Orion STARSHOOT 52186 - Manual (Page 7)

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Broadcasting Services
The Night Skies Network Is a free
service that allows astronomers with
video cameras to broadcast their live
views over the Internet.
Website links are provided in the
launcher on the Video Capture Device
CD to download popular astronomy
software that is compatible with the
DSVC and Orion Video Capture
Device (
Figure 19).
Software installation
Select each piece of software on the
CD launcher to be directed to a web-
site to download the latest software.
For detailed information on each piece of software consult the websites of each
software provider. Tutorials and user groups can be found online also.
tips
Focusing
One of the hardest things to do in planetary imaging is achieving good focus. You
can make this process easier by simply watching the Live Video window to focus.
Depending upon the viewing conditions you may notice that the image goes in
and out of focus, this is due to viewing conditions. This is to be expected and
one of the reasons why post processing software can bring out the best in your
captured images. Focus as best as possible with the average frame being at
best focus to ensure more in focus frames than out of focus. Image processing
software can then be used to select the best frames to combine for best results
and can also reject the poorest frames.
Refocus often throughout your imaging session. This ensures at least some of
your images will have an excellent focus. It is also not uncommon for telescope
movements to alter the focus slightly, so be sure to refocus for any new astro-
imaging targets.
Choosing a Site for astro-imaging
Once you have a focused image, you may find your image shifting and washed
out. This can be caused by many environmental factors. Poor seeing (movement
of molecules in the air, such as heat rising) and poor transparency (moisture,
smoke, or other sky contaminants) will all serve to reduce image quality. That is
Solar imaging
Solar imaging requires short exposure
times and the use of a solar filter or
dedicated solar scope (
Figure 17).
terrestrial imaging
Similar to Lunar, Solar and Planetary
imaging, terrestrial imaging requires
short exposure times.
Utility software such as HandyAVI can
be used to detect motion and hence
automatically record detected objects
when user is not present (
Figure 18).
Software
The Orion Video Capture Device
included with the DSVC is compatible
with the following highly recommended
software:
image Processing Software
Image Processing Software such as RegiStax, AviStack and MaximDL can Align
and Stack (combine) hundreds of individual images contained within your AVI
into a single resultant image to help reduce noise and atmospheric effects and
also perform some additional image processing to bring out subtle details or to
make the image appear more pleasing overall.
utility Software
Utility programs such as HandyAVI and UFO Capture can track and detect
motion from meteors and atmospheric phenomena and automatically save, email
and FTP images and movie files to a website.
HandyAVI also has features to allow time lapse photography and stop motion
animation.
Figure 18. Using motion detection
software to capture wildlife.
Figure 19. Orion Video Capture Device
CD web links menu.
Figure 17. Using a full aperture solar
filter to image sunspots.