After a couple of tests under lousy skies using
Well, it turns out that the apps were spot on. I did manage to PA with Sharpcap (even with some clouds). I wanted to try out a new imaging plan that I came up with where I would do a quick align with the AVX (no actual alignment), then run the
The plan worked! Talk about easy! No alignment on my part, just let
Well, I forgot one thing though, focus. So, I slewed to a nice star and focused using the Focus Aid. I tried using the Batinov mask, and failed. I think that I have that figured out for next time though.
Sent the scope back to M16 and solved and centered. Started imaging with the D5300 for 180 seconds at iso 400. Decent 1/4 to 1/3 from the left histogram, but M16 was right over town and my light frames were light orange.
Anyway, I managed 10 exposures before the clouds returned. The images went to heck along with the guiding. Like the hard head that I am, I stuck with it hoping that the clouds would clear and I could try an automated
The clouds came and went, but mostly hung around. I didn't image because the light frames were really washed out. When it came time for
Oh well, packed it in. This morning, I stacked the 10 light frames in
Actually, I am amazed that
Yes, a trashy image, but I am really excited about Astrophotography Tool and the D5300.
10 lights for 180 seconds at iso 400
no darks
10 bias
For some reason,
Without the color module, this is the result. Yes, poor, noisy and just not good all over, but for 30 minutes of poor light frames, I am hopeful.
I am happy that I at least have something to show for my evening. Need a bunch more than 10 exposures though!
Thanks for reading,
Jim