I use the Astronomy Weather Apps Clear Outside and Astropheric. I will head to Las Vegas tomorrow, Monday, the 6th, to join Dwarflab at CES 2025. Stay tuned for my videos from Las Vegas! Thanks for your support, ASTRO NERDS!
Thank you, because you are perhaps one of the only TH-camrs addressing this awkward problem. My old NEQ6 pro telescope mount doesn’t have the best of guiding records but I’d be bold enough to say that it is better than the Dwarf 3 is at the present. Even during a clear night sky with very good Clear Outside numbers my Dwarf3 has regular poor sub-frames with elongated stars, perhaps every 4 or 5 captures. As you commented, it is the best practice to Blink (look at) every sub and eliminate the bad ones. As Mitch said on his Astro channel many years ago, ‘Pixinsight for Absolute Beginners’, “junk in- junk out”. Hope you enjoy your trip. Travel safely.
Hi Les! Yes, I can imagine the same problem in Solar imaging. This may be a flaw combined with possible guiding or seeing conditions problems. Thanks for watching my video and your support! Diana
I have the same problem too. Stars are often "ugly". This didn't happen with Dwarf 2. The problem is very annoying and makes me not want to use the Dwarf 3. I also noticed that the problem doesn't happen if the sky is perfect but the Dwarf is advertised to be used in polluted city skies which are rarely perfect. So I hope that Dwarflab solves the problem soon because after waiting more than six months for it to arrive in my hands I find myself not being fully satisfied with the product.
Hi Pedala! It was nice talking to you again! Yes, I hear you! This is a hot topic right now for all of us. For me, the solution is to use the raw images, and I am used to checking seeing conditions, but you have a great point regarding the technology with light pollution. I will talk to them in Las Vegas as my number one topic! Thanks for your input on this! Always thankful! Diana
Can you do an experiment by stacking 200 frames of 15 second or 100 frames of 30 seconds (both at 60 gain)? Will there be a huge difference, since both will have 30 minutes of total exposure? And can the dithering have something to do with the ‘ugly’ stars?
Hey Bommel! I love this idea! I will definitely do it! I am taking notes and will make a video in a couple of weeks after my trip and all this bad weather is gone! Excellent! Thanks for helping me on this "hot" topic! Diana
I was thinking about getting one of these. Is it worth getting or no? I watched Astobackyard on this and Trevor really likes it. Just getting more suggestions.
Hi Beau! I like mine a lot. I have Dwarf 2 and 3 and captured many sky objects, including solar eclipses and comets. I have many videos of it. I also own several telescopes and mounts , but Dwarf is easy and precise, and the images are great for $500. telescope. Thanks for watching my video and for your comment. Diana ❤️
Great video Diana. Those star trails happen to me, in probably around 20% of the sessions with my Dwarf 3. They usually happen at the very beginning, mostly on the first few images taken by the telescope. What I usually do is to finish the session and start it all over. But what you recommend in this video makes sense, if we will stack the images later. Thank you for always sharing useful tips
Thanks, Andre! Yes, it happens occasionally. It may be a flaw or, like I said, seeing conditions. I struggled with this with my big telescope. I was furious and frustrated that after all the calibration, polar alignment, and great guiding software, I was getting elongated stars. Well, it was and still is caused by high clouds. Ya estoy lista para las Vegas mañana! Voy a grabar alla muchas cosas!
This is when it happens for me also, in the beginning. I usually just stop and wait and restart the session once the tracking settles in. Last night I had a scheduled session and I saw the same thing happen at the beginning of each object session. I didn’t want to stop it, so I just watched and waited. The bad images didn’t record and then once it resolved the stacking started up and the images were fine. Made me think the problem is it takes a bit of time for the tracking to settle in. It seems to happen regardless of exposure time for me.
@@pennywhitemusic Hi Penny! Thanks for all the details! Yes, I experienced this, too, and it was confusing and frustrating. As I mentioned, I sent Dwarflab the log files, and they couldn't find any problems, so then I started thinking about my other telescopes and mounts. I had this before, all related to seeing conditions here and there, but it may be just a flaw in the telescope. I am leaving tomorrow for Las Vegas and will be there with Dwarflab, so I will talk about this for sure, as I get lots of comments and questions about it. I appreciate your information. Diana
one thing you can't forget is how stable the tripod and dwarf are. it must not wiggle in the slightest get it out of the wind and have a big heavy stable platform/tripod
Thanks for this video! I’m waiting for my Dwarf 3 telescope (2 to 14 weeks- what?). Question: can I edit out the bad stacked images with just the telescope or do I need Siril or PixInsight?
Hi Lorax! I can't believe you are still waiting for your Dwarf 3. I can only think of editing the stacked image using external editing software. Pixinsight has Blur X Terminator, which can fix a lot of issues. The telescope doesn't have this capability. Siril can do a decent job, but I prefer Pixinsight. I hope you get your Dwarf 3 soon! Thanks for your support! Diana
Hi xe1zlgg, I believe so, too. I edit my images, so I delete the bad ones. The problem is that most users like to use the stacked image from live stacking. In the end, it is pretty much what you just said. Thanks for watching my video and for your input! I appreciate it! Diana
im wondering also if you use a spirit level on the tripod , i can see someone designing a laser bracket to clip on the side of the D3 to get a better polar alignment , something alittle like the MSM tracker using a laser in a bracket
My problem has been the Dwarf 3 rejecting a third or more of the images for stacking. This happens regardless of what my settings have been, although most of my sessions have been at 30/60. Dwarflab has suggested I lower my exposure time to 10 seconds, which to me is absurd.
Hey Michael! That's a lot of bad frames! I get 10 -20 bad frames in some sessions. To lower the exposure time to 10 and 15 is not right for Dwarf 3. If that's the case, then it is another Dwarf 2. I will talk to them in Las Vegas; there must be another solution. Stay tuned, and I may find the solution for you, or your device may need to be replaced. Diana😔
@yourfavoriteastronerd Diana, I will be at the Dwarflab booth Tuesday morning. Let me know when you'll be there, & maybe we can meet to compare notes. I will have my Dwarf 3 with me.
@yourfavoriteastronerd so I tried the shorter exposure time last night. Seemed OK at first, but at 200 frames, it just flat-out quit stacking! Very sad! 😢
Omg there is nothing this woman can't do! Diana , my favorite astro nerd and the love of my life. She can sing , she can dance, she is a musician and an actress and she can map the entire sky and she isa Boricua like me! She is the most Perfect human being that God has created.
Hi Otrondal! Right on! I heard the smart telescopes are going to 90 seconds soon! I will find out in Las Vegas this week. I own several telescopes and mounts, and I won't do less than 2 mins per frame on nebulas and galaxies. 30 secs on star clusters and 60 on Dwarf! Thanks for your support and comment! Diana
Hi my favourite astro nerd 🤓 I've started encountering an issue where I will sometimes get a line across the image have you come across this before and if so any tips thanks Andy.
@@yourfavoriteastronerd hi I think it's when something passes such as satellite but its then stacked into the final image, as when I switch to single stack it goes, never used to have this issue, in wondering if it's been an update on software. Thanks Diane.
Oh no! I hear you! Sad to hear that. I hope you get the shipping notification soon! Thanks for watching my videos even without having the telescope; it means a lot to me. Diana
I use the Astronomy Weather Apps Clear Outside and Astropheric. I will head to Las Vegas tomorrow, Monday, the 6th, to join Dwarflab at CES 2025. Stay tuned for my videos from Las Vegas! Thanks for your support, ASTRO NERDS!
Have fun in Vegas Diane! Make good choices! LOL
@@spacecadet6575 Hey Glen, what happens in Las Vegas is returning with me! New Astrophotography Toys!!!! Stay tuned!
Thank you, because you are perhaps one of the only TH-camrs addressing this awkward problem. My old NEQ6 pro telescope mount doesn’t have the best of guiding records but I’d be bold enough to say that it is better than the Dwarf 3 is at the present. Even during a clear night sky with very good Clear Outside numbers my Dwarf3 has regular poor sub-frames with elongated stars, perhaps every 4 or 5 captures. As you commented, it is the best practice to Blink (look at) every sub and eliminate the bad ones. As Mitch said on his Astro channel many years ago, ‘Pixinsight for Absolute Beginners’, “junk in- junk out”. Hope you enjoy your trip. Travel safely.
Nice video, I have the same in Solar imaging, the high thin cloud effects the details all wavelengths and the prominence in Ha... Best wishes Les
Hi Les! Yes, I can imagine the same problem in Solar imaging. This may be a flaw combined with possible guiding or seeing conditions problems. Thanks for watching my video and your support! Diana
great vid love the info
Hi Brotell! Thanks for watching my video. It is a hot topic, for sure, and I wanted to follow up. I am always thankful for your comments! Diana
This is a hot topic for sure. Thanks for showing solutions. Have fun in Las Vegas!
Thanks! I’ll be sure to take my telescope to Vegas-who knows what stars I might find there!
I have the same problem too. Stars are often "ugly". This didn't happen with Dwarf 2. The problem is very annoying and makes me not want to use the Dwarf 3. I also noticed that the problem doesn't happen if the sky is perfect but the Dwarf is advertised to be used in polluted city skies which are rarely perfect. So I hope that Dwarflab solves the problem soon because after waiting more than six months for it to arrive in my hands I find myself not being fully satisfied with the product.
Hi Pedala! It was nice talking to you again! Yes, I hear you! This is a hot topic right now for all of us. For me, the solution is to use the raw images, and I am used to checking seeing conditions, but you have a great point regarding the technology with light pollution. I will talk to them in Las Vegas as my number one topic! Thanks for your input on this!
Always thankful! Diana
@@yourfavoriteastronerd Thank you for your videos!
@@pedalajones You are welcome! I will come back from Las Vegas with lots of new astrophotography toys and information. Diana
This is really pertinent information right now. I really appreciate the trouble shooting suggestions and fixes.
I'm glad you found the information helpful! Troubleshooting can be tricky, but having some solid fixes in your toolkit is great. Diana
Great video Diana. Thanks for showing us solutions. Have a blast in Las Vegas.😊
Thanks for watching! I’ll be back soon with all the new information!
Can you do an experiment by stacking 200 frames of 15 second or 100 frames of 30 seconds (both at 60 gain)? Will there be a huge difference, since both will have 30 minutes of total exposure?
And can the dithering have something to do with the ‘ugly’ stars?
Hey Bommel! I love this idea! I will definitely do it! I am taking notes and will make a video in a couple of weeks after my trip and all this bad weather is gone! Excellent! Thanks for helping me on this "hot" topic! Diana
I was thinking about getting one of these. Is it worth getting or no? I watched Astobackyard on this and Trevor really likes it. Just getting more suggestions.
Hi Beau! I like mine a lot. I have Dwarf 2 and 3 and captured many sky objects, including solar eclipses and comets. I have many videos of it. I also own several telescopes and mounts , but Dwarf is easy and precise, and the images are great for $500. telescope. Thanks for watching my video and for your comment. Diana ❤️
Great video Diana.
Those star trails happen to me, in probably around 20% of the sessions with my Dwarf 3. They usually happen at the very beginning, mostly on the first few images taken by the telescope.
What I usually do is to finish the session and start it all over.
But what you recommend in this video makes sense, if we will stack the images later.
Thank you for always sharing useful tips
Thanks, Andre! Yes, it happens occasionally. It may be a flaw or, like I said, seeing conditions. I struggled with this with my big telescope. I was furious and frustrated that after all the calibration, polar alignment, and great guiding software, I was getting elongated stars. Well, it was and still is caused by high clouds.
Ya estoy lista para las Vegas mañana! Voy a grabar alla muchas cosas!
This is when it happens for me also, in the beginning. I usually just stop and wait and restart the session once the tracking settles in. Last night I had a scheduled session and I saw the same thing happen at the beginning of each object session. I didn’t want to stop it, so I just watched and waited. The bad images didn’t record and then once it resolved the stacking started up and the images were fine. Made me think the problem is it takes a bit of time for the tracking to settle in. It seems to happen regardless of exposure time for me.
@@pennywhitemusic Hi Penny! Thanks for all the details! Yes, I experienced this, too, and it was confusing and frustrating. As I mentioned, I sent Dwarflab the log files, and they couldn't find any problems, so then I started thinking about my other telescopes and mounts. I had this before, all related to seeing conditions here and there, but it may be just a flaw in the telescope.
I am leaving tomorrow for Las Vegas and will be there with Dwarflab, so I will talk about this for sure, as I get lots of comments and questions about it. I appreciate your information. Diana
@ thank you! Excited for you to meet the team in person - have fun!!!
@@pennywhitemusic Thanks Penny! I am sure it is going to be a great experience!
one thing you can't forget is how stable the tripod and dwarf are. it must not wiggle in the slightest get it out of the wind and have a big heavy stable platform/tripod
Thanks for this video! I’m waiting for my Dwarf 3 telescope (2 to 14 weeks- what?). Question: can I edit out the bad stacked images with just the telescope or do I need Siril or PixInsight?
Hi Lorax! I can't believe you are still waiting for your Dwarf 3. I can only think of editing the stacked image using external editing software. Pixinsight has Blur X Terminator, which can fix a lot of issues. The telescope doesn't have this capability. Siril can do a decent job, but I prefer Pixinsight. I hope you get your Dwarf 3 soon! Thanks for your support! Diana
@@yourfavoriteastronerd Okay, thank you. I will look into getting PixInsight.
Seems to be a Periodic error problem, this often show only in some images.... solution... guiding !!!.. or remove bad images.
Hi xe1zlgg, I believe so, too. I edit my images, so I delete the bad ones. The problem is that most users like to use the stacked image from live stacking. In the end, it is pretty much what you just said. Thanks for watching my video and for your input! I appreciate it! Diana
I would like to get a taller tripod with the D3. What would you suggest? Thanks. 😊
im wondering also if you use a spirit level on the tripod , i can see someone designing a laser bracket to clip on the side of the D3 to get a better polar alignment , something alittle like the MSM tracker using a laser in a bracket
My problem has been the Dwarf 3 rejecting a third or more of the images for stacking. This happens regardless of what my settings have been, although most of my sessions have been at 30/60.
Dwarflab has suggested I lower my exposure time to 10 seconds, which to me is absurd.
Hey Michael! That's a lot of bad frames! I get 10 -20 bad frames in some sessions. To lower the exposure time to 10 and 15 is not right for Dwarf 3. If that's the case, then it is another Dwarf 2. I will talk to them in Las Vegas; there must be another solution. Stay tuned, and I may find the solution for you, or your device may need to be replaced. Diana😔
@yourfavoriteastronerd Diana, I will be at the Dwarflab booth Tuesday morning. Let me know when you'll be there, & maybe we can meet to compare notes. I will have my Dwarf 3 with me.
@@michaelsandell1622 I will be there! See you then!
@yourfavoriteastronerd so I tried the shorter exposure time last night. Seemed OK at first, but at 200 frames, it just flat-out quit stacking! Very sad! 😢
Omg there is nothing this woman can't do!
Diana , my favorite astro nerd and the love of my life.
She can sing , she can dance, she is a musician and an actress and she can map the entire sky and she isa Boricua like me!
She is the most Perfect human being that God has created.
My Dear Penguin! Thanks for the compliments! Did you know I also own a Pet Raccoon? Are you Boricua? From where? Diana
@yourfavoriteastronerd I am from Bayamon but I have family all over and I did know that! I love your racoon I hope I meet him someday.
@yourfavoriteastronerd I am Puerto Rican and Korean and United States.
@@yourfavoriteastronerd maybe I can meet you at your upcoming show in orlando. Are you single or married? Will you bring the racoon?
@TheMoogsician The Raccoon doesn't travel with me, I am married, and he is the guitar player in the band. The show is in Weirsdale FL.
Yesss, 60 seconds exposures do the magic. I have tried 10 - 60 sec. on many different instruments for 26 years
Hi Otrondal! Right on! I heard the smart telescopes are going to 90 seconds soon! I will find out in Las Vegas this week. I own several telescopes and mounts, and I won't do less than 2 mins per frame on nebulas and galaxies. 30 secs on star clusters and 60 on Dwarf! Thanks for your support and comment! Diana
Hi my favourite astro nerd 🤓 I've started encountering an issue where I will sometimes get a line across the image have you come across this before and if so any tips thanks Andy.
@sayers1984 Hi! Please give me more details. I am in Las Vegas with the Dwarflab team and technicians, I can ask them tomorrow
@@yourfavoriteastronerd hi I think it's when something passes such as satellite but its then stacked into the final image, as when I switch to single stack it goes, never used to have this issue, in wondering if it's been an update on software. Thanks Diane.
no, because i ordered mine in july and still havent got it yet.
Oh no! I hear you! Sad to hear that. I hope you get the shipping notification soon! Thanks for watching my videos even without having the telescope; it means a lot to me. Diana
@@yourfavoriteastronerd i watch alot of them! good info!