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I've been a struggling to get r dun
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Oct 20, 2015 15:02:04   #
JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA
 
Oknoder wrote:
If using a refractor an IR filter is suggested as the IR spectrum will not align with the normal RGB channels. If using strictly mirror optics I have been told it isn't necessary. It is a standard thread I wanna say 49mm but I can measure when I get home.

Matthew


Are you referring to the threads at the bottom of the barrel of a 2" eyepiece or T-adapter? If so, that is 48mm.

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Oct 23, 2015 11:47:13   #
nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina
 
stepping beyond wrote:
I've been working with my tec ccd and bight my cheek this is some tough stuff to learn. I'm entering uncharted water when it comes to long exposure but, I have achieved focus finally and took a 5sec frame of m45{Pleiades} last night" I think", it's seven stars nice and tight but, I forgot to do 2x2 Binning to gather the nebulosity. I still haven't a clue as to what I'm doing. I haven't figured out how to convert a 16 bit fits to a jpeg for posting so , yall can see what I'm doing. Help, just kick me like a can down the road to get me going on this adventure ? Save me from driving in circles, I'm making that continuous right turn.
I've been working with my tec ccd and bight my che... (show quote)



Imaging software helped to deliver me from many of my imaging woes....and I still have more to conquer.

I use http://www.ideiki.com/astro/Default.aspx when using my CCD camera. Designed for Canon, most CCD cameras are supported. The software looks very similar to Backyard EOS - which I use for Nikon imaging. Although you do not have live view...you do get the effect of LV for focusing - use of Batinov mask - and composing. It is also very inexpensive. I believe you can try it on for size first....to check out.

Also, one thing you might do is practice using it in the day time. Get a piece of aluminum foil and poke a very very very small pin hole in it. Then cover your CCD camera with the extension attached. I have added a pic of mine....you need to do a better job of centering the pinhole. You can slide the foil back and forth to focus on something in your room. But using this will help you acclimate your camera to the software.

Pin Hole Camera
Pin Hole Camera...

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Oct 23, 2015 14:38:04   #
CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.
 
nikonshooter wrote:
Imaging software helped to deliver me from many of my imaging woes....and I still have more to conquer.

I use http://www.ideiki.com/astro/Default.aspx when using my CCD camera. Designed for Canon, most CCD cameras are supported. The software looks very similar to Backyard EOS - which I use for Nikon imaging. Although you do not have live view...you do get the effect of LV for focusing - use of Batinov mask - and composing. It is also very inexpensive. I believe you can try it on for size first....to check out.

Also, one thing you might do is practice using it in the day time. Get a piece of aluminum foil and poke a very very very small pin hole in it. Then cover your CCD camera with the extension attached. I have added a pic of mine....you need to do a better job of centering the pinhole. You can slide the foil back and forth to focus on something in your room. But using this will help you acclimate your camera to the software.
Imaging software helped to deliver me from many of... (show quote)


That pinhole test sounds great.
I'm going to give it a try tomorrow.
Craig

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Oct 23, 2015 16:02:06   #
stepping beyond Loc: usa eastcoast
 
Jim , yes I'm referring to the camera nosepiece threads but, if it's a color camera I won't need an IR if shooting with a reflector/newt.

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Oct 23, 2015 16:06:18   #
CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.
 
stepping beyond wrote:
Jim , yes I'm referring to the camera nosepiece threads but, if it's a color camera I won't need an IR if shooting with a reflector/newt.

I'm not quite sure of this comment.
But to shoot the Nebulosity (Red) in Deep Sky Objects you need an IR filter of some sort.
Craig

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Oct 23, 2015 16:12:12   #
stepping beyond Loc: usa eastcoast
 
Nikonshooter, I've been there and done that. Finally with my homade Bahtinov mask I achieved focus and that's a WOOHOO moment. Then the next night I couldn't get the camera recognized to save my life. I've done everything that I and my buddy's recommended I do and nothing. It still won't recognize. Now rain has entered the forecast, 12 nights of clear and now I can't by a clear night. Thanks for your advice

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Oct 23, 2015 16:18:52   #
nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina
 
stepping beyond wrote:
Nikonshooter, I've been there and done that. Finally with my homade Bahtinov mask I achieved focus and that's a WOOHOO moment. Then the next night I couldn't get the camera recognized to save my life. I've done everything that I and my buddy's recommended I do and nothing. It still won't recognize. Now rain has entered the forecast, 12 nights of clear and now I can't by a clear night. Thanks for your advice


Give this software a try APT I added the link above. It's a 20 dollar investment but first download it and make sure it accepts your CCD camera. It works with most. The software is awesome.....I like it better than Backyard EOS - more functions. I never have connection problems....it has focusing features that will enhance your chances of spot on stars. The last thing any of us want to do on a good night for imaging is fuss with a scope, mount, or software.

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Oct 23, 2015 16:37:48   #
CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.
 
nikonshooter wrote:
Give this software a try APT I added the link above. It's a 20 dollar investment but first download it and make sure it accepts your CCD camera. It works with most. The software is awesome.....I like it better than Backyard EOS - more functions. I never have connection problems....it has focusing features that will enhance your chances of spot on stars. The last thing any of us want to do on a good night for imaging is fuss with a scope, mount, or software.

That looks like great software for my Canon T2i only. I'll give it a try.
But for a combination of Canon and or Nikon Cameras I use digiCamControl. FREE
http://digicamcontrol.com/
Craig

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Oct 23, 2015 17:57:42   #
stepping beyond Loc: usa eastcoast
 
APT is pretty cool looking but, is there a guide for dummies on how to work it? My friends use it so its got a good following.

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Oct 23, 2015 18:08:13   #
CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.
 
stepping beyond wrote:
APT is pretty cool looking but, is there a guide for dummies on how to work it? My friends use it so its got a good following.

http://www.ideiki.com/astro/UserGuide.aspx
Here is the user guide.
Craig

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Oct 23, 2015 18:30:12   #
stepping beyond Loc: usa eastcoast
 
Thanks Craig, I give it a read and then have 10million Q's looking for an A.

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Oct 23, 2015 23:02:42   #
nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina
 
stepping beyond wrote:
Thanks Craig, I give it a read and then have 10million Q's looking for an A.


I am not too sure where I found the APT training videos, I probably googled them.... but I think there are some on the APT website Personally, I had to watch the videos to get the hang of where things were. ...and I do better with video teaching than reading instructions.

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Oct 24, 2015 17:55:12   #
stepping beyond Loc: usa eastcoast
 
Me too , nikonshooter. I'll give it a go after my tec ccd gets fixed. My buddy said it's in the box or cord going to the box .

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