[Aavso-photometry] DSI Pro CCD Cameras $129

[Bob Crumrine]

I'm thinking of making the plunge into this area, but am trying to think 
it through, first, to see what else I might be getting into!  I have a 
Meade 8" LX200 classic F/10 that I currently use for PEP with an Optec 
SSP-3 Photometer monitoring small amplitude variables.  This setup works 
very well and I enjoy using it, and I'd want CCD observing to augment, 
not replace the SSP-3 work. 

According to the pixel size calculation chart in the AAVSO CCD manual, 
this will give me an image scale of about 0.88 arc seconds per pixel and 
I remember reading that 2 seconds is acceptable.  I'm considering 
purchasing an F3.3 focal reducer, or perhaps a 6.3, but would prefer the 
3.3 due to the wider field of view.  The F/3.3 reducer would give me 2.7 
seconds.  The skies aren't too great here so if 2 sec is typical in good 
skies, I wouldn't think we'd be any better than 3 or 4 here most of the 
time near the Great Lakes.  Any recommendations for focal reducer?  I 
read a negative comment about them in the CCD manual.

I read in the CCD manual that different CCD chips produce different 
spectral response and I would expect different CCDs to require different 
V filters to match the desired V response, but it seems that V filters 
from Astrodon and Optec will work equally will with any CCD chip; what 
am I missing?  Or is this what the transformation coefficients take care 
of?  I'm familiar with PEP transformations measuring red and blue stars.

I've also been reading about software programs; what's really required 
here?  What do I need for differential V-band photometry in addition to 
the Meade drivers?  I've read about CCDSoft, MaxImDL and others, and 
also Mira.  The first two seem pretty $$$ but Mira seems affordable.

Also, one thing to consider is that I don't have a permanent observatory 
and usually roll or carry things out from the garage.  I do have access 
to a modern laptop computer running XP Pro.

Thanks!
Bob Crumrine (CRR)
Fairport, NY, near Rochester

Jeff Hopkins wrote:
> For those wanting a good CCD camera at a reasonable price, Meade has 
> dropped the price of the DSI Pro to $129. Several dealers are selling 
> them. See OPT at http://www.optcorp.com/
>
> Jeff
>
>
>