From: Phil Houston <pkh111@knology.net>

Date: June 20, 2006 2:41:58 PM MDT

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [Astro_IIDC] Jupiter June 15

Hi Alan,

Sorry for the misunderstanding.  I have been using both the clear and IR filter for the luminance.  The clear is used to retain focus when switching to the RGB filters and the IR has been attached to the barlow lens in line with the other filters and camera.  I will try imaging Jupiter without the IR next time and if I ever see the Moon again, I'll use a filter.

Jumping ahead a thread,  Your Jupiter image taken through the AP-155 looks very good.  A wealth of detail even when enlarged.  What kind of color filters do you use and is an IR blocking filter needed with them?

Thanks for the Photoshop tip.  I wasn't thinking along those lines.

Phil

On Jun 19, 2006, at 10:35 PM, Alan Friedman wrote:

Hi Phil -

By unfiltered I meant luminance through the clear or IR blocking filter, rather than
through the RGB filters. Your seeing seems good enough for this to work well - it
will provide more light for good signal/noise in your 6". Up my way the image is
very turbulent using the full visible spectrum - I almost always get a steadier
image by limiting the bandwidth. You can see the improvement easily observing
the moon unfiltered compared to through the red or IR filter - the air is steadier
down at these wavelengths.

best,
Alan

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: Phil Houston <pkh111@knology.net>
Reply-To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 17:34:01 -0400

>---------- Original Message ----------------------------------

>Alan,
>
>Thanks. I am using a filter set from True Technology containing a
>clear, Ir block, R,G,and B filter. I must use the Ir blocking filter
>in order to get a decent color balance so the Ir filter is used with
>all other filters. So far it's been a convenience issue rather than
>a performance one. Removal would require disassembling the setup. I
>should try an unfiltered luminance, though. What do you recommend?
>
>I enjoyed your comparison between the 6" scope and 10" as it pertains
>to alignment and stacking. Using a 2x Barlow increases the scale of
>my raw footage as does the 2x resampling before alignment so I feel
>that some of your and Milton's comments apply to me as well. I have
>imaged Jupiter without the Barlow in place and produced good images
>but when upscaled they did not seem quite as detailed. There are so
>many variables I get a little overwhelmed. I do regret that I must
>over sharpen the images in order to pull out details. It makes them
>look rather grainy and produces a nasty ring at the edge of the
>planet. Any processing tricks to eliminate them??
>
>Looking forward to seeing your latest.
>
>Phil
>
>