Newcomer...

Hello all,

Just joined and thought I'd introduce myself with a few photos I took last night. Interesting what you can do with the off-the-shelf Canon EOS300D and lens. All shots taken on an LXD75 mount. A quick visual polar align was all that was needed at this resolution.

james.butler.name/weblog/astrodiary.html

I have only just returned to astronomy. I did take it at degree level but dropped out and went into AI. Semi-retired and moved to Kerry last year. Clear skies are a luxury here but as soon as I arrived and saw the Milky Way for the first time in my life (city boy!) I just had to get tooled-up. It's amazing what equipment amateurs have now.

I have an LPI and will put that to use on Saturn when I have ironed out a problem with the RA gear on the new LXD75. A 200mm fixed focal lens is on the way for the Canon.

James.

Hello all,

Just joined and thought I'd introduce myself with a few photos I took last night. Interesting what you can do with the off-the-shelf Canon EOS300D and lens. All shots taken on an LXD75 mount. A quick visual polar align was all that was needed at this resolution.

james.butler.name/weblog/astrodiary.html

I have only just returned to astronomy. I did take it at degree level but dropped out and went into AI. Semi-retired and moved to Kerry last year. Clear skies are a luxury here but as soon as I arrived and saw the Milky Way for the first time in my life (city boy!) I just had to get tooled-up. It's amazing what equipment amateurs have now.

I have an LPI and will put that to use on Saturn when I have ironed out a problem with the RA gear on the new LXD75. A 200mm fixed focal lens is on the way for the Canon.

James.

hi james,
welcome to the board. you have some nice shots there. just shows you how amazing that camera is in dark skies. you should look up the club in kerry listed on this site. it is always helpful to have people in your area with the same interest as you. keep up the good work.
stephen.

Great photos James. Just spent 20 mins playing "spot the constellations" and the odd deep sky object. Opps is it 9:50 am already :shock: better get back to work

I have an LPI and will put that to use on Saturn when I have ironed out a problem with the RA gear on the new LXD75. A 200mm fixed focal lens is on the way for the Canon.

Hi James,

Whats the problem with the mount? I have the LXD55 and have had to resolve a comple of mechanical issues with it.

Cheers,
~Al

Hi James,

Whats the problem with the mount? I have the LXD55 and have had to resolve a comple of mechanical issues with it.

Cheers,
~Al

Hello,

Actually I fixed the problem but am monitoring it. When I received the mount the RA motor would not mesh with the worm gear and when I remounted it the sensor wheel lost sensitivity. I had to dismantle it all and find a half-way that both parts of the system were happy with. It's not quite as smooth as the Dec motor but I'll keep tweeking until its perfect. It did the job last night though.

James.

Hi James,
Welcome to the IFAS site! Hope you find your time here both informative and ennjoyable.
Those are pretty decent images yuo have there.! Well done!
Clear skies,