Amazing photos - weatherman got it right
Nov 27, 2015 04:06:51 #
I took the chance of getting a few hours in...great results, huh?
But on a serious note, I purchased the Orion Awesome Autoguider Package, for those of you that have this, do you have any problems with the focuser? Mine will extend out, but it will not pull back in, I have to push the focus tube back in.
But on a serious note, I purchased the Orion Awesome Autoguider Package, for those of you that have this, do you have any problems with the focuser? Mine will extend out, but it will not pull back in, I have to push the focus tube back in.
Nov 27, 2015 06:37:59 #
Europa I fully realize that most UHH people do not share information in written form, relying on mental telepathy and mind reading. I am embarrassed not to have prior knowledge of the Awesome Autoguider. For those who do not have this subject in the common vocabulary.... see below.
As a serious question to better help me understand so many UHH people, why did you not include a link or an explanation of the item? Why did you leave it up to someone else to provide that link? Educate us who are not familiar with the subject.
I looked at your Topic List, your images are stunning.. beautiful and I thank you for sharing them. Everyone should check out these awesome photo Europa posted.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-348189-1.html
http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes/Refractor-Telescopes/Orion-Awesome-Autoguider-Refractor-Telescope-Package/pc/-1/c/1/sc/10/p/24770.uts
As a serious question to better help me understand so many UHH people, why did you not include a link or an explanation of the item? Why did you leave it up to someone else to provide that link? Educate us who are not familiar with the subject.
I looked at your Topic List, your images are stunning.. beautiful and I thank you for sharing them. Everyone should check out these awesome photo Europa posted.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-348189-1.html
http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes/Refractor-Telescopes/Orion-Awesome-Autoguider-Refractor-Telescope-Package/pc/-1/c/1/sc/10/p/24770.uts
Nov 27, 2015 11:05:39 #
dpullum, sorry about that, didn't think to post a link, but point taken. Also, thank you for the compliment.
Nov 27, 2015 12:35:19 #
Not me, I have the mini deluxe autoguider I got in a round-about way.
I knew I wanted Orion's SSAG camera, but I wanted to do an off-axis guider. Beat my head on the wall for about 2-3 months before I gave up and got the Mini's scope to hang the camera on.
Then I never looked back.
It is my opinion that Orion has guiding down pat with their SSAG.
I decided on the mini for my use because my main optical tube is an ED80T CF. So I didn't think I wanted a guide scope the same size. :lol:
So far, with PHD nailed down now (that was a feat in itself. :roll: ), I get hours and hours of accurate guiding.
For autoguiding, with the SSAG camera, you want the guide stars just slightly "fuzzy". So critical focus isn't that necessary with the guiding scope. Close works well.
In fact, once I did my initial adjustment with my Mini Guide Scope I haven't touched it since. (It is working excellent, too)
If you think some PHD instruction might be benificial, I can offer you the two YouTube video's that nailed Autoguiding with PHD for me. PHD Basics Part 1, and PHD Basics Part 2
However... Under the focusing drive there is normally an allen head screw that adjusts the tension of the focus adjuster to the focusing tube. Very slight adjustments of that screw can change the friction and make it drive the tube better.
It is in the center of the mechanism, under the telescope.
A call to Orion tech support and they can walk you through it.
They are nice folks to talk to as well.
Congratulations on a great guiding system. A few minor pangs and you'll be amazing yourself. ;)
I knew I wanted Orion's SSAG camera, but I wanted to do an off-axis guider. Beat my head on the wall for about 2-3 months before I gave up and got the Mini's scope to hang the camera on.
Then I never looked back.
It is my opinion that Orion has guiding down pat with their SSAG.
I decided on the mini for my use because my main optical tube is an ED80T CF. So I didn't think I wanted a guide scope the same size. :lol:
So far, with PHD nailed down now (that was a feat in itself. :roll: ), I get hours and hours of accurate guiding.
For autoguiding, with the SSAG camera, you want the guide stars just slightly "fuzzy". So critical focus isn't that necessary with the guiding scope. Close works well.
In fact, once I did my initial adjustment with my Mini Guide Scope I haven't touched it since. (It is working excellent, too)
If you think some PHD instruction might be benificial, I can offer you the two YouTube video's that nailed Autoguiding with PHD for me. PHD Basics Part 1, and PHD Basics Part 2
However... Under the focusing drive there is normally an allen head screw that adjusts the tension of the focus adjuster to the focusing tube. Very slight adjustments of that screw can change the friction and make it drive the tube better.
It is in the center of the mechanism, under the telescope.
A call to Orion tech support and they can walk you through it.
They are nice folks to talk to as well.
Congratulations on a great guiding system. A few minor pangs and you'll be amazing yourself. ;)
Nov 27, 2015 12:49:58 #
Thanks Sonny for all the info, ill try out the YouTube links as well as the tension screw. Too bad weather is not cooperating, would have been nice to play around over the long weekend.
Nov 27, 2015 15:24:29 #
Europa wrote:
Thanks Sonny for all the info, ill try out the YouTube links as well as the tension screw. Too bad weather is not cooperating, would have been nice to play around over the long weekend.
Yesterday was poopy out here. even a smidgen of rain over at the Son's house for dinner.
But no rain at my house.
And clear and windy a bit today.
May be a good night today.
:? :?:
Nov 27, 2015 17:27:52 #
Europa wrote:
I took the chance of getting a few hours in...great results, huh?
But on a serious note, I purchased the Orion Awesome Autoguider Package, for those of you that have this, do you have any problems with the focuser? Mine will extend out, but it will not pull back in, I have to push the focus tube back in.
But on a serious note, I purchased the Orion Awesome Autoguider Package, for those of you that have this, do you have any problems with the focuser? Mine will extend out, but it will not pull back in, I have to push the focus tube back in.
Ok, all I see is a snow storm inside of a pure white cloud.
Is there an issue with the attachment?
Nov 27, 2015 17:32:56 #
You pretty much nailed it. Maybe the skies will stay clear long enough tonight to try it out.
Nov 27, 2015 20:23:30 #
I'm set up and doing my alignment.
Glad you have it working. Hope you can catch some more of your outstanding Astrophotography.
My aim is to play with some filters tonight to see what I can suck out of the sky.
Have fun!
Clear skies! :)
Glad you have it working. Hope you can catch some more of your outstanding Astrophotography.
My aim is to play with some filters tonight to see what I can suck out of the sky.
Have fun!
Clear skies! :)
Nov 27, 2015 21:40:19 #
Setup, focused, not aligned yet. But going through the you tube videos now...have fun tonight!
Nov 27, 2015 23:57:08 #
I chose to try for the Vail Nebula.
So far, so good. going for a 1000 second, after an 800s looked fairly good, for me. ;)
Best of luck to you Europa!
Yes, I think the Youtube videos can help a lot!
Still, I spent several nights fine tuning mine to my mount and scope.
The settings that seem to be working for me, with my AVX,
RA: Agr 30; Hys 20; MnMo 0.30
DEC: Agr 30; MnMo 0.30
Scope: Mx RA 2000 Mx DEC 2000 and AUTO
I've used those settings now for several nights, no complaints.
I'm shooting through a Baader H-alpha filter, and can make out the Vail in RAW and now trying color with my G3.
If I get anything post worthy, I'll put it in a separate post to share.
Unlike Matthew Dixon, I find that when a graph has matured and stabilized the trendlines are nice for a check on how tight the tracking is running.
So far, so good. going for a 1000 second, after an 800s looked fairly good, for me. ;)
Best of luck to you Europa!
Yes, I think the Youtube videos can help a lot!
Still, I spent several nights fine tuning mine to my mount and scope.
The settings that seem to be working for me, with my AVX,
RA: Agr 30; Hys 20; MnMo 0.30
DEC: Agr 30; MnMo 0.30
Scope: Mx RA 2000 Mx DEC 2000 and AUTO
I've used those settings now for several nights, no complaints.
I'm shooting through a Baader H-alpha filter, and can make out the Vail in RAW and now trying color with my G3.
If I get anything post worthy, I'll put it in a separate post to share.
Unlike Matthew Dixon, I find that when a graph has matured and stabilized the trendlines are nice for a check on how tight the tracking is running.
Nov 28, 2015 07:53:14 #
I also have the same short tube 80 refractor that comes with your setup. The focuser is horrible but thankfully it must only be focused once, unless moved. If racked out all the way the gears must be pushed back into contact for it to work properly.
The best advice has already been given, once focus is achieved lock down the focuser to limit its travel and all will be good. If using PHD perfect focus is not needed since it measures and guides from a star's centroid.
I have since mothballed my ST80 as a guide scope for a refractor I could also image with.
Matthew
P.S. I think the people/posters of UHH have been very helpful and friendly in many different avenues of questions and concerns I have shared.
The best advice has already been given, once focus is achieved lock down the focuser to limit its travel and all will be good. If using PHD perfect focus is not needed since it measures and guides from a star's centroid.
I have since mothballed my ST80 as a guide scope for a refractor I could also image with.
Matthew
P.S. I think the people/posters of UHH have been very helpful and friendly in many different avenues of questions and concerns I have shared.
Nov 28, 2015 10:22:05 #
Thanks for the info, it is a combo of the tension needing adjustment and the fact that the focuser is not very good. But it is useable. Again thanks for everyone's input.
Dec 2, 2015 18:07:46 #
Sonny, do you use a Celestron Mount with your SSAG? If so, did you have to reconfig the pins? On the CGE, it appears that pins 3 and 6 are switched. (The CGE Pro does not have a designated Autoguider, just 2 Aux jax. Thanks.
Dec 2, 2015 19:03:51 #
Europa wrote:
Sonny, do you use a Celestron Mount with your SSAG? If so, did you have to reconfig the pins? On the CGE, it appears that pins 3 and 6 are switched. (The CGE Pro does not have a designated Autoguider, just 2 Aux jax. Thanks.
Yes I do.
My mount is a Celestron Advanced VX.
My telescope, SSAG, 50mm Guide Scope, and imaging train are all Orion.
They go right together. The SSAG camera has a USB, and SB-4 outputs. SB-4 is similar to a phone jack.
From Orion's site on the SSAG:
"Problem solved. The Orion StarShoot AutoGuider provides a user-friendly, dedicated autoguiding camera for long-exposure astrophotography. It's compatible with virtually any mount equipped with an autoguider port and comes with all the software and cables needed to work right out of the box!"
I don't know how your CGE Pro is supposed to have an autoguider camera connected to it. If you hurry, maybe you can catch Orion Support and ask about your mounts connection to the SSAG. 1-800-447-1001
Or try the Live Chat at the web site.
Orion has the best support I've found. What few times I have used them.
If your mount uses the NexStar remote, possibly the way in is with the connection to the bottom of the controller, via your computer.
But I bet Orion has the way.
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