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Lion Nebula SH2-132 - RC71

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Posts Made By: Robert Watters

March 12, 2003 04:30 AM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

Images of Columbia? Israeli satellite images

Posted By Robert Watters
You're right, I remember Apollo 13 now. I guess I was refering to the big flames and such.



Robert W.

March 14, 2003 12:36 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

CCD vs Film and resolution?

Posted By Robert Watters
Well, I want to thank everyone that participated in this somewhat "heated debate". It has confirmed my thoughts that this may have been one of those many "astro myths" (but maybe not until just recently with advances in the latest CCD technology).

Some of the galaxy work I see being done is incredible and I have never seen any film images of this image scale that come close to the detail and contrast. Some of it I think has to do with the long exsposures that are required for film and this has detrimental effects on fine detail.


Again thanks everyone,

Robert W.

March 27, 2003 11:29 PM Forum: Film Astrophotography - Imaging and Processing

Kodak Gold 200

Posted By Robert Watters
Hi Dom,

Check out Tony Hallas's web site he has a few shots with this film. I beleive he hypered it though.

http://www.astrophoto.com/AE.htm


Robert W.

March 27, 2003 11:56 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Fixing mount problem on C8 Deluxe

Posted By Robert Watters
It's been a while and I now use a G11 but the only thing I can remember is when you re-assemble it. Don't tighten the center nut too much because this controls the bearing pre-load. Too much and the RA movement will get stiff. Slowly tighten it while you move RA back and forth until you just start to feal some drag. You might need to re-adjust it after some use.


Hope this helps,
Robert W.

April 11, 2003 11:25 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

New Image: NGC 7000

Posted By Robert Watters
Stunning!!

I love these H-A images.


Robert W.

April 13, 2003 03:05 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Help w/ ST4

Posted By Robert Watters
I'm not familiar with the flashing zero method and have not heard of it before so I can't make a comment on that.

The proceedure I use when setting up is to get everything hooked up. As soon as I plug in the ST-4 I hit the "Interrupt" key so that the "Hello" message is displayed. I then go about other things that need to be done for 10-15 minutes, then I set some of the general settings including a exposure time I think I will use. By this time the camera has cooled and I can take my dark frame and then start the procedure for getting my guide star centered and doing calibration. If I have to change the exposure or something else I just cover the scope and take another dark frame.

I don't know if my proceedure is the "correct" way of doing it but it works for me and I hope it helps in some way.


Robert W.

April 19, 2003 01:58 AM Forum: Film Astrophotography - Imaging and Processing

vignetting....

Posted By Robert Watters
Here is my try.
In PhotoShop I used a gaussian blur with a radius of 14 after I rubber stamped out the bright objects. I then saved that as a separate file. I open both files and use "apply image" with the subtract method of blending. The blurred image is the source and the original is the target. 100% opacity and a offset of 40. I then used the levels to set color and contrast.


Robert W.

April 19, 2003 08:35 PM Forum: Film Astrophotography - Imaging and Processing

Pentax K-1000

Posted By Robert Watters
The K1000 is a good astro camera except that you can't change the focus screen so focussing can be a challenge. I've been using mine with good luck for a couple of years without any kind of focus aid but it might be something to consider. A 28mm and 135mm might be a good choice to start with. Later on you could look into the 200mm + range and a shutter release cable is a must.

If you plan on doing prime focus then you'll need a T-ring, and don't forget the OAG or guide scope, guiding reticle, a good chair, and plenty of patience. :-)


Robert W.

May 2, 2003 10:46 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Ok Mr Hapeman, what is this?

Posted By Robert Watters
It's a Dragon Fly in my neck of the woods.


BTW, nice pic.



Robert W.

May 4, 2003 09:28 PM Forum: Film Astrophotography - Imaging and Processing

Pentax K1000

Posted By Robert Watters
I've been using my K1000 for several years now and most of the time I do fine. I've had a few bloopers here and there but for the most part that has been with the longer focal length of a C8.

As far as options, there are none when talking specifically about the K1000 focus screen. It can't be changed. There are focus aids on the market or some that can be made by yourself. Hartman mask is one that can be made easily or bought. STI makes a pretty good unit that uses Ronchi grating. Then there is knife edge focusing which has a current thread going:

http://www.astromart.com/messages.asp?message_id=68336&page=

You should be fine just using the the focus screen and short focal lenth lenses and scopes. I have no problem up to 400mm. After that you might want to use one of the many different types of focus aids.


Robert W.

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