There is a LOT of hidden data in that image. I opened the comet-tiny.jpg image in Photoshop and made a large Curves adjustment followed by raising the black point a bit in Levels, just to show the lon

My suggestion: Try more integration time. I think it would reveal more of the tail. In terms of the bright coma, why not try High Dynamic Range (HDR) in PixInsight? I've found that to do a good job on

I don't have APCC, so I can't speak to that. I do know for a fact that the latest AP ASCOM driver GUI has the Park options, so for sure you can set the Park parameters there. --- Mike

Yes, the AP ASCOM driver allows you to specify where to park the mount. One of the options in the "Park To" field is a specific azimuth/elevation. I use the driver's direction buttons to move my AP120

Great job! I agree 100%. The modern CMOS cameras are wonderful! Here's my Witch Head from 2019: <http://astronomy.mdodd.com/nebulae-23.html> My small FOV required a 2-panel mosaic that excludes Rigel.

Agreed. Do you have a finder scope? I've found it helpful to use the arrow keys to center the target (a very bright star) in the finder first, then in the OTA with a long FL eyepiece. If I want to be

That I can't help you with. I think it's app-dependent. SkyX doesn't unpark the mount until I tell it to. ACP, OTOH, unparks the mount when it connects. I think AP Jog also unparks the mount when firs

Now I'm confused. I thought you did NOT want the mount to start tracking when an app unparked it. See the attached screen shot of my ASCOM driver expanded GUI. 75% of the way down is the check box lab

I believe an app connecting to the mount can/will unpark the mount. But whether the mount starts tracking then is controlled by an option in the ASCOM driver Expand the ASCOM driver to Additional Conf

PhotometricMosaic actually is a full-fledged PI _process_ not just a script. Yes, it is very powerful and straightforward to use. My first mosaic attempt was this Rosette Nebula before PhotometricMosa

I have RBA's PDF versions of "MasteringPixInsight" (409 pages) and "MPIART_ReferenceGuide" (263 pages). I find these much easier to use than printed books because they're searchable and don't use any

Then you want to use the hand box to control the mount? That will do what you want. If you want to use a PC without Windows, that leaves a Mac or Linux, and i don't know what apps those offer to conne

Once parked, the mount REMAINS parked the next time it's powered-up. That's what my 1200 does. It assumes nothing when powering-up. Now, if you mean, it's in Park 3 the first time something CONNECTS t

Look at your ASCOM driver settings to see if it's set to unpark and track after a connection. A good way to eliminate other causes is to use the AP Jog utility. It allows you to connect and does nothi

I also have a 1200-GTO/CP3, bought used in 2008. I've used it in ambient temps as low as -25C with no problems. You are correct - condensation at sub-freezing temps forms as frost, which melts when te

I can't answer your question, but I have one of my own: WHY? What benefit does it provide over a straight pier? It might be "not difficult" using laminated wood, but wouldn't a straight pier be even l

I always turn off all electronics between imaging sessions. Never had any issue with anything starting up again in cold temps, including the DLI Ethernet power controllers I use to switch power to eve

So did I, and so will I. Instead of sending images, I sent links to photos on my website. Here's my 1200 mount holding a TMB-130SS APO and imaging equipment, plus a 60mm guide scope and camera hidden

I suggested LBN 438, and I'm pleased to report that my sky cooperated. Here is 12.8 hours over two successive nights: <http://astronomy.mdodd.com/nebulae-33.html> Clear and steady skies with good seei

I'm going after LBN438 tonight. <https://www.astrobin.com/8iq7ay/> Don't know if that close enough to the Milky Way for you. --- Mike