Getting to Know My Losmandy G11G

Yes, it's still winter, but eventually it will be time to resume imaging. I've got a new mount to use and I hope to return to imaging with my good old SBIG ST-8300M. The new wrinkle for this year is integrating all the software and hardware.

This morning I ran a little practice session to see if I had everything down for getting it all running together:

• StellariumScope for managing USB
• Stellarium for target acquisition
• PHD2 for autoguiding with a QHY5L-IIM
• PoleMaster for polar alignment
• ImagesPlus Camera Control for managing the SBIG
• ASCOM for controlling the mount

Amazingly the mount seemed to point in the right direction and all the software behaved itself. The QHY5L was happy with the powered USB hub, too. Who knows, maybe when I get out under the stars I'll even get AstroTortilla to work.

Tidbits learned along the way

• Some people say that the Ethernet cable you need to use for connecting a laptop and the Gemini2 controller can be an ordinary straight-through cable if you have a recent laptop. Well, maybe and maybe not. My Dell laptop is only a year old but it definitely needs a crossover cable.
• When running from laptop you can leave the Gemini hand control disconnected. This will save you a little power in the field.
• One 35Ah 12V battery can run an entire imaging system, or at least mine.  That includes laptop, SBIG ST-8300m with cooling running at about 60%, dew straps, guider and mount. No low voltage problems, at least with a freshly charged battery. I think the battery can probably keep it all running for an entire summer night before needing to be recharged.

Another item from the 2018 Nebraska Star Party

As an imager I'm supposed to despise green laser pointers, but we all know they can come in handy. A vendor was selling a nice one at NSP and I picked it up for occasional use.

The handle is made from white birch. This pointer is powered by 2 AAA batteries instead of tiny button batteries. If you want one for yourself, contact Brian Basiaga.

Yay for me!

This is blog post number 200! Next up is an entry about a nifty Photoshop plugin that can be used to enhance an image's dynamic range.