ATK - 16IC CCD

So the ATIK came yestaerday after languishing in the depoit of (An post for a few days). I was out practically all night with it in the garden and I must say i am very much impressed with my new toy

It is easy to use and get to know your way around with. The capture software which is supplied with it is called Artimiscapture which is quite simply and also very intuitive. The camera is USB 1.1 but is powered seperately from your powertank which is handy so it does not draw down much needed laptop time. Images take 3 seconds to down load which is someting I need to get used to especially trying to focus and centre.

For software I am using deepsky stacker which handles the stacking and derotation quite well.

First light was with M53, (security light and trees in the neighbours garden was obliging). I stacked 40 subframes in the end in dss and used x2 drizzle. Im still messing around with this software clicking this unclicking that etc so maybe I will get a better pic later on:)

Anyway heres the my first attempt.... litteraly straight out of the box.

m53 and m13
farm2.static.flickr.com/1304/537055986_0baf49aac6.jpg

farm2.static.flickr.com/1192/537283085_2d8ec494a8.jpg

Dave - what were your exposure times?

Seems tracking could be a bit better - possibly focus too. However, straight out of the box? - these are good images.

bHi

M13 was 46 x 20s and M53 was 56 x 25s exposure.

I know what you mean about the tracking as I was unable to pick the most ideal alignment stars at the start. Focus can also be worked on.

DB

Jeez Dave those are great for a first light. When I was talking to you last night as you were taking the shots I had no idea the results would be that good.

Looks like you'll be on the boards with more stunning shots in the near. Anyone who can offer Dave any advice on shooting with the Atik and his LX90? Should a wedge be his next area of investment?