Me and my Junk

[katodog]

Hello everyone. I'm new here, so I figured why not start my newbie-ness by showing my ugly mug and the cheapo equipment I use.

Seriously, though, I've been into astronomy since I was a kid, and only within the past few years have I had the opportunity to get some decent equipment and really enjoy the hobby. So, here I am, enjoy...


Me with the latest toy, a Meade 12" LX200R





My LXD75 AR6-AT and Astro Tech AT80 on top





The 200R with the AT80 and the Orion 100mm achro on top

[john]

wow those are some really nice scopes!great collection!

[neilfleming]

Nice setup! Any good astrophotos yet?

Regards...Neil

[katodog]

Good astro photos?? I guess that's a matter of opinion. I personally am never satisfied with most of my astro shots, but everyone else seems to like them. I am, or was,l a professional artist, and it's a common thing that most artists don't like their own stuff, so I guess that translates to my astro pics, too.

But, I do have quite a few Moon shots that really wow me, and some recent Jupiter pics, even though Jupiter looks like crud lately.

Here's two shots from last night and the night before. I use a Fuji S5100 DSLR, and it tends to add some goofy color sometimes, but the shots come out okay. These were with the 12" SCT.







Here's one of my favorite Moon shots from the AR6






If you guys want to see more, just look at my (katodog) PhotoBucket account. There's all kinds of stuff in there.

[neilfleming]

Good stuff, kat.

On the second shot of Jupiter, you can try aligning the blue and red channels to the green. This can be done either in Photoshop or Registax.

That LX200R is capable of some great images.

...Neil

[katodog]

Yup, I normally use REgistax RGB align, and it really doesn't make too much difference. I use Paint Shop Pro, PhotoShop CS2, and they all do pretty much the same thing. Close, but no cigar. I've learned to look past the crappy color the camera throws in. The shots are actually pretty good once you get past that.

I had a DSI, but it wasn't my cup of tea. I prefer visual stuff, and the DSLR just to record some stuff for myself and my memories.

[katodog]

Here is the latest to be added to my junk. Everything got sold off, so the only thing left is the LX200R, the LXD75, and this new beauty...






William Optics Megrez 110ED Doublet.

[JMS]

Here's one of my setups. The NP was borrowed for a few months and it was great to image with.

Joe

[katodog]

Sure doesn't seem like a lot of people like to show off their equipment. Well, I like to show off. Nothing too new, but I added an eyepiece tray and monitor holder to the forks of the SCT, and an ADM MDS counterweight system to the bottom...










The shots were when I had the Megrez off the scope, but now it's back on.

[katodog]

I was getting sick of having astro gear flopping around in the back of the van when we traveled, so I made a case to hold the ADM counterweights and tube rings. I also have a RACI finder in the case as well. Still have room for more stuff, too. I used pieces of ADM dovetail bars, that Anthony was gracious enough to send me, to hold the gear in place.