First Try

[stevedevil]

Hi Gang, 

As mentioned got a Star Tracker, and tonight being very cold but clear, had a try at setting it up, not as easy as it seems, but got there in the end, so just took some random long exposures to see if I aligned ok..

 

[Fogey]

I  take it it's working Ok?

[stevedevil]

Yes seems to be, stars are crisp enough, massive new learning curve 

[Clicker]

I shall follow this with interest Steve..... Not  sure I  would know what I was doing  so ...  tell us  as you  progress  please ... ... 

[stevedevil]

Will do, as said been studying video's like crazy to see how to set up and what apps to use to find what's good to shoot on which time of year etc,

Unfortunately the Moon is soo bright at the moment so light saturation is an issue, as well as being in the Garden, in a village this time of year Christmas Lights and just the Glow of lights from neighbours also something to deal with.

The alignment process it a bit of a back breaker as looking through the scope bent down, not moving the tripod, and fine tuning to get Polaris in the exact spot on the outer curve, then carefully sliding a 4kg camera, lens and counter weight in, and balancing, all without jogging the Tripod takes some care, then finding where you need to point it, Massive learning curve,

So last night was just a set up and start the Sky Watcher going and took Manual Control of camera as still awaiting the shutter lead, took some 3 - 5 Minute exposures..

 

[Clicker]

I have to admire your patience ....it’s going to be very  cold over the the next 10 days or so ...... you may want to invest in a hand warmer ... I bought some for son and family that doubles up as a phone charger for when they go snowboarding in February ... though that may well be cancelled now . 

[stevedevil]

Have a lens warmer that runs of USB power bank lol, Todays lessons are about Stacking, so Youtube here we come, again, always up for any advice if any members have tried stacking in post processing

 

[Fogey]

Will  Stellarium be of any use to you?

[stevedevil]

Yes I use that app, its a great tool as it shows your framing when you input your lens, crop factor etc etc