IC 405 Flaming Star Nebula

[Chuck]

I use the Orion version (QHY5L) in the Orion 162mm guide scope and the SV60EDS @ 5% gain, 1x1 bin. I used the Orion (QHY5L) in the COAG w/8EdgeHD at 40% gain, but 2x2 bin. Worked very well and was able to pick up stars easily after some trial and error learning how to use the COAG. I think Andy and a few others helped me on that aspect and the 2x2 bin was key.

Okay, thanks. That makes sense about the 2x2 bin being key as the pixel size on this camera is only 3.8 microns. Were you using the built-in guide port on the camera for guiding with PHD2 or with your laptop via ASCOM? Hope I got the latter terminology right as I haven't actually done this yet and am going by what I've read. Thanks.

---- Chuck

Chuck,

I don't use the ST4 port. Not needed and it adds another cable to manage.

Ron,

That's about what I thought, but had to ask as I'm only getting my info from reading at the moment.

[rjbokleman]

I received some additional feedback on Cloudy Nights on this image and have made some adjustments. I think Revision 'D' now looks better. Astrobin 'Revisions' allow you to put notes on what you did to improve the image, so you'll see those off to the right.

Basically, someone mentioned a 'Green' tint to the image and when I looked again...noticed they were 100% correct. I'd forgotten to run a PixInsight tool call SCNR w/Green which can help remove this green cast. I also boosted the Color Saturation of the stars a bit and made a slight Curves adjustment for contrast.

[DonB]

Ron,
I particularly like this thread. Mainly because I just purchased the iOptron EQ 45 last month. I haven't even set it up yet. Thanks for the heads up on some of the difficulties. But your image is awsome so in spite of those difficulties the mount seems to have preformed very nicely. I drove to Woburn and got a lesson in setting it up, but haven't had the chance to yet. My exposures will be with a DSLR and probably short at 5 minutes or so.I will use a video camera for other imaging, like plantes. I'll be using an Exporer Scientific 80mm triplet and a new Orioin 8" astropgraph with the DSLR. I also bought the 7 pound battery counter weight. But it looks like springtime will be the first time I'll get to use the set up.

Don

[rjbokleman]

Don,

That's great! I did the same thing. Drove up there for a visit and purchased the mount direct. I think I made a post about that last December...

I've really enjoyed using my iEQ45 Pro over the Celestron AVX. I found the AVX to be a great way to start without making a big investment, but now it's my visual, portable Go-To mount. Nothing wrong with that.

Now that I have the tri-pier for the iEQ45 Pro, it's been rock solid holding that +20lb scope plus all my other assorted gear. I'm probably around 30lbs all up on the 45lb mount.

Feel free to ping me with any questions you might have. The guys in Woburn are very helpful too.

Again, Congrats on the purchase!