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Lion Nebula SH2-132 - RC71

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Posts Made By: Robert Watters

September 16, 2008 03:39 AM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

Southern Milkyway

Posted By Robert Watters
A single 30 second tripod shot from our dark site last month. Looking SSW towards a smaller, near by city.

Canon 30D
ISO 1600
17mm @ F2.8


Robert

April 4, 2009 05:09 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Software

Posted By Robert Watters
After my first night out with my newly acquired SBIG CCD (used ST8-E), I've quickly come to the realization that CCDOPS isn't going to cut it! So, what is everyone using for SBIG camera control software?
I'm aware of MaximDL but it's quite pricey. I'm not sure if a used version of MaximDL 4 from someone that's upgraded to V5 is something that's attainable or allowed. Are there any other alternatives that allow dual chip control, cheaper hopefully?


Thanks,
Robert

April 24, 2009 02:25 AM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Yellow-rumped Warblers

Posted By Robert Watters
A lot of these little guys traveling through our area right now.



Enjoy
Robert

April 25, 2009 01:23 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

M13 and first light

Posted By Robert Watters
More or less first light with my first SBIG camera (parallel ST-8E), at least worth posting. Have to do some more work with CCDsoft before I get comfortable with it. Blooms are something to address. I tried Ron Wodaski's debloomer plug in for CCDsoft but could not get it to work at all. Some kind of library error. Anyone with alternate solutions, don't hold back. smile

4 x 120seconds
AP140 prototype
Losmandy G11 (non goto)


Comment greatly appreciated,
Robert

May 13, 2009 03:37 AM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Great Egrets

Posted By Robert Watters
A couple of shots of Great Egrets I took 2 weeks ago while visiting some of the back waters of the Mississippi near Thomson, IL.


Comments welcome,
Robert

August 4, 2009 12:02 AM Forum: Insects - Flowers and Other Small Stuff - Photos

Summer color

Posted By Robert Watters
I haven't posted anything in a while so here a few easy targets (potted deck flowers). smile


Robert

August 15, 2009 05:36 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Capture software?

Posted By Robert Watters
What is everyone using for capture software with the Phillips web cam cameras?
I just bought a Phillips SPC900NC to attempt some planetary imaging. Also, is Registax still considered one of the better stacking and processing software's?


Thanks,
Robert

August 27, 2009 01:19 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Field power?

Posted By Robert Watters
Hi guys,
What is everyone using to run your laptop, SBIG camera, and mount at your remote sites?

Equipment:
ST8E camera
Dell Latitude D610 laptop
Losmandy G11 mount (non go-to)

I'm trying to figure out whether to purchase a 400w power inverter to run my laptop and ST8 off AC from the same 12V marine battery that runs the G11 or get dedicated DC cables for them (expensive!!). What combination will get the best battery life? I think my battery is rated at 95ah. The laptop AC adapter says 1.5a @ 110v and the AC adapter for the camera says 43w @ 115v, not sure what the mount needs. Some online power calculators seem to indicate only 3-4 hours of operation time, which seems awfully low.

Thanks,
Robert

September 28, 2009 01:09 AM Forum: Insects - Flowers and Other Small Stuff - Photos

Bugs!!!

Posted By Robert Watters
And flowers of course. wink

Haven't had the camera out much this year so I thought it was about time to get my fix of macro shots. All taken with Canon 30D and Canon 100mm F2.8 macro lens.


Comments welcome,
Robert

November 28, 2009 04:11 AM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Nygren Wetlands visit

Posted By Robert Watters
Here are some shots from my visit to Nygren Wetlands Preserve in northern IL today. We have a group of five Whooping Cranes here on a temporary stop from their migration south. They are most likely part of a project to re-establish their population, Operation Migration, from the brink of extinction in the 40's. Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin, along with many others raises chicks to adulthood and then leads them south with an Ultra-light aircraft to teach them the migration route. These five cranes must be from previous years because the ultra-light lead group passed through the area weeks ago. Here is a link to keep up with their progress:
http://www.operationmigration.org/Field_Journal.html

Anyway, very neat experience to see them in the wild and doing well.

Robert

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