Marc G wrote:
Sonny, you bad boy :)
If you had a TEC (temperature controlled) cam, you can build a dark frame library within your home during the day.
My library consists 30s 60s 90s 180s 240s 300s @ -5 x ten frames & the same @ -10 thus saving hours under the stars
I did, I did do dat just yesterday.
Hi Marc!
Yep, just to catch you up because I have been a very bad boy and stayed away way too long.
I'm using a ZWO ASI 1600MM Pro camera now. My Atik died on me, and I haven't resurrected it. So, I suspect a serious internal failure. I probably killed it with my bad image taking.
So I wanted to go Mono. And this was a package deal, camera, electronic filter wheel (8 position), and a set of 7 ZWO filters. Huge expenditure for me, but I bit the bullet and clicked the order. About a year ago?
And since, I got a new ZWO ASI 290 MM guide camera. I was thinking I could do double duty with it since it had higher specs on the sensor. My thinking was the better sensor should give tighter guiding. And it seems to.
Lately I added a ZWO ASI EAF, electronic focuser. And it's been a game changer for me. My old Arduino focuser died, so I replaced it with the ZWO, except I installed it according to the directions. Novel for me.
Anyway, yesterday I was wondering about Darks, Biases, and Flats and found out I can add them by making some up in the kitchen sink.
I just set my telescope on the floor, connected it, set the temperature and made some files to help learn how to process the Light Files I've been collecting while learning how to do this next step for me with a Mono camera.
Mono makes sense, but it is sure a lot more difficult. Never the less, I'm forcing myself to figure it out.
Using a color camera was always my easy way out. I'm as lazy as an old dog. (And probably about as smart, sometimes.)
So I built some files to keep learning with some of the images I've collected.
JimH123 gave me a link to a program called Siril that looks to be just what I've needed. In trying to learn it, I've been gathering files (Piles) of images to have data to work with.
And yesterday I made some files to try.
In fact my first run just finished, so off to see if I succeeded in using my Darks, Flats, Bias, and Lights. Total 122 files.
I have gotten much of the back spacing fixed, but not all of it.
Making baby steps.
I'll try making more dark frame files at the higher time counts.
The Blue files came out good for me. But it took 42 minutes to be looking at blue stars.
Fumble, bumble; bumble, fumble....