Cameras and stuff

I love a gadget. Especially a gadget with purpose. One that can be driven by a PC is even better. Oh the joy of astrophotography where this is concerned.Gaining control of the functions of my DSLR through an app on my PC really did appeal - and for good reason. Once you're set up to take photos you done't have to touch your camera - no camera shake. No camera shake means more accurate focusing through the live view provided through the camera to you PC. Plus, the software provides focusing tools (Full Width Half Measurement, Bahtinov mask etc) Just the job! I'm a Canon man - no denying it - so buying Backyard  EOS was a logical step. Check it out at
https://www.otelescope.com/store/category/2-backyardeos/ 

 Further online research suggested I modified my DSLR to remove the IR Cut filter, this allowing the camera to see light emitted from emission nebulae that would otherwise be lost. I didn't fancy undertaking the job myself so enlisted the help of Andy Ellis from Astronomiser http://www.astronomiser.co.uk to do the job for me. Great service - check him out if you want to do the same. 
Here's my Canon 450d, modified by Andy and sporting a clip-in Skylight CLS (City Light Suppression) filter.

 And so to video. I managed to pick up a QHY5II-C camera from someone on Stargazer Lounge - another 2nd hand bargain - but a great planetary camera and just what I needed to venture into autoguiding. Here's my rig with both cameras attached. I'm still learning about cable management! I'm also learning that setup and alignment are becoming ever more time consuming and complicated......

Location: Nottingham NG10, UK

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