Well that was a frustrating couple of months!
I decided that whilst the ZWO 533MM camera has been an absolute cracker of a device, I wanted something with a higher resolution to pair with the FLT91, whilst keeping the smaller sensor for use with the larger Askar APO. Having seen some really promising reviews of the PlayerOne range of cameras and not feeling quite ready to drop a significant amount of cash on a no-brand AliExpress camera I plumped for the Poseidon M Pro setup.
Very similar to the ZWO2600MM pro but with a significant reduction in the price tag, the device arrived direct from PlayerOne in under a week (albeit with a customs charge!) and here’s where the problems started. My FLT91/533MM Pro setup has been bullet proof reliable pretty much since the day I got it – slap the scope on the mount, fire up the mini PC and you’re up and imaging right away – especially now everything rides the pier and there’s no need for polar alignment!
Switching to the new camera meant a full scope teardown and here’s where the problems started. USB gremlins, EAF and focus mechanism gremlins, issues because muggins here decided to throw off axis guiding into the mix at the same time, horrible tilt issues with the camera. Given that we’ve had a spell of long cloudy weather it also meant that time outside under clear skies trying to get everything sorted took a couple of months – but FINALLY this week I maanged to get everything working again, and despite only having a partially clear night I managed to produce an “first light” image with the new camera.
I have SO many issues with this image – but its an image from a new camera and after the frustration and swearing that it took to get it, I have to say I’m pretty chuffed at this point. I’m hoping for great things from this camera over the winter – I just hope the gremlins are firmly behind me again now!
It was great to see that my mount is also still behaving herself after spending 6 months under her Telegizmo cover without being touched – my guiding for this image was great – so good in fact that here’s the guide graph!
