• Use Planet mode, gain 100, offset whatever it likes (around 50).
• Reduce the exposure time until you start seeing detail
• Uncheck Autocontrast, raise the white point all the way up
• Reduce the exposure another click or two if you need to...try to fill the histogram
• You may now need to lower the white point a tad or two, get the image looking as good as you can, but be careful not to clip the high end
• Now select "Kernel Filter"...I usually like "Edge Enhance Medium"
• For min quality, you kind of have to play with it...starting out at 50% is OK, but try to get it working at 70% or so
• Leave the Eval count at 10
• I use "Fits - Normal Operation". That way it isn't trying to write a hundred files a minute during capture. In the end you will have the 3 (or 4 now with the L layer) combined color channel files to work with in post-processing.
• You could also use .bmp if you don't want to work with the multi-layer .fits files. I would steer clear of jpg, and be advised that the .tif files Envisage writes aren't easily opened in other processing programs.
• Try to get 100+ images in the stack...the more the better, 300 would be ideal. But limit to around 3 minutes total time per image on Jupiter or rotation will start to set in
• With Saturn you can go 5 minutes or even longer I think

Here's a link or two to show you what results you can expect:
http://autostarsuite.net/photos/chuckr54/picture4370.aspx
http://autostarsuite.net/photos/chuckr54/picture4177.aspx
http://autostarsuite.net/photos/chuckr54/picture3005.aspx

That should do it - good luck!
 
Chuck

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Chuck Reese
CDIP Certified: Nebula, Galaxy, Solar System, Stars & Clusters Imager
CDIP Mentor: Nebulae & Solar System Categories
For information on the Certified DSI Imager Program, see:
http://autostarsuite.net/forums/1427/ShowForum.aspx

Thanks for posting this Chuck.  Man, the Mars image is really awesome, one of my favorites you have taken

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Stephen P. Hamilton
AutoStarSuite.Net Owner/Moderator
http://www.HamiltonAstronomy.com
King George Observatory
38° 21' 26" , -77° 03' 04"
Photos: My Photo Gallery

Neat! I could never get images that sharp with my DSI, maybe I should try again. I like the results I get with my LPI, but I've always been intrigued with the greater brightness depth of the DSI.

Could you comment on how the DSI compares compares with the DSI II? Does the II produce sharper images, or does it just look that way because of the larger chip?

-John

I really don't think there is a lot of difference in sharpness between the original DSI and the DSI-II. There is, however, a world of difference between the color versions and the Pro versions (the Pro delivers a *much* sharper image).

The difference you see in my recent DSI images is due to the use of the Luminance layer which is automatically created with Envisage Update 4. This allows you to aggressively sharpen the luminance without creating noise in the color channels. When you layer the sharpened Luminance image over the unsharpened RGB data, you get a significantly better final result than was possible in earlier releases using RGB data alone.

Chuck

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Chuck Reese
CDIP Certified: Nebula, Galaxy, Solar System, Stars & Clusters Imager
CDIP Mentor: Nebulae & Solar System Categories
For information on the Certified DSI Imager Program, see:
http://autostarsuite.net/forums/1427/ShowForum.aspx

Ahah! I hadn't thought of that, the new luminance data is proving very useful.

Speaking of the Pro, the razor sharp image was the first thing I noticed when I strated using it. However, there are times when a one-shot color camera is a handy thing to have. It's fun having both, it gives me plenty to experiment with and exploring what these cameras can do is a blast.

-John

I have a feeling that this post may not get any results but here goes.

I just got my hands on a DSI III Color from Meade. Should I use this or should I stick with the LPI for Planetary Imaging. Jupiter is coming into view finally and I would love to get some nice shots with any camera.

Equip: LX200R-12" Alt/Az( I know I know... get the wedge :) )
          LPI
         DSI III Color
        

Hi, Spaceman

The LPI will run much faster (higher frame rate) which will give you more frames to work with & usually a better image if seeing is iffy.

The DSI-III has excellent resolution and can do a fine job, but you will have trouble getting more than about 50 frames in a 3 minute period (max recommended time for Jupiter). the upside here is that you get 16-bit image depth (compared to 8-bit with the LPI) which will give you much greater exposure latitude & post-processing flexibility. I have found it is a fine choice when the seeing is steady enough that you can use most all of the subframes.

HTH,

Chuck

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Chuck Reese
CDIP Certified: Nebula, Galaxy, Solar System, Stars & Clusters Imager
CDIP Mentor: Nebulae & Solar System Categories
For information on the Certified DSI Imager Program, see:
http://autostarsuite.net/forums/1427/ShowForum.aspx

Thanks for the info. I will be trying the LPI and the DSI III for first Light testing this weekend. Made myself a simple focus plate to put on the front of my ETX-125. I'll post results that is after I learn what I am doing after starting the program. LOL

Later I'll try these out on my LX200R-12"

Chuack -

Do you have any recommendations for the DSI Monochrome?

Any suggestions as far as LRGB?

Thanks,

Frank

 

Sure do - check out Jesper Sorenson's excellent page here:

http://autostarsuite.net/forums/thread/5340.aspx

Chuck

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Chuck Reese
CDIP Certified: Nebula, Galaxy, Solar System, Stars & Clusters Imager
CDIP Mentor: Nebulae & Solar System Categories
For information on the Certified DSI Imager Program, see:
http://autostarsuite.net/forums/1427/ShowForum.aspx

Thanks Chuck.

Frank

Chuck,

Envisage seems not to take more than one frame per second , so in 3 minutes (for Jupiter) I can't take more than 180 frames.
I that correct or am I doing something wrong?

Best regards,

Germán

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Germán Bresciano
Montevideo, Uruguay
http://picasaweb.google.com/German.Bresciano
Hokenn 150 750 PEQ3-2 w/dual axis drive
Meade RB-60 (60mm x 700mm)
Meade DSI-C, Vesta Pro SC1.5, SPC900NC SC1
Bushnell binoculars 10x50mm

Wow Chuck I am impressed. I've never seen images of PLANETs look that good from a DSI.

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10" Meade Lx200-R
Mitty Evolution Wedge
Canon Digital Rebel DSLR
AT-80 guider
SBIG ST402-ME Imager
Meade DSI-c for guiding
San Diego Skys
California Taxes
$5.00/Gallon Gas