SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

Hi Marc!
Yeah, everything was peachy, until Windows forced a bad update in and FUBAR'd my drivers.
Windows doesn't like having "other" programs and drivers in a computer they think is theirs.
What fixed my laptop was to restore it back to the factory installed software. After that everything is working well.
I can only stop windows updates for 5 weeks, it appears, so I guess I'll have to do due diligence to block them manually.
But for now, everything is finally working again. And NINA is working great and opening easily. Virtually one click steps, it sees my cameras as it should, and is going on its merry way when a sequence is started after camera cool down.
So, I tried over and over to restore it, but windows would run me into the same wall. I needed to go back to the original software to get things back to where it could allow my hardware to install with it's own drivers and software.
So far, I think I won.
Now, if this damnedable weather would just stop being a brat. All I need is clear evenings and it can be cloudy or rain the rest of the time.
I can see clearing ahead. But just like all of us, have to wait out the weather.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

Hi Richard,
No, no mirrors in my telescope. That is the beauty that attracted me to Refractors. They are basic, straight through telescopes that have nothing to affect the light, basically.
But bear a highest price due to the precision required with the lens.
With Astrophotography with a refractor it breaks down to the main lens, and the filters and camera effecting the image.
I'm not convinced yet I really have a problem per-se. My optics are clear and clean, and even with magnified examination I cannot locate any physical abnormalities.
Digitally playing with light has a lot of areas to bugger up the image. The haze was not apparent during the stacking and aligning. It just appears in the final image, suddenly.
But the pattern in both B&W images lead me to suspect the equipment.
What I really need now is some clear nights to work with. But then, people in hell would like some ice water, too.
Setting out this awful weather.
Thank You for your thoughts. It helps me to take a different perspective.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

Hi Ronnie!
Good to hear from you!
Yeah, Windoze really fubar'd my flow. I've been in the Windows Insider program for a number of years now. But can't say as I've ever had quite this bad of an experience with any of the updates before.
I have it fixed now. But not letting Windows stick any updates into my star gazing.

It's been an uphill battle with NINA. But now, with all ASI cameras and the electronic filter wheel and electronic focuser, I'm almost to where I could only dream of for all these years of dabbling.
The only thing I can see missing in NINA is the capability of scheduling it so I could go fully automatic. Or start at a scheduled time.
It has a delay start, but it is in Seconds.
But other wise, happy as a clam as long as I can keep Windows updates at bay.
Colorizing my Mono Camera captures is a lost cause. And getting my Atik Infinity (which is now healed) to work with NINA is an impossibility.
I'm not ready to make a giant step back to hand controlling everything like I used too, just to take OSC images. I'm spoiled on being able to just run my rig with NINA. I can add secondary targets on the fly.
I haven't figured out parking or a meridian flip yet. But not of great concern. NINA wants to park aimed South for some unknown reason. And who cares about a meridian flip?
Yep my Friend, Sometimes I'm chopping down trees with an axe, while my chainsaw sits silent.

Glad you have everything running good. Hope you can get some clear skies before hurricane season rolls up the coast.
I'm seeing some good weather predictions for this weekend. Keeping my fingers crossed.

stepping beyond Loc: usa eastcoast

I've been getting smoke alerts from that damn Canuk fire, it has got me so upset "it's bad enugh from the latino's behind me in the woods next to the RR traks. I want my cake all to myself without everyone else messing up the atmosphere.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

This is why I installed two dew heaters on my RedCat51 and the Uniguide 50 guide scope. I run them off of the 12 VDC outputs of the AIS AIR PLus.

Ballard Loc: Grass Valley, California

Nice shot.
I would recommend darken the background to remove some of the noise.