Welcome to AstroCreation, a channel dedicated to amateur astronomy and astrophotography. My goal is to inspire more people to explore the wonders of the universe by sharing my experiences and knowledge of astrophotography. Through my videos, I aim to provide helpful tips and tricks for other amateurs looking to improve their astrophotography skills. I also invite my viewers to share their own insights and ideas, as I believe that collaboration and community are essential to advancing our understanding of the cosmos. Join me on this journey of discovery as I capture the beauty and majesty of the night sky. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on my latest content. Clear skies and happy stargazing!
Thanks! Brilliant kit and explanation. It probably took less than 30 minutes from unboxing to running some test flats. I took your advice and got one version larger than I strictly needed and it was definitely a good choice. I just wish there was an advanced sequencer item to turn anti-dew heater off/on. I don't think it is good to run all night.
Thank you for the comment! As of now, it is possible to control dew heater in NINA! I shared your comment with Wanderer Astro, and they responded that it is possible now. You can check out the manual with details. Basically you need to install a plug in in NINA that will be used to send commands to the flat panel. It can be setted up in advanced sequencer!
@@AstroCreation Oh wow, that's wild! Thanks for checking. I'll give it a try this weekend. I'm embarrassed to say I skipped over the latter half of the manual after setting up the open/close positions :(
I have a question about this. I want to take pictures and also use it visually on my lens, I plan to install it on the left side of the dual focuser, so if I install it, can I use the right side of the focuser mechanically, I asked the seller and they said it will lock the mechanical movement, meaning only 1 of the 2 can be selected.
Hi George, congratulations on so successfully jumping to the next level, the images are stupendous !!!. I just emailed you with a query about filters. Cheers !
George, in your video "A Detailed Look at 80mm SV550 APO Refractor Telescope" you mentioned a metal plate but did not much detail. If you could tell me the exact dimensions and retailer I would appreciate it.
Interesting camera, I like the silver color too. Please if you could consider making a video about the solar mod you did to your svbony 122, that would be great! Did you attached a presure tuned etalon at the rear end of the scope or was it a tilt tuned one? Is there an energy rejection filter inside the scope? Thanks, clear skies!
Thanks! I attached a pressure tuned one. I use UV/IR cut filter in front of the etalon as an ERF. I'll possibly make a video about this solar mod since a couple more people reached out about it too
Great video ! IMX 174 would be much more suitable with your particular setup ( for critical sampling ) I would personally ditch ADC and use 3x barlow for closeups instead ( just tilting camera slightly ) There are only two cameras which can be compared directly with this one - ZWO ASI 432M and Player one Apollo M Max ( there is also third new camera from Player one based on imx 428 coming next month, but it is much more expensive ) other cameras are TEC cooled so different category and price bracket . Cheap Amazon TEC mobile phone cooler does much better job ( only £15/$20 ) then this fitted SVbony cooler - mine for example keeps my Apollo M mini 12 degrees below ambient regardless of the load...
Hello, Bart! Thank you for your comment! I actually started with 3X Barlow Lens (SvBony SC213) once I finished my mod (you can see it it in some clips). 2x + ADC is a part of experiments and learning more about solar astrophotography. I might end up with an achromat telescope for that since I want to go back to deep sky imaging with 122mm APO Thanks for the advice about a cooler from Amazon. I'll check it out!
Thank you. One question, what software did you use with this camera for imaging? I have sv305c, which gives ungodly horizontal stripes acriss the screen in NINA. Ordered sv705 after watching your video :) Cheers!
@@AstroCreation my 705c arrived and saw the first light yesterday. Works much better than 305c. The problem is that achieving a good focus with sct 6se is a bit of a challenge, and as my other rig is asiair-centered, I need to build a decent software suite to serve my Celestron. Challenges are everywhere :) Cheers!
If other stupid planets are supposedly constantly orbiting the Sun, How tha fük are they magically sitting still in the sky long enough for you glerfs to make them out to be in fact planets & not just Stars? 🤣🤣🤣 Do they just magically all of sudden decide to sit still for photo & video ops? 😂😂
I have set up and have been running the flat panel for a few days BUT major issue when using advance sequencer in NINA. The flat panel isn’t closing at the end of my sequence. For days now it hasn’t closed. Have you experienced this?
Hello, Andy! I haven't tried it in the advanced sequencer yet primarily because I hadn't switched to it yet. I'll try it myself and see if it works or not.
Update: I have resolved the issue. The “Close flat panel” instruction in NINA cannot run in parallel with other instructions. It needs to be a standalone global instruction. I have tested a few times and everything now works as it should.
Thanks for this video! I have some questions: is it possible to mount the flat panel on the bottom side of the telescopes dew cap instead on the top? Isn't it possible in NINA to automatically control the brightness of the panel in the flat wizard? I think I remember that the Lacerta Flatbox Controller works in this mode: NINA flat wizard automatically controls the brightness and the imaging time of the flats to get good flats. Is there an INDI driver available fo the Wanderer Astro Flat Panel? Is it possible to manually open, close, switch on/off, dimm the flat panel e.g. via buttons, if you don't use a computer?
Hey Paul! Thank you for the comment! === I have some questions: is it possible to mount the flat panel on the bottom side of the telescopes dew cap instead on the top? === - Yes, it is possible; however, I would pay attention to bigger size panels. My guess is that the flat panel might not fully cover the lens due to the different weight distribution if it makes sense. === Isn't it possible in NINA to automatically control the brightness of the panel in the flat wizard? === - Yes, you can choose "dynamic brightness" mode in NINA and basically set desired exposure time you want to use for your flats. NINA will determine the required brightness then. === Is there an INDI driver available fo the Wanderer Astro Flat Panel? === - As I am aware, there is no INDI driver for this panel. === Is it possible to manually open, close, switch on/off, dimm the flat panel e.g. via buttons, if you don't use a computer? === - The flat panel doesn't have a hand controller to do so.
It might be an option for visual and your balancing has to be much better than perfect. I'm currently experimenting with my 10" SCT and EQ6-R Pro. I've even tried some deep sky astrophotography with it.
How do you plate solve with this filter in position ? What settings. Noticed your images have 0 gain. How can you see any stars for stacking ? I'm confused. With this filter in my image train I have to have 15 second exposures and 350 gain to see a few stars when platesolving. Very interested to know your settings . 😊 thanks
Plate solving goes easyly with IMX 571 sensor. For the last couple of weeks I've used sv405cc camera and I had to increase the exposure time to be able to plate solve with this filter.
This is a great review, thanks for sharing. I just checked on svbony's web site, they advise against using focal reducers on this 80mm triplet, that must be why you observed a bit of CA in your test images. I think if you try the Starizona 0.65x, the amount of CA could get worse.
Thank you for your comment! The reason I saw CA on my images captured with SV550 and SV193 is a lower quality optics in SV193 reducer. As you noticed, I had much better results (no CA) on my images with flattener. Starizona's optics in their reducer is great, and we shouldn't see any CA when using Starizona reducer and SV550 APO.
@@AstroCreation Thanks for your reply. Yes indeed, the Starizona 0.65x has ED glass on it. I think it's just a matter of trying (although svbony says the optics on this scope are designed to work well at f6. But, no harm in trying! ). Anyway, looking forward to your results if you get up to do it! Clear skies!
@AstroCreation ok, im assuming the mini you had doesn't project wifi? I was wondering if it was an extender. I'm using the mele overclock 4c. It creates it's own hotspot that is awesome for connecting to my inside laptop, but it is a bit limited in range. Also, did you notice any pinched optics in your time with the 550 80? I have nearly the same rig. I love it, but I get pretty heavy pinching around the edges. Using the 533mc, hate to see how bad it would be with full frame.
@@cheftonyt The reason I got the adapter is that the telescope is located on the other side of the house where Wi-Fi router is placed. I had wanted to have a strong signal, so I went with this wi-fi adapter solution. "Also, did you notice any pinched optics in your time with the 550 80?" - I used this scope with IMX 571 sensor and 1.0x flattener. Left corners of the image look good, while the right side is slightly off from being perfect. I assumed it's because I could have slight tilt in the camera. On the other hand, it's weird a little that you have "bad" corners with IMX 533 sensor. I've tested this telescope with IMX 533 sensor, and my corners looked good. Currently I am in the middle of making a full review video about 80mm SV550. I hope to finish with it by the end of this weekend.
Nice images! I have a 130mm ED APO reduced to 738mm using a 533MC, and an 80mm Petzval reduced to 451mm using a 2600 DUO (APSC). So it was interesting to see your result, thanks! I've taken the orion nebula, horsehead, rosette (and the sunflower galaxy) with both rigs, but I've never tried the elephant's trunk with my 130 APO yet. The big difference for me is that (thanks to harmonic drive mounts) the 80mm is completely 'grab and go'. It never gets dismantled, and in about 15 minutes its ready to use in the restricted space of my private balcony. The 130APO can be set up there too but its very tight, the danger of a crash is always present, and the best targets are usually out of sight. So the bigger rig is stored in soft luggage in a camping cart, and generally gets taken up to the roof terrace, where setup takes almost an hour. I have to guard it during capture and bring it in after taking flats at the end of the night. The ratio of use for each rig is about 5:1 and I'm usually running both when I take out the big APO. As the nearest dark (ish - Bortle 5) is 90 minutes drive away, I'm happy to have these options and to use dual/triband filters from convenience of my own (Bortle 7) location. I hope this helps people who are choosing between one of these options.
I noticed you attached a usb Wi-Fi antenna no? I assume you are not happy with the default mele Wi-Fi? I am not for sure :) Which usb Wi-Fi are you using?
The default Wi-Fi plate is ok. The reason is that the telescope is located on the other side of the house where Wi-Fi router is located. I want to have a strong signal, so I went with wi-fi adapter solution right away. I use TP-Link AC600 USB (amzn.to/3yh0Ti1) on all of my rigs.
Just checked out Amazon. It seems like there is a AC1300 version. Was that not available when you purchased or maybe some other reason you did not go with that?
@@tostativerdk I believe that longer antenna on adapter is better when we consider the distance from the wi-fi router. This is the reason I went with AC600.
3:59 I see you configures the same telescope with two different focal lenghts as two telescopes. However you can add a "lens" with a corresponding magnification and stellarium will do the conversion itself. That way you can also see how the same reducer effects diferent telescopes.
Is the Simpson strong tie enclosure like this: 8.26 x 0.32 x 40.64 cm; 662.24 g Part number=HRS416Z (amazon co uk). I think the steel is too heavy. I might cut an aluminium plate instead...Is 8.26cm width the same as your plate in the video ? Thanks.
Yes, I think it is the same one. I agree it is heavy, but in the meanwhile it is lighter then losmandy plates that some people use to mount the accessories. I also switched to different plates from Lowe's. I don't have a link on hand, but here is a timestamp to one of my videos where I show them: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0NJV1lyN8Cg.html
Nice video as usual. I was wondering how you manage power distribution. I am always short of a few 2.1mm ports. With mele pc, mounting securely is always a challenge for me, I tried a few solutions but it's always loose. Also, your link to 7 port usb hub is pointing to SV305. I know I am asking a lot of questions; I am trying to use NINA for my second rig. Thank You!
Thank you for your comment! About power: I use powerboxes. In particular, I got first version of Pegasus Powerbox on the 122mm APO, and I used Pegasus PowerBox Mini on the other telescope. Mounting mini PC: I have a video where I show the whole process of setting up my 122mm APO, and there I used screws to fix Mele PC on top. Here is a link with a time stamp: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0NJV1lyN8Cg.html At the same time, you can check out how I managed my power discribution there. Meanwhile, you can also use hanging strips to secure the Mini PC. Just make sure you attach it to a solid surface for better connection. "Also, your link to 7 port usb hub is pointing to SV305" - Thank you for pointing there! I fixed the link. As a comment on a USB hub, I've used this TP-Link 7 USB port hub for the last few years, and I have the same hub on all of my rigs. No issues with connection, nice body shape and position of USB ports for a better cable management.
I am impressed with how SvBony has improved their products over the past few years. Honestly, if you had told me 5-6 years ago that I would buy a 122mm APO from SvBony, I would have laughed. Well, in 2023, I bought their 122mm APO, and it is my favorite telescope now. What I like about them is that they seem to listen to their customers and feedback, making their products better. Here is an example with SV605MC camera. I bought it last year with banding issue. It has been a year, and the same camera performs much better. I didn't have to do anything but update the driver. p.s. I apologize for my late reply!
Also a happy Gemini owner here, very happy to have a new decent priced EAF option. Have you looked at the Juwei-17 or Scorpio filters yet? I have had the Juwei-17 for a few months, and am very interested in the Scorpio filters now that they are listed for sale.
Thank you for your comment! I haven't worked with the mount, but I have purchased the Scorpio filter, and I should receive it tomorrow! I doubt it has true 3nm bandwidth. We'll see after tests. Stay tuned!
@@AstroCreationvery interested in the filter test results, I went ahead and purchased the SHO set, but have no way to test them for accuracy. My main concern is halo performance. Maybe someday we'll get a halo exterminator tool though.
