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2. Setup SSHD and viewing device
as explained in viewing on TV or
Computer section.
3. Remove the eyepiece and insert
the SSHD (with 1.25" nosepiece)
into the 1.25" eyepiece holder on
your telescope.
4. If the image is white on the screen,
it's overexposed. Adjust luminance
submenu settings (ALC, Shutter
speeds, Gain) as needed to reduce
the brightness and blurring.
5. Focus telescope until you get a
sharp image on your computer screen.
6. Experiment with the different camera settings. First use the presets to
become familiar with each, then tune and resave each to get the best views
for your particular telescope.
recording Video
The SD video can be recorded onto computer via the included Video Capture
Device.
The HD video can be recorded onto computer via the Orion HD Capture Device
(Sold Separately)
In order to capture video and use post processing software the video signal must
be recorded onto your computer in a standard movie format.
Included with the SSHD is an SD video capture device. This device will record
video from the SD output of the camera up to 720x480 (SD resolution) in uncom-
pressed AVI format (See Video Capture Device instructions for details).
In order to capture the full resolution HDMI output signal a HD capture device
must be used.
We recommend the Orion HD Video Capture Device (Sold Separately).
Planetary imaging
Planetary imaging is also referred to as Solar System imaging, and includes the
Moon, the Sun (with a proper full aperture solar filter!), the planets, and miscella-
neous objects in Earth's orbit such as the International Space Station (ISS). The
SSHD is capable of capturing all these objects in real time.
Just about any telescope is suitable for the SSHD when imaging the planets.
The longer the focal length of the telescope, the larger and more detailed the
images will appear. Unlike deep space astro-imaging, you actually want to have
a long focal length and focal ratio for planetary imaging. Adding a 2x, 3x or higher
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Figure 17. Planetary imaging. Jupiter
and moons Io and Callisto.
Barlow to the telescope to increase magnification is not uncommon for planetary
imaging (Figure 17). The planets and other solar system objects are relatively
bright and can be imaged with a darker or "slower" focal ratio.
High power planetary imaging often leaves the best focus up to your eyes when
monitoring the live image. Use the digital zoom tool to aid in focus.
Use the fastest shutter speeds for your telescope and increase gain and other
luminance settings as desired. Experiment with your telescope and camera to
find the optimum settings for your particular setup.
The best planetary images will be obtained by aligning and stacking (combin-
ing) many individual images in order to improve image contrast, brightness, and
detail.
A great way to obtain images for stacking is to take several seconds of video of
the planet, then import the video into post processing software. Since the SSHD
has a maximum frame rate of 50/60 frames per second, you can literally obtain
hundreds of images for stacking in seconds! You save time by taking one video
instead of dozens of individual pictures!
It is recommended to capture hundreds (or even thousands) of frames when
planetary imaging. The large amount of frames can then be processed using
stacking and aligning software such as RegiStax to give the best results.
Since you will be taking multiple images over a period of time, it is important you
have a decent polar alignment in order to keep the planet within the field of view
of the camera. To this end, having a motor drive (at least single-axis) will also be
helpful. Otherwise, you will periodically need to rotate the R.A. slow-motion knob
to keep the planet within the camera's field.
We recommend a telescope mounted on a motorized altitude-azimuth or German
Equatorial mount. You can potentially capture the Moon or a planetary image with
a telescope that does not track, however you may not get optimum results. The
sky moves 15 arcseconds per second! If you are imaging through a long focal
length telescope, you essentially need to track the object or unwanted blurring
could occur.
Fainter objects will require longer shutter speeds whereas bright objects like
Jupiter or the Moon will require very shorter shutter speeds. Adjust as needed
for the object you are imaging.
Once you have achieved focus and good luminance and color, you are ready to
capture and save images to your computer.
View and Stack
After you have captured your images, you can review them in RegiStax, a free-
ware program downloadable from the provided web link in the CD Launcher. Mac
users can use the Lynkeos tool to align and stack their images.
We recommend stacking a minimum of 50 images or more. The individual
images have low bit depth (255 brightness level counts), and background noise.
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