Equipment used: Celestron 8” Evolution SCT HyperStar 8 ZWO ASI294MC astronomy camera Antlia Triband RGB Ultra Filter 2" ASI Live software Farpoint Bahtinov mask Celestron aluminum dew shield Celestron StarSense auto alignment camera Celestron SkySync GPS Pocket warmers 😆 This was at about 5 minutes of stacking, ibb.co/xHDmbZq
Could you please also state the name of that Starsense hand remote 'holder' equipment that's attached to your evolution mount's handle? I would love to use that since it's a pain to stoop down every time to pick up and place the Starsense hand remote using the default holder that comes with Starsense. Thanks!
@@MikeLikesChannel thanks, will get it promptly, additionally I am planning to replicate your setup since it seems that you're having great success with astrophotography using it without the massive amount of additional equipment required to get the same results, I have a 9.25" SCT with an Evolution mount and I am planning to get the ASIAIR Plus and a Hyperstar for it, I was wondering if I need to get a ZWO camera specifically or if I could just use my existing Canon EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless since the Hyperstar has an option to specify it during the purchase. Do you see any benefits to getting the ZWO camera specifically since they also make ASIAIR Plus?
@@rifleman542 I think the ASI Air supports Canon cameras just fine, but I've not personally used one with the HyperStar. I have a Sony A7, and those aren't really astro software friendly for whatever reason, so the 294MC made sense.
Very nice! The hyperstar feature is incredible! No need for a EQ mount whatsoever and you can track past the meridian with ease! Id like to see Andromeda with the hyperstar setup!
I also have a Nexstar Evolution 8 SCT. I’ve been wanting hyperstar so bad! The mount is awesome! Tracking is phenomenal! I love that it has a built in battery plus wifi! Phenomenal design! Imagine putting it on a wedge + hyperstar! 🤯
I thought so Looks great Same with the emblem you made On the side off that evo Awsome man My wife and I I are going to the cherry springs star party in September Hope to see you their Liked the video Nice job
Wow! That was really impressive. I’m just getting ready to start using a Hyperstar on my C8 so this was really useful. I should mention that I also use a StarSense, which I initially concluded was an enormous waste of money (since 2-star and 3-star alignment is so easy on Celestron mounts) but it really seems to pay dividends when using the Hyperstar. Many thanks for an excellent, short, to-the-point video! Richard.
Great video and this makes complete sense as a next step with my Evo 8. I have really been enjoying the visual aspect, but there is so much the eyes just can't pick up. Was thinking about a Focal reducer, but may as well go right to the HyperStar. Can't take it with you!
I’m confused about the central area on the horse head with the vignetting on the outer area. When you changed the histogram it became even more obvious. It was a great video on the process of EAA, which I basically knew nothing about.
Yep, that’s kinda expected from my camera - which I calibrate out after with dark frames. This is a very good sensor for gathering light fast, but it does experience amp glow.
that's vignetting, not amp glow. the 294mc, which i also have, has distinct amp glow regions, most prominently in the upper right and on longer exposures the lower right, and they radiate from points on the right edge, not from a central point. you are correct that it can be corrected with darks.
I haven’t personally used an auto guider with mine but have been pleasantly surprised with the starsense camera. It’s important to know that the autoguider continues to correct the guidance throughout the night. A starsense camera only serves the purpose of initial alignment.
Hello Mike this is a great video for me. I'm debating buying an 8HD to view and do some astro image stuff but I'm now thinking buy the 8 non Edge HD and get a Hyperstar within the budget. I know the 8HD has better optics but UK £3K is my budget and then I can shoot at F2. Realistically I've not got the location or time for EQ mounts so this feels like the solution? What do you think 8+ Hyperstar a good route? Thanks just for the video it's so informative. Darren
Hey Darren, yeah with a Hyperstar you really don’t need the HD option… since the edges of the mirror aren’t even used. And yeah, this obsoletes the need for EQ mounts if you’re just doing EAA. Obviously, for formal astrophotography, EQ mounts have their place, but I’ve been super pleased with this solution.
Hello, with that zwo294 camera do you get a lot of vignetting?...if so, it is fixed with calibration frames? Or just with software like pixinsight...thank you...clear skies
Calibration frames cure a lot, not too bad on the vignetting but if edge performance is a concern, the Edge HD telescope obviously outperforms a standard C8 on that front.
Thanks Mike - this is exactly what I want to do for outreach events! I already have an Evo8 and have been getting good alt-az tracking results with a piggyback DSLR with a 135mm F/2 Rokinon telephoto lens. Your video convinces me that the next step should be getting a Hyperstar to image at F/2 through the C8 to zoom in 3X closer than the telephoto. F/2 is the way to go! I've heard that it's difficult to collimate the HS from Imagers but are the collimation tolerances less critical for EAA? How much time is needed to install the HS and get it collimated adequately for EAA? Also, would you recommend the ASI294MC or is there an alternative with less amp glow?
Hey Tom, collimation and HS install shouldn’t be more than 5-10 mins, you’ll get faster each time. The ASI533MC is equally popular and a little newer… it’s a square sensor. I haven’t personally tried it but it has a fan base.
@@MikeLikesChannel I use an ASI533MC and can vouch for it with a hyperstar. It's a very nice little camera, you get used to the square sensor, which I really like for mosaics. I'm a big fan of the lack of amp glow.
Virtually identical, with the difference being that the HyperStar’d 8 has a focal length of 390mm vs the 6 at 290mm. ~30% longer focal length has its benefits for most objects up there. Even large ones like M31 Andromeda fit nicely on the 8”, but yeah… this is all pretty wide field- so very small objects up there are going to be in a sea of stars. That’s ok though, cropping 👍
Is the power cord flexible at the very end or is mine broken I’m curious about my cord Or did I break it when I was panning around I thought the symbol lite up when plugged in An everything lit up when on Let me know man please
Wow man this is awesome. I have the 8se nexstar and im new to this but its been something ive been interested in astronomy since childhood. Im 49 years old now and out of work due to neurosarcoidosis. I have memory problems and im nowhere near 100% cognitively , so , i need all the help i can get. If you dont mind ,could you tell me what i need for my particular telescope ? ....thanks , Mark
What software are you live stacking with , I'm wanting to do eaa but I'm a bit lost with computers,is there a live stacking app for an android phone camera that you know of
Yep, I use ASI Live, which is included with the Zwo ASI cameras. Works on any device. I'm an iPhone user so unsure if there'd be an app that live stacks on Droid, I don't know of any for iOS.
Do you ever have any balance issues or overloading your mount with the extra weight? I have the Evolution 8 EdgeHD and I’m thinking of buying the HyperStar and a cooled ASI color camera. I’m just not sure if the mount is up to the task with that and all the other equipment on it.
I haven’t encountered issues. A cooled camera is heavier but if you’re just doing EAA won’t be necessary. If you’re taking multiple-minute long subs - that’s another story.
@@MikeLikesChannel what would be your recommendation if I did decide to upgrade the mount? I have an ASI183MC Pro and an Air Plus coming on Tuesday. Btw, I captured an 11 second long fireball just to the East of you during the meteor shower. I posted a short video of it.
When you install the hyperstar, seems like you need to remove the central mirror, right? How hard is it to switch back and forth between visual mode and astrophotography mode? I am guessing it's a little work, you probably want to leave it in one mode or the other for the evening.
Yeah you remove the secondary mirror, it unscrews and the Hyperstar includes storage for it. Maybe a 2 minute "conversion" which includes fitting/removing the visual diagonal at the rear of the scope too. You could reconfigure in the middle of the night, but I never do... it's one or the other.
Hey Mike. Great channel and thanks for the info. I have the same setup as you except I have the ASIAIR plus and just getting started tonight. My live stacking isn’t able to provide any data if the exposure is more than a 1sec. I don’t think the scope is tracking because everything moves slowly out of frame. Any suggestions ?
Check your tracking rate is set to sidereal in the mount settings, it might be set to off. What's your light pollution like if greater than 1 second is getting blown out?
@@MikeLikesChannel Thanks for the reply! Sorry I didn’t word it better. I currently have the aluminum dew shield. I need help finding the cap for the eyepiece side. I’ve removed mine completely since I’ll mostly be using the HyperStar. It also allowed the optical tube to fit into my hard case easier.
I’m all Mac/iOS, ASI products have a no-frills software suite for the basics that work just fine on macOS, and ASI Air has iPad/iPhone apps that work great too for stacking EAA, etc.
Without the hyperstar, a secondary mirror is installed in its place and the camera would be attached at the other end of the scope, where an eyepiece would normally be used. So, no, you don't need the hyoerstar, but it's great to have. Going from f/10 to f/1.9 is a massive difference.
Equipment used:
Celestron 8” Evolution SCT
HyperStar 8
ZWO ASI294MC astronomy camera
Antlia Triband RGB Ultra Filter 2"
ASI Live software
Farpoint Bahtinov mask
Celestron aluminum dew shield
Celestron StarSense auto alignment camera
Celestron SkySync GPS
Pocket warmers 😆
This was at about 5 minutes of stacking, ibb.co/xHDmbZq
Could you please also state the name of that Starsense hand remote 'holder' equipment that's attached to your evolution mount's handle? I would love to use that since it's a pain to stoop down every time to pick up and place the Starsense hand remote using the default holder that comes with Starsense. Thanks!
@@rifleman542 Yeah, it's herestarizona.com/products/nexstar-evolution-hand-control-bracket
@@MikeLikesChannel thanks, will get it promptly, additionally I am planning to replicate your setup since it seems that you're having great success with astrophotography using it without the massive amount of additional equipment required to get the same results, I have a 9.25" SCT with an Evolution mount and I am planning to get the ASIAIR Plus and a Hyperstar for it, I was wondering if I need to get a ZWO camera specifically or if I could just use my existing Canon EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless since the Hyperstar has an option to specify it during the purchase. Do you see any benefits to getting the ZWO camera specifically since they also make ASIAIR Plus?
@@rifleman542 I think the ASI Air supports Canon cameras just fine, but I've not personally used one with the HyperStar. I have a Sony A7, and those aren't really astro software friendly for whatever reason, so the 294MC made sense.
Very nice! The hyperstar feature is incredible! No need for a EQ mount whatsoever and you can track past the meridian with ease! Id like to see Andromeda with the hyperstar setup!
I've been a dedicated Meade Autostar user for years, but this is lightyears ahead of their setup!
I also have a Nexstar Evolution 8 SCT. I’ve been wanting hyperstar so bad! The mount is awesome! Tracking is phenomenal! I love that it has a built in battery plus wifi! Phenomenal design! Imagine putting it on a wedge + hyperstar! 🤯
I thought so
Looks great
Same with the emblem you made
On the side off that evo
Awsome man
My wife and I I are going to the cherry springs star party in September
Hope to see you their
Liked the video
Nice job
Wow! That was really impressive. I’m just getting ready to start using a Hyperstar on my C8 so this was really useful.
I should mention that I also use a StarSense, which I initially concluded was an enormous waste of money (since 2-star and 3-star alignment is so easy on Celestron mounts) but it really seems to pay dividends when using the Hyperstar. Many thanks for an excellent, short, to-the-point video!
Richard.
Great video and this makes complete sense as a next step with my Evo 8. I have really been enjoying the visual aspect, but there is so much the eyes just can't pick up. Was thinking about a Focal reducer, but may as well go right to the HyperStar. Can't take it with you!
Nice. Just bought a Celestron C 6 Schmidt Cassegrain and a Hyperstar 6 v4. Am learning to take good flats to avoid vignetting as much as possible.
I’m confused about the central area on the horse head with the vignetting on the outer area. When you changed the histogram it became even more obvious. It was a great video on the process of EAA, which I basically knew nothing about.
Yep, that’s kinda expected from my camera - which I calibrate out after with dark frames. This is a very good sensor for gathering light fast, but it does experience amp glow.
that's vignetting, not amp glow. the 294mc, which i also have, has distinct amp glow regions, most prominently in the upper right and on longer exposures the lower right, and they radiate from points on the right edge, not from a central point. you are correct that it can be corrected with darks.
@@millsbobster Vignetting, yup. Could use some flats.
Hi Mike, that’s incredible, for only 5 minutes of exposure… i need to see if my 8se can use a hyperstar… nice video.
I've got an 8se as well and I had the same question!
Me too!!! If you figure it out please post your findings if you mind. Thanks, Mark
@@Popsm0ke all next star scopes are fastar compatible. 6se 8se etc. however it won’t say it on the mirror.
Hey I've seen your scope on CN! I have the 6" version. Do you recommend the starsense autoalight or should I just go for the autoguider?
I haven’t personally used an auto guider with mine but have been pleasantly surprised with the starsense camera. It’s important to know that the autoguider continues to correct the guidance throughout the night. A starsense camera only serves the purpose of initial alignment.
Also is that a 3D printed fork arm mount for the hand controller? I NEED that!!
Yep! You can find the plan online or just buy it from Starizona. Not expensive.
Hello Mike this is a great video for me. I'm debating buying an 8HD to view and do some astro image stuff but I'm now thinking buy the 8 non Edge HD and get a Hyperstar within the budget. I know the 8HD has better optics but UK £3K is my budget and then I can shoot at F2. Realistically I've not got the location or time for EQ mounts so this feels like the solution? What do you think 8+ Hyperstar a good route? Thanks just for the video it's so informative. Darren
Hey Darren, yeah with a Hyperstar you really don’t need the HD option… since the edges of the mirror aren’t even used. And yeah, this obsoletes the need for EQ mounts if you’re just doing EAA. Obviously, for formal astrophotography, EQ mounts have their place, but I’ve been super pleased with this solution.
Hello, with that zwo294 camera do you get a lot of vignetting?...if so, it is fixed with calibration frames? Or just with software like pixinsight...thank you...clear skies
Calibration frames cure a lot, not too bad on the vignetting but if edge performance is a concern, the Edge HD telescope obviously outperforms a standard C8 on that front.
@MikeLikesChannel oh ok...thank s lot for your help on this...Cs!
Thanks Mike - this is exactly what I want to do for outreach events! I already have an Evo8 and have been getting good alt-az tracking results with a piggyback DSLR with a 135mm F/2 Rokinon telephoto lens. Your video convinces me that the next step should be getting a Hyperstar to image at F/2 through the C8 to zoom in 3X closer than the telephoto. F/2 is the way to go! I've heard that it's difficult to collimate the HS from Imagers but are the collimation tolerances less critical for EAA? How much time is needed to install the HS and get it collimated adequately for EAA? Also, would you recommend the ASI294MC or is there an alternative with less amp glow?
Hey Tom, collimation and HS install shouldn’t be more than 5-10 mins, you’ll get faster each time. The ASI533MC is equally popular and a little newer… it’s a square sensor. I haven’t personally tried it but it has a fan base.
@@MikeLikesChannel I use an ASI533MC and can vouch for it with a hyperstar. It's a very nice little camera, you get used to the square sensor, which I really like for mosaics. I'm a big fan of the lack of amp glow.
Hi Mike, where did you get the holder for your hand controller that fits on the side of the mount? Is it something you 3D printed or can you buy it?
You can 3D print it, but Starizona sells it. Evolution hand controller mount… so cordwrap isn’t a problem, moves with the mount 👍
@@MikeLikesChannel Thanks, I just ordered one for myself.
Hi Mike, since you have a hyperstar in the 6 inch and 8 inch do a comparison and show us the difference in Capture quality of a target.
Virtually identical, with the difference being that the HyperStar’d 8 has a focal length of 390mm vs the 6 at 290mm. ~30% longer focal length has its benefits for most objects up there. Even large ones like M31 Andromeda fit nicely on the 8”, but yeah… this is all pretty wide field- so very small objects up there are going to be in a sea of stars. That’s ok though, cropping 👍
Is the power cord flexible at the very end or is mine broken
I’m curious about my cord
Or did I break it when I was panning around
I thought the symbol lite up when plugged in
An everything lit up when on
Let me know man please
Wow man this is awesome. I have the 8se nexstar and im new to this but its been something ive been interested in astronomy since childhood. Im 49 years old now and out of work due to neurosarcoidosis. I have memory problems and im nowhere near 100% cognitively , so , i need all the help i can get. If you dont mind ,could you tell me what i need for my particular telescope ? ....thanks , Mark
Hey Mark, for an 8SE, you’d want the C8 Hyperstar, here’s the product page. starizona.com/products/hyperstar-8-v4
@@MikeLikesChannel .......thanks Mike. What type of camera can I get by with
@@Popsm0ke Zwo ASI533MC is where I’d go at this point. The 294 is older.
@@MikeLikesChannel ...thank you so much, Mike . I appreciate it, Mark
Awesome scope
What software are you live stacking with , I'm wanting to do eaa but I'm a bit lost with computers,is there a live stacking app for an android phone camera that you know of
Yep, I use ASI Live, which is included with the Zwo ASI cameras. Works on any device. I'm an iPhone user so unsure if there'd be an app that live stacks on Droid, I don't know of any for iOS.
@@MikeLikesChannel cheers 👍
Do you ever have any balance issues or overloading your mount with the extra weight? I have the Evolution 8 EdgeHD and I’m thinking of buying the HyperStar and a cooled ASI color camera. I’m just not sure if the mount is up to the task with that and all the other equipment on it.
I haven’t encountered issues. A cooled camera is heavier but if you’re just doing EAA won’t be necessary. If you’re taking multiple-minute long subs - that’s another story.
@@MikeLikesChannel what would be your recommendation if I did decide to upgrade the mount? I have an ASI183MC Pro and an Air Plus coming on Tuesday. Btw, I captured an 11 second long fireball just to the East of you during the meteor shower. I posted a short video of it.
When you install the hyperstar, seems like you need to remove the central mirror, right? How hard is it to switch back and forth between visual mode and astrophotography mode? I am guessing it's a little work, you probably want to leave it in one mode or the other for the evening.
Yeah you remove the secondary mirror, it unscrews and the Hyperstar includes storage for it. Maybe a 2 minute "conversion" which includes fitting/removing the visual diagonal at the rear of the scope too. You could reconfigure in the middle of the night, but I never do... it's one or the other.
Hay where did you get that orange dew Shield
That's just a vinyl wrap
Hey Mike. Great channel and thanks for the info. I have the same setup as you except I have the ASIAIR plus and just getting started tonight. My live stacking isn’t able to provide any data if the exposure is more than a 1sec. I don’t think the scope is tracking because everything moves slowly out of frame. Any suggestions ?
Check your tracking rate is set to sidereal in the mount settings, it might be set to off. What's your light pollution like if greater than 1 second is getting blown out?
Where did you get the Orange Dew shield?
Just a wrapping for it.
What dust cover did you use on the lens side?
I use a Celestron aluminum dew shield which includes a cap.
@@MikeLikesChannel Thanks for the reply! Sorry I didn’t word it better. I currently have the aluminum dew shield. I need help finding the cap for the eyepiece side. I’ve removed mine completely since I’ll mostly be using the HyperStar. It also allowed the optical tube to fit into my hard case easier.
HELP! I have a celestron evolution 9.25. But have a Mac. Can I do this all on a Mac?
I’m all Mac/iOS, ASI products have a no-frills software suite for the basics that work just fine on macOS, and ASI Air has iPad/iPhone apps that work great too for stacking EAA, etc.
Do you need the hyperstar to attach the camera to the scope
You can use a camera without the HyperStar, but not at that f/1.9 speed
Without the hyperstar, a secondary mirror is installed in its place and the camera would be attached at the other end of the scope, where an eyepiece would normally be used. So, no, you don't need the hyoerstar, but it's great to have. Going from f/10 to f/1.9 is a massive difference.
So easy Even I can do it! 😂