Hi Dave, My main scope is a Meade LX200GPS 12". Like you, I have an Orion ShortTube 80 mm as the guide scope; it's mounted on a setup Guy Malmborg manufactured for me. I think you can find something on the Internet to hold the guide scope on the main scope. On the underside I have a Celestron counterweight bar assembly, which I think is no longer made. I use a five-pound weight. The Oceanside Photo and Telescope (OPT) site says they recommend the Losmandy DWS counterweight system, something I know nothing about. If I were you I'd contact OPT, which is where I buy nearly all my equipment, and talk about your gear -- they will give you solid, reliable recommendations. My main camera is an SBIG ST-402 ME, with color filter wheel, the cheapest SBIG makes; I am hoping to buy their new 8300 camera. My guide camera is Meade Deep Sky Imager (I don't remember if it's I or II variety, but either would work.) I have a lot of software. Mostly I use the free PHD Guiding with the guide scope. I control the main camera with MaxIM DL and use this program to process images (sometimes with a little help from PhotoShop Elements). A very important recent addition is the PemPro Software, which is great for better control of periodic error. I use Starry Night Pro 6 mostly to choose targets, but don't control the telescope with it. I learned that properly balancing the entire setup is vital. Best wishes, Joe --- On Sat, 12/11/10, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
From: Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> Subject: [Utah-astronomy] For Joe Bauman To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Saturday, December 11, 2010, 12:02 PM Joe,
I know you have a Meade LX200 telescope. Would you describe your imaging set-up. I’m outfitting my classic LX200 10” scope and could use some advice on balancing the whole set-up. I’ve purchased an Orion 80mm short-tube refractor as my guide scope. I have an Orion Starshoot Pro color camera for the primary scope and an Orion Starshoot Planetary Imager and Autoguider for the guide scope. I have a Milburn wedge. I have an AC generator for power in the field. We talked about this a while back.
I’m sure I’ll need some counterbalance weights. What type of counterbalance set-up do you have? Also, what software do you use for imaging analysis? I can run either Windoze or Mac. However, I prefer Mac. Is there anything I’m missing? Do you have any preference for books of reference concerning imaging techniques?
Thanks,
Dave _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
Thanks Joe. I don’t have any of the software you mentioned except PHD Planetary and PHD Guiding. Both came with the guide scope. I have an ADM MDS mount for the ShortTube 80mm. MaxIM DL is a little out of my price range for the moment, but I will pick up a copy in the near future. I’ve never heard of PemPro. I need to look into that one. It may be cheaper than the TPoint add-on for TheSky. I have TheSky 6 Professional, TheSkyX Professional and Voyager 4.5 for picking targets and controlling the scope. I can use Voyager 4.5 for wireless control of the scope, which is nice. I may get the ADM MDS counterweight system and purchase an extra 1.75 pound weight. This will give me around 5.25 pounds as the counterweight that I can move around to achieve better balance. Thanks for getting back with me. You’ve helped quite a bit in the decision process. Now, all I need is some time to go out and train myself in astrophotography. My wife says it will be a good thing I’m out by myself trying to learn something and lucky for everyone else that I’m well out of earshot. Dave On Dec 11, 2010, at 1:21 PM, Joe Bauman wrote:
Hi Dave, My main scope is a Meade LX200GPS 12". Like you, I have an Orion ShortTube 80 mm as the guide scope; it's mounted on a setup Guy Malmborg manufactured for me. I think you can find something on the Internet to hold the guide scope on the main scope. On the underside I have a Celestron counterweight bar assembly, which I think is no longer made. I use a five-pound weight. The Oceanside Photo and Telescope (OPT) site says they recommend the Losmandy DWS counterweight system, something I know nothing about. If I were you I'd contact OPT, which is where I buy nearly all my equipment, and talk about your gear -- they will give you solid, reliable recommendations. My main camera is an SBIG ST-402 ME, with color filter wheel, the cheapest SBIG makes; I am hoping to buy their new 8300 camera. My guide camera is Meade Deep Sky Imager (I don't remember if it's I or II variety, but either would work.) I have a lot of software. Mostly I use the free PHD Guiding with the guide scope. I control the main camera with MaxIM DL and use this program to process images (sometimes with a little help from PhotoShop Elements). A very important recent addition is the PemPro Software, which is great for better control of periodic error. I use Starry Night Pro 6 mostly to choose targets, but don't control the telescope with it. I learned that properly balancing the entire setup is vital. Best wishes, Joe --- On Sat, 12/11/10, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
From: Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> Subject: [Utah-astronomy] For Joe Bauman To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Saturday, December 11, 2010, 12:02 PM Joe,
I know you have a Meade LX200 telescope. Would you describe your imaging set-up. I’m outfitting my classic LX200 10” scope and could use some advice on balancing the whole set-up. I’ve purchased an Orion 80mm short-tube refractor as my guide scope. I have an Orion Starshoot Pro color camera for the primary scope and an Orion Starshoot Planetary Imager and Autoguider for the guide scope. I have a Milburn wedge. I have an AC generator for power in the field. We talked about this a while back.
I’m sure I’ll need some counterbalance weights. What type of counterbalance set-up do you have? Also, what software do you use for imaging analysis? I can run either Windoze or Mac. However, I prefer Mac. Is there anything I’m missing? Do you have any preference for books of reference concerning imaging techniques?
Thanks,
Dave _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
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Joe, do you recommend a GOTO mount for astrophotography? Debbie On Sat, Dec 11, 2010 at 4:37 PM, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
Thanks Joe. I don’t have any of the software you mentioned except PHD Planetary and PHD Guiding. Both came with the guide scope. I have an ADM MDS mount for the ShortTube 80mm. MaxIM DL is a little out of my price range for the moment, but I will pick up a copy in the near future. I’ve never heard of PemPro. I need to look into that one. It may be cheaper than the TPoint add-on for TheSky. I have TheSky 6 Professional, TheSkyX Professional and Voyager 4.5 for picking targets and controlling the scope. I can use Voyager 4.5 for wireless control of the scope, which is nice. I may get the ADM MDS counterweight system and purchase an extra 1.75 pound weight. This will give me around 5.25 pounds as the counterweight that I can move around to achieve better balance.
Thanks for getting back with me. You’ve helped quite a bit in the decision process. Now, all I need is some time to go out and train myself in astrophotography. My wife says it will be a good thing I’m out by myself trying to learn something and lucky for everyone else that I’m well out of earshot.
Dave
On Dec 11, 2010, at 1:21 PM, Joe Bauman wrote:
Hi Dave, My main scope is a Meade LX200GPS 12". Like you, I have an Orion ShortTube 80 mm as the guide scope; it's mounted on a setup Guy Malmborg manufactured for me. I think you can find something on the Internet to hold the guide scope on the main scope. On the underside I have a Celestron counterweight bar assembly, which I think is no longer made. I use a five-pound weight. The Oceanside Photo and Telescope (OPT) site says they recommend the Losmandy DWS counterweight system, something I know nothing about. If I were you I'd contact OPT, which is where I buy nearly all my equipment, and talk about your gear -- they will give you solid, reliable recommendations. My main camera is an SBIG ST-402 ME, with color filter wheel, the cheapest SBIG makes; I am hoping to buy their new 8300 camera. My guide camera is Meade Deep Sky Imager (I don't remember if it's I or II variety, but either would work.) I have a lot of software. Mostly I use the free PHD Guiding with the guide scope. I control the main camera with MaxIM DL and use this program to process images (sometimes with a little help from PhotoShop Elements). A very important recent addition is the PemPro Software, which is great for better control of periodic error. I use Starry Night Pro 6 mostly to choose targets, but don't control the telescope with it. I learned that properly balancing the entire setup is vital. Best wishes, Joe --- On Sat, 12/11/10, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
From: Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> Subject: [Utah-astronomy] For Joe Bauman To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Saturday, December 11, 2010, 12:02 PM Joe,
I know you have a Meade LX200 telescope. Would you describe your imaging set-up. I’m outfitting my classic LX200 10” scope and could use some advice on balancing the whole set-up. I’ve purchased an Orion 80mm short-tube refractor as my guide scope. I have an Orion Starshoot Pro color camera for the primary scope and an Orion Starshoot Planetary Imager and Autoguider for the guide scope. I have a Milburn wedge. I have an AC generator for power in the field. We talked about this a while back.
I’m sure I’ll need some counterbalance weights. What type of counterbalance set-up do you have? Also, what software do you use for imaging analysis? I can run either Windoze or Mac. However, I prefer Mac. Is there anything I’m missing? Do you have any preference for books of reference concerning imaging techniques?
Thanks,
Dave _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
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Hi Deb, I'm certainly no expert, but I love my GOTO because I'm so poor with knowing the stars and constellation, it's about the only way I can find anything (comes with being somewhat dyslexic. Best wishes, Joe --- On Sat, 12/11/10, Debbie <astrodeb@beyondbb.com> wrote:
From: Debbie <astrodeb@beyondbb.com> Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] For Joe Bauman To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Saturday, December 11, 2010, 6:40 PM Joe, do you recommend a GOTO mount for astrophotography?
Debbie
On Sat, Dec 11, 2010 at 4:37 PM, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
Thanks Joe. I don’t have any of the software you mentioned except PHD Planetary and PHD Guiding. Both came with the guide scope. I have an ADM MDS mount for the ShortTube 80mm. MaxIM DL is a little out of my price range for the moment, but I will pick up a copy in the near future. I’ve never heard of PemPro. I need to look into that one. It may be cheaper than the TPoint add-on for TheSky. I have TheSky 6 Professional, TheSkyX Professional and Voyager 4.5 for picking targets and controlling the scope. I can use Voyager 4.5 for wireless control of the scope, which is nice. I may get the ADM MDS counterweight system and purchase an extra 1.75 pound weight. This will give me around 5.25 pounds as the counterweight that I can move around to achieve better balance.
Thanks for getting back with me. You’ve helped quite a bit in the decision process. Now, all I need is some time to go out and train myself in astrophotography. My wife says it will be a good thing I’m out by myself trying to learn something and lucky for everyone else that I’m well out of earshot.
Dave
On Dec 11, 2010, at 1:21 PM, Joe Bauman wrote:
Hi Dave, My main scope is a Meade LX200GPS 12". Like you, I have an Orion ShortTube 80 mm as the guide scope; it's mounted on a setup Guy Malmborg manufactured for me. I think you can find something on the Internet to hold the guide scope on the main scope. On the underside I have a Celestron counterweight bar assembly, which I think is no longer made. I use a five-pound weight. The Oceanside Photo and Telescope (OPT) site says they recommend the Losmandy DWS counterweight system, something I know nothing about. If I were you I'd contact OPT, which is where I buy nearly all my equipment, and talk about your gear -- they will give you solid, reliable recommendations. My main camera is an SBIG ST-402 ME, with color filter wheel, the cheapest SBIG makes; I am hoping to buy their new 8300 camera. My guide camera is Meade Deep Sky Imager (I don't remember if it's I or II variety, but either would work.) I have a lot of software. Mostly I use the free PHD Guiding with the guide scope. I control the main camera with MaxIM DL and use this program to process images (sometimes with a little help from PhotoShop Elements). A very important recent addition is the PemPro Software, which is great for better control of periodic error. I use Starry Night Pro 6 mostly to choose targets, but don't control the telescope with it. I learned that properly balancing the entire setup is vital. Best wishes, Joe --- On Sat, 12/11/10, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
From: Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> Subject: [Utah-astronomy] For Joe Bauman To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Saturday, December 11, 2010, 12:02 PM Joe,
I know you have a Meade LX200 telescope. Would you describe your imaging set-up. I’m outfitting my classic LX200 10” scope and could use some advice on balancing the whole set-up. I’ve purchased an Orion 80mm short-tube refractor as my guide scope. I have an Orion Starshoot Pro color camera for the primary scope and an Orion Starshoot Planetary Imager and Autoguider for the guide scope. I have a Milburn wedge. I have an AC generator for power in the field. We talked about this a while back.
I’m sure I’ll need some counterbalance weights. What type of counterbalance set-up do you have? Also, what software do you use for imaging analysis? I can run either Windoze or Mac. However, I prefer Mac. Is there anything I’m missing? Do you have any preference for books of reference concerning imaging techniques?
Thanks,
Dave
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Joe, you didn't mention the part of your setup where you clutch your rabbit's foot and pray to several minor deities for your Meade scope to start-up properly when you put the quarter in the slot (Joe has an early model). Just kidding! (he only prays to one obscure Hawaiian god)
HAWAIIAN? That's Rob. Try Marshallese! Yokwe yuk, Joe --- On Mon, 12/13/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] For Joe Bauman To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Monday, December 13, 2010, 2:12 PM Joe, you didn't mention the part of your setup where you clutch your rabbit's foot and pray to several minor deities for your Meade scope to start-up properly when you put the quarter in the slot (Joe has an early model).
Just kidding! (he only prays to one obscure Hawaiian god)
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
Dave, truly, talk to the people at OPT, because they have always given me the straight scoop, and I am absolutely no kind of an expert! Best wishes, Joe --- On Sat, 12/11/10, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
From: Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] For Joe Bauman To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Saturday, December 11, 2010, 5:37 PM Thanks Joe. I don’t have any of the software you mentioned except PHD Planetary and PHD Guiding. Both came with the guide scope. I have an ADM MDS mount for the ShortTube 80mm. MaxIM DL is a little out of my price range for the moment, but I will pick up a copy in the near future. I’ve never heard of PemPro. I need to look into that one. It may be cheaper than the TPoint add-on for TheSky. I have TheSky 6 Professional, TheSkyX Professional and Voyager 4.5 for picking targets and controlling the scope. I can use Voyager 4.5 for wireless control of the scope, which is nice. I may get the ADM MDS counterweight system and purchase an extra 1.75 pound weight. This will give me around 5.25 pounds as the counterweight that I can move around to achieve better balance.
Thanks for getting back with me. You’ve helped quite a bit in the decision process. Now, all I need is some time to go out and train myself in astrophotography. My wife says it will be a good thing I’m out by myself trying to learn something and lucky for everyone else that I’m well out of earshot.
Dave
On Dec 11, 2010, at 1:21 PM, Joe Bauman wrote:
Hi Dave, My main scope is a Meade LX200GPS 12". Like you, I have an Orion ShortTube 80 mm as the guide scope; it's mounted on a setup Guy Malmborg manufactured for me. I think you can find something on the Internet to hold the guide scope on the main scope. On the underside I have a Celestron counterweight bar assembly, which I think is no longer made. I use a five-pound weight. The Oceanside Photo and Telescope (OPT) site says they recommend the Losmandy DWS counterweight system, something I know nothing about. If I were you I'd contact OPT, which is where I buy nearly all my equipment, and talk about your gear -- they will give you solid, reliable recommendations. My main camera is an SBIG ST-402 ME, with color filter wheel, the cheapest SBIG makes; I am hoping to buy their new 8300 camera. My guide camera is Meade Deep Sky Imager (I don't remember if it's I or II variety, but either would work.) I have a lot of software. Mostly I use the free PHD Guiding with the guide scope. I control the main camera with MaxIM DL and use this program to process images (sometimes with a little help from PhotoShop Elements). A very important recent addition is the PemPro Software, which is great for better control of periodic error. I use Starry Night Pro 6 mostly to choose targets, but don't control the telescope with it. I learned that properly balancing the entire setup is vital. Best wishes, Joe --- On Sat, 12/11/10, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
From: Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> Subject: [Utah-astronomy] For Joe Bauman To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Saturday, December 11, 2010, 12:02 PM Joe,
I know you have a Meade LX200 telescope. Would you describe your imaging set-up. I’m outfitting my classic LX200 10” scope and could use some advice on balancing the whole set-up. I’ve purchased an Orion 80mm short-tube refractor as my guide scope. I have an Orion Starshoot Pro color camera for the primary scope and an Orion Starshoot Planetary Imager and Autoguider for the guide scope. I have a Milburn wedge. I have an AC generator for power in the field. We talked about this a while back.
I’m sure I’ll need some counterbalance weights. What type of counterbalance set-up do you have? Also, what software do you use for imaging analysis? I can run either Windoze or Mac. However, I prefer Mac. Is there anything I’m missing? Do you have any preference for books of reference concerning imaging techniques?
Thanks,
Dave _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
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participants (4)
-
Chuck Hards -
Dave Gary -
Debbie -
Joe Bauman