Finally got a chance to use the new MX716 CCD camera last night. Obviously, being full moon, it wasn't the best of nights for imaging, but with the bad weather we've been experiencing of late I had to grab the opportunity.
So as to start simple I chose M27, the Dumbbell Nebula, as the target. I
took 9 one minute exposures and combined them (telescope was Pentax 75 SDHF at f/6.7, on Vixen GPD controlled by SS2K). The image can be seen at the following page (final image on page)
http://home3.pacific.net.sg/~jshears/homepage3.htm
So at least the camera appears to work. I'll need to get used to it and the
new AstroArt software which came with it (steep learning curve ahead!).
Cheers,
Jeremy
PS I have worked out how to upload images, so will put the dumbell image here
First light with new CCD camera - at last!
First light with new CCD camera - at last!
Last edited by Jeremy on Sat Nov 22, 2003 8:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Airconvent
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Hi Jeremy,
As usual, you walk the talk..!
Nice picture of the dumbell. Do you intend to take another image at higher magnification? Hope to see more of these as you get the hang of the software. I think the coming comets/asteroids should turn out nicely with your MX716 CCD! 8)
rich
ps do update your equipment list in the equipment folder. Thanks!
As usual, you walk the talk..!
Nice picture of the dumbell. Do you intend to take another image at higher magnification? Hope to see more of these as you get the hang of the software. I think the coming comets/asteroids should turn out nicely with your MX716 CCD! 8)
rich
ps do update your equipment list in the equipment folder. Thanks!
The Boldly Go Where No Meade Has Gone Before
Captain, RSS Enterprise NCC1701R
United Federation of the Planets
Captain, RSS Enterprise NCC1701R
United Federation of the Planets
Thanks, Rich.
I plan to stick to a short focal length to start with (i.e. low magnification) since it is much more tolerant on tracking errors. That way I can concentrate on the CCD and forget the tracking. The GPD allows unguided exposures of a few minutes without any drift, as long as I have done the 3 star alignment properly.
Go well!
Jeremy
I plan to stick to a short focal length to start with (i.e. low magnification) since it is much more tolerant on tracking errors. That way I can concentrate on the CCD and forget the tracking. The GPD allows unguided exposures of a few minutes without any drift, as long as I have done the 3 star alignment properly.
Go well!
Jeremy
I have managed second light, albeit more than a week ago now (12 Nov 2003). Target is NGC253 the great galaxy in Sculptor, aka the silver dollar galaxy.
It was 9 x 1 min exposures on the MX716 through the P75SDHF. Need to do some gradient processing to improve the image quality.
I could not spot the galaxy at all visually through the telescope, so once again shows how CCDs can pierce Singapore's light pollution (and thin haze on that particular night).
Go well!
Jeremy
It was 9 x 1 min exposures on the MX716 through the P75SDHF. Need to do some gradient processing to improve the image quality.
I could not spot the galaxy at all visually through the telescope, so once again shows how CCDs can pierce Singapore's light pollution (and thin haze on that particular night).
Go well!
Jeremy