting "Star
> > Saturated" and "Low SNR" messages while using PHD. Never had these
> > problems using an external guide scope and an SSAG. Finally ended up
> > using a 5 second shutter speed on the ST-i. I had never gone higher
> > than 1 second with the external guide scope. I also changed mounts
> > without improvement.
> >
> > Anyway I will have to refine my technique to improve the OAG
> > experience as the guiding was less than stellar for the 3 nights. I
> > had many unusable frames and the guiding was pretty erratic. I am sure
> > some of the problems were due to me constantly changing guide
> > parameters. The sky conditions may have been part of the problems as
> > it was the first night after some strong storms.
> >
> > Here is a link to the final image:
> > http://www.flickr.com/photos/14381217@N03/6970942630/in/photostream
> >
> > Anybody else have experience using the ST-i with or without an OAG?
> >
> > Clear skies to all.
> >
> > Robert Collins
> > http://www.flickr.com/photos/14381217@N03/
> > Yuba City, CA
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

NEAF = North East Astronomy Forum

1) I kept my purchases under control by making a conscious decision to limit
purchases to upgrades for my 80mm raptor. From Stellarvue I picked up the set of
3 planetary eyepieces. Astronomics had an irresistable price on a medium duty
alt-az mount.

2) I won a $50 gift certificate in the Stellarvue raffle ... which I promptly
returned by purchasing a better finder.

3) Vic's a classy guy. He picked a young volunteer from the crowd to draw raffle
tickets. Then he gave her a telescope for her work.

4) Stellarvue and Astrophysics share 1st prize for best costuming. AP kept their
costumes on all day but SV's parade made up for their shorter duration.

Oil spaced objectives or Petzval optics are not well suited for extended periods
of direct sun light using a wedge.  Other than that, when the scope is pointed
directly at the sun, only the finder scope and finder scope bracket see direct
sunlight, and probably the retaining ring for the objective lens.  Dew heater
strips probably cause more degrading of anodized surfaces than short exposure to
daytime sun.

Any of the solar wedges work well with refractors.  There is no real heat build
up in the tube as just about all of the light and heat exits through the wedge.

Older solar wedges like mine are a bit of a safety concern as the light exiting
the prism is non-attenuated like the modern systems offered by Baader and Lunt.

My 2 cents...
Jim Ferreira
Livermore CA



--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I am also interested in some of the the new herschel wedges on the market too.
>
> Is there any possible way the scope can be damaged?
> I have heard that incoming light can start to fade the anodized
> components of the scope.  Would anyone with experience with a wedge care to
comment?
>
> Thanks,
> Bill A.
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Douglas Joyce <drjoyce@> wrote:
> >
> > HI Fernando,
> > I am planning on the photographic version as it really is the visual one
with the addition of three  removable filters for photography.
> > Doug
> >
> >
> > [Description: Description: Description: Description: Description:
Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description:
cid:image001.jpg@]
> > Douglas H. Joyce, D.O., FACOS
> > 25092 Olympia Avenue
> > Punta Gorda, FL  33950
> > 941-286-1020
> > drjoyce@<mailto:drjoyce@>
> > www.jvai.com<http://www.jvai.com>
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

Nice report, John. I enjoyed reading it. You will love the SV Planetary
eyepieces! - Robert, Spring Valley, IL

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "John Speroni" <jvsperoni@...> wrote:
>
> NEAF = North East Astronomy Forum
>
> 1) I kept my purchases under control by making a conscious decision to limit
purchases to upgrades for my 80mm raptor. From Stellarvue I picked up the set of
3 planetary eyepieces. Astronomics had an irresistable price on a medium duty
alt-az mount.
>
> 2) I won a $50 gift certificate in the Stellarvue raffle ... which I promptly
returned by purchasing a better finder.
>
> 3) Vic's a classy guy. He picked a young volunteer from the crowd to draw
raffle tickets. Then he gave her a telescope for her work.
>
> 4) Stellarvue and Astrophysics share 1st prize for best costuming. AP kept
their costumes on all day but SV's parade made up for their shorter duration.
>

Hi All-
Here are links to recent images that I have captured over the last few months
with a SVR105-3FT, SV field flattener and an SVF60M guide scope using a G-11
mount.  An SBIG ST8300M and Baader filters were used for HaLRGB image capture,
where specifics are provide below.  Collecting the raw data is tough enough,
given weather, equipment and operator error, but image processing is just as
difficult given the complexities of the software available and how satisfied you
are with the final image.  Fortunately, one can always reprocess (and I have).

Some images are more ready for sharing than others, but I welcome your
suggestions for improvement.
Thanks,
Hank


NGC 2244
http://tinyurl.com/8xnnnvq
16x10m exposures for L, 18x10m for Ha, and 9x10m each for RGB (all at 1x1
binning)

M83
http://tinyurl.com/88bblgr
8x15m exposures for L, 6x15m for Ha, and 4x10m each for RGB (all at 1x1 binning)

M101
http://tinyurl.com/7yp66fa
7x15m exposures for L, 6x15m for Ha, and 3x10m each for RGB (all at 1x1 binning)

NGC 2264
http://tinyurl.com/6qsbkvc
13x10m exposures for L, 9x10m for Ha (both at 1x1 binning), and 9x10m each for
RGB (2x2 binning)


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hank,
Great shots! Thanks for sharing,
Quentin

Sent from my iPad

Vic is Dr Fraunkensteen, Craig the monster and our own Ellyne Spano as the
Bride. Rikki from Lunt also played thei role of Inga.

No one picked upon my clue on April 1st, I had the "it's Alive!" clip from the
1931 Frankenstein.

Still in Newark. Advising the mayor here on the best way to run into a burning
building. I will return on or about Friday.

Vic

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Agee" <brucea@...> wrote:
>
> Could this possibly be Vic and Friends?  Vic might be the 'scientist'?
>
> http://yfrog.com/i3dsuz
>
> - Bruce
>

if you have not seen this very little Rascal, look at our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stellarvue-Telescopes/362148228433

Please like us!

I will post a report on NEAF in the Allstars Newsletter. Those of you who want
an SV50 should join the Allstars now at: 
http://www.stellarvue.com/allstars.html

Why? Allstars are currently getting 5% off all purchases. So you will recoup the
$18 on your first purchase of the 50 and more.  Allstars will get a special
offer if they purchase within a couple of weeks.

This is such a fun Telescope. But if you don't like it, blame Preston. ;-)

Vic



--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "David and Sharon Elosser" <pde444@...>
wrote:
>
> Oh I gotta git me one! :-)
>
> David E
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Bruce Agee" <brucea@...>
> To: <Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Saturday, April 28, 2012 10:40 AM
> Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: Vic...You Rascal!
>
>
> > And there's more - here's a photo:
> > http://cs.astronomy.com/asycs/media/p/487204.aspx
> >
> > - Bruce
> >
> > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "tmohr36" <tmohr36@> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hope this won't be double-posted, but I saw a post on Stellarvue's
> >> Facebook page (see quote below)
> >>
> >> "Yesterday Stellarvue introduced their latest Apo refractor. It may be
> >> the smallest production apo yet! Weighing in at only 2.4 pounds with its
> >> clamshell mounting ring, our new 50mm f6.6 apo is probably the "cutest"
> >> telescope we have ever made. Among its many features, the focuser is a
> >> mini version of our 2.5" dual speed, rack and pinion focuser threaded for
> >> both visual and photographic accessories including a new 2" diagonal,
> >> photographic field flattener, erecting prism, etc.
> >>
> >> Drop this mini apo in your suitcase and take it anywhere you go. Mount it
> >> on top of your larger Stellarvue refractor using a new X Y adjustable
> >> mounting system.
> >>
> >> The telescope comes with a travel case, clamshell, and visual back. The
> >> price is only $599! Those attending NEAF will have an opportunity to buy
> >> this telescope at an intro price of only $499! Wow! More to follow!"
> >>
> >> I, for one, would love to see pictures of this little guy.....
> >>
> >> Tom Mohr
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > To unsubscribe, send an email to:
> > Stellarvue-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> >
> > Remember: the archives are a rich source of information and they are
> > searchable.
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

Jim- very nice H-alpha images!
CS
Dae

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 29, 2012, at 3:44 PM, "Jim..." <bakerst@...> wrote:

> Here are a couple recent shots of Ellerman bombs and post flare loops seen in
absorption shot with a SV102ED @ f/28 and 0.8 Angstrom Daystar filter.
>
> http://www.lafterhall.com/ds_ellerman_bombs_04mar2012_001.jpg
>
> http://www.lafterhall.com/ds_ar11429_post_flare_loops_seq4_10mar2012_001.jpg
>
> The SV102ED continues to be my imaging workhorse!
>
> Sunny Skies!
> Jim Ferreira
> Livermore CA
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

This month I've posted a list of eight items in and around Leo the Lion. These
objects are a bit tougher than other months' challenges, as the items are a bit
fainter. Objects are mostly galaxies and galaxy clusters, but there are several
difficult double stars, and one unusual "fast mover" star in Lalande 21185.

The last few nights the sky has been unusually calm and clear, so I trained my
NHNG on the moon as well as Venus and Mars. Venus was a beautiful crescent, Mars
was basically non-descript.

Don't forget the "easy" objects. They can be especially beautiful.

Pocket Sky Atlas Challenges for May are now up on the web site for your
enjoyment!

http://john-kulczycki.suite101.com/pocket-sky-atlas-challenges-for-may-a407044

Thanks for the info Jim!!
Bill A.

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Jim..." <bakerst@...> wrote:
>
> Oil spaced objectives or Petzval optics are not well suited for extended
periods of direct sun light using a wedge.  Other than that, when the scope is
pointed directly at the sun, only the finder scope and finder scope bracket see
direct sunlight, and probably the retaining ring for the objective lens.  Dew
heater strips probably cause more degrading of anodized surfaces than short
exposure to daytime sun.
>
> Any of the solar wedges work well with refractors.  There is no real heat
build up in the tube as just about all of the light and heat exits through the
wedge.
>
> Older solar wedges like mine are a bit of a safety concern as the light
exiting the prism is non-attenuated like the modern systems offered by Baader
and Lunt.
>
> My 2 cents...
> Jim Ferreira
> Livermore CA
>
>
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@> wrote:
> >
> > Hello,
> >
> > I am also interested in some of the the new herschel wedges on the market
too.
> >
> > Is there any possible way the scope can be damaged?
> > I have heard that incoming light can start to fade the anodized
> > components of the scope.  Would anyone with experience with a wedge care to
comment?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Bill A.
> >
> > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Douglas Joyce <drjoyce@> wrote:
> > >
> > > HI Fernando,
> > > I am planning on the photographic version as it really is the visual one
with the addition of three  removable filters for photography.
> > > Doug
> > >
> > >
> > > [Description: Description: Description: Description: Description:
Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description:
cid:image001.jpg@]
> > > Douglas H. Joyce, D.O., FACOS
> > > 25092 Olympia Avenue
> > > Punta Gorda, FL  33950
> > > 941-286-1020
> > > drjoyce@<mailto:drjoyce@>
> > > www.jvai.com<http://www.jvai.com>
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
>

> "No one picked upon my clue on April 1st, I had the "it's Alive!" clip from
the 1931 Frankenstein." - Vic

... just a leetle beet obscure, don't you theenk?

BTW - I don't 'tweet' but discovered that OPT does - they had a link to their
tweets, including this clip.

- Bruce
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Agee" <brucea@> wrote:
> >
> > Could this possibly be Vic and Friends?  Vic might be the 'scientist'?
> >
> > http://yfrog.com/i3dsuz
> >
> > - Bruce
> >
>

I want to pick up a visual solar filter for my SV80ED. Does anyone have one of
these and could let me know your experience, size, etc.

Many thanks,

Jay

All,

I am new to imaging, and am starting at the easy end, with the Moon. I am using
my Canon 7D and my SV102T (#8, in perfect shape!) and I have two questions.

1. The scope is f/8 (actually f/7.97 but eh) but obviously does not report this
to the camera. So it shows up as f/0 in the exif data, which is, of course,
impossible. So how do I calculate the true focal ratio? There is one extension
tube in the train to allow the camera to come to focus, which adds length but
obviously doesn't magically change the properties of the objective!

Is it just a case of multiplying 8 by 1.6 (the factor used to compensate for the
APS-C sensor vs a full-frame sensor)? So it would be f/12.8?

2. I need more magnification - in other words, more focal length - if I am to
test the scope to its limits. Again, since I can't turn the objective into a
slower (hey - that fastish lens was not cheap!) lens, I'll have to use something
like a PowerMate. Does anyone have a recommendation for which one to get? They
go up to 5x, but that seems optimistic. What can a 102mm scope support,
especially in typically poor (Connecticut) conditions?

Thanks!

Hi all,

Tom M mentioned and I think Vic alluded to it but this little critter sounds
interesting. I've got the SV MG2 mount and was hoping the mounting system could
help keep two scopes pointing at the same thing. Here's hoping!
regards,
Mark

I am still an imaging novice but have ~6 months of experience with
astrophotography, and a few years with regular photography.

1) The focal ratio remains f8 regardless of APS-C or full frame. The focal ratio
= focal length / aperture (and aperture * ratio = length). Focal length and
aperture stay the same regardless of sensor size, therefore the focal ratio stay
the same.

The 1.6 APS-C "crop factor" confuses many people. Crop factor determines
*apparent* focal length. An 800mm lens on your APS-C will give the same field of
view (not depth of field) as an 800*1.6 on full frame. The lens is not actually
any longer and the focal plane remains at the same point for APS-C as with full
frame.

2) I think a 2x powermate or barlow, combined with your scope and camera, will
make the moon just about as large as your APS-C sensor. If you want a lot more
magnification you can try the 5x but as you increase magnification precise focus
and mount stability become more picky.

Powermates and barlows increase the effective focal length and therefore also
increase the focal ratio. If your scope is acting as an 102mm wide ~800mm long
f8 camera lens, a 5x barlow makes it 3500mm long f35.

P.S. I like the simulator at http://www.12dstring.me.uk/fov.htm. It shows how
scope, camera, barlow, and eyepiece combinations change the final image.

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "nsim_99" <nsim_99@...> wrote:
>
> All,
>
> I am new to imaging, and am starting at the easy end, with the Moon. I am
using my Canon 7D and my SV102T (#8, in perfect shape!) and I have two
questions.
>
> 1. The scope is f/8 (actually f/7.97 but eh) but obviously does not report
this to the camera. So it shows up as f/0 in the exif data, which is, of course,
impossible. So how do I calculate the true focal ratio? There is one extension
tube in the train to allow the camera to come to focus, which adds length but
obviously doesn't magically change the properties of the objective!
>
> Is it just a case of multiplying 8 by 1.6 (the factor used to compensate for
the APS-C sensor vs a full-frame sensor)? So it would be f/12.8?
>
> 2. I need more magnification - in other words, more focal length - if I am to
test the scope to its limits. Again, since I can't turn the objective into a
slower (hey - that fastish lens was not cheap!) lens, I'll have to use something
like a PowerMate. Does anyone have a recommendation for which one to get? They
go up to 5x, but that seems optimistic. What can a 102mm scope support,
especially in typically poor (Connecticut) conditions?
>
> Thanks!
>

I bought a Thousand Oaks Optical glass filter with my SVR80ED. I looked up the
outer width of my dew shield then bought the next size up. You can do the same
with Orion if they are your preferred supplier.

My experience with it is limited to using it once. Sun spots were clearly
visible and I'm looking forward to the transit of Venus.

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Jay" <youngj2@...> wrote:
>
> I want to pick up a visual solar filter for my SV80ED. Does anyone have one of
these and could let me know your experience, size, etc.
>
> Many thanks,
>
> Jay
>

Quick Update,

Sent out the mirror from the 12 inch reflector being used in my now 18 month
long shoot out with the SV 110 ED.  No clear winner, yet. The coating company
tested it and found it to be a whole 1/2 wave in accuracy with the S ratio being
0.50.  No wonder it couldn't overwhelm the 110.

Anyhow, it is being refigured to 1/10th wave and should be back for the second
round of competition.

Meanwhile, the new 50mm APO looks very interesting for my next project of crazy
astro-stuff...putting a refractor into space...turns out it doesn't cost a lot
to loft something into low Earth orbit these days.  I was at Purdue a couple of
weeks ago getting advice from the Engineering department on how to keep it
stable enough to get photos of the Moon.  That's the only hard part.  Just
connect iPhone to refractor, boast the signal, have a light detector pick out
the Moon, and fire away.  The phone can call home with photos....

BTW...has anyone actually tried this?  I know the high-altitude balloon people
have...

Rick (Yep, winters are long) in Michigan

Wow, Rick,

This sounds amazing.

I sure hope that they can get your 12" up to snuff.

I did use my Urban Pipeline hat a lot this winter.

-Robert
Spring Valley, OL

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "isogroup2000" <clementsrb@...> wrote:
>
> Quick Update,
>
> Sent out the mirror from the 12 inch reflector being used in my now 18 month
long shoot out with the SV 110 ED.  No clear winner, yet. The coating company
tested it and found it to be a whole 1/2 wave in accuracy with the S ratio being
0.50.  No wonder it couldn't overwhelm the 110.
>
> Anyhow, it is being refigured to 1/10th wave and should be back for the second
round of competition.
>
> Meanwhile, the new 50mm APO looks very interesting for my next project of
crazy astro-stuff...putting a refractor into space...turns out it doesn't cost a
lot to loft something into low Earth orbit these days.  I was at Purdue a couple
of weeks ago getting advice from the Engineering department on how to keep it
stable enough to get photos of the Moon.  That's the only hard part.  Just
connect iPhone to refractor, boast the signal, have a light detector pick out
the Moon, and fire away.  The phone can call home with photos....
>
> BTW...has anyone actually tried this?  I know the high-altitude balloon people
have...
>
> Rick (Yep, winters are long) in Michigan
>

Do you mind telling which company you're having test, re-figure and re-coat your
mirror ?

Bob Crews
Louisville Ky




________________________________
From: isogroup2000 <clementsrb@...>
To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, May 1, 2012 8:47:56 PM
Subject: [Stellarvue] UPdate on SV110 vs 12 inch reflector

Quick Update,

Sent out the mirror from the 12 inch reflector being used in my now 18 month
long shoot out with the SV 110 ED.  No clear winner, yet. The coating company
tested it and found it to be a whole 1/2 wave in accuracy with the S ratio being
0.50.  No wonder it couldn't overwhelm the 110.

Anyhow, it is being refigured to 1/10th wave and should be back for the second
round of competition.

Meanwhile, the new 50mm APO looks very interesting for my next project of crazy
astro-stuff...putting a refractor into space...turns out it doesn't cost a lot
to loft something into low Earth orbit these days.  I was at Purdue a couple of
weeks ago getting advice from the Engineering department on how to keep it
stable enough to get photos of the Moon.  That's the only hard part.  Just
connect iPhone to refractor, boast the signal, have a light detector pick out
the Moon, and fire away.  The phone can call home with photos....

BTW...has anyone actually tried this?  I know the high-altitude balloon people
have...

Rick (Yep, winters are long) in Michigan



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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

"BTW...has anyone actually tried this?  I know the high-altitude balloon people
have..."

Rick -

Sounds like you have an ambitious project planned!  Here's a link I found to
someone from University of Alaska who claims to have successfully used a small
rocket to photograph the whirlpool galaxy. This might be a start. 
http://www.gi.alaska.edu/node/341

- Bruce

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "isogroup2000" <clementsrb@...> wrote:
>
> Quick Update,
>
> Sent out the mirror from the 12 inch reflector being used in my now 18 month
long shoot out with the SV 110 ED.  No clear winner, yet. The coating company
tested it and found it to be a whole 1/2 wave in accuracy with the S ratio being
0.50.  No wonder it couldn't overwhelm the 110.
>
> Anyhow, it is being refigured to 1/10th wave and should be back for the second
round of competition.
>
> Meanwhile, the new 50mm APO looks very interesting for my next project of
crazy astro-stuff...putting a refractor into space...turns out it doesn't cost a
lot to loft something into low Earth orbit these days.  I was at Purdue a couple
of weeks ago getting advice from the Engineering department on how to keep it
stable enough to get photos of the Moon.  That's the only hard part.  Just
connect iPhone to refractor, boast the signal, have a light detector pick out
the Moon, and fire away.  The phone can call home with photos....
>
> BTW...has anyone actually tried this?  I know the high-altitude balloon people
have...
>
> Rick (Yep, winters are long) in Michigan
>

I too hope you get your 12 up to speed.  A 110 refractor is a 'pea shooter'
compared to a good 12 inch reflector.
Chuck














[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Nice Rob. Guiding and other issues seem to be part of the never ending process.
Despite all of this, you have an awesome image there! Congrats

Vic Maris

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Robert" <collirob@...> wrote:
>
> Been a while since I have posted anything but finally the weather got more
friendly.
>
> I wanted to test my new SBIG ST-i mono as an OAG guide camera. There has been
growing pains. I had no problems obtaining guide stars and getting a good focus
thru the SV130. However I did keep getting "Star Saturated" and "Low SNR"
messages while using PHD. Never had these problems using an external guide scope
and an SSAG. Finally ended up using a 5 second shutter speed on the ST-i. I had
never gone higher than 1 second with the external guide scope. I also changed
mounts without improvement.
>
> Anyway I will have to refine my technique to improve the OAG experience as the
guiding was less than stellar for the 3 nights. I had many unusable frames and
the guiding was pretty erratic. I am sure some of the problems were due to me
constantly changing guide parameters. The sky conditions may have been part of
the problems as it was the first night after some strong storms.
>
> Here is a link to the final image:
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/14381217@N03/6970942630/in/photostream
>
> Anybody else have experience using the ST-i with or without an OAG?
>
> Clear skies to all.
>
> Robert Collins
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/14381217@N03/
> Yuba City, CA
>

Very nice Hank. I think you are really getting some great results. I look
forward to swing more.

Vic Maris

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "westrich" <westrich@...> wrote:
>
> Hi All-
> Here are links to recent images that I have captured over the last few months
with a SVR105-3FT, SV field flattener and an SVF60M guide scope using a G-11
mount.  An SBIG ST8300M and Baader filters were used for HaLRGB image capture,
where specifics are provide below.  Collecting the raw data is tough enough,
given weather, equipment and operator error, but image processing is just as
difficult given the complexities of the software available and how satisfied you
are with the final image.  Fortunately, one can always reprocess (and I have).
>
> Some images are more ready for sharing than others, but I welcome your
suggestions for improvement.
> Thanks,
> Hank
>
>
> NGC 2244
> http://tinyurl.com/8xnnnvq
> 16x10m exposures for L, 18x10m for Ha, and 9x10m each for RGB (all at 1x1
binning)
>
> M83
> http://tinyurl.com/88bblgr
> 8x15m exposures for L, 6x15m for Ha, and 4x10m each for RGB (all at 1x1
binning)
>
> M101
> http://tinyurl.com/7yp66fa
> 7x15m exposures for L, 6x15m for Ha, and 3x10m each for RGB (all at 1x1
binning)
>
> NGC 2264
> http://tinyurl.com/6qsbkvc
> 13x10m exposures for L, 9x10m for Ha (both at 1x1 binning), and 9x10m each for
RGB (2x2 binning)
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Jim

Awesome as usual.

You have a way of making 102 images look like large observatory photos. I guess
all it takes is great equipment and talent.

Vic Maris

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Jim..." <bakerst@...> wrote:
>
> Here are a couple recent shots of Ellerman bombs and post flare loops seen in
absorption shot with a SV102ED @ f/28 and 0.8 Angstrom Daystar filter.
>
> http://www.lafterhall.com/ds_ellerman_bombs_04mar2012_001.jpg
>
> http://www.lafterhall.com/ds_ar11429_post_flare_loops_seq4_10mar2012_001.jpg
>
> The SV102ED continues to be my imaging workhorse!
>
> Sunny Skies!
> Jim Ferreira
> Livermore CA
>

My problem is that the reflector hat I wear when using a Dob just does not make
me look very credible. I am now thinking that it is a good thing we didn't
widely publicize the April 1st sale.

Vic Maris

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Chuck Gulker <cgulker@...> wrote:
>
>
> I too hope you get your 12 up to speed.  A 110 refractor is a 'pea shooter'
compared to a good 12 inch reflector.
> Chuck
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>