Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Technical => Topic started by: The Thing on Feb 22, 2010, 15:57:21

Title: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: The Thing on Feb 22, 2010, 15:57:21
Thanks to Chris for kicking me to reality over my guiding setup I just bought QHY5 from ModernAstronomy after having trouble imaging any guide stars at the weekend.

The forecast is rain and cloud and snow and mud, but since it was not a very costly camera the weather should improve by the weekend (we should be so lucky!).
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: MarkS on Feb 22, 2010, 16:14:31

Mac's photo shows you looking for guide stars during daylight. 
Or was the problem more subtle than that?

Mark
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: The Thing on Feb 22, 2010, 17:16:22
I was inspecting the piece of ground just behind the tripod as it felt like I was sinking into the hard standing. :roll:
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: Carole on Feb 22, 2010, 20:25:07
I'd be interested to hear how you get on with this, as I was thinking about buying one of these if I could not get the SC3 to behave. (It's caused me a lot of grief that camera).

Carole
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: RobertM on Feb 22, 2010, 22:18:57
I would certainly hold off and see how Duncan gets on Carole.  My thoughts on the QHY5 lasted 3 months which is when I swapped it for a Atik 16IC.  A lot of people get on with it just fine but I could not get enough sensitivity out of it, be it the drivers/guide scope or for whatever the reason.  I've been through 5-6 guide cameras seeking nirvana but have perhaps finally found it in the Lodestar...

Robert
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: Mac on Feb 23, 2010, 06:30:06
QuoteI've been through 5-6 guide cameras seeking nirvana but have perhaps finally found it in the Lodestar...

Nice piece of kit that loadstar. 8)

Mac.
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: Carole on Feb 23, 2010, 08:13:30
The Lodestar was another option I considered.  Nice to hear good reports about it.

Carole
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: Fay on Feb 23, 2010, 09:22:24
HOw do you hightlight in blue a comment you may want to refer to?
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: Mike on Feb 23, 2010, 09:30:33
The quote buttons
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: The Thing on Feb 23, 2010, 10:32:52
Well, the QHY5 just arrived, fantastic service from ModernAstronomy! I will let people know how I get on with it.
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: Fay on Feb 23, 2010, 10:39:00
Quote from: MarkS on Feb 22, 2010, 16:14:31

Mac's photo shows you looking for guide stars during daylight.  
Or was the problem more subtle than that?

Mark


Thanks Mike.

I thought this was funny Mark
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Feb 23, 2010, 17:48:16
Hi,

Dunc remember to bin it 2x2.

Chris
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: PhilB on Feb 24, 2010, 18:38:09
Quote from: Duncan on Feb 22, 2010, 15:57:21
.... the weather should improve by the weekend.

Oh, I do hope so ... I should have my new toy by then too!!
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: RobertM on Feb 24, 2010, 19:18:21
There seem to be a lot of new toys around so I fear for the w/e...

What's your new toy?
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: Mike on Feb 24, 2010, 21:14:28
Sorry to report that Mr. Whitmarsh has also bought a new toy.
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: PhilB on Feb 24, 2010, 21:45:48
Atik 320E with filter wheel. Should keep me quiet for a few hours
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: The Thing on Feb 24, 2010, 21:49:39
Maybe I had better 'bin' it and go back to my webcam. I seem to have sparked a rash of new toy acquisitions possibly leading to more atrocious weather, according to the perceived lore of such matters.
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: RobertM on Feb 24, 2010, 21:59:28
QuoteAtik 320E with filter wheel. Should keep me quiet for a few hours

Oooo, nice - but I don't suppose pick up your clear skies voucher at the same time did you  :-?

Duncan, our fate is sealed  :(
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: PhilB on Feb 24, 2010, 22:20:49
Do they do clear sky vouchers? If they do I bet they're expensive!
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: Carole on Feb 25, 2010, 08:48:03
I hate to tell you also, that work is starting today on the base and pier hole for my observatory.

Carole
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: doug on Feb 25, 2010, 09:54:10
Quote from: Fay on Feb 23, 2010, 09:22:24
HOw do you hightlight in blue a comment you may want to refer to?

      I am not trying to hi-jack the thread, Mike, but Fay asked the question which I have needed the answer to ......

      Doug.
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: Carole on Feb 25, 2010, 10:18:55
do you mean something like this Doug?
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: doug on Feb 25, 2010, 10:20:38

     No.  Like I put on my last post ....... highlighted  Fay`s quote.
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: mickw on Feb 25, 2010, 11:16:55
Mike answered the question Doug - the Quote button (looks like a bubble above the rolling eyes thing)
Highlight the text you want to highlight then click the "Quote" button like
Quotethis
To do as Carole suggested, highlight the text then click the "Change color" arrow and choose a colour like this

I would reckon this is a very good "First Hijack" - Obewan has taught you well  ;)
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: RobertM on Feb 25, 2010, 14:17:33
QuoteI hate to tell you also, that work is starting today on the base and pier hole for my observatory

This My Death Star observatory is now fully operational and can be powered up a moments notice!

In case anyone is wondering where Januarys bad weather came from...
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: MarkS on Feb 25, 2010, 14:40:39
Quote from: RobertM
My observatory is now fully operational and can be powered up a moments notice!

Excellent news!

Post a pic sometime ...
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: Rick on Feb 26, 2010, 09:43:44
You can of course do some very silly things with text colour, if time's no object...
Title: Re: Weather forecast for QHY5
Post by: PhilB on Feb 26, 2010, 15:14:43
Quote from: Carole on Feb 25, 2010, 08:48:03
I hate to tell you also, that work is starting today on the base and pier hole for my observatory.

Sorry, Carole, but it looks rather like your attempt to cause a rash of observatory building fell at the first!