Firewire Camera - any experience

You will need a T-C adapter for your scope since the new camera has a c-mount connection thread,

Perfect! I'm sure I'll find that on the web or on ebay.

we’ll work out image scale and FOV after some brain food!

Keep in mind 20 -22'' dob!

Hi Frank
Here are some rough calculations regarding image scale and FOV for your new set-up. To work out your image scale the formula I use is: (206.265 / FLmm [Focal Length in millimetres]) x pixel size um (microns).
(206.265 / 1900) x 5.6 = ~0.61 arcsec

The FOV is found by simply multiplying the above value by your pixel array on your CCD camera. In your case the number of effective pixels is ~659 (H) x ~494 (V). Therefore H= (659 x 0.61) / 60 which equals ~6.7 arcmin, V= (494 x 0.61) / 60 which equals ~5.0 arcmin.
In summary: Field of view = 5.0 x 6.7 arcmins

Image scale: 0.61 arcsec per pixel (typically in Ireland ~3, ~5 arcsec seeing conditions), the image scale is over sampled (which is preferable to under sampled), ideally ~2, ~2.5 arc sec would be generally recommended.

If you are using the above FOV result you may be able to plug this value into whatever planetarium software package you currently use. I use the Sky6 which gives me a FOV indicator on screen with my particular scope + camera setup which can be very useful for framing.

Frank, I couldn’t deprive you of the fun of doing your own calculations for your new camera fitted to a 20” optical monster!

Clear skies
Mike

Frank, I couldn’t deprive you of the fun of doing your own calculations for your new camera fitted to a 20” optical monster!

well,
TBH
It's looking like it!

Thanks again for all that!!


Not to sound trite but I've seen what the likes of
Dave's 'Obsessionator' can achieve both in the visual and
photographic (depending on camera and pole lenght)
So yeah,
I have a clear idea of what I want to spend my mony on.

I've seen ppl here spend more on systems that offr less!!

I'm really waiting for the day Obsession
create a 'lite' version of the 20''
then I'm gonna buy it and fly to Chile!

Frank, I couldn’t deprive you of the fun of doing your own calculations for your new camera fitted to a 20” optical monster!

I wouldn't deprive him either
Looking forward to seeing the camera!

I'm really waiting for the day Obsession
create a 'lite' version of the 20''
then I'm gonna buy it and fly to Chile!

Dream on, but if I hadnt a big scope already I'd seriously consider the 18" ultralite, imagine it in the Canaries !!! :shock: (we need an emoticon for drooling!)

Guys
I’m so glad you’re on this forum, not only do I crack up laughing but also I admire your enthusiasm and what I have learned from you both.

Clear skies
Mike

Hi guys, nice discussion on cameras going here...

I went down the path of firewire monochrome camera + filter wheel a couple of years ago and I personally would never go back to a colour camera.

The advantages of monochrome+filters are many, including:

- full spatial resolution for each filter
- Your choice of filters - RGB, UV-pass, IR-pass etc, and chice from several filter suppliers
- You can set focus for each filter (important at very high magnifications) if you also have an electric PC-controlled focusser, eg the JMI SmartFocus.

- You can optimise the framerate for each filter, eg since jupiter is dimmer in blue you might choose a lower fps when capturing the blue channel.

eg here's an image taken yesterday morning with my Draonfly2 monochrome camera, using Astronomik RGB filters... Jupiter was at 40 degrees altitude just prior to sunrise, I doubt that this image would be possible with anything less.

regards, Bird