New CCD

[Charles Dunlop]

http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=319-320-1542-15881

What you guys think of this? I could scoop it up right now, with a rotator and be super ready to roll and guide off axis. Thoguhts?

[Charles Dunlop]

We should buy sbig for cheap and make it a cool place.

[Richard Crisp]

a friend has one.... the camera is really noisy when downloading when the cooler is running... if you cycle it off and download you save about 4-5e- noise.... the solution SE has developed is to change the driver to shut off the cooler when downloading.... you can buy cameras that work that way if you like but I think that's like putting a bandaid on a wound that needs serious sutures...

[Mark Roberts]

Looking forward to you getting it all set up.

[Charles Dunlop]

People say that when they get automated with ACP that they get tons more subs, and then it's all about processing which I suck at but will start to learn.

[Charles Dunlop]

Hands off is my goal. Fun to assemble and once it's done then I'll not buy anything else for some time!! LOL

[Mark Roberts]

Gotcha!
Read about the planner. Cool stuff if totally hands off is the way you are heading.

[Charles Dunlop]

framing images is a benefit, but going off-axis to guide means basically no flexure issues, but also means that since you are picking off a little wedge of light from the side of the image, being able to rotate your imager means that you can more easily find guide stars suitable. Therefore it's a significant improvement. With an automatic dome, and autofocuser, rotator, and mount, it's totally possible to get ACP and just let the telescope shoot at will when it's good skies. You seen that ACP program? Planner is unreal.

[Mark Roberts]

Never mind, Just came to me that you would just use it for framing images. Doooh!

[Charles Dunlop]

To nail guidestars.

[Mark Roberts]

Why are you thinking of getting the rotator, field rotation should not be a problem with your EQ. Nice camera.