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Maybe: 1) Critique some of your old photos and show how they can be improved with new or different techniques - or maybe compare some of your early vs later images and how you developed as an astrophotographer. That will teach aspects of photos that more advanced imagers seek to address. 2) Guiding. How to optimize guiding for whatever mount you have (throw out the mount is not an option). The effects of aggressiveness, max RA and DEC duration, exposure time, requirements you see for a good guide scope, good guide camera. Atmospheric transparency vs seeing. When are you chasing seeing? What nights if any) should you just pack it in? How to evaluate minimum required guiding for your main camera. 3) Mosaics (several people mentioned this). 4) In your opinion, what makes for an Astrobin “top pick,” “top pick nominee,” APOD. Are these achievable with a moderate priced rig ($10K)? 5) Target framing. Breaking away from the framing everyone uses. A video on the “art” of astrophotography versus the “technical skill.” 6) Printing. What equipment if you choose to print your own? Criteria for a wall-worthy image vs facebook image. 7) Triaging images with SubframeSelector. Is it worth the time or should you depend on WBPP algorithms? Which? I know Adam Block has his strong opinions (which are often difficult to follow), what do you think? I’m sure if you just scroll through topics in CloudyNights you will find an endless series of topics with opinions that are all over the place. Help us evaluate what’s out there in terms of advice using data or examples to back up your opinion. I’ll stop here. Looking forward to what you come up with.
Thanks for the feedback and list of suggestions. #1 is actually one of my first episodes where I show my rig which was around 10k and review some of my first images with it. It would be really good to go back now that I’ve progressed quite a bit I like that idea. #2 I’ve covered much of these topics when reviewing equipment, like mounts and making sure that not only to ensure you have the capacity, but also the guy accuracy based on the pixel resolution of your rig. But I haven’t done one off on guiding sky conditions in general so that’s something I can do. 4 and 5 can kind of be pit together. I did a video on color theory which goes into some of the art concepts, but I can talk about how to get a little bit more creative to use the skills that we learn in photography and other forms of art and incorporated into what on the surface appears to be more of a science based art form but doesn’t have to be. I did talk about printing in the episode where I reviewed my work so again I can follow up on that if I do a secondary one I do have some good tips there and preferences on what works better than others. #7 I do have a full episode on that and I think it’s still pretty complete and I haven’t really changed anything there so if you look back, I think towards the end of 23 or beginning of this year I put one out on subframe selector and how I go about that. I don’t really spend a lot of time in cloudy nights. I find most Internet forums almost too frustrating to go through because I see so much bad information being sent out lol I would have to give up the day job going in there and trying to answer every question but I do see them on a handful of Facebook forms that I’m in that are specific to individual topics or software. Appreciate all of the great ideas. I think definitely a few of them would work as new contents and I’ll start to put together some ideas for future content!
@@darkrangersinc Thanks for the serious consideration. Yeah, I knew that you addressed some of these issues in sections of other videos, but having a single video devoted to a particular topic would be nice (like the guiding one) and for people who are coming to your channel later and trying to find your take on a particular issue it helps to have a video title that pops out as relevant. (As you've seen in the comments, a number of people have asked for coverage of topics you covered somewhere - often within wide-ranging videos - but they didn't see it.). I have to say that your color theory video was excellent and unique! I don't think I have seen anybody else address this issue - I regularly track and watch offerings by 21 other astrophotographers!
Astro-vlogs is a format that I enjoy watching (like the ones you already have a couple of). Doesn't have to go into super-detail, but just a sort of "taking you along with me" type of videos. What went well, what didn't go so well, did I mess up or did my gear fail, lessons learned etc etc. I like gear reviews too. May not always be relevant to me specifically, but I still enjoy watching and hear what people think about something.
The G811 mount review from June does both if you haven’t seen that one yet! I can usually only do one trip per month and not every month so every time I do go, I typically make an episode. I’m back out west though in the midwest limits me to six months a year. But I usually do try to bring you guys along even though they look formal they’re actually way more work than any other type of video believe it or not. But it’s worth it for me if you go back to some some of them only have a few hundred views but I actually think there’s some of my better videos. The production quality and sound isn’t the best but I think there’s some really good info in it if you go back to last summer, it was before I had a lot of subscribers so the videos have very few views! I’m glad to hear they will continue to take along with me when I do go to dark sky sites! I might try to do another one here in August as well and include it in the SVX102R video but it’ll be weather dependent.
Great video. This is the first time i am seeing a astro youtuber asking for video suggestions. I would say many people who join the hobby dont go big so they buy some cheap reflector or reflector and try visual and shortly later, try to fit a camera on it. So in short you can make a video on getting a good images with cheat telescope/ mount or even a DIY gear. Since the mount is the main part you can use a small mount which comes with the OTA and suggest what that can be done to improve it. There are many ideas i am sure you can come up for cheap or DIY telescope gear. Beginnings dont upgrade often so your videos may even solidify the interest in this hoppy. Take care. Have a great day
The 2 Best BUDGET astro Setups for 2023 #astrophotography #budget th-cam.com/video/A6edqc3G_pw/w-d-xo.html The sound could be better it’s an older one and I was new to the microphones but I think the content is solid it shows two budget set ups one super budget for the person who has some hear and one still entry level including some recommended used stuff and where to find it. Let me know if you think this fits the bill maybe I could do an updated 2024 version?
Hahaha! Great outro at the end. I like the idea of group lessons, maybe something like MoPI does, but of course using all the tools at our disposal. My sched is up in the air, so being able to purchase a class and go back to it if I can't make the original time is a must. Going through different target appropriate for that time of year would be helpful. Learning different tips and tricks as processes evolve is great - even if another person has already covered it, it's YOUR take we're interested in. Cheers!
Looks like small group lessons are definitely a common theme so I will set that up and try to post the dates on here. I believe my website can handle the ability to sign up the same way it does for one on one sessions. Looks like it’s the same case with target acquisition so I will probably make a separate episode for that because I think I could easily spend 10 to 15 minutes on that topic. Like you said go over my opinion in terms of when I use what types of filter versus no filter. As well as that specifically for the backyard etc. When it comes to processing tips and tricks have been putting out more APP stuff like I put out last week, because I am using that and that’s the evolution of my own journey. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, I found that three programs is the best for me. I only use two typically on any one image, but the early stages of the processing are better in sometimes for certain types of images and better in PI for others. Photoshop is always the denominator for finishing the images so that’s always consistent. I honestly don’t change a ton in terms of the early steps. I see people constantly chasing the latest and greatest background tool or noise tool. I’ve been using most of the same methods now for almost a year. I did include correction because it’s less harsh than DBE. So I should probably mention that.
Good on you for reaching out to the community. Very little practical info out there on tilt and backfocus adjustments with proper kit like a photon cage or CTU. Took a couple of goes before I had an aha moment using the NINA plugin. So I think there’s a video in there that will help the community. Someone else mentioned a dual setup. I think more and more people are doing this to optimise clear skies. Balance, alignment, NINA synchronisation etc. There’s some content out there but a definitive to the point Dark Rangers style video would be useful. Love the APP content as someone who uses this for pre-processing so more content there would be nice. Maybe even a complete workflow in APP? Looking forward to presets video in Photoshop. Keep up the great work. One of my favourite astrophotography channels out there.
Yeah, I can do one on tilt and back focus. I don’t own an ASG cage and unless they will send one, probably wouldn’t come out of pocket $800 because I don’t have a system that is so sensitive to where I would need it, but I can reach out to them and see if they be willing to allow me to do a review and go over how to best use it, I typically just use the tilt plate to adjust now for tilt. And for backspace just observe the pattern in the corners to tell me whether I’m too close to the sensor or too far and use the aberration inspector in in Nina so I could go over that process. Just a few days ago, I actually did put out a full length on APP it’s the episode before this one so I would check that out. I’ve never run a dual rig set up. I run multiple scopes every night, but they are on their own mount, but I know somebody that is doing it but each one has its own computer so it’s probably not a dual rig in the sense that you’re talking. Most people that are running dual rigs have two separate computers that’s really the way to go. I’m sure there is a way to do it with one, but I don’t like to suggest a non-optimal way of doing something usually. I can see if there is a reliable way using one computer to do it but the guys that I know that have a lot of success are running dual Eagles usually and just syncing the dither which really becomes the only issue.
Honestly, I enjoy different types of content - product reviews are okay, but it’s not always products I’m personally interested in. I really enjoy video journal of an imaging session with artistic landscape and environment shots mixed in, sort of like tagging along on an Astro night. They don’t even have to have much dialogue.
Anytime I do go to a dark sky site. I tried to include some footage sometimes it’s mixed in with a review like I did last month for the G811 where I take you guys with me to the north woods of Wisconsin. In terms of the “artsy” style videos until I get a guy that can do some of the camera work for me and an editor that’s probably not my style for now. I would recommend absorbing photons. He makes great episodes like that where they’re really isn’t a lot of talking or information shared. It’s much more of a visual journey. My goal is to share information and help people get better. Gear reviews are actually not the majority of my content. I was more making that point for the bigger channels I have way more processing tutorials, and a bunch of one off “how to” type guides. The problem with gear reviews is everybody makes comments like this, but it’s the only thing people really watch my top 10 most watch videos 8 of them are gear reviews lol. Part of that I think it’s just the TH-cam algorithm unfortunately.
@@darkrangersinc hey, I can only imagine how much work is involved in those types of videos. I say don’t worry too much about getting content out on something like a weekly basis. I have no clue what’s involved with TH-cam or sponsors, either. Seems like a whole lotta work any way you do it. Just follow your own mind and don’t try to emulate anyone else.
@@keithhanssen7413 I also frankly just don’t have the talent lol. I’m not a trained videographer, video editor or content creator. I started doing weekly content last week and never really did it before. I had to learn basic sound, lighting, and video settings. Editing is even harder than astro. I would need some classical training to create a nice cinematic type episode or higher somebody. I really wanted to look at hiring an editor, but they would have to know astrophotography. Most of the images that I have come up on the screen and text I do on the spot while I’m going through from start to finish. I just add them as I go. I don’t know how I could find somebody that would know what to add and when. EVERYBODY tells me to hire an editor but I don’t know where to find this person and I don’t really make money from the channel it’s more of a money saver at this point since I don’t have to buy new gear. Eventually it’ll happen if you run into anyone let me know ;) . I’d love to continue to improve the content believe me. It’s just as a one man army with a full life Im always right at max capacity until I add some helpers.
@@darkrangersinc I don’t know. I’m rather ambivalent about all the bells and whistles some people like Trevor put into their videos. I suppose it’s cool and all, but it’s not absolutely necessary. Cuiv doesn’t add any distractions like that. He just gives us smart content. I’ve actually considered doing a parody of all the popular astro dudes and dudettes. Humor is appreciated, but sometimes it’s just dumb. It’s all subjective, too, so I say do what YOU want to do and don’t let anyone else tell you what you should be doing. Opinions are like, well, you know. I think a lot of content creators worry too much about what everyone else is doing and they don’t focus on what they personally feel about things. Don’t be a copycat! Be a pioneer. If you don’t have anything to say, then wait until you have something worth sharing. There’s a whole universe out there and Astro ties in with many facets of our lives.
Hey Ryan . It’s great that you’re asking us for suggestions and Thanks ! Since you’re releasing videos once a week or so I thought maybe you could devote more time to question and answer sessions . It would cover a range of subjects and maybe even give you some more ideas for content also. Just a thought .
Would you want a live stream or do you guys want to send questions ahead of time? I’ve never done a live stream, but I’m sure I could figure it out. The problem is getting people to join even channels much bigger than mine. Only get about a max of 100 people or so. If you guys want to send questions to email, I could definitely do one like that and I think that would be great content and a good suggestion !
@@darkrangersinc I think having subscribers send in questions would be a better format Ryan . It would give you more control over the video and time to research questions . Also, maybe you could have guest once in a while . I’m thinking of Niel Degrasse Tyson’s Star Talk format . I believe that would communicate a lot of information in a reasonable time frame . Again , as is , you do great videos and I really like how in depth you get . Clear skies
@@thomasphennigan I put up a post last night asking people to email me questions. I’ve done too episodes where I shared the stage one for a Solar episode where I brought in an expert. He isn’t somebody who does regular content so I did get some people saying that it wasn’t as exciting as normal so that’s understandable and then I did a collaboration with View into Space going over the difference between a couple different software for post processing and nobody watched that one for some reason. So I’ve experimented with it, but it hasn’t done well. Maybe I just need to find the right guest! I’ll start brainstorming. I was thinking about somebody like Sarah Mathis since I do have several females in the DRI community I thought it would be nice to mix it up that way.
I’ve been thinking about doing one of these. Maybe we could connect off-line on how to do it. Did you just use the live stream feature on TH-cam and either your phone or another camera?
I like the "next level" tips - like more in depth for example on subtle settings, plugins and "tricks and tips" for more advanced users in NINA. You may have done this but a short video on the "best" way to load directory files (sorting by keyword?) into WBPP, how to tweak advanced sequencer with rotator and maybe taking a basic template and what tweaks you can do it in, filter comparisons (which I think are upcoming) and camera comparisons and I agree with the poster below as there are tons of clueless posts in Cloudy Nights every day so you could mine those for the "big issues" and tech problems of the day of which there are MANY (I've helped you think of a lot since I seem to run into a lot of stupid things lol). You're welcome for that :-) overall your content is the BEST!!!!
Surprisingly enough, I don’t really do anything special in WBPP or NINA. I don’t really use any keywords or anything when loading and all the tricks I do in subframe selector were in the episode you mentioned. It sounds like there’s enough interest in a 3rd NINA episode covering some of the advanced stuff and plug-ins. Although again, I’m pretty basic there as well. But I think what I can do is zero in on some of the common issues that you have had and I’ve experienced in terms of the imaging process and how to find it now that I’ve covered the overall process I can dive a little bit deeper into some of the features that we want to fine-tune and use all the time.
You have a good original set of content. I like that you only do reviews of interesting and quality products you might use. Some ideas might be: (1) Rather than full processing tutorials, pinpoint tips are good. "Let's mask the Crescent nebula and process separately from background" kind of thing. "How to bring out the dark dust of a dark nebula" etc. (2) Video on "upgrading" to mono. Does LRGB filter quality matter? How are filter makers different? What size filters do I need? mounted or not? what do i need to know about filter wheels? I'm looking forward to the filters experiments you've been mentioning and Astronomik reviews. (3) Walkthrough to "improve" photos. Take some photos from the Patreon group and do a walkthrough of how you might process the same and compare the results. I suspect many people are stuck at a similar point it's hard to overcome. It would be cool to see the before/after on that same data and how you got there. It would be easier to maybe pick up on the subtleties we're missing. (4) Remote Workshop on processing a target. Q&A along the way "why do that? why not do this?" Provide the same master light(s) and people can work along at the same pace too. These could be paid workshops. I would join. (5) Work with one of your partners to create your own branded telescope or camera. e.g. DRIxSVX widefield. a full year long project working with SVX to design and build a Redcat killer. Design principles, physics, materials, manufacturing considerations, testing. I want to see a video of you and Vic storyborading this :) Do a "kickstarter" and have some folks invest into it up front and ride along for the journey, providing feedback along the way too, so you have some guaranteed customers/investors. It would surely be a first of it's kind initiative!
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback! The filter conversation is in the works via the Astromonik ones I got comparing 6nm and 12nm and the 3nm Antlia ones I’ve been using so going from Chinese mass produced to more of a premium product from the German company. They also have 3 different luminance filters which I think is cool for different types of scopes. So I’ll definitely incorporate some of the additional topics in that video. Also, if you watch my Ogma review I cover a lot of the topics on filter wheels, filter size, and mounted vs none. I have done an episode where I take subscriber images and show how to improve them. It was a while ago and I actually just posted that in learning astrophotography under my post of this video asking people to send me their master lights because they think the only thing holding them back is “money” I saw that comment a lot so I’d like to show them that they can in fact get more out of what they have. I think I’ll post a request on YT as well. If you’re interested or know anyone use the channel email and send or have them send a master light bit I’d like to do a second version of that one. It’s helpful for sure. The target selection is a great idea knowing when to prioritize one target vs antler what filters to use, maybe save some for dark site vs some for the backyard etc. that’s a good one I can do fairly easily and make it a little shorter vs 20 min. Regarding the collab I do have something in the works and your close ;) but can’t discuss now. The kickstarter idea is cool though I’ll have to kick that around. Thanks for the great responses as always much appreciated!
Thanks for all the content. Since you are now into Losmandy mounts, perhaps you could comment on their new L6 upgrade and what it improves for the user. Also some new videos on the use of PEMPro and how it helps periodic error might be helpful for many brands of mounts out there. Cheers.
Thanks for the suggestion, in the G11 episode I go over the benefits of L6 and how easy it is to now use and integrate with both the ASIAIR and NINA. They did reach out and ask if I want to be on the beta testing group for their own version of PemPro they are developing and I of course said yes so more to come there. Currently with just OAG I’m getting .4-.5” guiding each night which is more than accurate enough for even my largest scope. However, if I can get it down even lower using their new software, I will definitely make an episode on it!
How about a head to head comparison with all your telescopes as of today. In particular how about some details about your results between Stellarvue 140 vs the SCA 260? The SCA is 1.8x larger so does that make it the better telescope? Did you ever fix the problems you had during your SCA review? What ever happened with the Pleiades 111? You left the last video with having a bunch of problems that you were trying to work out with William Optics. What ever happened with that? How are the results of this scope compared to your other scopes? What's the best telescope/equipment under light polluted skys? The best under super dark skies (B1)?
The issue I had with the SCA was just related to the mount and I showed in my NYX-101 review that a stronger mount could handle it. Otherwise, if you watch the whole review, I got it working and had some pretty good results with it. If you see my HOO image processing episode from about 2 months ago with the crescent nebula I am using SCA260 data in the first one and then I did an HOO part 2 with the SVX140 data and do a side by side comparison of the data so that might be a good one to check out. I ended up sending the 111 back as it’s not fixable for a Full Frame without it going back to the factory. William optics actually did reach out to me about two months ago and said they appreciated the honesty of the review and asked if we could work together going forward. I told them if they want to send me a scope. I’ll do a review. I suggested the 68 mm version as sort of a redemption. However it’s been quite a few weeks and they haven’t sent anything and I did check in a couple weeks ago so I don’t know what’s going on with that. A lot of these reviews take a lot more behind the scenes than people realize because getting companies to actually get the gear out if they aren’t one of my long-term partners can be a lot of work and follow up. At the end of the day, I could never recommend a William optics over a Stellarvue. On Facebook and Instagram I posted a side-by-side of the WO111 versus the SVX 102 and the SVX102 did much much better in terms of signal-to-noise and FWHM. It also visibly looked much better. I said two rigs up side-by-side at a dark sky site on M101 and had them both imaging at the same time. The stellarvue scopes both in terms of performance and customer service are really hard to beat and that’s why I really am focused on continuing to promote them. I truly think it’s the best company for APOs for the money. Especially after having some experience with Takahashi now in person and some of the issues that they caused.
A video on beginner, intermediate, advanced targets and when and ways to get them. Telescope-filters. Time of year - telescope location. I’m always having a hard time finding targets.
@@anthonygraham6449 that’s actually a really good idea. I can talk about how much integration you need and prioritizing some targets for dark sky trips if you’re planning on versus backyard as well. That’s usually how I do it if I know a target is more faint and difficult. I usually save it for dark skies and then I know a lot of people are confused on which targets you should use Narrowband filters vs broadband vs no filter. So I can definitely clear that up and talk about key targets throughout the year
Yes sir. I also just find I’m always waiting for the last minute and looking at other people’s images to see what can shoot. So many databases without images.
I can put this together in the next week or two so hang tight. Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve actually had a couple other people suggested since so it’s obviously one that people are looking for this is exactly the type of feedback I was hoping for.
Fantastic. I’m sure it will be excellent. How is it going with the NYX with the SCA without the counterweight. I had mine fail without at max rate. I noticed in the video you weren’t using one.
@@anthonygraham6449 the NYX-101 had to go back and a new one sent out. So by then it was almost May and Galaxy season was over. The first mount apparently was used so it had some wear and tear. But it handled it fine for about a month before it had issues not related to the scope specifically. But it guides well enough and can hold the weight, much better than the AM5
Ok sounds good now that the website is setup should be too hard. I know the cost is tough for some for one on ones, while some prefer it but if we got like 5 people we could make it really easy for most to get some semi private help and answer specific questions in real time.
Hey Ryan! Great video again. I think a session that shows people who don't have the possibility to get into dark areas how to improve their image acquisition. Good data results in better results. For instance in Germany where I live there are for most parts of the country just two "dark" sites. In Germany there is no better dark skies than BC 3. In our group across all the country just two are in Bortle 4 and the rest of the 25 people under worse sky conditions. I am sure there are plenty of people out there who would like to see how to improve their raw images during acquisition.
@@astrofromhome I did a top 10 video to end 2023 where I talk about all the ways to improve your astrophotography without upgrading your gear. I talked about going to dark skies site even if it is just going from B7-9 to something a bit darker. While of course, stressing more acquisition time I’m always promoting more integration. I think it’s the biggest downfall of most Astro photographer is a lack of patience which is why I promote telescope live. It allows you to scratch the itch and stay sharp in between processing your own data. That way if it does take you a month or two to gather up 20 to 30 hours you can still get a handful of nice images in. Even going to a B4 will make a big difference from someone who’s in the city. My backyard is B5 and to the north is all B3-4 and I can do no filter and broadband no problem without any bad gradients if it’s near the new moon. So it’s still worth the trip I think. So yeah, I think they’re always will be a common theme in my content, telling people to both work on their processing skills and strive to get more data as well as data under darker skies, maybe I should include the idea of even just getting to B4 and not just talk about B1-2, so people realize there is a value to doing that. Do you guys have any remote sites? You guys can park your scopes out there because I didn’t want to do an episode on remote imaging as well.
A monthly Q&A would be good. How to do DSO lucky imaging ( from technical side, to data capturing, to processing) How to find what is a weird object in my picture that I didn’t mean to capture How to do mosaic processing without having defects like bands in areas where the images are joined.
SETI Astro just came out with a free plugin for PI that does exactly that. It literally tells you everything in your image and he does a great job explaining it I would check that out. As much as I want people to stick with my channel no sense in re-creating the wheel. I just downloaded it the other day but haven’t tested it. Maybe when I tested I put out a video on how to use it, that’s nice and easy to follow! Regarding lucky imaging, I don’t do that personally I prefer longer exposures. My max focal length is 1300mm and my seeing conditions are good enough that I don’t need to do lucky imaging. If I ever get something with more focal length, I would be happy to master it though because that’s when you want to cancel out atmospheric dispersion. I’d have to find a reflector scope company to partner with id imagine and then it would be cool to do a review of a big focal length scope and lucky imagining at the same time! For the monthly Q&A are you thinking live stream or are you guys send me questions via email and I answer them? That could also be good for the workshops as well.
@@darkrangersinc thanks for the feedback on SETI Astro. I will look into it! For the Q&A I was thinking, we send you questions then you can research and take your time to answer if you need time. Also you can follow with a pool where we can vote on the best question to let the audience stay involved.
@@sebchic1515 it would be easier to just do 1 every so often I can knock em out like 6-7 questions per episode. I’ve got the first one lined up I wanted to get the target acquisition episode out today because that was asked for repeatedly but maybe by Friday I’ll get the first one out and folks and comment what they want for the next one. There seems to be a theme in terms of what people need to know which is good.
I just developed my first preset that has worked really well on my last six images. it’s the combination of six different adjustment layers at varied intensity levels and all you have to do is push a button and choose the opacity usually between 50 and 100% works good and it takes you literally about 10 seconds several minutes. I’m just trying to figure out how to get it on my website because I can’t save a Photoshop file on there for some reason
@@masterofnonetech so you need help on the actual mosaic data acquisition? I can show you on the ASIAIR and NINA but unfortunately I don’t use Stellarmate. This is a good idea for a topic though thank you for your feedback
@@darkrangersincto me it’s more on finding a good mosaic processing method. I tried a few (in pixinsight and other software but I’m always finding imperfections on how it joins pictures). Right now I gave up on mosaics because of this and I don’t think I’m the only one.
Maybe it would be good if you do some videos about planetary. Its a complet differnt world. Other scopes, other pixel size requierments, other software and so on.
Yeah, this is a good idea. I would probably bring in an expert like I did for the Solar episode. Those are two categories I am at least not right now super interested in. I did really enjoy the eclipse and not only got to my own but was commissioned to edit someone else’s data. Both were fun projects, but I just don’t have enough passion to go all in yet. However, I wanted to provide value for the community. It’s kind of the same with planetary so I would not consider myself an expert there, I know a couple specialist but if you have in mind, let me know. Otherwise I will put this on the docket for the future. I’m usually about a month out on episodes so hang tight and we’ll get something out!
@@darkrangersinc Sounds good. I think it would also be intersting to show what you can get with minimal financial effort. So using a guidecam that most of use are using, mount like the AM5/3 wich many people are using and mybe a small / cheap maksutov or SC like a Skywatcher Skymax 102/127 or a C5. Maybe something like a beginners guide and these small scopes are perfect for that. I also startet with a Skymax 127, its a really nice scope.
@@blayzer8871 most of the people that I know that are dedicated to planetary are typically using Celestron C11 or C14 as the “budget” option with wit a 2x powermate at F21. At the high-end, it’s usually the big CDK scopes from plain wave and stuff like that. I think you could probably get away with a C8 which is very reasonably priced. I think they are just just a little over $1200, and can run on an AM5 or something like that. The cameras are much cheaper typically you’re 100% right there. I’ve had enough people asked that I will start to look around. I’m sure if I find somebody who’s experience tea can talk about his first set up and then what he’s using today and cover off on both bases.
Dual imaging is a logical step up for the astrophotographer getting more comfortable with his gear. But there's not a lot of in dept content on how you would be setting this up in NINA. I know from experience the advanced sequencer in NINA is something of a challenge when you're first looking into this. CS Miguel
@@darkrangersinc Hi Ryan, I'm already running a dual setup. On my 10Micron GM2K mount I have a RASA11 and Esprit 120 side by side. I postponed this for a long time because I dreaded figuring out how to manage this in capture software. I've worked with SGP for years but it seemed clear to me that I had to make the switch to NINA. NINA was unfamiliar terrain for me so there was a learning curve. But to answer your question, no you need to run both scopes from one PC running two instances of NINA to be able to synchronize dithering. An easy to follow how to guide would have helped me a lot. Don't get me wrong, you can find some information online and on TH-cam, but not a whole lot.
I haven’t watched all your videos, but I would like to see some videos on what to do when “things should work.” Examples: 1. NINA not working reliably with Canon DSLRs, the T3i and T4i in my case. 2. NINA plate solving and star analysis (for focus) not working. There are probably steps not well-covered that are missing. 3. Pixinsight Image Solver not providing a solution, even when all the databases are present and the image is good. These are three examples of issues vexing me that are not well-covered. Thanks for reading!
I did a 2 part Nina Series in the spring, part 1 was how to set up your computer with all the software and connect the devices part 2 was actually imaging from start to finish with calibration frames. I haven’t run into issue one and two, but I do cover best practices for connecting however, if you can shoot me an email with some of the error messages you’re getting some more specifics. I can try to find the solution and cover some best practices on connecting your gear, overcoming issues, and how to get the best auto focus results. For #3 what error message are you getting? I got one until I clicked the wrench in Gaia and told it where to find the 4 data base files. So I’m curious what yours says. I forget exactly what it said but if you tell me, I’ll remember it if it’s the same one I got I think it was something about wavelength table or something. For 1 & 2 email me: Ryan@darkrangersinc.com
@@glennsubawalla9884 one thing I’ll never do is pretend to know or be an expert when I’m not. So while I know what it is I am no expert and would have no idea where to begin. I’ve never even heard of someone doing this but if you find someone I’m happy to interview them and have them share their best practices like I did for my solar episode this spring 🤷🏻♂️
If you go back to last year, I do a budget rig episode. Excuse the audio I just got the microphone at the time lol but I think the content is still good. I do more portable set up with the GTI. And a little bit more of a backyard specific one with the Celestron AVX. The GTI gives you a lot for your money but with a 14 pound capacity you will run out of wiggle room pretty quickly, but I think for a basic 80 mm set up It’s not bad. What’s your budget for the scope and I can give you my best recommendation for an 80mm?
How about a feature for parents who are not into astro, how to get a basic kit together for a kid who wants to take astrophotos. With a couple of options in terms of price. Is the SeeStar the way to go? That sort of stuff.
@@johnkulczycki3021 not a parent personally but perhaps I could ask around. I’m not a big fan of the Seastar or ZWO Products but that would be probably the best use for it. You can build a budget rig with a GTI that holds 14 pounds and get a small scope and what not. I have a video from last year. It’s got a blue and gray thumbnail going over. Super budget builds. One is specifically designed to be lightweight and portable, which might be better for someone younger.
You might try doing a video once a month with less know subjects available for deep space astro and maybe break them into categories based maybe on focal length like 500mm for example. I am a newbie and I normally end up going with the recommendations given by the ASIAir App only to find out they are the same targets everyone photographs or worse, the objects are mismatched for my setup and I waste a night of clear skies because the object is too big, too small or too dim.
I have a tip for you. This hoby is not a sprint. It is a maratone. You need to put a work flow of setting equpment and processing. Try your absulute best even you do not have best comditions. Your sense of your gear and how well the objects fit on your gear comes wirh it burns in your brain. You have to have a thick skinn. Half of my time is frustration most of the time it is worth it. Try to hang out on telescopius alot plan you nights before. Make a list and think of this is like life. You do not get evertime you deserve.
I was doing a monthly newsletter where I would do five targets for 3-500mm and then 500+ it took a ton of time to do the newsletter and send it out but the response was pretty lack luster. It didn’t seem like it added enough value, and since it took me a couple hours of time, which is obviously all volunteer it didn’t feel like it was worth it. There are a couple of different channels that do cover every month the best images in the sky, and usually they break it down by focal length. If you search for best Astro photography targets or something like that you’ll see the pages that do it monthly. Some of it is like Highpoint scientific one I believe. It’s the companies that sell the gear that do it. I could cover what I’m shooting that would be pretty helpful because I’m shooting usually on at least two different rigs and different focal lengths so maybe I should just do that for now! If you follow my Instagram, I usually post screenshots of what I’m shooting whenever I change to a new item. I’ll usually post screenshots from Nina showing the target that I’m on and then the finished object as well so that might be good to follow and then check out my stories.
I’ve got a big two-part episode on NINA, if you want to see if that adds any value, if you’re already using it, part two is probably better. I’m already using processing software so I probably wouldn’t pick up a fourth with Siril. I was thinking about potentially doing a third episode on Nina to show some of the plug-ins like Stellarium and what not so that’s a good idea and it’s good to hear it would be interesting to people.
@@davidemancini7853 Cuiv did a whole series on one. I had a Quattro 200 and eventually sold it. They sell you on the idea of cheap aperture, it was $650 at the time. However you need a coma corrector I was actually the first person ever to get the Starizona .75 corrector reducer which is $450. You for sure need to upgrade the focuser so you don’t get tilted and have wonky stars. Feather touch does make one specifically for it, but it’s another $750. And then add 150 for an AstroZap dew system and $50 for Bobs knobs. I am looking into finding a reflector company the same way I am working with Stellarvue because I think they make the best APOs for the money. But I want to find a reflector company that has one that’s may be a little bit more expensive but actually ready to go from the factory. Because of my personal experience with the Quattro, it’s not one that I recommend to most people just because they’re going to end up spending an additional 2 X the cost of the scope just to get it running the way it should. I have a couple companies in mind that sound expensive because they’re like $2500 for an 10 inch but that’s almost what the 300P costs once you’re done with it anyway. And the one I’m looking at has carbon fiber tube and higher quality quartz mirrors. If you’re willing to do the upgrades, I do think you’ve got a good scope there but the simple answer is to get the Starizona reducer and the Feather touch focuser. A lot of people I see also go with the moonlight, but that’s $2500 which is kind of crazy. I can find the link for the specific FT if you haven’t upgraded it already and are interest in it
@@darkrangersinc Hi,first thing i want to say is that i have already got the Stellarvue 140 in the bucket list :) that been said i have been photograph for the last 3 years with the Sharpstar 150 f 2.8 and i had lots of fun with it,fantastic telescope,but now i feel the urge to get more focal length. About the 300 newtonian i calculate an extra 2000$ to 3000$ AUD of upgrade,that include Paracorr Type-2,PrimaLuce esatto focuser,more rigid screw for the primary mirror etc. There are many company that produce ready to go newt with carbon fiber tube and great mirror but the price is just ridiculous!we talking 10.000$ to 15.000$ ( Astroworx for example sell the 250mm aperture for almost 10k,Orion Optics bit cheaper )at least for a big newt,not to mention if you want the best mirror on the market a Zambuto we go eaven deeper down the hole LOL, For what i have see those ready to go newt they are not worth to be honest. I have seen amazing photo taken with just few upgrade of the SW250 newtonian on astrobin. The more sensible solution for an already made newt is buying from TS Germany,the ONTC line is fully customizable but the waiting period is month and month,also if you live in Europe maybe ok but if like me live in Australia the delivery cost are a killer for a big telescope. So bottom line,and this is just my opinion,for a good newt i think spending around 4000$ AUD including upgrades is more than enough to give you an excellent telescope.
Targeting general/common issues does end very fast imo. After some point I think astro channels should go to more rare problems or more sellceted topics. It is always easy to find general info about gear or processing information. However going for rare more unique targets or problems should be always available. There are so little to no info on some of the system and targets.
Well, this is what I’m kind of asking for some specific examples. Unfortunately I can’t do an episode on every little problem because nobody will watch it and I know the point of a channel isn’t just for reviews, but I put a lot of time and effort into these episodes and if nobody watches it it’s kind of disappointing you want to pick topics that will help a large number of people and add value. There are specific problems that occur to a lot of people so that’s really what I’m trying to find out what are the common specific problems that I can cover. If I can get a video editor, I would consider doing some of these smaller problems as shorts as well, but it’s just a lot of editing. But a lot of individual issues can be handled in a minute if you just cut to the chase and explain how to do it. If you do have any specific examples of problems though, let me know!
So here is thought only... Let's say I pretty much have pre and post processing down. Now I have a large set of subs I just cannot get squared away. In other words, the normal I can do. So how about a couple trouble shooting videos. That could be send in your troublesome subs and you do a video on resurrecting them or you go through your most common fixes to troublesome targets. In other words what do you do when things don't go perfectly.
Are you talking about individual subframes that aren’t up to par? In that case, I typically throw them out I don’t ever work on individual subframes. I would just go out and get more data. I’m pretty picky with the data that I use and won’t use any that are kind of “borderline” I’d rather toss them then have them affect the good data. if you’re talking about just a difficult stacked image or a more challenging target than that definitely something I could help with. or if you’re having trouble during your acquisition consistently, which is causing the bad subframes I could help troubleshoot with that but if the topic is resurrecting bad frames, I wouldn’t recommend trying to do that. I usually end up, tossing the bottom 10% of my subframes and trying to isolate the best data.
Craig , thanks for the suggestion. I did a pretty in-depth Solar episode where I interview the person I know who is most knowledgeable and part of our DRI Community. I put it out a while before the eclipse so that if people wanted the info they could get the gear in time and what not. In terms of planetary, I had one other suggestion for that I don’t personally do planetary imaging so I would probably take the same approach and find an expert and do an interview and have them share their best practices. Solar and planetary are not something I actively engage in. I think I’m kind of saving them for down the road should deep space ever get boring lol. So I don’t want to pretend to be an expert on something that I’m not. I did learn a lot imaging the eclipse, but in the meantime, I’m glad I brought in an expert. If you know anyone who you would consider an expert in Larry, let me know. Otherwise I can think of a couple people who are well known in that genre.
Haha I don’t do it for the money although at some point, I do need to bring on an editor, and some help for the behind the scenes stuff and of course that isn’t free 🥲🥲. One day the channel will be big enough! For now I don’t even have monetization turned on so you guys get fewer adds even though I’ve had over 1000 subs for a while ;)
Hi Ryan, for me indept image prosessing in PS, not in a class but like the last time you did but indept, no problem if I have to pay it like before .Thanks
Are you talking about a more inept version of the full length tutorial that I have that’s like just under an hour? I’ve also come out with a preset that works really well in Photoshop for pretty much every image. You just have to change the opacity which is really just the strength of it so I could include that as a part of it when you bring it into Photoshop and apply the preset it will instantly get the image a lot closer to the final result. So I do want to make a follow up to the first full length for sure. Thanks for the feedback.
@@darkrangersinc Yes Ryan, the first PS was excellent but a follow-up version is always welcome. Can I have the presets yet (I'm willing to pay for it of course) or do I have to wait for the update version. All the best Rigo from the south of Spain
So this is something that I've not really seen good content on. The planning side of building a telescope observatory, ok there are a lot videos showing what people have done and what said person has done. But none that brake down how to work it out. ie how to measure up you rig to work out your pier height vs your wall height, how to work out the minimum's clearance's you need etc. Not sure if this is the kind of thing you were looking for, just a idea
I am open to all suggestions. I can’t necessarily be an expert on all of them, but I can always engage with one. I’m actually looking to park one of my rigs at a remote dark sky observatory. That could be a really good question to ask them as they have several buildings and we’re talking about how they compare in terms of square foot per telescope versus others and what they think is ideal. I just helped one of our community members out in Vermont install her rig in an observatory. She just built. It was a roof style and I believe it was 12 x 16’ but it was meant for two piers. Are you looking for more of a DIY budget option or to hire somebody like she did? I could probably find somebody for either.
@@darkrangersinc Sorry I did see your 1st reply but work got in the way before I could respond. As for my build it will be a custom DIY 6x6 or close to that as I'm non freedom units here it will be something like the Pier Tech ones. Just waiting on funds and time to build. Mmm... dark sites are so nice. It will be interesting to find out what their suggestions are, and how they work them out.
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Maybe:
1) Critique some of your old photos and show how they can be improved with new or different techniques - or maybe compare some of your early vs later images and how you developed as an astrophotographer. That will teach aspects of photos that more advanced imagers seek to address.
2) Guiding. How to optimize guiding for whatever mount you have (throw out the mount is not an option). The effects of aggressiveness, max RA and DEC duration, exposure time, requirements you see for a good guide scope, good guide camera. Atmospheric transparency vs seeing. When are you chasing seeing? What nights if any) should you just pack it in? How to evaluate minimum required guiding for your main camera.
3) Mosaics (several people mentioned this).
4) In your opinion, what makes for an Astrobin “top pick,” “top pick nominee,” APOD. Are these achievable with a moderate priced rig ($10K)?
5) Target framing. Breaking away from the framing everyone uses. A video on the “art” of astrophotography versus the “technical skill.”
6) Printing. What equipment if you choose to print your own? Criteria for a wall-worthy image vs facebook image.
7) Triaging images with SubframeSelector. Is it worth the time or should you depend on WBPP algorithms? Which? I know Adam Block has his strong opinions (which are often difficult to follow), what do you think?
I’m sure if you just scroll through topics in CloudyNights you will find an endless series of topics with opinions that are all over the place. Help us evaluate what’s out there in terms of advice using data or examples to back up your opinion.
I’ll stop here. Looking forward to what you come up with.
That's a great list!!!
@@MicheleHernandez-d2e Thanks! Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the feedback and list of suggestions. #1 is actually one of my first episodes where I show my rig which was around 10k and review some of my first images with it. It would be really good to go back now that I’ve progressed quite a bit I like that idea.
#2 I’ve covered much of these topics when reviewing equipment, like mounts and making sure that not only to ensure you have the capacity, but also the guy accuracy based on the pixel resolution of your rig. But I haven’t done one off on guiding sky conditions in general so that’s something I can do.
4 and 5 can kind of be pit together. I did a video on color theory which goes into some of the art concepts, but I can talk about how to get a little bit more creative to use the skills that we learn in photography and other forms of art and incorporated into what on the surface appears to be more of a science based art form but doesn’t have to be.
I did talk about printing in the episode where I reviewed my work so again I can follow up on that if I do a secondary one I do have some good tips there and preferences on what works better than others.
#7 I do have a full episode on that and I think it’s still pretty complete and I haven’t really changed anything there so if you look back, I think towards the end of 23 or beginning of this year I put one out on subframe selector and how I go about that.
I don’t really spend a lot of time in cloudy nights. I find most Internet forums almost too frustrating to go through because I see so much bad information being sent out lol I would have to give up the day job going in there and trying to answer every question but I do see them on a handful of Facebook forms that I’m in that are specific to individual topics or software.
Appreciate all of the great ideas. I think definitely a few of them would work as new contents and I’ll start to put together some ideas for future content!
@@darkrangersinc Thanks for the serious consideration. Yeah, I knew that you addressed some of these issues in sections of other videos, but having a single video devoted to a particular topic would be nice (like the guiding one) and for people who are coming to your channel later and trying to find your take on a particular issue it helps to have a video title that pops out as relevant. (As you've seen in the comments, a number of people have asked for coverage of topics you covered somewhere - often within wide-ranging videos - but they didn't see it.). I have to say that your color theory video was excellent and unique! I don't think I have seen anybody else address this issue - I regularly track and watch offerings by 21 other astrophotographers!
Astro-vlogs is a format that I enjoy watching (like the ones you already have a couple of). Doesn't have to go into super-detail, but just a sort of "taking you along with me" type of videos. What went well, what didn't go so well, did I mess up or did my gear fail, lessons learned etc etc.
I like gear reviews too. May not always be relevant to me specifically, but I still enjoy watching and hear what people think about something.
The G811 mount review from June does both if you haven’t seen that one yet! I can usually only do one trip per month and not every month so every time I do go, I typically make an episode. I’m back out west though in the midwest limits me to six months a year. But I usually do try to bring you guys along even though they look formal they’re actually way more work than any other type of video believe it or not. But it’s worth it for me if you go back to some some of them only have a few hundred views but I actually think there’s some of my better videos. The production quality and sound isn’t the best but I think there’s some really good info in it if you go back to last summer, it was before I had a lot of subscribers so the videos have very few views!
I’m glad to hear they will continue to take along with me when I do go to dark sky sites! I might try to do another one here in August as well and include it in the SVX102R video but it’ll be weather dependent.
Great video. This is the first time i am seeing a astro youtuber asking for video suggestions.
I would say many people who join the hobby dont go big so they buy some cheap reflector or reflector and try visual and shortly later, try to fit a camera on it. So in short you can make a video on getting a good images with cheat telescope/ mount or even a DIY gear. Since the mount is the main part you can use a small mount which comes with the OTA and suggest what that can be done to improve it.
There are many ideas i am sure you can come up for cheap or DIY telescope gear.
Beginnings dont upgrade often so your videos may even solidify the interest in this hoppy.
Take care. Have a great day
The 2 Best BUDGET astro Setups for 2023 #astrophotography #budget
th-cam.com/video/A6edqc3G_pw/w-d-xo.html
The sound could be better it’s an older one and I was new to the microphones but I think the content is solid it shows two budget set ups one super budget for the person who has some hear and one still entry level including some recommended used stuff and where to find it. Let me know if you think this fits the bill maybe I could do an updated 2024 version?
Hahaha! Great outro at the end. I like the idea of group lessons, maybe something like MoPI does, but of course using all the tools at our disposal. My sched is up in the air, so being able to purchase a class and go back to it if I can't make the original time is a must. Going through different target appropriate for that time of year would be helpful. Learning different tips and tricks as processes evolve is great - even if another person has already covered it, it's YOUR take we're interested in. Cheers!
Looks like small group lessons are definitely a common theme so I will set that up and try to post the dates on here. I believe my website can handle the ability to sign up the same way it does for one on one sessions.
Looks like it’s the same case with target acquisition so I will probably make a separate episode for that because I think I could easily spend 10 to 15 minutes on that topic. Like you said go over my opinion in terms of when I use what types of filter versus no filter. As well as that specifically for the backyard etc.
When it comes to processing tips and tricks have been putting out more APP stuff like I put out last week, because I am using that and that’s the evolution of my own journey. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, I found that three programs is the best for me. I only use two typically on any one image, but the early stages of the processing are better in sometimes for certain types of images and better in PI for others. Photoshop is always the denominator for finishing the images so that’s always consistent.
I honestly don’t change a ton in terms of the early steps. I see people constantly chasing the latest and greatest background tool or noise tool. I’ve been using most of the same methods now for almost a year. I did include correction because it’s less harsh than DBE. So I should probably mention that.
Good on you for reaching out to the community. Very little practical info out there on tilt and backfocus adjustments with proper kit like a photon cage or CTU. Took a couple of goes before I had an aha moment using the NINA plugin. So I think there’s a video in there that will help the community. Someone else mentioned a dual setup. I think more and more people are doing this to optimise clear skies. Balance, alignment, NINA synchronisation etc. There’s some content out there but a definitive to the point Dark Rangers style video would be useful. Love the APP content as someone who uses this for pre-processing so more content there would be nice. Maybe even a complete workflow in APP? Looking forward to presets video in Photoshop. Keep up the great work. One of my favourite astrophotography channels out there.
Yeah, I can do one on tilt and back focus. I don’t own an ASG cage and unless they will send one, probably wouldn’t come out of pocket $800 because I don’t have a system that is so sensitive to where I would need it, but I can reach out to them and see if they be willing to allow me to do a review and go over how to best use it, I typically just use the tilt plate to adjust now for tilt. And for backspace just observe the pattern in the corners to tell me whether I’m too close to the sensor or too far and use the aberration inspector in in Nina so I could go over that process.
Just a few days ago, I actually did put out a full length on APP it’s the episode before this one so I would check that out.
I’ve never run a dual rig set up. I run multiple scopes every night, but they are on their own mount, but I know somebody that is doing it but each one has its own computer so it’s probably not a dual rig in the sense that you’re talking.
Most people that are running dual rigs have two separate computers that’s really the way to go. I’m sure there is a way to do it with one, but I don’t like to suggest a non-optimal way of doing something usually. I can see if there is a reliable way using one computer to do it but the guys that I know that have a lot of success are running dual Eagles usually and just syncing the dither which really becomes the only issue.
Honestly, I enjoy different types of content - product reviews are okay, but it’s not always products I’m personally interested in. I really enjoy video journal of an imaging session with artistic landscape and environment shots mixed in, sort of like tagging along on an Astro night. They don’t even have to have much dialogue.
Anytime I do go to a dark sky site. I tried to include some footage sometimes it’s mixed in with a review like I did last month for the G811 where I take you guys with me to the north woods of Wisconsin.
In terms of the “artsy” style videos until I get a guy that can do some of the camera work for me and an editor that’s probably not my style for now. I would recommend absorbing photons. He makes great episodes like that where they’re really isn’t a lot of talking or information shared. It’s much more of a visual journey.
My goal is to share information and help people get better. Gear reviews are actually not the majority of my content. I was more making that point for the bigger channels I have way more processing tutorials, and a bunch of one off “how to” type guides. The problem with gear reviews is everybody makes comments like this, but it’s the only thing people really watch my top 10 most watch videos 8 of them are gear reviews lol. Part of that I think it’s just the TH-cam algorithm unfortunately.
@@darkrangersinc hey, I can only imagine how much work is involved in those types of videos. I say don’t worry too much about getting content out on something like a weekly basis. I have no clue what’s involved with TH-cam or sponsors, either. Seems like a whole lotta work any way you do it. Just follow your own mind and don’t try to emulate anyone else.
@@darkrangersinc I enjoy Lonely Speck for that type of content. Thanks for the tip about Absorbing Photons.
@@keithhanssen7413 I also frankly just don’t have the talent lol. I’m not a trained videographer, video editor or content creator. I started doing weekly content last week and never really did it before. I had to learn basic sound, lighting, and video settings. Editing is even harder than astro. I would need some classical training to create a nice cinematic type episode or higher somebody.
I really wanted to look at hiring an editor, but they would have to know astrophotography. Most of the images that I have come up on the screen and text I do on the spot while I’m going through from start to finish. I just add them as I go. I don’t know how I could find somebody that would know what to add and when. EVERYBODY tells me to hire an editor but I don’t know where to find this person and I don’t really make money from the channel it’s more of a money saver at this point since I don’t have to buy new gear.
Eventually it’ll happen if you run into anyone let me know ;) . I’d love to continue to improve the content believe me. It’s just as a one man army with a full life Im always right at max capacity until I add some helpers.
@@darkrangersinc I don’t know. I’m rather ambivalent about all the bells and whistles some people like Trevor put into their videos. I suppose it’s cool and all, but it’s not absolutely necessary. Cuiv doesn’t add any distractions like that. He just gives us smart content. I’ve actually considered doing a parody of all the popular astro dudes and dudettes. Humor is appreciated, but sometimes it’s just dumb. It’s all subjective, too, so I say do what YOU want to do and don’t let anyone else tell you what you should be doing. Opinions are like, well, you know. I think a lot of content creators worry too much about what everyone else is doing and they don’t focus on what they personally feel about things. Don’t be a copycat! Be a pioneer. If you don’t have anything to say, then wait until you have something worth sharing. There’s a whole universe out there and Astro ties in with many facets of our lives.
Hey Ryan . It’s great that you’re asking us for suggestions and Thanks !
Since you’re releasing videos once a week or so I thought maybe you could devote more time to question and answer sessions . It would cover a range of subjects and maybe even give you some more ideas for content also. Just a thought .
Would you want a live stream or do you guys want to send questions ahead of time? I’ve never done a live stream, but I’m sure I could figure it out. The problem is getting people to join even channels much bigger than mine. Only get about a max of 100 people or so.
If you guys want to send questions to email, I could definitely do one like that and I think that would be great content and a good suggestion !
@@darkrangersinc I think having subscribers send in questions would be a better format Ryan . It would give you more control over the video and time to research questions . Also, maybe you could have guest once in a while . I’m thinking of Niel Degrasse Tyson’s Star Talk format . I believe that would communicate a lot of information in a reasonable time frame .
Again , as is , you do great videos and I really like how in depth you get .
Clear skies
@@thomasphennigan I put up a post last night asking people to email me questions. I’ve done too episodes where I shared the stage one for a Solar episode where I brought in an expert. He isn’t somebody who does regular content so I did get some people saying that it wasn’t as exciting as normal so that’s understandable and then I did a collaboration with View into Space going over the difference between a couple different software for post processing and nobody watched that one for some reason. So I’ve experimented with it, but it hasn’t done well. Maybe I just need to find the right guest! I’ll start brainstorming. I was thinking about somebody like Sarah Mathis since I do have several females in the DRI community I thought it would be nice to mix it up that way.
I just did a 1 hour live stream from a canoe on our astronomy channel. Had great engagement from a core group.
I’ve been thinking about doing one of these. Maybe we could connect off-line on how to do it. Did you just use the live stream feature on TH-cam and either your phone or another camera?
I like the "next level" tips - like more in depth for example on subtle settings, plugins and "tricks and tips" for more advanced users in NINA. You may have done this but a short video on the "best" way to load directory files (sorting by keyword?) into WBPP, how to tweak advanced sequencer with rotator and maybe taking a basic template and what tweaks you can do it in, filter comparisons (which I think are upcoming) and camera comparisons and I agree with the poster below as there are tons of clueless posts in Cloudy Nights every day so you could mine those for the "big issues" and tech problems of the day of which there are MANY (I've helped you think of a lot since I seem to run into a lot of stupid things lol). You're welcome for that :-) overall your content is the BEST!!!!
Surprisingly enough, I don’t really do anything special in WBPP or NINA. I don’t really use any keywords or anything when loading and all the tricks I do in subframe selector were in the episode you mentioned.
It sounds like there’s enough interest in a 3rd NINA episode covering some of the advanced stuff and plug-ins. Although again, I’m pretty basic there as well. But I think what I can do is zero in on some of the common issues that you have had and I’ve experienced in terms of the imaging process and how to find it now that I’ve covered the overall process I can dive a little bit deeper into some of the features that we want to fine-tune and use all the time.
You have a good original set of content. I like that you only do reviews of interesting and quality products you might use. Some ideas might be:
(1) Rather than full processing tutorials, pinpoint tips are good. "Let's mask the Crescent nebula and process separately from background" kind of thing. "How to bring out the dark dust of a dark nebula" etc.
(2) Video on "upgrading" to mono. Does LRGB filter quality matter? How are filter makers different? What size filters do I need? mounted or not? what do i need to know about filter wheels? I'm looking forward to the filters experiments you've been mentioning and Astronomik reviews.
(3) Walkthrough to "improve" photos. Take some photos from the Patreon group and do a walkthrough of how you might process the same and compare the results. I suspect many people are stuck at a similar point it's hard to overcome. It would be cool to see the before/after on that same data and how you got there. It would be easier to maybe pick up on the subtleties we're missing.
(4) Remote Workshop on processing a target. Q&A along the way "why do that? why not do this?" Provide the same master light(s) and people can work along at the same pace too. These could be paid workshops. I would join.
(5) Work with one of your partners to create your own branded telescope or camera. e.g. DRIxSVX widefield. a full year long project working with SVX to design and build a Redcat killer. Design principles, physics, materials, manufacturing considerations, testing. I want to see a video of you and Vic storyborading this :) Do a "kickstarter" and have some folks invest into it up front and ride along for the journey, providing feedback along the way too, so you have some guaranteed customers/investors. It would surely be a first of it's kind initiative!
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback! The filter conversation is in the works via the Astromonik ones I got comparing 6nm and 12nm and the 3nm Antlia ones I’ve been using so going from Chinese mass produced to more of a premium product from the German company. They also have 3 different luminance filters which I think is cool for different types of scopes. So I’ll definitely incorporate some of the additional topics in that video. Also, if you watch my Ogma review I cover a lot of the topics on filter wheels, filter size, and mounted vs none.
I have done an episode where I take subscriber images and show how to improve them. It was a while ago and I actually just posted that in learning astrophotography under my post of this video asking people to send me their master lights because they think the only thing holding them back is “money” I saw that comment a lot so I’d like to show them that they can in fact get more out of what they have. I think I’ll post a request on YT as well. If you’re interested or know anyone use the channel email and send or have them send a master light bit I’d like to do a second version of that one. It’s helpful for sure.
The target selection is a great idea knowing when to prioritize one target vs antler what filters to use, maybe save some for dark site vs some for the backyard etc. that’s a good one I can do fairly easily and make it a little shorter vs 20 min.
Regarding the collab I do have something in the works and your close ;) but can’t discuss now. The kickstarter idea is cool though I’ll have to kick that around. Thanks for the great responses as always much appreciated!
Thanks for all the content. Since you are now into Losmandy mounts, perhaps you could comment on their new L6 upgrade and what it improves for the user. Also some new videos on the use of PEMPro and how it helps periodic error might be helpful for many brands of mounts out there. Cheers.
Thanks for the suggestion, in the G11 episode I go over the benefits of L6 and how easy it is to now use and integrate with both the ASIAIR and NINA.
They did reach out and ask if I want to be on the beta testing group for their own version of PemPro they are developing and I of course said yes so more to come there. Currently with just OAG I’m getting .4-.5” guiding each night which is more than accurate enough for even my largest scope. However, if I can get it down even lower using their new software, I will definitely make an episode on it!
How about a head to head comparison with all your telescopes as of today. In particular how about some details about your results between Stellarvue 140 vs the SCA 260? The SCA is 1.8x larger so does that make it the better telescope? Did you ever fix the problems you had during your SCA review? What ever happened with the Pleiades 111? You left the last video with having a bunch of problems that you were trying to work out with William Optics. What ever happened with that? How are the results of this scope compared to your other scopes?
What's the best telescope/equipment under light polluted skys? The best under super dark skies (B1)?
The issue I had with the SCA was just related to the mount and I showed in my NYX-101 review that a stronger mount could handle it. Otherwise, if you watch the whole review, I got it working and had some pretty good results with it. If you see my HOO image processing episode from about 2 months ago with the crescent nebula I am using SCA260 data in the first one and then I did an HOO part 2 with the SVX140 data and do a side by side comparison of the data so that might be a good one to check out.
I ended up sending the 111 back as it’s not fixable for a Full Frame without it going back to the factory. William optics actually did reach out to me about two months ago and said they appreciated the honesty of the review and asked if we could work together going forward. I told them if they want to send me a scope. I’ll do a review. I suggested the 68 mm version as sort of a redemption. However it’s been quite a few weeks and they haven’t sent anything and I did check in a couple weeks ago so I don’t know what’s going on with that.
A lot of these reviews take a lot more behind the scenes than people realize because getting companies to actually get the gear out if they aren’t one of my long-term partners can be a lot of work and follow up.
At the end of the day, I could never recommend a William optics over a Stellarvue. On Facebook and Instagram I posted a side-by-side of the WO111 versus the SVX 102 and the SVX102 did much much better in terms of signal-to-noise and FWHM. It also visibly looked much better. I said two rigs up side-by-side at a dark sky site on M101 and had them both imaging at the same time. The stellarvue scopes both in terms of performance and customer service are really hard to beat and that’s why I really am focused on continuing to promote them. I truly think it’s the best company for APOs for the money. Especially after having some experience with Takahashi now in person and some of the issues that they caused.
A video on beginner, intermediate, advanced targets and when and ways to get them. Telescope-filters. Time of year - telescope location. I’m always having a hard time finding targets.
@@anthonygraham6449 that’s actually a really good idea. I can talk about how much integration you need and prioritizing some targets for dark sky trips if you’re planning on versus backyard as well.
That’s usually how I do it if I know a target is more faint and difficult. I usually save it for dark skies and then I know a lot of people are confused on which targets you should use Narrowband filters vs broadband vs no filter. So I can definitely clear that up and talk about key targets throughout the year
Yes sir. I also just find I’m always waiting for the last minute and looking at other people’s images to see what can shoot. So many databases without images.
I can put this together in the next week or two so hang tight. Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve actually had a couple other people suggested since so it’s obviously one that people are looking for this is exactly the type of feedback I was hoping for.
Fantastic. I’m sure it will be excellent. How is it going with the NYX with the SCA without the counterweight. I had mine fail without at max rate. I noticed in the video you weren’t using one.
@@anthonygraham6449 the NYX-101 had to go back and a new one sent out. So by then it was almost May and Galaxy season was over. The first mount apparently was used so it had some wear and tear. But it handled it fine for about a month before it had issues not related to the scope specifically. But it guides well enough and can hold the weight, much better than the AM5
That would be great to have a class like that! Thank you for all you do and keep us posted!
Ok sounds good now that the website is setup should be too hard. I know the cost is tough for some for one on ones, while some prefer it but if we got like 5 people we could make it really easy for most to get some semi private help and answer specific questions in real time.
Hey Ryan! Great video again.
I think a session that shows people who don't have the possibility to get into dark areas how to improve their image acquisition. Good data results in better results.
For instance in Germany where I live there are for most parts of the country just two "dark" sites. In Germany there is no better dark skies than BC 3. In our group across all the country just two are in Bortle 4 and the rest of the 25 people under worse sky conditions.
I am sure there are plenty of people out there who would like to see how to improve their raw images during acquisition.
@@astrofromhome I did a top 10 video to end 2023 where I talk about all the ways to improve your astrophotography without upgrading your gear. I talked about going to dark skies site even if it is just going from B7-9 to something a bit darker. While of course, stressing more acquisition time I’m always promoting more integration. I think it’s the biggest downfall of most Astro photographer is a lack of patience which is why I promote telescope live.
It allows you to scratch the itch and stay sharp in between processing your own data. That way if it does take you a month or two to gather up 20 to 30 hours you can still get a handful of nice images in.
Even going to a B4 will make a big difference from someone who’s in the city. My backyard is B5 and to the north is all B3-4 and I can do no filter and broadband no problem without any bad gradients if it’s near the new moon. So it’s still worth the trip I think.
So yeah, I think they’re always will be a common theme in my content, telling people to both work on their processing skills and strive to get more data as well as data under darker skies, maybe I should include the idea of even just getting to B4 and not just talk about B1-2, so people realize there is a value to doing that.
Do you guys have any remote sites? You guys can park your scopes out there because I didn’t want to do an episode on remote imaging as well.
A monthly Q&A would be good.
How to do DSO lucky imaging ( from technical side, to data capturing, to processing)
How to find what is a weird object in my picture that I didn’t mean to capture
How to do mosaic processing without having defects like bands in areas where the images are joined.
SETI Astro just came out with a free plugin for PI that does exactly that. It literally tells you everything in your image and he does a great job explaining it I would check that out. As much as I want people to stick with my channel no sense in re-creating the wheel. I just downloaded it the other day but haven’t tested it. Maybe when I tested I put out a video on how to use it, that’s nice and easy to follow!
Regarding lucky imaging, I don’t do that personally I prefer longer exposures. My max focal length is 1300mm and my seeing conditions are good enough that I don’t need to do lucky imaging. If I ever get something with more focal length, I would be happy to master it though because that’s when you want to cancel out atmospheric dispersion. I’d have to find a reflector scope company to partner with id imagine and then it would be cool to do a review of a big focal length scope and lucky imagining at the same time!
For the monthly Q&A are you thinking live stream or are you guys send me questions via email and I answer them? That could also be good for the workshops as well.
@@darkrangersinc thanks for the feedback on SETI Astro. I will look into it!
For the Q&A I was thinking, we send you questions then you can research and take your time to answer if you need time. Also you can follow with a pool where we can vote on the best question to let the audience stay involved.
@@sebchic1515 it would be easier to just do 1 every so often I can knock em out like 6-7 questions per episode. I’ve got the first one lined up I wanted to get the target acquisition episode out today because that was asked for repeatedly but maybe by Friday I’ll get the first one out and folks and comment what they want for the next one. There seems to be a theme in terms of what people need to know which is good.
Some hints on writing my own Photoshop actions to automate some of your PS techniques.
I just developed my first preset that has worked really well on my last six images. it’s the combination of six different adjustment layers at varied intensity levels and all you have to do is push a button and choose the opacity usually between 50 and 100% works good and it takes you literally about 10 seconds several minutes.
I’m just trying to figure out how to get it on my website because I can’t save a Photoshop file on there for some reason
I would love to do a mosaic, but have no idea how to make that happen. Using StellarMate, Ekos, KStars
Look on forums for info on what other owners did
@@masterofnonetech so you need help on the actual mosaic data acquisition? I can show you on the ASIAIR and NINA but unfortunately I don’t use Stellarmate. This is a good idea for a topic though thank you for your feedback
@@darkrangersincto me it’s more on finding a good mosaic processing method. I tried a few (in pixinsight and other software but I’m always finding imperfections on how it joins pictures). Right now I gave up on mosaics because of this and I don’t think I’m the only one.
@@darkrangersinc Processing a mosaic walkthrough would be helpful.
Maybe it would be good if you do some videos about planetary. Its a complet differnt world.
Other scopes, other pixel size requierments, other software and so on.
Yeah, this is a good idea. I would probably bring in an expert like I did for the Solar episode. Those are two categories I am at least not right now super interested in. I did really enjoy the eclipse and not only got to my own but was commissioned to edit someone else’s data. Both were fun projects, but I just don’t have enough passion to go all in yet. However, I wanted to provide value for the community.
It’s kind of the same with planetary so I would not consider myself an expert there, I know a couple specialist but if you have in mind, let me know. Otherwise I will put this on the docket for the future. I’m usually about a month out on episodes so hang tight and we’ll get something out!
@@darkrangersinc Sounds good. I think it would also be intersting to show what you can get with minimal financial effort.
So using a guidecam that most of use are using, mount like the AM5/3 wich many people are using and mybe a small / cheap maksutov or SC like a Skywatcher Skymax 102/127 or a C5.
Maybe something like a beginners guide and these small scopes are perfect for that.
I also startet with a Skymax 127, its a really nice scope.
@@blayzer8871 most of the people that I know that are dedicated to planetary are typically using Celestron C11 or C14 as the “budget” option with wit a 2x powermate at F21. At the high-end, it’s usually the big CDK scopes from plain wave and stuff like that.
I think you could probably get away with a C8 which is very reasonably priced. I think they are just just a little over $1200, and can run on an AM5 or something like that. The cameras are much cheaper typically you’re 100% right there.
I’ve had enough people asked that I will start to look around. I’m sure if I find somebody who’s experience tea can talk about his first set up and then what he’s using today and cover off on both bases.
Dual imaging is a logical step up for the astrophotographer getting more comfortable with his gear. But there's not a lot of in dept content on how you would be setting this up in NINA. I know from experience the advanced sequencer in NINA is something of a challenge when you're first looking into this. CS Miguel
Are you looking to do this with dual computers because that would be the way I would suggest? Or are you trying to run both scopes off of one?
@@darkrangersinc Hi Ryan, I'm already running a dual setup. On my 10Micron GM2K mount I have a RASA11 and Esprit 120 side by side. I postponed this for a long time because I dreaded figuring out how to manage this in capture software. I've worked with SGP for years but it seemed clear to me that I had to make the switch to NINA. NINA was unfamiliar terrain for me so there was a learning curve. But to answer your question, no you need to run both scopes from one PC running two instances of NINA to be able to synchronize dithering. An easy to follow how to guide would have helped me a lot. Don't get me wrong, you can find some information online and on TH-cam, but not a whole lot.
I haven’t watched all your videos, but I would like to see some videos on what to do when “things should work.” Examples:
1. NINA not working reliably with Canon DSLRs, the T3i and T4i in my case.
2. NINA plate solving and star analysis (for focus) not working. There are probably steps not well-covered that are missing.
3. Pixinsight Image Solver not providing a solution, even when all the databases are present and the image is good.
These are three examples of issues vexing me that are not well-covered. Thanks for reading!
I did a 2 part Nina Series in the spring, part 1 was how to set up your computer with all the software and connect the devices part 2 was actually imaging from start to finish with calibration frames.
I haven’t run into issue one and two, but I do cover best practices for connecting however, if you can shoot me an email with some of the error messages you’re getting some more specifics. I can try to find the solution and cover some best practices on connecting your gear, overcoming issues, and how to get the best auto focus results.
For #3 what error message are you getting? I got one until I clicked the wrench in Gaia and told it where to find the 4 data base files. So I’m curious what yours says. I forget exactly what it said but if you tell me, I’ll remember it if it’s the same one I got I think it was something about wavelength table or something.
For 1 & 2 email me: Ryan@darkrangersinc.com
How can we use our existing astrophotography gear to utilise it for spectroscopy
@@glennsubawalla9884 one thing I’ll never do is pretend to know or be an expert when I’m not. So while I know what it is I am no expert and would have no idea where to begin. I’ve never even heard of someone doing this but if you find someone I’m happy to interview them and have them share their best practices like I did for my solar episode this spring 🤷🏻♂️
looking for the best light rig setup based on the SvBony 503ed 80mm with Skywatcher Adventurer GTI mount. Can you provide suggestions?
If you go back to last year, I do a budget rig episode. Excuse the audio I just got the microphone at the time lol but I think the content is still good. I do more portable set up with the GTI. And a little bit more of a backyard specific one with the Celestron AVX.
The GTI gives you a lot for your money but with a 14 pound capacity you will run out of wiggle room pretty quickly, but I think for a basic 80 mm set up It’s not bad. What’s your budget for the scope and I can give you my best recommendation for an 80mm?
How about a feature for parents who are not into astro, how to get a basic kit together for a kid who wants to take astrophotos. With a couple of options in terms of price. Is the SeeStar the way to go? That sort of stuff.
@@johnkulczycki3021 not a parent personally but perhaps I could ask around. I’m not a big fan of the Seastar or ZWO Products but that would be probably the best use for it. You can build a budget rig with a GTI that holds 14 pounds and get a small scope and what not. I have a video from last year. It’s got a blue and gray thumbnail going over. Super budget builds. One is specifically designed to be lightweight and portable, which might be better for someone younger.
You might try doing a video once a month with less know subjects available for deep space astro and maybe break them into categories based maybe on focal length like 500mm for example. I am a newbie and I normally end up going with the recommendations given by the ASIAir App only to find out they are the same targets everyone photographs or worse, the objects are mismatched for my setup and I waste a night of clear skies because the object is too big, too small or too dim.
I have a tip for you. This hoby is not a sprint. It is a maratone. You need to put a work flow of setting equpment and processing. Try your absulute best even you do not have best comditions. Your sense of your gear and how well the objects fit on your gear comes wirh it burns in your brain. You have to have a thick skinn. Half of my time is frustration most of the time it is worth it. Try to hang out on telescopius alot plan you nights before. Make a list and think of this is like life. You do not get evertime you deserve.
I was doing a monthly newsletter where I would do five targets for 3-500mm and then 500+ it took a ton of time to do the newsletter and send it out but the response was pretty lack luster. It didn’t seem like it added enough value, and since it took me a couple hours of time, which is obviously all volunteer it didn’t feel like it was worth it.
There are a couple of different channels that do cover every month the best images in the sky, and usually they break it down by focal length. If you search for best Astro photography targets or something like that you’ll see the pages that do it monthly. Some of it is like Highpoint scientific one I believe. It’s the companies that sell the gear that do it.
I could cover what I’m shooting that would be pretty helpful because I’m shooting usually on at least two different rigs and different focal lengths so maybe I should just do that for now!
If you follow my Instagram, I usually post screenshots of what I’m shooting whenever I change to a new item. I’ll usually post screenshots from Nina showing the target that I’m on and then the finished object as well so that might be good to follow and then check out my stories.
Another area of topics is the no cost options some of us choose Nina, Siril, Stellarium or Cartes du ceil
I’ve got a big two-part episode on NINA, if you want to see if that adds any value, if you’re already using it, part two is probably better. I’m already using processing software so I probably wouldn’t pick up a fourth with Siril. I was thinking about potentially doing a third episode on Nina to show some of the plug-ins like Stellarium and what not so that’s a good idea and it’s good to hear it would be interesting to people.
How to improve a Newtonian telescope such as the SW 300 Quattro 😊
@@davidemancini7853 Cuiv did a whole series on one. I had a Quattro 200 and eventually sold it. They sell you on the idea of cheap aperture, it was $650 at the time. However you need a coma corrector I was actually the first person ever to get the Starizona .75 corrector reducer which is $450. You for sure need to upgrade the focuser so you don’t get tilted and have wonky stars. Feather touch does make one specifically for it, but it’s another $750. And then add 150 for an AstroZap dew system and $50 for Bobs knobs.
I am looking into finding a reflector company the same way I am working with Stellarvue because I think they make the best APOs for the money. But I want to find a reflector company that has one that’s may be a little bit more expensive but actually ready to go from the factory. Because of my personal experience with the Quattro, it’s not one that I recommend to most people just because they’re going to end up spending an additional 2 X the cost of the scope just to get it running the way it should.
I have a couple companies in mind that sound expensive because they’re like $2500 for an 10 inch but that’s almost what the 300P costs once you’re done with it anyway. And the one I’m looking at has carbon fiber tube and higher quality quartz mirrors.
If you’re willing to do the upgrades, I do think you’ve got a good scope there but the simple answer is to get the Starizona reducer and the Feather touch focuser. A lot of people I see also go with the moonlight, but that’s $2500 which is kind of crazy. I can find the link for the specific FT if you haven’t upgraded it already and are interest in it
@@darkrangersinc Hi,first thing i want to say is that i have already got the Stellarvue 140 in the bucket list :) that been said i have been photograph for the last 3 years with the Sharpstar 150 f 2.8 and i had lots of fun with it,fantastic telescope,but now i feel the urge to get more focal length.
About the 300 newtonian i calculate an extra 2000$ to 3000$ AUD of upgrade,that include Paracorr Type-2,PrimaLuce esatto focuser,more rigid screw for the primary mirror etc.
There are many company that produce ready to go newt with carbon fiber tube and great mirror but the price is just ridiculous!we talking 10.000$ to 15.000$ ( Astroworx for example sell the 250mm aperture for almost 10k,Orion Optics bit cheaper )at least for a big newt,not to mention if you want the best mirror on the market a Zambuto we go eaven deeper down the hole LOL,
For what i have see those ready to go newt they are not worth to be honest.
I have seen amazing photo taken with just few upgrade of the SW250 newtonian on astrobin.
The more sensible solution for an already made newt is buying from TS Germany,the ONTC line is fully customizable but the waiting period is month and month,also if you live in Europe maybe ok but if like me live in Australia the delivery cost are a killer for a big telescope.
So bottom line,and this is just my opinion,for a good newt i think spending around 4000$ AUD including upgrades is more than enough to give you an excellent telescope.
Targeting general/common issues does end very fast imo. After some point I think astro channels should go to more rare problems or more sellceted topics. It is always easy to find general info about gear or processing information. However going for rare more unique targets or problems should be always available. There are so little to no info on some of the system and targets.
Well, this is what I’m kind of asking for some specific examples. Unfortunately I can’t do an episode on every little problem because nobody will watch it and I know the point of a channel isn’t just for reviews, but I put a lot of time and effort into these episodes and if nobody watches it it’s kind of disappointing you want to pick topics that will help a large number of people and add value. There are specific problems that occur to a lot of people so that’s really what I’m trying to find out what are the common specific problems that I can cover.
If I can get a video editor, I would consider doing some of these smaller problems as shorts as well, but it’s just a lot of editing. But a lot of individual issues can be handled in a minute if you just cut to the chase and explain how to do it.
If you do have any specific examples of problems though, let me know!
Comet processing APP with out star trailing be nice
So here is thought only... Let's say I pretty much have pre and post processing down. Now I have a large set of subs I just cannot get squared away. In other words, the normal I can do. So how about a couple trouble shooting videos. That could be send in your troublesome subs and you do a video on resurrecting them or you go through your most common fixes to troublesome targets. In other words what do you do when things don't go perfectly.
Are you talking about individual subframes that aren’t up to par? In that case, I typically throw them out I don’t ever work on individual subframes. I would just go out and get more data. I’m pretty picky with the data that I use and won’t use any that are kind of “borderline” I’d rather toss them then have them affect the good data. if you’re talking about just a difficult stacked image or a more challenging target than that definitely something I could help with. or if you’re having trouble during your acquisition consistently, which is causing the bad subframes I could help troubleshoot with that but if the topic is resurrecting bad frames, I wouldn’t recommend trying to do that. I usually end up, tossing the bottom 10% of my subframes and trying to isolate the best data.
My passion planetary and solar imaging. Can you explore those
Craig , thanks for the suggestion. I did a pretty in-depth Solar episode where I interview the person I know who is most knowledgeable and part of our DRI Community. I put it out a while before the eclipse so that if people wanted the info they could get the gear in time and what not.
In terms of planetary, I had one other suggestion for that I don’t personally do planetary imaging so I would probably take the same approach and find an expert and do an interview and have them share their best practices.
Solar and planetary are not something I actively engage in. I think I’m kind of saving them for down the road should deep space ever get boring lol. So I don’t want to pretend to be an expert on something that I’m not. I did learn a lot imaging the eclipse, but in the meantime, I’m glad I brought in an expert.
If you know anyone who you would consider an expert in Larry, let me know. Otherwise I can think of a couple people who are well known in that genre.
I was so ready for you to yell “show me the money” when you mentioned the Jerry McGuire moment. Oh well. Next time?
Haha I don’t do it for the money although at some point, I do need to bring on an editor, and some help for the behind the scenes stuff and of course that isn’t free 🥲🥲. One day the channel will be big enough! For now I don’t even have monetization turned on so you guys get fewer adds even though I’ve had over 1000 subs for a while ;)
@@darkrangersinc Shoot, YT shows ads anyway. You might as well get paid for them. You're right - that stuff isn't free. Good work on the channel, man!
Hi Ryan, for me indept image prosessing in PS, not in a class but like the last time you did but indept, no problem if I have to pay it like before .Thanks
Are you talking about a more inept version of the full length tutorial that I have that’s like just under an hour? I’ve also come out with a preset that works really well in Photoshop for pretty much every image. You just have to change the opacity which is really just the strength of it so I could include that as a part of it when you bring it into Photoshop and apply the preset it will instantly get the image a lot closer to the final result. So I do want to make a follow up to the first full length for sure. Thanks for the feedback.
@@darkrangersinc Yes Ryan, the first PS was excellent but a follow-up version is always welcome.
Can I have the presets yet (I'm willing to pay for it of course) or do I have to wait for the update version.
All the best
Rigo from the south of Spain
So this is something that I've not really seen good content on. The planning side of building a telescope observatory, ok there are a lot videos showing what people have done and what said person has done. But none that brake down how to work it out. ie how to measure up you rig to work out your pier height vs your wall height, how to work out the minimum's clearance's you need etc.
Not sure if this is the kind of thing you were looking for, just a idea
I am open to all suggestions. I can’t necessarily be an expert on all of them, but I can always engage with one. I’m actually looking to park one of my rigs at a remote dark sky observatory. That could be a really good question to ask them as they have several buildings and we’re talking about how they compare in terms of square foot per telescope versus others and what they think is ideal.
I just helped one of our community members out in Vermont install her rig in an observatory. She just built. It was a roof style and I believe it was 12 x 16’ but it was meant for two piers.
Are you looking for more of a DIY budget option or to hire somebody like she did? I could probably find somebody for either.
@@azzaqmb update I will be parking the rig at a remote site so I will be able to show how to set up and ask the owners what their suggestions are!
@@darkrangersinc Sorry I did see your 1st reply but work got in the way before I could respond. As for my build it will be a custom DIY 6x6 or close to that as I'm non freedom units here it will be something like the Pier Tech ones. Just waiting on funds and time to build.
Mmm... dark sites are so nice. It will be interesting to find out what their suggestions are, and how they work them out.