And about bloody time too!

--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, Darrin Nitschke <nit565@...> wrote:
>
>
> Hey Steve,
>
>
>
> Glad to hear that you're tooled up for astronomy combat! Look forward to youur
excellent planetary images soon.
>
>
>
> Darrin
>
>
>
> To: gstar-users@yahoogroups.com
> From: videoast@...
> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:17:25 +0000
> Subject: [gstar-users] 12-inch Sky-Watcher & NEQ6 / W
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi all
>
> Well finally I'm geared up with some extra aperture and looking forward to
some deeper images and mainly planetary portraits.
>
> I've had the Black Diamond 12 sitting here for 3 months awaiting the new NEQ6
wide head to arrive. Just set it up last night. What a beast!
> Very well packed and took only 5 mins to collimate after fitting the primary
mirror visual and laser. Definitely is critical when it comes to collimation but
really glad at how the NEQ6 mount manages to ride the tube fairly effortlessly
when blanced well. Yes Mike.. you were correct!
>
> It's pretty hot and humid up here in the north so a little unfair on the
optical test but very impressed with the just post sunset views of the Moon and
Jupiter. I only wish I had the mount 4 months ago when promised so I could take
advantage of Jupiter at a better vantage point. Ah well..Mars is creeping into
the night sky.
>
> Cheers
> Steve
>
>
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Looking to move this spring? With all the lastest places, searching has never
been easier. Look now!
> http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/157631292/direct/01/
>

----- Original Message -----

From: tony

To: gstar-users@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 7:25 PM

Subject: [gstar-users] Re: Intending Buyer - Some Guidance Please

 

Jack

If you are only 8 km north of Brisbane CBD then you cannot be living far from me (Everton Hills).

I would be interested in what guiding software you are using with the GSTAR. I recently purchased a GSTAR and one of the roles I want to be able to use it in is autoguiding.

Tony

--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "jgi22415" <jgi22415@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Charlie,
>
> Further to my recent lengthy missive, and to demonstrate the guiding value of the GStar, I have posted a single 15 minute shot of M42 taken with an 8" Ritchey-Cretien scope under a full moon in moderate light pollution 8km north of Brisbane CBD. The imaging camera was a QHY8 Pro and the shot was guided with a GStar at maximum integration and max digital zoom with both cameras attached to a Lumicon Giant Easyguider.
>
> Cheers
>
> Jack Giles
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: charliebrown267
> To: gstar-users@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2009 7:05 PM
> Subject: [gstar-users] Intending Buyer - Some Guidance Please
>
>
>
> I live in an outer northern suburb of Sydney and I have a permanently pier-mounted stock-standard f10 Meade 12 inch SCT (LX200) that is about 10 years old. I am toying with the idea of buying a GSTAR-EX camera. In order to familiarise myself with the capability and operation of the camera I have already downloaded the user manual PDF and GSTAR-EX Capture - v.3. Also I have bought Steve Massey's and Steve Quirk's book Deep-Sky Video Astronomy.
>
> Before taking the plunge and ordering the camera I would really like to know what I am likely to be up for in terms of realistic performance expectations and equipment cost. I would greatly value the possibility of real-time enhanced viewing on a connected monitor using "sense-up". And it would make no sense to incur the basic cost without going the further mile to allow for deep-sky imaging using colour filters.
>
> On page 14 of the book Table 1.2 indicates that a 28cm f10 SCT will have a field of view (FOV) of 8' x 6' with an approximate magnification of 400x so I assume that my 30cm `scope will have a similar FOV. This FOV seems to be remarkably small - perhaps like looking through a very narrow straw. Moreover at my telescope site I find that effective visual magnification is usually limited such that I invariably use just my 2" diameter 55mm Plossl (magnification 55x) and 1.25" diameter 26mm Plossl (magnification 117x) eyepieces. On nights of exceptionally good seeing I can use a 2x Barlow with the 26mm eyepiece (magnification 234x). But cranking up the magnification any further is counterproductive. So a magnification of 400x or more seems to be of doubtful value.
>
> The problem might possibly be mitigated by using a focal reducer. On page 47 the subject of focal reducers is discussed but there seem to be a number of possible pitfalls including introduced coma and the preclusion from using an in-train filter selector due to limited focus travel. As a result of past attempts at film-based imaging I already have two guiding attachments that have in-built focal reducing lenses. One is a Lumicon Giant Easyguider. The other is a Taurus Tracker III (f6.0 focal reducing lens). Whether these are at all suitable for use with a GSTAR-EX camera I do not know.
>
> Given my circumstances outlined above, can someone please give me some guidance as to what precisely I would need in terms of equipment in order to achieve a reasonably large FOV / smallish magnification so as to allow colour filter imaging with no coma and focusing problems.
>

Hi all

Well finally I'm geared up with some extra aperture and looking forward to some
deeper images and mainly planetary portraits.

I've had the Black Diamond 12 sitting here for 3 months awaiting the new NEQ6
wide head to arrive. Just set it up last night. What a beast!
Very well packed and took only 5 mins to collimate after fitting the primary
mirror visual and laser. Definitely is critical when it comes to collimation but
really glad at how the NEQ6 mount manages to ride the tube fairly effortlessly
when blanced well. Yes Mike.. you were correct!

It's pretty hot and humid up here in the north so a little unfair on the optical
test but very impressed with the just post sunset views of the Moon and Jupiter.
I only wish I had the mount 4 months ago when promised so I could take advantage
of Jupiter at a better vantage point. Ah well..Mars is creeping into the night
sky.

Cheers
Steve

Thank Derek

Yes, the program has come along way. It certainly has many impovements and minor
bugs sorted. It's a real passion of development for both Chris and I - just hope
others are getting some real value from it. There are many new features we're
both discussing for a later version.

Cheers
Steve

--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "derekklepp" <derekklepp@...> wrote:
>
> Hi guys just downloaded the latest capture version after my computer decided
it didn't want to respond to the old version may have something to do with a lot
of so called compulsory downloads from windows.Anyway all is well except cloud
intervened before outdoor testing could take place.I must say I am impressed
with the additional features but moreso with the extra guidance provided.Thanks
Chris and Steve.
> Regards Derek
>

Jack

If you are only 8 km north of Brisbane CBD then you cannot be living far from me
(Everton Hills).

I would be interested in what guiding software you are using with the GSTAR. I
recently purchased a GSTAR and one of the roles I want to be able to use it in
is autoguiding.

Tony

--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "jgi22415" <jgi22415@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Charlie,
>
> Further to my recent lengthy missive, and to demonstrate the guiding value of
the GStar, I have posted a single 15 minute shot of M42 taken with an 8"
Ritchey-Cretien scope under a full moon in moderate light pollution 8km north of
Brisbane CBD.  The imaging camera was a QHY8 Pro and the shot was guided with a
GStar at maximum integration and max digital zoom with both cameras attached to
a Lumicon Giant Easyguider.
>
> Cheers
>
> Jack Giles
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: charliebrown267
>   To: gstar-users@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2009 7:05 PM
>   Subject: [gstar-users] Intending Buyer - Some Guidance Please
>
>
>
>   I live in an outer northern suburb of Sydney and I have a permanently
pier-mounted stock-standard f10 Meade 12 inch SCT (LX200) that is about 10 years
old. I am toying with the idea of buying a GSTAR-EX camera. In order to
familiarise myself with the capability and operation of the camera I have
already downloaded the user manual PDF and GSTAR-EX Capture - v.3. Also I have
bought Steve Massey's and Steve Quirk's book Deep-Sky Video Astronomy.
>
>   Before taking the plunge and ordering the camera I would really like to know
what I am likely to be up for in terms of realistic performance expectations and
equipment cost. I would greatly value the possibility of real-time enhanced
viewing on a connected monitor using "sense-up". And it would make no sense to
incur the basic cost without going the further mile to allow for deep-sky
imaging using colour filters.
>
>   On page 14 of the book Table 1.2 indicates that a 28cm f10 SCT will have a
field of view (FOV) of 8' x 6' with an approximate magnification of 400x so I
assume that my 30cm `scope will have a similar FOV. This FOV seems to be
remarkably small - perhaps like looking through a very narrow straw. Moreover at
my telescope site I find that effective visual magnification is usually limited
such that I invariably use just my 2" diameter 55mm Plossl (magnification 55x)
and 1.25" diameter 26mm Plossl (magnification 117x) eyepieces. On nights of
exceptionally good seeing I can use a 2x Barlow with the 26mm eyepiece
(magnification 234x). But cranking up the magnification any further is
counterproductive. So a magnification of 400x or more seems to be of doubtful
value.
>
>   The problem might possibly be mitigated by using a focal reducer. On page 47
the subject of focal reducers is discussed but there seem to be a number of
possible pitfalls including introduced coma and the preclusion from using an
in-train filter selector due to limited focus travel. As a result of past
attempts at film-based imaging I already have two guiding attachments that have
in-built focal reducing lenses. One is a Lumicon Giant Easyguider. The other is
a Taurus Tracker III (f6.0 focal reducing lens). Whether these are at all
suitable for use with a GSTAR-EX camera I do not know.
>
>   Given my circumstances outlined above, can someone please give me some
guidance as to what precisely I would need in terms of equipment in order to
achieve a reasonably large FOV / smallish magnification so as to allow colour
filter imaging with no coma and focusing problems.
>

Hi guys just downloaded the latest capture version after my computer decided it
didn't want to respond to the old version may have something to do with a lot of
so called compulsory downloads from windows.Anyway all is well except cloud
intervened before outdoor testing could take place.I must say I am impressed
with the additional features but moreso with the extra guidance provided.Thanks
Chris and Steve.
Regards Derek

Hi Darrin,

Yes, long time no hear is right. Been very busy at home and work has really
screwed us down through the GFC, just no time for astro work or just too tired.
Anyway, light at the end of the tunnel (excuse the pun) and I will be getting
back into it soon.

I feel your pain about bloody light pollution. Our reasonably darkish sky out
our way is just about gone. I have been on the war path to NSW planning etc but
bloody typically they don't reply. Will have to escalate further.

ps., "the wrath of Darrin's tougue", no way, I couldn't even imagine that being
a problem (lol)

cheers
Michael.

--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "nit565" <nit565@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Michael,
>
> Long time no hear! With regard to the local lighting, no such luck there. The
direct neighbours have started to learn about their headlights though. The wrath
of Darrin's tongue knows no bounds.....  Seriously though, the image is the
result of good narrow band filters.
>
> Darrin
>
> --- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "click_900" <mclark@> wrote:
> >
> > That't amazing, and from Strathfield, did you get everyone to turn their
lights off or something!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "nit565" <nit565@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Guys,
> > >
> > > I've just complete another coloured multi field image, this time of
NGC7331 and Stephan's Quintet.
> > >
> > > This image was 6 panela acquired with an 8" f4 reflector from my balcony
in North Strathfield, Sydney. Each panel was compiled from 500 frames of Lumicon
Ha and 500 dichroic blue. Green was simulated and the Ha was also used as a
luminance channel. The key galaxies were imaged under dark skies with a 10" f5
reflector. Total imaging took about 7 hours. The approximate field of view in
the end image is 53 x 41 arc minutes.
> > >
> > > The image can be found in my album.
> > >
> > > Darrin
> > >
> >
>

--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "charliebrown267" <charliebrown267@...>
wrote:
>
> I live in an outer northern suburb of Sydney and I have a permanently
pier-mounted stock-standard f10 Meade 12 inch SCT (LX200) that is about 10 years
old.  I am toying with the idea of buying a GSTAR-EX camera.  In order to
familiarise myself with the capability and operation of the camera I have
already downloaded the user manual PDF and GSTAR-EX Capture - v.3.  Also I have
bought Steve Massey's and Steve Quirk's book Deep-Sky Video Astronomy.
>
> Before taking the plunge and ordering the camera I would really like to know
what I am likely to be up for in terms of realistic performance expectations and
equipment cost.  I would greatly value the possibility of real-time enhanced
viewing on a connected monitor using "sense-up".  And it would make no sense to
incur the basic cost without going the further mile to allow for deep-sky
imaging using colour filters.
>
> On page 14 of the book Table 1.2 indicates that a 28cm f10 SCT will have a
field of view (FOV) of 8' x 6' with an approximate magnification of 400x so I
assume that my 30cm `scope will have a similar FOV.  This FOV seems to be
remarkably small - perhaps like looking through a very narrow straw.  Moreover
at my telescope site I find that effective visual magnification is usually
limited such that I invariably use just my 2" diameter 55mm Plossl
(magnification 55x) and 1.25" diameter 26mm Plossl (magnification 117x)
eyepieces.  On nights of exceptionally good seeing I can use a 2x Barlow with
the 26mm eyepiece (magnification 234x).  But cranking up the magnification any
further is counterproductive.  So a magnification of 400x or more seems to be of
doubtful value.
>
> The problem might possibly be mitigated by using a focal reducer.  On page 47
the subject of focal reducers is discussed but there seem to be a number of
possible pitfalls including introduced coma and the preclusion from using an
in-train filter selector due to limited focus travel.  As a result of past
attempts at film-based imaging I already have two guiding attachments that have
in-built focal reducing lenses.  One is a Lumicon Giant Easyguider.  The other
is a Taurus Tracker III (f6.0 focal reducing lens).  Whether these are at all
suitable for use with a GSTAR-EX camera I do not know.
>
> Given my circumstances outlined above, can someone please give me some
guidance as to what precisely I would need in terms of equipment in order to
achieve a reasonably large FOV / smallish magnification so as to allow colour
filter imaging with no coma and focusing problems.
>
All you really need is the basic GSTAR b&w camera and the prostar 0.5  focal
reducer although your focal reducers may work quite well.I use my gstar
primarily for live view through a 10"sct and a panasonic widescreen crt tv.My
targets are the faint fuzzies that cannot be resolved with the eyepiece .As for
all the technical stuff I'll leave that to the experts.As for what's possble
wit5h this camera just see the photo gallery.I routinely have live view
comparable to what is pictured in "THE DEEP SKY OBSERVERS GUIDE" through scopes
of almost double aperture.Hope this helps.
Derek

----- Original Message -----

From: charliebrown267

To: gstar-users@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2009 7:05 PM

Subject: [gstar-users] Intending Buyer - Some Guidance Please

 

I live in an outer northern suburb of Sydney and I have a permanently pier-mounted stock-standard f10 Meade 12 inch SCT (LX200) that is about 10 years old. I am toying with the idea of buying a GSTAR-EX camera. In order to familiarise myself with the capability and operation of the camera I have already downloaded the user manual PDF and GSTAR-EX Capture - v.3. Also I have bought Steve Massey's and Steve Quirk's book Deep-Sky Video Astronomy.

Before taking the plunge and ordering the camera I would really like to know what I am likely to be up for in terms of realistic performance expectations and equipment cost. I would greatly value the possibility of real-time enhanced viewing on a connected monitor using "sense-up". And it would make no sense to incur the basic cost without going the further mile to allow for deep-sky imaging using colour filters.

On page 14 of the book Table 1.2 indicates that a 28cm f10 SCT will have a field of view (FOV) of 8' x 6' with an approximate magnification of 400x so I assume that my 30cm `scope will have a similar FOV. This FOV seems to be remarkably small - perhaps like looking through a very narrow straw. Moreover at my telescope site I find that effective visual magnification is usually limited such that I invariably use just my 2" diameter 55mm Plossl (magnification 55x) and 1.25" diameter 26mm Plossl (magnification 117x) eyepieces. On nights of exceptionally good seeing I can use a 2x Barlow with the 26mm eyepiece (magnification 234x). But cranking up the magnification any further is counterproductive. So a magnification of 400x or more seems to be of doubtful value.

The problem might possibly be mitigated by using a focal reducer. On page 47 the subject of focal reducers is discussed but there seem to be a number of possible pitfalls including introduced coma and the preclusion from using an in-train filter selector due to limited focus travel. As a result of past attempts at film-based imaging I already have two guiding attachments that have in-built focal reducing lenses. One is a Lumicon Giant Easyguider. The other is a Taurus Tracker III (f6.0 focal reducing lens). Whether these are at all suitable for use with a GSTAR-EX camera I do not know.

Given my circumstances outlined above, can someone please give me some guidance as to what precisely I would need in terms of equipment in order to achieve a reasonably large FOV / smallish magnification so as to allow colour filter imaging with no coma and focusing problems.

----- Original Message -----

From: charliebrown267

To: gstar-users@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2009 7:05 PM

Subject: [gstar-users] Intending Buyer - Some Guidance Please

 

I live in an outer northern suburb of Sydney and I have a permanently pier-mounted stock-standard f10 Meade 12 inch SCT (LX200) that is about 10 years old. I am toying with the idea of buying a GSTAR-EX camera. In order to familiarise myself with the capability and operation of the camera I have already downloaded the user manual PDF and GSTAR-EX Capture - v.3. Also I have bought Steve Massey's and Steve Quirk's book Deep-Sky Video Astronomy.

Before taking the plunge and ordering the camera I would really like to know what I am likely to be up for in terms of realistic performance expectations and equipment cost. I would greatly value the possibility of real-time enhanced viewing on a connected monitor using "sense-up". And it would make no sense to incur the basic cost without going the further mile to allow for deep-sky imaging using colour filters.

On page 14 of the book Table 1.2 indicates that a 28cm f10 SCT will have a field of view (FOV) of 8' x 6' with an approximate magnification of 400x so I assume that my 30cm `scope will have a similar FOV. This FOV seems to be remarkably small - perhaps like looking through a very narrow straw. Moreover at my telescope site I find that effective visual magnification is usually limited such that I invariably use just my 2" diameter 55mm Plossl (magnification 55x) and 1.25" diameter 26mm Plossl (magnification 117x) eyepieces. On nights of exceptionally good seeing I can use a 2x Barlow with the 26mm eyepiece (magnification 234x). But cranking up the magnification any further is counterproductive. So a magnification of 400x or more seems to be of doubtful value.

The problem might possibly be mitigated by using a focal reducer. On page 47 the subject of focal reducers is discussed but there seem to be a number of possible pitfalls including introduced coma and the preclusion from using an in-train filter selector due to limited focus travel. As a result of past attempts at film-based imaging I already have two guiding attachments that have in-built focal reducing lenses. One is a Lumicon Giant Easyguider. The other is a Taurus Tracker III (f6.0 focal reducing lens). Whether these are at all suitable for use with a GSTAR-EX camera I do not know.

Given my circumstances outlined above, can someone please give me some guidance as to what precisely I would need in terms of equipment in order to achieve a reasonably large FOV / smallish magnification so as to allow colour filter imaging with no coma and focusing problems.

g'day Charles,
  You've virtually already got everything you need.  The GSTAR is just a camera. 
Field of view that it captures depends entirely on what you attach it to. Attach
it to your SCT and it's a rather small FOV,  but use a camera lens attached via
an appropriate adapter and you can get several degrees of sky.  Use a CCTV lens
and you can get even more.
The whole thing depends on focal length and aperture.  Your guide scope will
produce a good field of view for a lot of targets while you guide with the SCT. 
An example would be my set up.  I have an ED80mm f6 guide scope with a 8"LX90
f10 SCT.  If I image with the 8" and guide with the 80mm,  I can just get the
Key hole nebula in the image,  but if I reverse and image with the ed80 and
guide with the 8"SCT,  then I can get the whole of the Eta Carina nebula.
There's a few programs that will give you field of view size by entering your
scope size and camera used.
  I reckon all the extras you might want would be a focal reducer and a barlow
lens.  By mixing and matching with your gear you should be able to image just
about most targets.

Good luck and clear skies
Stephen



--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "charliebrown267" <charliebrown267@...>
wrote:
>
> I live in an outer northern suburb of Sydney and I have a permanently
pier-mounted stock-standard f10 Meade 12 inch SCT (LX200) that is about 10 years
old.  I am toying with the idea of buying a GSTAR-EX camera.  In order to
familiarise myself with the capability and operation of the camera I have
already downloaded the user manual PDF and GSTAR-EX Capture - v.3.  Also I have
bought Steve Massey's and Steve Quirk's book Deep-Sky Video Astronomy.
>
> Before taking the plunge and ordering the camera I would really like to know
what I am likely to be up for in terms of realistic performance expectations and
equipment cost.  I would greatly value the possibility of real-time enhanced
viewing on a connected monitor using "sense-up".  And it would make no sense to
incur the basic cost without going the further mile to allow for deep-sky
imaging using colour filters.
>
> On page 14 of the book Table 1.2 indicates that a 28cm f10 SCT will have a
field of view (FOV) of 8' x 6' with an approximate magnification of 400x so I
assume that my 30cm `scope will have a similar FOV.  This FOV seems to be
remarkably small - perhaps like looking through a very narrow straw.  Moreover
at my telescope site I find that effective visual magnification is usually
limited such that I invariably use just my 2" diameter 55mm Plossl
(magnification 55x) and 1.25" diameter 26mm Plossl (magnification 117x)
eyepieces.  On nights of exceptionally good seeing I can use a 2x Barlow with
the 26mm eyepiece (magnification 234x).  But cranking up the magnification any
further is counterproductive.  So a magnification of 400x or more seems to be of
doubtful value.
>
> The problem might possibly be mitigated by using a focal reducer.  On page 47
the subject of focal reducers is discussed but there seem to be a number of
possible pitfalls including introduced coma and the preclusion from using an
in-train filter selector due to limited focus travel.  As a result of past
attempts at film-based imaging I already have two guiding attachments that have
in-built focal reducing lenses.  One is a Lumicon Giant Easyguider.  The other
is a Taurus Tracker III (f6.0 focal reducing lens).  Whether these are at all
suitable for use with a GSTAR-EX camera I do not know.
>
> Given my circumstances outlined above, can someone please give me some
guidance as to what precisely I would need in terms of equipment in order to
achieve a reasonably large FOV / smallish magnification so as to allow colour
filter imaging with no coma and focusing problems.
>

I live in an outer northern suburb of Sydney and I have a permanently
pier-mounted stock-standard f10 Meade 12 inch SCT (LX200) that is about 10 years
old.  I am toying with the idea of buying a GSTAR-EX camera.  In order to
familiarise myself with the capability and operation of the camera I have
already downloaded the user manual PDF and GSTAR-EX Capture - v.3.  Also I have
bought Steve Massey's and Steve Quirk's book Deep-Sky Video Astronomy.

Before taking the plunge and ordering the camera I would really like to know
what I am likely to be up for in terms of realistic performance expectations and
equipment cost.  I would greatly value the possibility of real-time enhanced
viewing on a connected monitor using "sense-up".  And it would make no sense to
incur the basic cost without going the further mile to allow for deep-sky
imaging using colour filters.

On page 14 of the book Table 1.2 indicates that a 28cm f10 SCT will have a field
of view (FOV) of 8' x 6' with an approximate magnification of 400x so I assume
that my 30cm `scope will have a similar FOV.  This FOV seems to be remarkably
small - perhaps like looking through a very narrow straw.  Moreover at my
telescope site I find that effective visual magnification is usually limited
such that I invariably use just my 2" diameter 55mm Plossl (magnification 55x)
and 1.25" diameter 26mm Plossl (magnification 117x) eyepieces.  On nights of
exceptionally good seeing I can use a 2x Barlow with the 26mm eyepiece
(magnification 234x).  But cranking up the magnification any further is
counterproductive.  So a magnification of 400x or more seems to be of doubtful
value.

The problem might possibly be mitigated by using a focal reducer.  On page 47
the subject of focal reducers is discussed but there seem to be a number of
possible pitfalls including introduced coma and the preclusion from using an
in-train filter selector due to limited focus travel.  As a result of past
attempts at film-based imaging I already have two guiding attachments that have
in-built focal reducing lenses.  One is a Lumicon Giant Easyguider.  The other
is a Taurus Tracker III (f6.0 focal reducing lens).  Whether these are at all
suitable for use with a GSTAR-EX camera I do not know.

Given my circumstances outlined above, can someone please give me some guidance
as to what precisely I would need in terms of equipment in order to achieve a
reasonably large FOV / smallish magnification so as to allow colour filter
imaging with no coma and focusing problems.

Thats a fantastic image Darrin, well done.
I have lost motivation as of late but that has inspired me.
I hear with the local lights. Some units over the back fence were renovated
recently and they installed the worlds brightest flouro lighting in the driveway
that are on all night. I can read a book in my backyard at midnight now :-(

BillD

--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "nit565" <nit565@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Michael,
>
> Long time no hear! With regard to the local lighting, no such luck there. The
direct neighbours have started to learn about their headlights though. The wrath
of Darrin's tongue knows no bounds.....  Seriously though, the image is the
result of good narrow band filters.
>
> Darrin
>
> --- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "click_900" <mclark@> wrote:
> >
> > That't amazing, and from Strathfield, did you get everyone to turn their
lights off or something!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "nit565" <nit565@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Guys,
> > >
> > > I've just complete another coloured multi field image, this time of
NGC7331 and Stephan's Quintet.
> > >
> > > This image was 6 panela acquired with an 8" f4 reflector from my balcony
in North Strathfield, Sydney. Each panel was compiled from 500 frames of Lumicon
Ha and 500 dichroic blue. Green was simulated and the Ha was also used as a
luminance channel. The key galaxies were imaged under dark skies with a 10" f5
reflector. Total imaging took about 7 hours. The approximate field of view in
the end image is 53 x 41 arc minutes.
> > >
> > > The image can be found in my album.
> > >
> > > Darrin
> > >
> >
>

G'day Darrin,
  right here mate,   http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/MelbMeadeScopes/

clear skies
Stephen



--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "nit565" <nit565@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Stephen,
>
> Can you send me a link to the group?
>
> Cheers, Darrin
>
> --- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen B" <sboy9869@> wrote:
> >
> > G'day Darrin,
> >  thanks mate.  You'll hear the "OOOOOO AHHHHHHs" from there :P
> >
> > clear skies
> > Stephen
> >
> >
> > --- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, Darrin Nitschke <nit565@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi Stephen,
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > No problem there, you can use the image for your forum.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Darrin
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > To: gstar-users@yahoogroups.com
> > > From: sboy9869@
> > > Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:09:07 +0000
> > > Subject: [gstar-users] Re: Multiple galaxy cluster
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > G'day Darrin,
> > > as a co owner of the Melbourne Meade Scopes and Advanced Telescope Users
yahoo group, I would like to ask for permission to post your image over on the
group site. It'll be placed in an album of it's own with your name on it. A
great example of guru type work.
> > >
> > > clear skies
> > > Stephen
> > >
> > > --- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "nit565" <nit565@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi Guys,
> > > >
> > > > I've just complete another coloured multi field image, this time of
NGC7331 and Stephan's Quintet.
> > > >
> > > > This image was 6 panela acquired with an 8" f4 reflector from my balcony
in North Strathfield, Sydney. Each panel was compiled from 500 frames of Lumicon
Ha and 500 dichroic blue. Green was simulated and the Ha was also used as a
luminance channel. The key galaxies were imaged under dark skies with a 10" f5
reflector. Total imaging took about 7 hours. The approximate field of view in
the end image is 53 x 41 arc minutes.
> > > >
> > > > The image can be found in my album.
> > > >
> > > > Darrin
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > _________________________________________________________________
> > > Looking for a date? View photos of singles in your area!
> > > http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/150855801/direct/01/
> > >
> >
>

Hi Stephen,

Can you send me a link to the group?

Cheers, Darrin

--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen B" <sboy9869@...> wrote:
>
> G'day Darrin,
>  thanks mate.  You'll hear the "OOOOOO AHHHHHHs" from there :P
>
> clear skies
> Stephen
>
>
> --- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, Darrin Nitschke <nit565@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hi Stephen,
> >
> >
> >
> > No problem there, you can use the image for your forum.
> >
> >
> >
> > Darrin
> >
> >
> >
> > To: gstar-users@yahoogroups.com
> > From: sboy9869@
> > Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:09:07 +0000
> > Subject: [gstar-users] Re: Multiple galaxy cluster
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > G'day Darrin,
> > as a co owner of the Melbourne Meade Scopes and Advanced Telescope Users
yahoo group, I would like to ask for permission to post your image over on the
group site. It'll be placed in an album of it's own with your name on it. A
great example of guru type work.
> >
> > clear skies
> > Stephen
> >
> > --- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "nit565" <nit565@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Guys,
> > >
> > > I've just complete another coloured multi field image, this time of
NGC7331 and Stephan's Quintet.
> > >
> > > This image was 6 panela acquired with an 8" f4 reflector from my balcony
in North Strathfield, Sydney. Each panel was compiled from 500 frames of Lumicon
Ha and 500 dichroic blue. Green was simulated and the Ha was also used as a
luminance channel. The key galaxies were imaged under dark skies with a 10" f5
reflector. Total imaging took about 7 hours. The approximate field of view in
the end image is 53 x 41 arc minutes.
> > >
> > > The image can be found in my album.
> > >
> > > Darrin
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
> > Looking for a date? View photos of singles in your area!
> > http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/150855801/direct/01/
> >
>

Hi Michael,

Long time no hear! With regard to the local lighting, no such luck there. The
direct neighbours have started to learn about their headlights though. The wrath
of Darrin's tongue knows no bounds.....  Seriously though, the image is the
result of good narrow band filters.

Darrin

--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "click_900" <mclark@...> wrote:
>
> That't amazing, and from Strathfield, did you get everyone to turn their
lights off or something!
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "nit565" <nit565@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Guys,
> >
> > I've just complete another coloured multi field image, this time of NGC7331
and Stephan's Quintet.
> >
> > This image was 6 panela acquired with an 8" f4 reflector from my balcony in
North Strathfield, Sydney. Each panel was compiled from 500 frames of Lumicon Ha
and 500 dichroic blue. Green was simulated and the Ha was also used as a
luminance channel. The key galaxies were imaged under dark skies with a 10" f5
reflector. Total imaging took about 7 hours. The approximate field of view in
the end image is 53 x 41 arc minutes.
> >
> > The image can be found in my album.
> >
> > Darrin
> >
>

That't amazing, and from Strathfield, did you get everyone to turn their lights
off or something!





--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "nit565" <nit565@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> I've just complete another coloured multi field image, this time of NGC7331
and Stephan's Quintet.
>
> This image was 6 panela acquired with an 8" f4 reflector from my balcony in
North Strathfield, Sydney. Each panel was compiled from 500 frames of Lumicon Ha
and 500 dichroic blue. Green was simulated and the Ha was also used as a
luminance channel. The key galaxies were imaged under dark skies with a 10" f5
reflector. Total imaging took about 7 hours. The approximate field of view in
the end image is 53 x 41 arc minutes.
>
> The image can be found in my album.
>
> Darrin
>

G'day Darrin,
  thanks mate.  You'll hear the "OOOOOO AHHHHHHs" from there :P

clear skies
Stephen


--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, Darrin Nitschke <nit565@...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Stephen,
>
>
>
> No problem there, you can use the image for your forum.
>
>
>
> Darrin
>
>
>
> To: gstar-users@yahoogroups.com
> From: sboy9869@...
> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:09:07 +0000
> Subject: [gstar-users] Re: Multiple galaxy cluster
>
>
>
>
>
> G'day Darrin,
> as a co owner of the Melbourne Meade Scopes and Advanced Telescope Users yahoo
group, I would like to ask for permission to post your image over on the group
site. It'll be placed in an album of it's own with your name on it. A great
example of guru type work.
>
> clear skies
> Stephen
>
> --- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "nit565" <nit565@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Guys,
> >
> > I've just complete another coloured multi field image, this time of NGC7331
and Stephan's Quintet.
> >
> > This image was 6 panela acquired with an 8" f4 reflector from my balcony in
North Strathfield, Sydney. Each panel was compiled from 500 frames of Lumicon Ha
and 500 dichroic blue. Green was simulated and the Ha was also used as a
luminance channel. The key galaxies were imaged under dark skies with a 10" f5
reflector. Total imaging took about 7 hours. The approximate field of view in
the end image is 53 x 41 arc minutes.
> >
> > The image can be found in my album.
> >
> > Darrin
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Looking for a date? View photos of singles in your area!
> http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/150855801/direct/01/
>

--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen B" <sboy9869@...> wrote:
>
> G'day Derek,
>  thanks for the head up mate.  I have one for the Orion DSI and one for the
Meade DSI.  The Orion was a tiny fraction loose in the bayonet side but I cut a
spacer from some thin aluminium and it sits tight now.
>
> What sort of field of view do you get with the camera,  with what size lens? 
Any pix for viewing?
>
> clear skies
> Stephen
> Stephen if you have Steve & Steve's book "DEEP-SKY VIDEO ASTRONOMY" see page
14.
Cheers Derek
>
>
> --- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "derekklepp" <derekklepp@> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen B" <sboy9869@> wrote:
> > >
> > > G'day guys,
> > >  has anyone tried a DSLR camera lens adapter with the GSTAR yet.  I've
just ordered one for the Canon lenses from
http://www.webcaddy.com.au/astro/adapter.htm
> > > as I have a couple of C mount cams that I want to try it with as well.
> > >
> > > clear skies
> > > Stephen
> > >
> > Hi Stephen the adapters work fine I have one for my old Olympus lenses
forwider field viewing.HOWEVER I was very dissappointed that for the money the
adapter was plastic be careful with the threads.It is not b
> > built to last.
> > RegardsDerek.
> >
>

G'day Darrin,
as a co owner of the Melbourne Meade Scopes and Advanced Telescope Users yahoo
group,  I would like to ask for permission to post your image over on the group
site.  It'll be placed in an album of it's own with your name on it. A great
example of guru type work.

clear skies
Stephen



--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "nit565" <nit565@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> I've just complete another coloured multi field image, this time of NGC7331
and Stephan's Quintet.
>
> This image was 6 panela acquired with an 8" f4 reflector from my balcony in
North Strathfield, Sydney. Each panel was compiled from 500 frames of Lumicon Ha
and 500 dichroic blue. Green was simulated and the Ha was also used as a
luminance channel. The key galaxies were imaged under dark skies with a 10" f5
reflector. Total imaging took about 7 hours. The approximate field of view in
the end image is 53 x 41 arc minutes.
>
> The image can be found in my album.
>
> Darrin
>

Darrin,

Absolutely awesome!!

I haven't a clue how you do the processing, but if you're willing to write a
how-to guide I've got my cheque book ready!

Regards,

Neil



--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "nit565" <nit565@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> I've just complete another coloured multi field image, this time of NGC7331
and Stephan's Quintet.
>
> This image was 6 panela acquired with an 8" f4 reflector from my balcony in
North Strathfield, Sydney. Each panel was compiled from 500 frames of Lumicon Ha
and 500 dichroic blue. Green was simulated and the Ha was also used as a
luminance channel. The key galaxies were imaged under dark skies with a 10" f5
reflector. Total imaging took about 7 hours. The approximate field of view in
the end image is 53 x 41 arc minutes.
>
> The image can be found in my album.
>
> Darrin
>

G'day Darrin,
AWSOME!!!  That's an incredible image mate. The colour and detail have got to be
the best I have ever seen.
I would assume we will see that image showing up in many magazines and APOD
areas?
Very well done and an inspiration to us all.

clear skies
Stephen




--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "nit565" <nit565@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> I've just complete another coloured multi field image, this time of NGC7331
and Stephan's Quintet.
>
> This image was 6 panela acquired with an 8" f4 reflector from my balcony in
North Strathfield, Sydney. Each panel was compiled from 500 frames of Lumicon Ha
and 500 dichroic blue. Green was simulated and the Ha was also used as a
luminance channel. The key galaxies were imaged under dark skies with a 10" f5
reflector. Total imaging took about 7 hours. The approximate field of view in
the end image is 53 x 41 arc minutes.
>
> The image can be found in my album.
>
> Darrin
>

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the kind remarks.

Darrin

Hi Darrin
Yet again another very nice image and credit to your processing skills.If I can
suggest to the members who have a look at Darrins image instead of viewing from
the new images link go to Darrin's album and have a look at it as the original
to see it in all its beauty.

Cheers
Dave

--- In gstar-users@yahoogroups.com, "nit565" <nit565@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> I've just complete another coloured multi field image, this time of NGC7331
and Stephan's Quintet.
>
> This image was 6 panela acquired with an 8" f4 reflector from my balcony in
North Strathfield, Sydney. Each panel was compiled from 500 frames of Lumicon Ha
and 500 dichroic blue. Green was simulated and the Ha was also used as a
luminance channel. The key galaxies were imaged under dark skies with a 10" f5
reflector. Total imaging took about 7 hours. The approximate field of view in
the end image is 53 x 41 arc minutes.
>
> The image can be found in my album.
>
> Darrin
>

G'day guys,
  just posted some pix of my camera finderscope.

http://tinyurl.com/yfbk9m6

  I used an old 9mm eye piece,  removed the lenses and then araldited a bolt into
the hole.
This was then screwed into the tripod base hole of a slow motion module.
The whole set up was then put into the top eye piece holder of the ETX125.  I
put a 125mm telephoto camera lens into the c mount of a CCTV camera,  soon to be
my GSTAR-EX CLR, and then I can either use it to find what I'm looking for to
image through the ETX or guide with the ETX and image through the GSTAR on top.

It works in the warm room but as soon as the weather gods stop stuffing around
I'll give it a real test.

clear skies
Stephen

Hi Guys,

I've just complete another coloured multi field image, this time of NGC7331 and
Stephan's Quintet.

This image was 6 panela acquired with an 8" f4 reflector from my balcony in
North Strathfield, Sydney. Each panel was compiled from 500 frames of Lumicon Ha
and 500 dichroic blue. Green was simulated and the Ha was also used as a
luminance channel. The key galaxies were imaged under dark skies with a 10" f5
reflector. Total imaging took about 7 hours. The approximate field of view in
the end image is 53 x 41 arc minutes.

The image can be found in my album.

Darrin

G'day guys,
  I finally did my first vid with Gstar software. My Gstar camera has
a minor glitch that Steve is looking at but I was hanging out to try it all and
found my old b/w security camera combined with a 135mm camera lens,   works just
perfectly.
It was a shot of the inside of the warm room but I had a good play with the
controls and this cam config may work quite well as a lunar live imager or a
finder scope.
I might give it a test run tonight,  weather permitting,  but the main thing is
I've started  :P

clear skies
Stephen