Truly basic problems

[dsnay]

Hi guys,

Since you've all been so successful this season and I've not, I thought I'd post a plea for help. My biggest problem (okay, nothing else matters if I can't get past this one) seems to be getting initial focus. Last night, for example, I was unable to get a steady image on the screen. It just seemed to be in constant motion, sort of like it was oozing around on the monitor. I used exposure settings as low as .008 and as high as .022 and nothing seemed to settle it down.

The image looked nice and crisp and pretty darn steady through the EP, but not on the monitor. I've got a pretty zippy Toshiba Satellite laptop connected to the LPI via the USB, so I don't think there's an issue there. I've even got two USB cables and tried both.

Could it be because I'm in alt/az mode?

When I get to my laptop, I'll add a sample of what I get when I stack some of my Jupiter images from last night. They're nothing like what Ken posted earlier today. That's what makes me sure I'm either doing something wrong or my LPI has gone south for the Winter. It's nosepiece has come loose quite often....

thanks,
Dave

[dsnay]

Okay, here's the image I promised. It's really pretty poor, but at least it will let you know where I'm at.

http://fototime.com/0054C84F8273713/standard.jpg

thanks again,
Dave

[kensamiam]

Dave, i replied to you in detail in another post a few minutes ago, think it was in my Jupiter post.

If you want , i can give you a cll or vice versa, help you out.

I dont save images then stack them, i let the LPI program auto stack/align.  It works really good.

also, your exposure settings seem a bit low...as i remember using exposure settings a bit higher than what you stated.

Let me know,  Ken

[dsnay]

I didn't realize autostarsuite would stack them all. I thought it would only generate images along the way. hmmm.
I'll have to take another look.

thanks,
Dave

[kensamiam]

yep, it auto stacks/aligns!

I think that alone will give you some very very good results!

I was out last night, shot a few of Saturn, Jupiter...but couldnt use the Barlow.

My daughter took a few thru her ETX 70....im gonna post them, she will get a kick out of it.

ken

[dsnay]

Ken,

I wonder if the stacking/aligning of ALL images happens for you because you're not saving every image. My understanding was that it would only combine every 10 images and save those. I don't have any idea why I thought that.

thanks,
Dave

[kensamiam]

ahhhhhhhhh.......i see.

While it will let you save each image, for stacking/aligning later.....which some may prefer, i uncheck that box, and let the program stack the images.

What happens is this:  the first ten images that meet the "quality" setting youve predetermined (i like to start at 70% or so) establish an "evaluation" of the image.  (and are aligned/stacked)

Any subsequent images that meet the "quality" level, are aligned and stacked automatically.  You can sometimes get 100-200 images auto stacked/aligned "on the fly" within 2 to 3 min.  As this occurs you gain more "information" that is added to the final image.

When you click "stop" you have a final image.  And you have only that final image instead of 200 seperate images.  

I can see now why you have had some difficulty!  

You are gonna cry when you see how easy this is.

Many images , if you get the contrast/brightness right, will need no processing at all!

I suggest you uncheck the "save every image" box,  check the "slign/combine" box, and youll really be amazed at your results!  

If you want to give me a call via phone , let me know.  I can easily set you up in your program...probably take all of 5 min.

Youve have not been taking advantage of the best features of the Autostar Suite for your camera...you are gonna chuckle when u get it set up right.  Its sooooo easy..(once you get a good focus!)

Let me know, i can PM you my number,

Ken

[dsnay]

Thanks Ken,

I was out yesterday afternoon and was unable to get a clear image of my neighbor's roof. In the past, I've been able to get a nice clear, steady image of less stable objects than that. That's why I think my chip might have gone on vacation.

I think you looked at my Saturn images I made late last year. You can see that I was able to generate some fairly crisp images at that time. Now I can't come close.

I'll be talking to the folks at OPT later today. I might just pick up another one since the price has dropped down to $99 over there.

thanks again,
Dave

[kensamiam]

ok, just thought id try to save you the trouble, since it looks like you have not tried the imager using its full programming power.

I was never able to get "sharp " pics of most terrestrial objects., for a variety of reasons.....

Either way, i hope u get it all working!  Clouds/rain have rolled in here, so im out of the imaging business for a while!

Let me know what turns up/out!

Ken

[dsnay]

Ken,

After a call to Mike Fowler at OPT and a call to Meade the LPI is on its way back for repair/replacement. I should have the replacement within the month, assuming I don't go get a used one on Astromart before then just so I can have a backup....

As far as not using the LPI to its full potential, I'm not sure about that. By saving every image and then using something like Registax to align/combine them I've got more control over the individual images. 'course it is hard to argue with your results!

thanks,
Dave

[kensamiam]

Cool, glad you are getting it worked out.

As for which method to use....i assume you can get better results with the save every/then stack method.  Im just not very experienced with that.

The LPI/Autostar Suite will likely shock you, after you try it/get your camera back.

With good conditions, its surprisingly good.  Im excited for you to try it....i think youll like the ease of auto aligning/combining a couple hundred pics....with the push of a button.

Youll be shocked, i promise!!

hahaha

Ken

[dsnay]

Hey Ken,

Is there any way to tell how many images went into making any given composite created by the autostarsuite software?

Dave

[kensamiam]

Absolutely.  Theres a counter in the bottom right corner that tells you how many images have met your set quality standard/been stacked.  The manual says 50 will give you 90 percent of your quality on any given image.  Ive used up to 300 images.  Usually approx 70 to 80.

Ken

[kensamiam]

oops, bottom LEFT corner.

Ken