Print Page - Alignment stars

Title: Alignment stars
Post by: Fay on Oct 07, 2011, 21:14:27

I have tried 4 times to get a decent veil, but stars have always been egg shaped with Cygnus at the zenith. Should I choose alignment stars in the west?

Fay

Title: Re: Alignment stars
Post by: Fay on Oct 07, 2011, 23:17:07

On reflection. I am at the zenith with Wizard & all stars now egg shaped, although guiding perfect. How can I find out what is slipping in the imaging train? What is the most likely cause

Thanks

Fay

Title: Re: Alignment stars
Post by: The Thing on Oct 08, 2011, 15:23:47

Probably just a screw loose. ;)

Check all your screws and bolts, particulary where tube rings fix to cross bars. I find the saddle plate on my LX90 works it's bolts loose no matter how I tighten them up - time for some loctite I think.

Title: Re: Alignment stars
Post by: Fay on Oct 08, 2011, 15:34:17

thanks Duncan will check

Title: Re: Alignment stars
Post by: RobertM on Oct 08, 2011, 20:46:15

Auto guiding only keeps whatever is rigidly fixed to the guide camera tracking the guide star so look at it from that perspective. Start at the guide camera and make sure that is fixed in place solidly with no drag from cables at all. Then work your way through all the mechanical connectors and optics - whatever moves could be a problem.

Hope that helps
Robert

Title: Re: Alignment stars
Post by: Fay on Oct 08, 2011, 20:52:21

Thank you Robert. Have to do something about it, as it is getting regular

Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Astrophotography => Topic started by: Fay on Oct 07, 2011, 21:14:27