Single Frame Challenge - NGC663

[nimble arrow]

Another image as part of my 'single frame challenge' series. During a meridian flip while imaging a different target, I pointed my telescope at NGC663 for a single 300s frame. I processed this single frame with the usual calibration flats, etc.

• IMX571 OSC
• HAE29
• 6" f4 Newtonian
• 19 Jan 25
• Bortle ~3
• Total integration 5min

In the constellation of Cassiopeia, there is this wonderful collection of small star clusters intertwined with a wisp of dark nebulosity. From left to right is NGC654, 663, and 659 (sometimes called the Fuzzy Butterfly, the Lawnmower, and the Yin-Yang cluster respectively). NGC654 is particularly interesting since it is surrounded by dark nebulae LDN1334, 1332, 1337. Very faintly visible is the blue reflection nebula Vdb6. This would be a nice area for a deeper image.

[marble bramble]

@nimble arrow what newt do you have exactly

[nimble arrow]

I have an ONTC6f4, but I would not quite recommend it since I had some concerns with both the company as well as the product. I have also made a few modifications to it. The primary mirror is a GSO 150mm f4.

[marble bramble]

what 6" would you have rather gotten?

I've been newt shopping. looking at the carbonstar 150 but it's a little soft

[stoic mauve]

Soft?

The optics between these newts are usually from the same manufacturer

[stoic mauve]

This is nuts

[nimble arrow]

EinDeutscher is right that most of these lower cost Newtonians use the same mirrors from GSO, and they are generally not the weak link in the system. If I were to do this again, I'd probably go for either the SkyWatcher or the Carbonstar and do my own modifications. FWIW I'm also using the Televue Paracorr2 as the coma corrector. It's a bit pricey but seems to work extremely well. I would love to see a well-engineered consumer Newtonian; in my opinion the optics are generally good but the mechanics leave a lot to be desired.

[marble bramble]

Yes and im not certain as to why. the vanes are the carbonstar are quite thick and there are usually issues with the mirror clips from the factory. there's a lot of little things ive read about

[marble bramble]

yeah im aware they all share the same mirrors generally

thanks for the info

[stoic mauve]

It's very hard to conclude that the optics are the issue when lots of other factors are at play between people's images, whether it's seeing conditions, processing, guiding issues, etc.

Referring to the softness remark

[marble bramble]

Well that can apply to basically everything. I have noticed the carbonstar particularly is a tad soft, through every image and dataset ive reviewed. And although those factors come into play there comes to a point that it's simply a characteristic of the scope, especially when with other newtonians I don't notice the same thing

It could just be mind of matter. And it's not a deal breaker for me

I know the basics of ensuring you get sharp data and I can follow that

[stoic mauve]

Yea I mean there's no reason for it to be softer than any other equivalent noot

I myself am trying to find a 10" f4 newt, something cheaper like the Orion imaging newt series, and mod it out completely.

They go for 400 usually

400 for mods + CC

[marble bramble]

You sure your meade can handle that?

Or planning on upgrading?

[stoic mauve]

Lol I have an eq6r now

[marble bramble]

I did not know that

[stoic mauve]

Big boi

[marble bramble]

Congratulations 🫨

[marble bramble]

That looks incredible

What's the little thing on top your mini pc?

[stoic mauve]

That and above it is a ssd

[marble bramble]

Ah

[stoic mauve]

Mele overclock 4c

[marble bramble]

Any need in using the risers?

I dont see anything occupied below the scope on the losmandy

[stoic mauve]

I can place stuff on the Losmandy d plate if needed

[marble bramble]

Alright

Ive been trying to avoid risers cause of flexture and whatnot

[stoic mauve]

Plus it wouldn't fit as the eaf bracket extends below the rings

The d plate wouldn't fit*

So it needed to be raised especially for that

[stoic mauve]

Steel bolts so usually no worries about that

[marble bramble]

Lol you're good then

[ornate kraken]

Have you seen any data with the scope using a different CC, or just the one that is paired with it?

[nimble arrow]

Here are some images captured with the Carbonstar for reference. I have no doubt it can produce excellent images:
https://app.astrobin.com/i/15li3d
https://app.astrobin.com/i/ze1jfo
https://app.astrobin.com/i/jvzroi
Proper collimation and care throughout the acquisition pipeline (including mount, guiding, etc), and conditions, will likely have a larger impact.

[stoic mauve]

Yea @fluid zenith did great work with it

[hollow sapphire]

@unique drift good thing you chose Carbonstar

[marble bramble]

that I don't remember specifically

[marble bramble]

I have actually seen these images already on your astrobin, I saw them a couple weeks back. Yours are about the only sharp carbonstar shots ive seen out of a small handful ive found

The majority I have seen just have a softness to it. But it's astrobin so I can't expect the world

https://app.astrobin.com/i/15li3d

This is definitely sharp

[ornate kraken]

hey look at that, using the nexus cc

so maybe it is the carbonstar cc

I havent looked into it tho

[unique drift]

Charging 1.5k and getting 3d printed tube rings is diabolical

The default focuser is also not EAF friendly

[hollow sapphire]

YIKES

[unique drift]

I emailed and they linked me to 100$ 3d printed contraption for the EAF

evil

[hollow sapphire]

AW HELL NAW BRO

WHAT?

The balls to do that

what a joke

[unique drift]

https://www.teleskop-express.de/en/telescope-accessories-5/focusers-adapters-motorfocus-296/motorfocus-207/wega-mounting-kit-for-zwo-eaf-motor-focus-on-uncn2-g2-and-tsrpn2-focusers-14613

Found it. I asked if it’s EAF compatible since it’s kinda round

They said no and I need this

[hollow sapphire]

$100 for that crap?

that's a rip off

[kindred arch]

what the fuq this image is insane for 5mins

i mean, even if it wasnt 5 minutes its still good

[rapid crypt]

This is insanely cool. I don't know why but when i look at the discord version of the image my eyes feel like they can't focus but everything is fine on the browser version.