SharpCap Forums

Hi Menno,

You wrote: "On filters: would a IR/UV Cut filter do any good or harm in this case?"
I think if you are using a standard luminance filter, that it automatically cuts off the IR and UV.

Brian

Hi Tim, You wrote: "Maybe the way to approach getting the IFN in the same picture as one that includes M81 is to go for high dynamic range compositions with a wide range of exposure lengths?" Yes, that is the way to go, although you may only need two exposures as demonstrated in this video...

M92_W12-20x60s-b1_R-14x120s-b1_G-8x120s-b1_CBG-CSC-B-R-0.1_ST-15-5-0_SA-35-15_SH-1_G-94-v5.jpg Wratten #12: 20x60s Red: 14x120s Green: 8x120s 64 minutes Total Integration Time. Anyone who follows me knows that I am a glutton for punishment. I have a 50 year old equatorial mount which presents ample...

I'd like you to try PA again, but there is no reason to spend hours trying. Run "Tools -> Plate Solve" as just another test. I'm curious to know where the guide cam is pointing, and whether SC can successfully plate solve the polar region. Also, what exposure and gain are you using? Most p...

Also, can you do the following: Click "Tools -> Plate Solve". It employs a different plate solving routine. If successful it will show the solution coordinates in the status bar. Click the "Copy" button to copy it to the clipboard. Save it somewhere so that you can post it here l...

"Maybe we should now open a new branch of AP specifically for short exposure imaging"
Done:
Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA)
https://jareksastro.org/eaa.htm

I looked up the specs of your camera and guide scope. Your field-of-view is large enough. Next time you are out, can you capture a singe PNG image? I'll download and plate solve it at nova.astrometry.net. I want to make sure that your scope is pointing within 5 degrees of the pole.

Brian

"The camera is not cooled" -- I have an Altair GPCAM2 290M, not cooled, works great for polar alignment, guiding, and imaging More importantly, your field-of-view is only 0.64 deg x 0.48 deg (see attachment RED). That is your FOV with the Altair 72 EDF and Altair 130 camera. From experienc...

"I don'y know how I'd know when it was MS 12 deg."
-- Download for free Computer Aided Astronomy (C2A) to your laptop, search for "Moon" and wait for altitude to be less than -12
http://www.astrosurf.com/c2a/english/

"Is it normal that it has to be totally dark before Sharpcap works?"
-- I wait for the Sun's elevation to drop below -12 degrees.