When I started with PHD2, I tried to do way too much at once, I jumped head first without doing a whole lot of research (I have that tendency), and it made me realize that I need to take things a little slower.
so with the basic setup of PHD2 pretty much done, I thought I would share a list of things I need/need to do, and possibly get some input from you all, before I make a trip to the dark site. I want it be as good as I can get it without it being my own fault for not thinking ahead and having everything I need. if you have any suggestions for what I should add or do, I would really appreciate it!
I also thought that, for the beginners here, from a beginner, I would share a brief summary of what I've gone through so far, and what beginners might expect when getting into astrophotography:
I purchased the Explore Scientific ED80 triplet
I did tons and tons of research. I learned about Polar alignment, guiding, stacking, processing, planning, and a lot more.
I purchased a T-ring + 2" adapter for my camera.
I purchased Celestron's PowerTank, which I probably won't use all that often.
I purchased a very expensive finder scope that I used like 3 times.
I purchased AC adapters for my camera and mount, which made things a lot better for my backyard.
I purchased a Bahtinov mask, which makes a WORLD of difference for focusing.
I've taken more useless pictures than I have useful ones, and learned light pollution and clouds suck.
I've spent hours upon hours playing around in photoshop, just to get a tiny bit more detail.
This last week, I purchased a plastic tote box to prevent dew from getting on my laptop, a lawn chair, and a portable table from Walmart.
I also purchased a ASI-ZWO120mm-Mini camera along with a cheap guide-scope, to learn how to auto guide. I have spent hours this last week learning PHD2, posting up in the PHD2 forums, and now I am here.
Here is the list of things I want to do before I hit the dark site, that I would love some advice on:
1. finish PHD2 setup: I had a good session tonight. 3 min. exposures (I don't think I could've gone much further, even at 400 ISO, b/c of my
2. Figure out how to Manage my cables.
2. Use SharpCap for polar alignment (I know the easiest/fastest PA option is probably with the QHY pole master, but I am hoping I can do it without spending +$250)
3. Use program like
4. Purchase portable power: Turns out there's a specialty battery store near my house. I'm going to head there this week.
5. purchase a field flattener: my stars are extending near the edge of my photos, and I hope this will fix it.
6. Purchase dew heaters: I have heard that you don't need dew heaters for the ED80, but the last few nights I have had terrible dew on my scope... I don't know if it is just my area. If anyone has a suggestion for an inexpensive option, I would be forever grateful.
I think that covers everything I can think of, so far. The last thing would be a
My goal is to get this all done by the October's new moon! I'm really bummed I won't be ready for the dark site this weekend, but I am also really excited because I know it will be a much better experience when I can go. Almost there! I look forwarding to sharing more pictures with you all... I'll be happy if they are 1/1000th as good as the pictures on this forum.
Thank you to everyone on this forum, who have been a tremendous help, and extremely nice about it... You all have a lot of patience for beginners, and I would not have been able to do all of this, especially so fast, with out you guys!
Clear skies to you!
