Tested some new Lodestar software last night on a couple of DSOs via my 12" LX200 - the new Starlight CCD is uncooled [hot-pixel prone] and primarily for guiding but it proves very sensitive for direct imaging too as this 2m shot of M57. Darks used to remove hot pixels but no flats
Here's remote globular NGC 7006 in Del in 3m exposure - at gross mag 10.6 - its brightest stars m[v]15.6 down to average m[v]18.8 so is a very difficult object to resolve visually even in much larger scope than my 12-inch
Nice shots. What reducer are you using? I use an older F6.3 Celestron reducer that is pretty darn good.
I was imaging last night for the first time in years (been using small Newts/refractors) with the 12" LX200 classic as well and had a hard time getting it focused. I think it is pretty obvious I need to ad a fine focuser like a GSO/WO etc.
Jason
-------------------- Jason
Volunteer Administrator for
Fox Park Public Observatory
Jason - I've both Meade FRs eg f/6.3 and f/3.3 for my f/10 LX200 and currently using latter with short extension tube to CCD to push the f/ratio 'speed' to an even faster f/2.9 but then vignetting [shading to edge] can be a problem and needs near perfect 'flat' for imaging. Focus has never been an issue with FRs