Another Soul

[MikeM]

After a month of clouds and rain I finally got out last night to test out the clubs new StarlightXpress SXVR-H18 camera. The camera is loaded with a CFW with LRGB, Ha,OIII & SII filters. Additionally it has an OAG with a Lodestar guide camera. The package is relative small but amazing light for all its complexity. With Jim and Les by my side we mounted it onto my Tak FSQ and after an initial concern of whether or not the filters were in the right slots I started imaging in  earnest.
This is 10x30m subs using only the Ha filter. A set of 10x2.5s flats were taken with a Gerd Neumann elp and only 1 dark was taken. The temp was set at -20 but as warm as it was last night I believe I was pushing the limits of the cooling. Later this week when it cools off a bit I plan on taking more darks because I find the image to be a bit noisy.
All in all I feel it was a very successful test image and the club will be glad to have such a fine instrument to image with.

[David (djrLX90)]

Mike,

That is a great shot and isn't the SXVR-H18 a killer camera.  It's relatively low price for the Camera/Wheel/OAG combo makes it hard to beat dollar for dollar !

Your image is great and I think it just needs more darks.  I use a master made from 30X1800 and set Maxim to auto scale them.  I have a warm set and a cool set to help controll the hot pixels.  That combined with dithering produces a real clean image.

I did end up adding the cooling enhancement attachment to mine.  It makes a HUGE difference and it is only $50.00

[El Paso Eric]

Looks great Mike!

[MikeM]

Thanks David/Eric.

@David - I agree it needs more darks, so once it cools off a bit I'm going to shoot some more. Also I failed to dither this time around and I believe it makes a big difference. Lastly what do you mean you have a "warm set and a cool set"?

[El Paso Eric]

Interesting that the SXVR-H18 has a user-adjustable CCD alignment, if the CCD plane ends up not being perfectly perfectly perpendicular to the optical axis.  It looks like a super camera.

[Jason C]

That cam is next on the list for big purchases! That looks pretty good Mike, I don't think we'll have much a problem with Image challenge entries this month! Nice work for your first go with the cam

[Bob Star]

Congrats on a fine image Mike!!!

Bob

[MikeM]

Thanks Jay and Bob!

[ccdastrovideo]

Mike.
Thank you taking taking on the challange and producing an exceptional first light image with the new setup.

Even with the moon blasting refective light on the obs wall and reflecting into the lens guard,  the image is a wonderful example of the filter / sensor capabilities. 

I'll recommed that we acquire the external fan for enhanced cooling.

With your permission, I would like to get this on the njaa website / astronotes as an incentive to members.

I will also put a few pics up that I took of you and Les preping the setup.

You and Les have been real assets to the organization. Your astro photography inspire's everyone and you guys are always willing to lend  a helping hand.

Thanks again...

Jim

[MikeM]

Hi Jim, thanks for the comment! It was a pleasure using this equipment and it will be a great addition to the club. Of course you can use the image for the njaa website. I am planning on shooting additional darks to try and clean up the image a touch more. PM me off line if you would like a different type or size of image (tiff, jpeg).

[Craig & Tammy]

Looking good Mike!