SolarChat!

I had the most exciting session visually on my monitor this morning and was so excited to see such moments of clarity.

I experimented with adding filters on to the nose of my ASI174 to see if I was getting abberant light out of the Quark. Tell me which your setup you prefer. Of course it is difficult to draw too many conclusions if the focus is off, etc, but I did the best I could to keep "all things equal".

It was interesting to note that the 12nm naturally made the exposures longer which reduced my frame rate while the UV/IR Cut did not have such a dramatic darkening effect. Also, in AS3, the 12nm produced much higher quality frames than either UV/IR CUT or NONE. With the 12nm I got 100 of 200 that were above 50% in quality while with the others I got only 25 or so above 50%.

Aeries D-ERF; 152mm; ASI174; Tilter; No Focal Reducer; Filters used were 12nm, UV/IR Cut or No Filter. NO FLATS (I was hurrying to catch good seeing).

12nm UV/IR CUT NO FILTER Having fun,

Jack, for me the middle picture (UV/IR cut).

I agree! From now on it is part of my arsenal.

All I can say is that this sample of Quark is poor and should be replaced.


Valery

I too like the middle one best a flat field will correct the uneven field.

Alexandra

Montana wrote: ↑Mon Oct 07, 2019 9:25 am I too like the middle one best a flat field will correct the uneven field.

Alexandra

It will correct only brightness variations. But will not correct the contrast variations and details visibility.


Valery

Val,
This is where my less experienced eye is having difficulty seeing what you are seeing.

QUOTE:
It will correct only brightness variations. But will not correct the contrast variations and details visibility.
END QUOTE (I can’t figure out how to properly quote)

I’d love to understand more because I trust your opinion. Can you describe another way what I should be seeing? I will keep digging in to what you are saying.

Best,
Jack.

I agree Valery, the images are slightly off band but that can be easily corrected with the tuning dial. But no Quark is perfect, if you wanted perfection you would buy a Solar Spectrum or a Daystar Quantum. It all depends on what you are willing to accept. Jack could send this back, get a lot of hassle and get an even worse one back. It all depends on how imperfect an imperfect product you are willing to accept and I guess this is Jack's choice. As far as Daystar would be concerned they would think this is absolutely fine.

Alexandra

Nice shots Jack! You'll get an even better final result with a flat. Should be standard in the imaging process.

I appreciate the input very much. I think I am understanding what Val is saying better now and I agree with Alexandra’s assessment...after reviewing many of my photos Daystar said I have a very good Quark for a standard Quark. If I wanted better I would upgrade for $$$ but...they said I have five years to send it back in for performance issues if I felt strongly about performance.

I’m going to keep testing and IMPROVING in both my captures and processing. Frankly I am having a ton of fun and am grateful for the coaching.

Lastly...AAARGH...yes Mark, I must be more diligent about my flats. I did spend one entire session testing fldifferent flat settings. I came to the conclusion that a modest racking of the focuser was as good as a major rack of the focuser and 5 frames was better than 10+ frames. I tried the tshirt method a while ago and will test that one again.

Cheers to you all,
Jack

Jack,

Here is what you can get with a Flat Filed applied. May be somewhat better. But in any case not satisfying results.

So, better set it back and ask for replacement with really good sample. If not - get back your money and better to make a PST Mod-2. You at least will come out with satisfying results.


Valery

Hi Jack,

So long as you are having fun, that’s all that really matters. However, once you’ve got through the initial stages of excitement I’m sure you’ll start on the long road to perfection. By then you might be prepared to take the plunge and upgrade from the Quark. You know it’s going to happen, it’s just a question of time

Stu

Alert,
Thanks for the trial flat. I plan of a round of testing Saturday morning with flats.

Stu, you are a terrible!!!! (Kidding) Just when I convince myself that good is good enough you put the bug in me to keep chasing for perfection.

I’d also love to get back to my PST mod but it is so nice to simply open the door to the observatory and view...when I can fix my standard BF5 in its cell I may try again. I know Val would love that!