Search found 219 matches

by rray6
Tue May 21, 2013 2:47 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Software for PGR grasshopper 3
Replies: 46
Views: 3453

Re: Software for PGR grasshopper 3

It all comes down to comfort levels....
by rray6
Tue May 21, 2013 1:13 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Software for PGR grasshopper 3
Replies: 46
Views: 3453

Re: Software for PGR grasshopper 3

Thanks, Michel. I totally agree with you about AS!2 - much more control and it does a better job. On a semi-related note, another Photoshop plugin that has come up before deserves mention - Astra Image 3.0. This is an advanced deconvolution plug-in (also stand-alone) that seems far superior to the P...
by rray6
Tue May 21, 2013 12:51 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Software for PGR grasshopper 3
Replies: 46
Views: 3453

Re: Software for PGR grasshopper 3

My 16-bit files were also saved in .ser format. Autostakkert2 opened them with no problem. I was told AviStack did, too. As Jim said, no big deal except that I haven't been able to preview them except in the stacking program. If there is a player or viewer program that works with .ser files, I would...
by rray6
Tue May 21, 2013 12:17 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Software for PGR grasshopper 3
Replies: 46
Views: 3453

Re: Software for PGR grasshopper 3

Great news, Michel. I am still working out kinks with my Grasshopper but slowly getting there. Look forward to seeing some images from you.

Robert
by rray6
Sat May 18, 2013 10:50 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Software for PGR grasshopper 3
Replies: 46
Views: 3453

Re: Software for PGR grasshopper 3

Bravo for you, Jim! And thanks for going through all this pain in pioneering the use of this camera.

Robert
by rray6
Wed May 15, 2013 7:49 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Post Flare Loops - The Movie... 13th May
Replies: 37
Views: 2643

Re: Post Flare Loops - The Movie... 13th May

Just promise us that you will keep showing your images. Fantastic detail! :rockon:

Robert
by rray6
Wed May 15, 2013 4:35 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: May 13 2013 X Flare and Maga Prom
Replies: 21
Views: 1294

Re: May 13 2013 X Flare and Maga Prom

What an inspiration you are. You are a processing genius. :bow: :bow:
by rray6
Wed May 15, 2013 12:56 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Software for PGR grasshopper 3
Replies: 46
Views: 3453

Re: Software for PGR grasshopper 3

Also, thanks for the updates. As I informed you in an earlier post, after my latest brief imaging session two days ago, I determined that Firecapture is not dependable for me. I am using version 2.2 Beta (the only one I can get to recognize the camera). This version recognizes the camera and will st...
by rray6
Wed May 15, 2013 12:51 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Post Flare Loops - The Movie... 13th May
Replies: 37
Views: 2643

Re: Post Flare Loops - The Movie... 13th May

Splendidly done, Mark!

Robert
by rray6
Tue May 14, 2013 8:41 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: May 13 2013 X Flare and Maga Prom
Replies: 21
Views: 1294

Re: May 13 2013 X Flare and Maga Prom

Eric,
For those of us who don't know, please tell us about your equipment and processing. Wow again!

Robert
by rray6
Tue May 14, 2013 8:35 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: May 13 2013 X Flare and Maga Prom
Replies: 21
Views: 1294

Re: May 13 2013 X Flare and Maga Prom

Utterly amazing! Thanks for sharing.

Robert
by rray6
Mon May 13, 2013 7:33 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: A Solar Day
Replies: 0
Views: 1305

A Solar Day

All these X-class flares going on and I have clouds. :( I hope someone is shooting our star....

Robert
by rray6
Mon May 13, 2013 2:26 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Software for PGR grasshopper 3
Replies: 46
Views: 3453

Re: Software for PGR grasshopper 3

I have the 687 chip and have not noticed excessive heat during solar imaging - no worse than my DMK41 as far as I can tell.

Robert
by rray6
Mon May 13, 2013 2:21 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Software for PGR grasshopper 3
Replies: 46
Views: 3453

Re: Software for PGR grasshopper 3

That is something I will have to test out to be sure. I think I am getting the full 26 but I haven't verified it yet. I will do so when the skies clear enough for me to try it out.

Robert
by rray6
Mon May 13, 2013 12:58 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Software for PGR grasshopper 3
Replies: 46
Views: 3453

Re: Software for PGR grasshopper 3

Jim, I also had growing pains with both FlyCapture and Firecapture but my OS was Windows 7. Once I installed the 32-bit driver, I was able to use both programs without problems. I definitely like Firecapture better for the same reasons others have stated - simpler and all in the same window. FlyCapt...
by rray6
Fri May 10, 2013 8:29 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Upgrade from the DMK41 to pick up more resolution...question
Replies: 22
Views: 728

Re: Upgrade from the DMK41 to pick up more resolution...question

My vote would be to keep the DMK41 - it is a very decent camera for solar. As far as processing is concerned, I have turned to AutoStakkert for stacking and really like it better than AviStack and Registac although I occasionally use those, too. I also like another plugin (to Photoshop) called Astra...
by rray6
Thu May 09, 2013 5:32 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Software for PGR grasshopper 3
Replies: 46
Views: 3453

Re: Software for PGR grasshopper 3

Jim,
I use a Windows 7 64-bit laptop with a 7200 rpm harddrive.

Robert
by rray6
Thu May 09, 2013 5:22 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: May 4 Sunspots
Replies: 5
Views: 260

May 4 Sunspots

Been a while since I posted an image. Here is my latest with my new Point Grey Grasshopper USB 3.0 through my Lunt LS80. I took this on May 4 and didn't know it at the time but I had missed the solar tornado associated with AR 1739 by a day. This shot has north roughly up and to the right. AR 1739 i...
by rray6
Thu May 09, 2013 4:36 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: M5 tornado May 03 2013 captured with 50 mm H-a
Replies: 7
Views: 894

Re: M5 tornado May 03 2013 captured with 50 mm H-a

Way to go! I missed it by a number of hours (a day) but you captured it very impressively. Nice work!

Robert
by rray6
Thu May 09, 2013 4:32 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Software for PGR grasshopper 3
Replies: 46
Views: 3453

Re: Software for PGR grasshopper 3

Jim, I have been able to get Firecapture 2.2 working (with 32-bit drivers) but I have still had some difficulties with it. I have had to go back to FlyCapture several times because Firecapture isn't always recognizing my camera. Don't know what the issue is yet - Torsten has offered some suggestions...
by rray6
Thu May 09, 2013 4:26 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Upgrade from the DMK41 to pick up more resolution...question
Replies: 22
Views: 728

Re: Upgrade from the DMK41 to pick up more resolution...question

I recently "upgraded" from my DMK41 to a Point Grey Grasshopper USB 3.0. The 2.8 MP PG definitely gives me a higher resolution - how much better, I don't know yet but it has become my favorite. However, I still like the DMK41 and will continue to use it, too.

Robert
by rray6
Wed Apr 03, 2013 3:16 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: AR11711 Coming aroung the Bend
Replies: 7
Views: 321

Re: AR11711 Coming aroung the Bend

Thank you Everyone,
I didn't have much opportunity with clouds being pretty numerous (unusual for New Mexico). The sad thing is that it never rained and we are in the middle of a major drought out there. :(

Jury is in on the Point Grey Grasshopper 3 - I like it!

Robert
by rray6
Tue Apr 02, 2013 2:49 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Todays Sun - the Zeiss APO is BACK.
Replies: 22
Views: 1021

Re: Todays Sun - the Zeiss APO is BACK.

Very well done, Chris. :rockon:

Robert
by rray6
Tue Apr 02, 2013 2:44 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: AR11711 Coming aroung the Bend
Replies: 7
Views: 321

AR11711 Coming aroung the Bend

Today (April Fools Day), the clouds broke for a while at my observatory in New Mexico and I was able to capture the large sunspot, AR11711 (north is up in this image), in white light through my WO 132mm f/7 refractor, Baader Herschel Wedge, and Point Grey Grasshopper USB 3.0 camera. I used a 2.5x Po...
by rray6
Mon Mar 18, 2013 3:31 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Filaprom Sunday with a New Camera
Replies: 4
Views: 532

Re: Filaprom Sunday with a New Camera

I use Firecapture for my DMK41 - have not tried it with this new camera yet but plan to. FlyCapture did not let me make adjustments easily while viewing in the preview window. It functioned okay but I did not like it overall.

Robert
by rray6
Mon Mar 18, 2013 1:51 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Filaprom Sunday with a New Camera
Replies: 4
Views: 532

Filaprom Sunday with a New Camera

Caught this interesting filaprom yesterday morning (11:00 CDT) from my home in southeast Texas before the clouds moved in. I used the LS80THa with DSII. This was my first light with my new PointGrey Grasshopper USB 3.0. Right off the bat, I really like this camera but I'm not sure if I know how to u...
by rray6
Mon Mar 18, 2013 12:59 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sunday Solarscope
Replies: 11
Views: 437

Re: Sunday Solarscope

As always, magnificent detail! Love your work!

Robert
by rray6
Mon Mar 18, 2013 12:57 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Latest solar mosaic
Replies: 18
Views: 1220

Re: Latest solar mosaic

A beauty!

Robert
by rray6
Sun Mar 03, 2013 9:21 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Polar Crowns
Replies: 9
Views: 1197

Re: Polar Crowns

That looks like you caught the true "crown". Excellent shot, Robert.

The other Robert
by rray6
Sun Mar 03, 2013 5:46 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Polar Crowns
Replies: 9
Views: 1197

Re: Polar Crowns

Very well done, Mark! Yep, still there although we were probably not imaging too far apart in time - it was about 22:00 UT (Jan 12) when I caught this shot if I am figuring correctly (~3:00 MST).
by rray6
Sun Mar 03, 2013 5:02 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Polar Crowns
Replies: 9
Views: 1197

Polar Crowns

Hi Everyone, The weather and my work schedule have not been cooperative for me for the most part lately so I went back into my recent files and reprocessed some decent looking images using AutoStakke! 2.0 and a new sharpening plug-in I was told about (Astra Image 3). In doing so I noticed a phenomen...
by rray6
Thu Feb 28, 2013 9:01 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: RegiStax 6 v. AutoStakkert!2
Replies: 35
Views: 4104

Re: RegiStax 6 v. AutoStakkert!2

Those are excellent comparative photos. I just discovered AS!2 myself and agree that it seems to be a very good product for solar although I still use RS6 and AVIstack - I guess my jury is still out. At the same time, I also discovered Astra Image 3.0 photoshop plug-in which really improves the shar...
by rray6
Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:24 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Point Grey Revisited
Replies: 2
Views: 392

Re: Point Grey Revisited

The new Grasshopper 3.0 has 2.8 MP, 26 fps, and smaller pixel size (3.69 μm). The ICX674 is essentially the same except for pixel size (4.54 μm). Certainly intriguing. The ICX687 is a new untested (at least for solar) sensor but the specs sound good.

Robert
by rray6
Thu Feb 28, 2013 2:20 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Huge Prominence upclose animation
Replies: 17
Views: 1110

Re: Huge Prominence upclose animation

Wow! I used to want to be just like Alexandra, Stephen, Mark, Ken, Pedro (the list goes on...) when I grew up but now I want to be like you too, Joao! Fantastic job and great presentation!!

Robert
by rray6
Thu Feb 28, 2013 2:02 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Point Grey Revisited
Replies: 2
Views: 392

Point Grey Revisited

It looks like some of the new PG Grasshopper USB 3.0 cameras are becoming available. I have a question about the different CCD chips - i.e, the Sony ICX687 vs Sony ICX674. The ICX687 is apparently available now and, as I understand, that is the newer Sony chip. The second chip, ICX674, apparently ha...
by rray6
Wed Feb 27, 2013 4:39 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Yesterday's monster Prom
Replies: 12
Views: 1103

Re: Yesterday's monster Prom

What a beauty! Well done!!

Robert
by rray6
Mon Feb 18, 2013 4:43 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sun H-alpha 17-02-2013
Replies: 13
Views: 984

Re: Sun H-alpha 17-02-2013

I commented on the Lunt Yahoo group. Excellent shots, Andre. I am impressed with the detail from that DMK21AU618. And I like the blue.

Robert
by rray6
Sun Feb 03, 2013 12:50 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Imaging Cameras
Replies: 55
Views: 4733

Re: Imaging Cameras

I just want to jump in and say this has been a great thread. I am also in the market for a new solar camera (high res, fast frame rate, etc) and am waiting for the new PG USB3 models to come out. But in the meantime, I am learning a lot reading these posts. Thanks everyone!

Robert :thumbsup:
by rray6
Sat Jan 19, 2013 8:10 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Solar Dancers
Replies: 5
Views: 633

Solar Dancers

Had another break in the clouds today and caught this little group of proms going to the prom. Used my LS80 THa DSII with a 2.5x Powermate and my DMK41.

Robert

by rray6
Sat Jan 19, 2013 8:06 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Solar twister
Replies: 11
Views: 516

Re: Solar twister

Beautifully done! Great animation.

Robert
by rray6
Tue Jan 15, 2013 5:44 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Break in the Clouds
Replies: 5
Views: 631

Break in the Clouds

Nothing too special here - just a closeup of AR11654 yesterday during a break in the clouds here in New Mexico. Then it started snowing again. LS80 DSII with a 2.5x Powermate and a DMK41. No break in the clouds today. Maybe tomorrow....

by rray6
Sun Jan 13, 2013 7:34 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: FANTASTIC AR11654 (20130112) - three wavelengths
Replies: 34
Views: 2425

Re: FANTASTIC AR11654 (20130112) - three wavelengths

Fantastic images! And there is another camera for my wish list.

Robert
by rray6
Sun Dec 23, 2012 3:41 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Imaging Cameras
Replies: 55
Views: 4733

Re: Imaging Cameras

All of this is great information - thanks. For the time being, I will stick with my trusty DMK41 and keep my options open for when something new shows up on the market (or when I buy a new laptop/computer- MAC?). This thread has opened my eyes about some new things for me. Thanks again. Damn, it's c...
by rray6
Sun Dec 23, 2012 12:14 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Imaging Cameras
Replies: 55
Views: 4733

Re: Imaging Cameras

Don,
Would the Grasshopper Express (GX-FW-28S5M-C) be an option for me with a Windows 7 32-bit laptop for capture? Or will I need additional hardware to achieve up to 26fps?

Robert
by rray6
Sun Dec 23, 2012 12:01 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Imaging Cameras
Replies: 55
Views: 4733

Re: Imaging Cameras

Paul, I am not real familiar with ethernet, firewire, etc - never really have had to use it. Both of my laptops (Windows 7 - one 32-bit, one 64-bit) have an ethernet plug port. So you are saying that in order to use a camera like the PGR 2.8 (Grasshopper Express, for instance), I will need additiona...
by rray6
Sat Dec 22, 2012 2:06 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Imaging Cameras
Replies: 55
Views: 4733

Re: Imaging Cameras

Thanks! Great information, Don. I am beginning to think Point Grey is the way to go. Since I am in no big rush, I can wait for the newer models. Also, I will probably want to talk to you and others more about the merits of the Flea vs. the Grasshopper and GigE vs. USB3. Also, the ICX687 vs. the ICX6...
by rray6
Fri Dec 21, 2012 4:32 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Worlds End
Replies: 12
Views: 790

Re: Worlds End

Agree - nice image. But the day is not over and everything is probably based on MST (Mayan Standard Time) :lol:
by rray6
Fri Dec 21, 2012 2:11 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Imaging Cameras
Replies: 55
Views: 4733

Re: Imaging Cameras

Thanks Jim. I think you hit the nail on the head. What I am looking for is the ideal upgrade from my DMK 41 - if there currently is one. So far (and I have not looked in great detail), the closest thing I found was the GrassHopper Express 2.8mp firewire camera (Sony 674 CCD) which boasts 1932 x 1452...
by rray6
Fri Dec 21, 2012 3:19 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Imaging Cameras
Replies: 55
Views: 4733

Re: Imaging Cameras

How is firewire vs USB 2.0? I am considering the Grasshopper which is CCD (as opposed to CMOS) but is firewire. I am familiar with USB 2.0 so can relate to a comparison with firewire.

Robert
by rray6
Fri Dec 21, 2012 1:23 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Imaging Cameras
Replies: 55
Views: 4733

Re: Imaging Cameras

Thanks, Earl. I read through the CN thread and then found an April 2012 thread on this forum. I guess I am boiling it down to the slight upgrade in pixels with the DMK 51 ($1000 USD) vs. the GrassHopper Express 2.8mp 26fps firewire camera (Sony 674 chip) which sounds good although expensive ($1995 U...