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Hi everyone, I’m considering buying a CDK 17 and hosting it in Obstech Observatory, in Chile. Would you recommend it over the CDK 20? Any special advice? |
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I have a CDK-17 in Chile at Deep Sky Chile (one mountain over from Obstech about 10km). I am very happy with it. I considered the CDK20 and couldn't justify the price difference based on the small incremental difference in the scopes. What camera and mount are you looking at?
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I’m considering using a L-500 and IMX455 based camera (QHY600M or Moravian C3) . Or maybe a Moravian C5, for a wider field. Any advice on that? According to https://www.planewave.eu/fileadmin/Daten/downloads/planewave_image-brochure.pdf seems that the CDK 17 has better RMS optical performance numbers than CDK 20, but do you think this diference is perceptible on images? |
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I use the L-500 without guiding. I have an OAG but don't use it. It has been a bulletproof mount. In regard to cameras, I use a C4 but do not recommend that. I got it for the 9 micron pixel but the Gsense 4040 chip is a pain. The only issue with the C3 or C5 is image scale but there are a lot of conflicting opinions on that topic. If $ isn't an issue I'd go with the C5. I'm in the process of adding a CDK-24 in Chile and will use a C5-100 on that rig. I can't comment intelligently on the optical performance but doubt it would be noticeable. Are you located in the US? If yes, can I ask where you are buying it? I had a very negative experience with a PW dealer and am now using a different one who is very good.
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Thanks! I am based in Brazil, The only PW dealer I know in US is Tolga, I bought a small Rainbow Astro RST-135e from him with no issues. May I ask you why are you adding a CDK 24? What do you miss in your current CDK 17 setup? |
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Tolga is a very good dealer. That's where I'm buying the 24. I'm not missing anything with the CDK17, I just wanted to have more capacity. I am getting into searching for planetary nebula and validating PN candidates. The 24 will have a spectrometer on it in addition to the C5. It will also be nice to gather data twice as quickly having two scopes. Can I ask how you chose Obstech? Everything I hear about them is very good, I'm just curious. Dan |
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Well, Obstech have a very good reputation. I’m going to Chile tonight, and I will have the opportunity to go there and have a more solid opinion. Actually I made a pier reservation, and will sign the contract after the visit. And may I ask why you choose Deep Sky Chile over Obstech? |
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I think Obstech is very good but DSC was less money and still very good. I will have three piers after the CDK-24 arrives so the savings is meaningful.
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Atria team at DSC with a CDK 17 and a QHY600M. This setup is fantastic. You should Go (Maybe not the QHY600 as raw frame are difficult to pre process.)
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David Néel: Thanks David! Any difference between QHY600M raw frames and ZWO ASI6200mm fits files? |
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Rafael Sampaio:David Néel: Can't say but QHY600M (ours) has a lot of hot pixels. |
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Daniel Stern: Just curious. In what way is the 4040 chip a pain? |
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Here is a block diagram of the calibration process. It is non standard to say the least. Calibration Block Diagram.pdf |
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I guess it takes some effort to get scientifically correct lights :-)
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After you get things setup it's not too bad. I calibrate manually but the process is quick and I get good results. That said, if I had to do it over again I would have gotten a C5.
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Daniel Stern: So, in your opinion, is there any real advantages in using a GSense4040 over the more common (and cheap) IMX455? Do you think you are going to miss your Moravian C4 in any aspect? |
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I'll still be using it, along with the C5, but if I had it to do again I would go with the C5 and be oversampled.
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Rafael Sampaio: Look into the Moravian C4 with that scope. I have a QHY600M SBL and in hindsight I wish I would have gone with the Moravian, It's the only CMOS camera that I know of that has a 9um pixel size and would be more beneficial with the CDK OTA. Also take another look at the L-600 for future proofing. Do you plan on leaving at as an Alt/AZ or are you going with a wedge to make it an EQ Mount. More food for thought. |
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If you do go with the C4 make sure you are comfortable with the calibration process. It's less than trivial. Attached is a block diagram of what needs to be done.Calibration Block Diagram.pdf |
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Rafael Sampaio: I will use a wedge. I’m considering using a L-550, that has the same weight capability of the L-600, but in a cheaper price. (But it won’t allow me to use a CDK 24). People in ObsTech don’t recommend the Gsense4040 for aesthetic astrophotography due to a very difficult calibration, in their opinion. |