Suk Lee
Post Laureate
Reged: 10/07/03
Posts: 4315
Loc: Pleasanton, CA
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You can go up the back. It's a strenuous climb but (virtually) anybody can do it.
Same thing with imaging...
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http://www.siliconvalleyskies.com
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knuklhdastnmr
Pepperbelly
Reged: 02/24/05
Posts: 3579
Loc: Beerpuddle, Colorado
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I have finally had success at driving my telescope from the computer! Oh boy. Now I'll try imaging with my DSI. Woohoo!
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Knucklhead Astronomer
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote: "You could use the LPI as an autoguider for the DSI."
Cudos to Suk for a fantastic review. One of your essential elements was an autoguider. Would an LPI operating on a spare scope strapped to an 8" LX200 be a good practical way to get started in autoguiding?
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knuklhdastnmr
Pepperbelly
Reged: 02/24/05
Posts: 3579
Loc: Beerpuddle, Colorado
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I took Quark with me on vacation in Grand Lake, Colorado last week. I got two good nights in. The DSI imaging program linked right up and controlled the scope. I learned how really tiny the chip in the DSI is. You have to have the object dead center to get it on the chip. I got some images and some practice. No I won't post the images. They are not worth anybody's critique yet. I know what to do next. Aim straighter.
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Knucklhead Astronomer
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tcraig
sage
Reged: 02/19/05
Posts: 423
Loc: Northern Indiana
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I have a LPI and was wondering about this terrible learning curve that derails everybody. Is there another hard curve
when you step up to the DSI.
With the LPI I have had to deal with software, focus, and the goto mount as far as pointing accuracy. I felt that the LPI though not a great camera was a good way to cut my teeth on astrophotograghy. Is there a lot more to figure out as far as getting the DSI to take basic pictures.
I currently have no problem finding the dso that I can see
I assumed that once you where at that point and had your scope be able to follow them for 20-30 min that you could just pop the DSI in and take pics. Am I missing something
or reading too much in to this thread?
I am looking to upgrade to the DSI and just wanted to know.
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LXD75-SN10
Etx-60
LPI
300D
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knuklhdastnmr
Pepperbelly
Reged: 02/24/05
Posts: 3579
Loc: Beerpuddle, Colorado
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I don't think you're missing anything. However, with your LPI, you have already learned much of what I needed to learn starting with the DSI. If you are able to get images with the LPI, you probably won't have much, if any, new difficulty with the DSI. I don't know for sure, but I don't think there is that much different between the LPI and DSI in technique.
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Knucklhead Astronomer
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knuklhdastnmr
Pepperbelly
Reged: 02/24/05
Posts: 3579
Loc: Beerpuddle, Colorado
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Got three good nights in at a Star Party. By using the progressively higher eyepiece method I was able to center objects on the chip and start accumulating short exposure images. Now I have to figure out quiding. Oh, well one learning curve leads to another.
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Knucklhead Astronomer
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knuklhdastnmr
Pepperbelly
Reged: 02/24/05
Posts: 3579
Loc: Beerpuddle, Colorado
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I don't know if anybody is still reading this thread. If they are I'd like to report an unexpected bane and benefit to the Meade DSI.
The benefit, I have spent more time with my telescope and learned and relearned so many useful things: colimiation, polar alignment, focus, eyepieces, computers and skymap and telescope control software. I found things in my Autostar handbox that I never knew were there. The computer sky map and telescope control was a major revelation.
The bane: I have spent much more money than the cost of the DSI: focal reducer, Bob's Knobs, wedge, vibration pads, par focal rings, Autostar keypad repair kit, new telescope cover. (I could add the cost of additional star parties but I would have gone anyway, it was just more interesting.) The kicker is I still haven't captured an image that I am willing to share. I still feel like I'm close though.
I am still working on guiding. That is how I have learned so much about how the handbox works. I am more interested than ever. For example, I have spent the last two evenings on my back porch relearning polar alignment and how the handbox behaves with an equatorial mount. I have made some significant changes in how I use the handbox that are increasing the accuracy of location and the ability to hold the image steady. If I had waited for trips to dark sky sites and good conditions I would still be at an early stage. I have learned that, eventhough there is significant light pollution in my backyard, there is still much that I can pull out of the soup and practice on. I am also throughly enjoying the CN community. Everyone has been universally friendly, compassionate and encouraging.
When I finally capture a decent image, I'll be sure to post it here. In the meantime, thanks to everybody that has been so helpful.
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Knucklhead Astronomer
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Mr. Mac
super member
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 146
Loc: Henrico Co., Va.
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We're still reading K.A.
Thanks for sharing your experience and revelations with the DSI...can't wait to see those pictures! 
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Mac
8" Lx200GPS
WO Megrez 80FD
WO Binos
Canon Rebel XT
Unbridled enthusiasm
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knuklhdastnmr
Pepperbelly
Reged: 02/24/05
Posts: 3579
Loc: Beerpuddle, Colorado
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I'm working on it. Please tell me you're not holding your breath for them though. It may be some time yet. I wouldn't want all that pressure.
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Knucklhead Astronomer
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RichNH
professor emeritus
Reged: 05/06/05
Posts: 553
Loc: Brookline, New Hampshire, USA
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As long as you're having fun, that's all that counts. It would be interesting though to see the progression of images of a single object as you learn your way through the process. It would probably be supportive of others who try it out and get discouraged to see that if you work the process long enough, things improve.
Rich
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Meade LXD75 AT Schmidt-Newtonian 10"
Meade DSI Pro with filters, LPI
Celestron 8X56mm Ultima binoculars
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knuklhdastnmr
Pepperbelly
Reged: 02/24/05
Posts: 3579
Loc: Beerpuddle, Colorado
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Good idea. I have tried a couple of M13 and have them saved. The sky change with the seasons may tube that idea though. I'll keep it in mine and see how it goes.
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Knucklhead Astronomer
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