ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY WITH MEADE DEEP SKY IMAGER Last updated: 31 December 2005

This page documents the Meade Deep Sky Imager and DSI Pro comments, tips, and photos. Contributions welcome. In order to showcase the DSI you may occasionally see images taken with other telescopes on this page.

Subject:	ETX80AT M42 DSI shot
Sent:	Wednesday, December 28, 2005 09:47:59
From:	Mfhancock@aol.com (Mfhancock@aol.com)
Took this using my ETX80 and the Meade DSI from my backyard this past
week.  Formed from 45 4-second exposures, dark frame removal enabled. 
Didn't divide out flats.  Used city-light filter to reduce skyglow. 
Lightly processed (adjusted gross luminance a little to darken
background, eroded to reduce star disc size) using AstroArt3 software.
 
--Monte Hancock
  Melbourne, Florida

Subject:	Moon shot for your site
Sent:	Wednesday, December 14, 2005 23:33:35
From:	Euan Mason (euan.mason@canterbury.ac.nz)
My second night out in Oregon with a Meade DSI pro attached to an
ETX90RA equipped with a Meade F3.3 reducer/corrector produced this
composite of two images that I thought was shareable.  The ETX was
effectively operating at F4.5.  Scopetronix sells the adapter for ETXs
that makes this attachment possible.  I am tremendously impressed with
the DSI.  The two stitched images are each stacks of 50 that were
selected, aligned and stacked _in_real_time_. I could see the images
improving over the minute or so that each image took.  I haven't done
any further processing yet.

One of the cool things about using an ETX with a DSI is that you line up
the target through the scope, and then flip the mirror and everything is
centred in the CCD.

Cheers,
Euan

Subject:	DSI Pro, Virtual PC  & Mac
Sent:	Tuesday, December 6, 2005 19:45:19
From:	gp@solarminimum.com
Hi Mike, waving hello here as Scott Roberts mentioned you may have the
missing piece of the puzzle for getting the DSI Pro to work on a Mac
USB. I've run VirtualPC & XP Pro in Mac OX 10 .4.3, in Autostar I can
sometimes get the LPI to fire up but the DSI doesn't get reconized, I've
tried using an external power USB hub with no luck as well, also read
and tried many tips at your site with still no luck, I'm grateful for
any thoughts and I appreciated your help my friend I look forward to
seeing you at the next outreach program.
SteadSkies, gary palmer    
www.solarminimum.com

And:

Hi Mike, Thanks for your speedy reply, I have a Dual G5 so I'll try it
there and see if it can fire, also it may be time to pick up a PC just
for grins as we know the DSI will work on one :] I'll update you ASAP

I appreciate your support and camaraderie here if there is any thing I
can do for you just let me know.
SteadySkies, gary 

Subject:	Re: Focal Reducer
Sent:	Monday, December 5, 2005 23:10:40
From:	jbg13@alu.ua.es (jbg13@alu.ua.es)
Hi Mike thanks for this reply But you didn't answer to my question: .and
now I wonder whether I should use a focal reducer  to increase the
field of view in order to keep the target  inside the picture frame.
Which one is the most suitable for a beginner in astrophotography using
an ETX125  which has F/15:  The Meade F/6.3 or the Meade F/3.3??
..
I am looking forward for your advice
Regards
Jeanine 

Subject:	Focal Reducer
Sent:	Sunday, December 4, 2005 14:50:51
From:	jbg13@alu.ua.es (jbg13@alu.ua.es)
I tried to image the Planet Mars for the first time (Thanks Mike for
your comments ) and I am more and more tempted by M42 Nebula now visible
at the right time.

Thanks to Alan Chu for his guidelines  for  Mars imaging with ToUcam and
processing with Registax , also to Gilbert Jones for his Registax
Tutorial  (06/23/2004), I succeeded  very modestly in getting a
processed image with the right colours but to small to enjoy its
geography. With the 2x Barlow I wasn't able to keep the image inside the
picture frame.

Thanks to all the  comments and tutorials I read, I have made and I am
using now an Harmann Mask, (wonderfull for focusing!) With the DSI and
the 2x Barlow I have the same problems.

I tried to complete my knowledge about  the DSI   and what a relief to
find and read the tutorials  of MATT  TAYLOR " Obtaining your first DSI
image" ( 06/05/2005 and 07/30/2005)  and  now I wonder whether I should
use a focal reducer  to increase the field of view in order to keep the
target  inside the picture frame. Which one is the most suitable for a
beginner in astrophotography using an ETX125  which has F/15:  The Meade
F/6.3 or the Meade F/3.3??

Thanks for your help, it is really great for me to belong to your group
and gradually solving my difficulties.

Jeanine

Subject:	Deep Sky Imager with Meade ETX 125 Question
Sent:	Saturday, November 26, 2005 15:54:01
From:	John Carneiro (johncarneiro@comcast.net)
I just purchased the Deep Sky Imager with AutoStar Suite and Meade ETX
125, but I am confused by the directions that came with the PDF manual,
and I was wondering if anyone may have some insight?

Here is what it says to do to hook it up to the eyepiece:

"To connect the Deep Sky Imager camera to an ETX Telescope: While
looking at the back of the telescope, orient the Deep Sky Imager camera
into the eyepiece holder so that the USB cable points to the left of the
telescope's optical tube (see photo at right). If you are using the ETX
in a "straight-through" configuration, orient the Deep Sky Imager camera
in the holder so that the USB cable points downward."

If I place the camera with the USB cable pointing left (from the back of
the scope) it hits the finder scope and doesn't allow the camera to be
fully inserted into the eyepiece holder. The only configuration that
does is having the usb cable pointing to the right. Since I'm assuming
this effects the AutoStar Suite's auto-guiding capabilities and image
orientation, its pretty important. The manual has no pictures to guide
you.

Does anyone know the right configuration of the DSI camera and an ETX
125? Also does it effect the AutoStar Suite's auto-guiding capabilities
and image orientation? i.e. Orienting the the wrong way will cause
auto-guiding not to work. I would figure at least it would reverse the
images orientation. I have everything configured to be able to control
the scope via a computer. I just need the correct DSI camera orientation
in relation to the ETX 125.

Also, the "straight-through" configuration is pretty neat. It would be
nice configure it this way to allow the eyepiece holder open for other
eyepieces.

I found this adapter about half way down the page called:

ScopeTronix Visual Back
STVB $29.95

They also sell a field doubler.
http://www.scopetronix.com/etx90acc.htm

Thanks for the help,

-

John Carneiro

Subject:	ETX125 Photos
Sent:	Friday, November 25, 2005 22:40:14
From:	BLC131@aol.com (BLC131@aol.com)
You have a great website! I am still a beginner at picture taking but I
am putting forth a good effort to learn more. The attached image is a
composite of all the best photos I have taken so far with the Meade DSI
and my ETX125 that I got for Christmas last year. The composite photo
also includes a picture I took of my ETX125. I took the picture of the
Great Orion Nebula and Mars in November 2005. Jupiter was taken earlier
this year and I had a challenge focusing the camera. Although it is
still a challenge to focus it, I am getting more used to it now.
 


Enjoy...
Bobby Collins, Huntsville Alabama

Subject:	AutoSuite Deep Space Imager USB Driver for Linux
Sent:	Tuesday, November 15, 2005 10:52:06
From:	Jeff Szielenski (Jeff.Szielenski@Spacedev.com)
I have a computer that is running RedHat Linux (kernel version 2.6.x).

I would like to connect my deep space imager to the computer.

Do you know of anyone who has successfully connected a DSI to a Linux computer? 

What driver did they use? 

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Jeffrey G. Szielenski
Spacecraft Avionics Engineer
SpaceDev, Inc. 

Subject:	ETX125 and DSI-Pro  - Need technical advise please -
Sent:	Monday, November 14, 2005 03:16:10
From:	R. Bruggeman (r.bruggeman@xs4all.nl)
I have a problem with focus the dsi live image, i tried several times
but image won't be sharper. Do you have any suggestion?
 
Kind regards,
Raymond Bruggeman
The Netherlands

And:

I tried the dsi-pro only directly on the Meade ETX-125 and the moon as
target. I can see that the scope is pointed to the moon but can't get a
sharp image. I have also a focal reducer Meade f /3.3 series 4000 with
#61 variable t-adapter but won't fit on the scope. It is a other kind of
thread, so i can only use directly on the scope, is this my mistake?
Because with the cam came a socket to fit on the cam and install it in
the oculair-socket on the ETX.

Subject:	Mead DSI
Sent:	Sunday, November 13, 2005 18:32:05
From:	GLORIA COLE (Gloria.cole@worldnet.att.net)
I have Celestron CPC 8 and Meade DSI and I know that the Autostar
program wont work my scope. Do you know if there is a device or software
program that I can use so the program will control the
scope..Thanks.....Chuck

Subject:	DSI-pro with a Classic 8" LX200
Sent:	Tuesday, November 8, 2005 22:11:51
From:	osifuentes (osifuentes@cfl.rr.com)
I am a beginner at Astro photos, and was saving my money so I could by
me a ccd camera of some sort, To make a long story short, I found a
DSI-pro on Astro Mart, and I also found a f6.3 reducer.

I read a section in yahoo where you had answer to someone, that the
DSI-pro would not work in some parts with out the auto star hand
controller. I have the older classic model with the Box looking hand
controller. would the images still come out anyway?

Would it not be considered as a different telescope then? I was also
planning on using the DSI-pro on my 14" Tscope. I have a tracking
platform, and I have a brand new Laptop, with the Autostar Suite
Software loaded already. But have not taken any images jet, I was just
trying to find some information on goggle, when I saw your reply about
the lx200. It really Bum me out, and I haven't even taken an image yet!

I do want to use it so bad, but I'm one of those persons that need a
movie or someone pointing out what to do, until I get it. I need what
you call DSI--pro for Dummies! How too!

I don't even know where to start! I did make a copy of the manual from
the cd that came with the DSI and I'm not looking into getting long
exposure images yet! I just want to learn how to use it first. so I will
be setting my telescope in the Alt- Az mode first, just to learn to take
an image. Then I will set up my telescope in Polar mode for longer
exposure images. Please Mike, I would hate to tell my wife that The
camera she bought me won't work with my telescope! Can you Please help
me at least get started? I want to take some images of MARS, but if I
need too, I will practice on the Moon first and It's at half right now!

One more thing should I get me a flip mirror, or a guiding type of
instrument for my telescope to use with the DSI-pro? are they required?
Thank-you so much for your input and please help me out! I want to start
taking images with the DSI-pro, with either the 8" Meade classic LX200,
or the 14" Truss Dob scope. Best regards !
Oscar Sifuentes 

And:

I'm going to try to use the DSI-pro tonight, It DSI-pro, must be plugged
into the laptop for the files to pop up for me to enter the information,
is that correct? I was going to try to practice first, but it looks like
it's not going to let me. Will I be able to image Mars, with the Moon as
bright as it is now, and will be getting brighter? What will happen to
the DSI tables if I can't input any thing? will they just accept what
they have, should I enter a zero or n/a, or nothing at all...and go on
to the next item on the table? I hope I'm making sense. thanks for your
help!
Oscar

And:

I'm making a file just to hold your notes.

So can I use the f6.3 reducer to my 8" LX200, then put the DSI on it?
Instead of asking 1000 questions, I guess 2 or 3 would do at a time.

I saw a note on the October Magazine of Sky & Tel. where it says that
"Your first night out" It is saying that there is an exceptionally
helpful tutorial in the 41- page of the  DSI manual...." How to set up a
DSO in 20 steps!!"  I didn't find it in the manual I copied from the cd
that came with the DSI-pro. any ideas?

and last, I started to separate the manual, a section on Polar
Alignment, the section on Auto star, the hand controller, which I don't
use., the Meade Instruments Autostar Suite, the software itself, and a
section on -Autostar Computer Controller Instruction Manual, Which I
don't need right?

The only other part of the manual that I think is the correct one that I
need is Meade Deep Sky Imager: The Basics....

Is there a manual for DSI-pro only?
Thanks Oscar

And:

The other thing, I know how to use Alt/-Az mode,  can I just use that
for now? I do need to tell the software that I will be using that mode
right?

I noticed that on the File Settings Tab page 24 it says Meade Imaging on
the table.... will this tables only show up when I plug in the DSI to
the computer and the laptop and only then?

And:

Sorry Mike,

But believe it or not, you have provided so much info. already, I must
have misunderstood what DSI is, Deep Space Imaging, But, It could mean
the same thing, but using all types of other camera equipment, not jut
DSI-Pro. maybe I have to start saying MEADE DSI camera?
Oscar

And:

Yes Mike I got the DSI PRO, It came with the colored filters and the
slider, But I believe the instructions for both DSI are the same, until
you use the filters. I'm getting ready to plug  the DSI into the laptop
and telescope, to see what happens, If anything, I should at least get a
table of some kind for me to fill with information, we will see, I will
let you know tomorrow! Thanks for all your help!
Oscar

Subject:	DSI Pro Power
Sent:	Tuesday, November 8, 2005 11:19:22
From:	Stuart Kendall & Melanie Duggan (spu_mel@hotmail.com)
My USB 2.0 card does not supply enough power to run my DSi pro. Do you
happen to know where i can get hold of a portable, rechargeable 5V 500ma
power unit?

I have been emailing many companies looking for such a device and also
for a 14.8V unit to run my laptop for longer than my 2 batts will (in
the cold only 4 hrs max).

Until I can purchase one I shall just have to use my DSI pro with USB
1.1 whch is visibly and indeed significantly slower. Any help would be
gratefully appreciated.

Regards,

Stuart.

Subject:	New image of M8 at f5.6
Sent:	Sunday, November 6, 2005 08:29:55
From:	Steve Dang (stevedang@gmail.com)
M8 DSI on 300 mm
EOS Lense. 
Piggy back on etx 105.
F5.6
Victoria Star Party - Nhill.
5.7 secs exp. 11 frames Stacked.
 
 
StevenD

And:

Subject:	m42 7 images 6 sec exposure at F7
Scope configuration
 
2 x stacked .6 moggs focal reducers to achieve Fstop 7 on etx.
Meade DSI  mounted at prime with visual back on etx 105 ec.
7 frames 6 sec exposure.
Picture was taken on Tuesday, October 04, 2005, 1:28:37 AM UTC +10

Subject:	Is my DSI defective after all??
Sent:	Saturday, November 5, 2005 10:43:50
From:	jbg13@alu.ua.es (jbg13@alu.ua.es)
Thanks Mike for replying to my message so quickly. I just joined the
Yahoo ETX and DSI groups, I got 3 personal replies concerning my DSI
difficulties and I appreciate very much the suggestions (bad USB cable,
exposure level, USB ports of my laptop, daylight photos overloading the
DSI) essentially because that keeps me thinking about other reasons: the
fact is that I just planed to uninstall y reinstall the DSI, I did it
and I would appreciate again your opinion about what happens now:

Autostar Suite isn't open, I just plug the DSI, (with its cap and
standing vertically), to the 2.0 USB port and I opened the DSI from
Start->All Programs->Meade->DSI and the DSI image screen stays as a
greyish or coloured  active mosaic for about 5 minutes and then is
suddenly replaced by a fully black inert screen.

Then I close the DSI screen, unplug the DSI, restart the laptop, plug
the DSI, open the DSI Image Screen and get the same black inert screen
UNLESS I plug again the DSI after  a long time ( before lunch up to
after lunch) OR if I uninstall and reinstall again the DSI.

That's all, thanks for your time    
Jeanine GOODWYN

Subject:	DSI User Problems - October 
Sent:	Tuesday, November 1, 2005 09:28:18
From:	M. J. The Madjordainain (madjordainian@insightbb.com)
Been a while since I've looked in on your sight here!  On the recent
problems posted by some new DSI users most recent updated October 31 a
few suggestions and points.

I have never had much use for the "Magic Eye" focus, do not rely on it
to determine or help you focus folks, it's a bit whacked!  The same on
using the parfocal ring, due to some variations in seeing conditions I
have found it best to use some form of a fine point marker line or
pencil line on the focuser eyepiece holder.  When setting up the DSI for
focus I move it to the line quickly then always have to do a super fine
adjustment in either direction to gain good focus.  When focusing I have
found it best to go just past the focal point in both directions just
enough to begin to see some coma on the object of interest then bring it
in to a fine focus.  Some times to gain the finest focus takes the just
barely perceivable movement of the focus knob.  When focusing another
helpful aid is to initially use a star in the 4 Mag range. (I have a
darker than average site so, On a good night I can always see most of
the Milky way, but recently some of the dimmer new move-ins in the
neighborhood have felt the necessity to put up mercury lights!!?)  Once
you get the star to focus in to a nice bright little pinpoint you are
there, now uncheck the auto-contrast, I never use it except to gain the
first DSI looks at dimmer objects, it over compensates for things a bit.
 Tick it on only to gain the initial pick up of your target, then turn
that puppy off!  If you are using Fts3P or FITS for your saving process
the contrast and histogram have no effect or consequence to your
captured image.

I have always used the Align & Combine feature over the Kernel Filter,
and for DSO targets I set the process to 30 - 40% quality with 5 for the
evaluation, 50% for planetary & lunar shots.  Another key to gaining
good focus is a 'fast' connection & exposure timing, this means USB 2.0
& exposure timings of 1 second or less, this is why I always like to use
a 4.0 mag star or so near the target to gain focus before centering on
my target & getting the exposure timings set up.  The graying out, black
out, white out of the screen is usually related to focus, auto-contrast
issues, and exposure timings.  Some times it's a connection issue, but
most of the time one of the three I just mentioned and in that order, or
it could be you do have a bad ccd chip.

The other piece to the puzzle is image processing, if you are using the
Fts3P or FITS your going to have to do some scaling adjustments in AS-IP
to see your results most of the time.  With the other capture processes
WYSIWYG from your initial computer screen captures.  The contrast and
histogram do have an effect on the image in all of the other image file
formats, but the other image file formats are not as good for processing
out your noise & such from your image.  To demonstrate I have attached a
few images with & without scaling them first.

On a final note; Mike has an excellent site here he helped me out
tremendously when I first started this imaging thing with the DSI last
February, but be sure to look for other input too.  There a at least a
couple of user groups on Yahoo, they have a lot good information &
knowledgeable people on them here's a good one.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Meade_DSI/

Later,

The Mad One
AKA: Mark Jordan

 
 
 

Return to the top of this page.

Go to the October 2005 DSI Page.

Go to the August-September 2005 DSI Page.

Go to the June-July 2005 DSI Page.

Go to the May 2005 DSI Page.

Go to the March-April 2005 DSI Page.

Go to the January-February 2005 DSI Page.

Go to the 2004 DSI Page.

Go back to the Astrophotography Page.

Go back to my ETX Home Page.