15th Feb 2024: Astro Pixel Processor 2.0.0-beta29 released - macOS native File Chooser, macOS CMD-Q fixed, read-only Fits on network fixed and other bug fixes
7th December 2023: added payment option Alipay to purchase Astro Pixel Processor from China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and other countries where Alipay is used.
I don't know of other people use Pentax's astrotracker function (haven't seen anyone), but it's quite fun.
I made this image of M82 with a static mounted Pentax dslr on a tripod (nothing else). The camera calculates sensor translation and rotation based on build in gps and compass. I use an 'old' manual achromat lens (SMC-A 200/4) fitted with a baader contrast booster.
Seeing was 'so so'. Ursa Minor's dimmest star Eta Umi was just barely visible. Milky way was invisible (bortle scale6/7).
APP processed this stack of 47 lights, ISO 3200, f5.6, with 25 bias', 25 flats, 25 darks. Postprocessing done in affinity photo.
Very interesting, didn't know about that indeed. What is the exposure limit etc, I guess still about 15 seconds per image?
For this example lights were taken with an exposure time of 20 seconds per image. Depending on quality of calibration (gps/compass), focal length and location of the subject, theoretical exposure times can go up to one and a half minute (200mm lens, limited by translation and rotation of the sensor). Practically, I never managed above 50" without ending up with unwanted trails. I am generally happy when I manage 20 or 30" exposure times. Other focal lengths will result in other exposure times.
That's certainly impressive for a non tracked setup, thanks, nice to know.
Nice. I read about some of these pentax cameras with j built sensor tracking capability I think. Was this one of these models? Nice shot at that focal length
@cwm2col
Thanks. The above image was taken using a Pentax K1, which has the sensor build in. In the past I have also tried the separate O-GPS1 which I think gives similar results when it comes to the tracking itself.
