Another 6200 image that I was able to take before the great flood. I remember when I chose the Hickson 44 group for the new camera that I wanted to see what difference 14 months make. Hence I posted version E to show the comparison. Now the big question: was it worth it? I mean ... time, efforts, headaches, frustration, big project that hurt a 60 year old body ... and last but not least: money? So here are the changes that happened the last 14 months:

- a new mount ($$$$)

- a new scope ($$$)

- a new camera ($$$)

- a new pier ($$ plus hard labor)

- new processing techniques (free ... but don't count sweat as currency here!)

- more Lum (free!!!!)

- new multi star guiding in PHD (free!!)

- RGB sets that do not show chromatic aberration (pseudo free (the scope does it))

- new RGB filters ($$)

- a new auto focuser ($)

Well ... I will let you be the judge as well. What I like with the new setup is that it is much more automatic. Not many polar alignments (every other month or so), less carry for my aching body (ok ... I am not that bad in shape, still :-)), start the session and just check every 15 minutes on it in the evening and then let it run overnight (PHD is really good with that), no Bahtinov mask every hour and no de-focused (is that even a word??) stars in overnight runs, the wonderful precision of the Bisque mount (she is my queen and I treat her like one), the looks of the setup (yes, everything is in red and white (where is the blue 😊)) and last but not least: more time to spend with my wife due to automation!

What do I NOT like? The immense download times, stacking and processing time for the ASI 6200 (not to mention that it won't stack in the new PI version due to 16GB memory being way too low plus the nasty conversations with a PI developer about this ridiculous flaw), the amount of money ... and well ... that's it 😊.

So in aftermath, yes, for me it was worth it (I am lucky to have some extra money per year), but was it for the image quality? Looks definitely more pleasant than 14 months ago, but if it would be the only image with it, well, yeah, then no way to spend that much on it. The hopes are that I will get much more out of it, the first 4 images were definitely nice and made me happy. And in the end this is all what we should always consider as the goal: be happy.

With that said, this is the last set of saved Spring images using the ASI 6200, cannot wait for Fall when the skies finally will clear up again.

On the horizon for upgrades: I have eyes on the EAGLE4 PRO by PrimaLuceLab, rotator (not sure about that yet and doubtful that it will fit so easily in my setup), Antlia 3nm filters for narrow band (a Chroma 3nm is probably a killer for my wallet since it HAS to be a 2" one), an SCT (if someone with experience would be close by then this would be the No 1), selling my RASA 8 (who wants it?).

To the image itself (I hear the word finally 😊, thank you for sticking that long with me!!): used several new ideas I had in my processing, also listened to some of the advices on some YouTube channels (funny enough, I pick up maybe one good hint in each of them, so that takes time since some of those presentations are hours long!). What I like in this image: the stars are with the ASI 6200 just amazing, pinpoint even at high crop (go for the full resolution!), the number of stars under Bortle 6-7, and the details of NGC 3187, and the details of NGC 3185/89/90! Btw, the color is maybe the truest RGB representation in all my RGB images, barely any adjustments.

I also decided to stick from now on with 5 minute subs for each channel. I did so many trials now, and the ones that I (personally) loved most were always taken with 5+ minute subs. And ... definitely from now on (if the skies hold up): integration time of LUM a minimum of the combined integration time of RGB, if possible even more! My next big trial: SHO with a high integration time in LUM as well! I know, the details in LUM for emission nebulas are not extensive, but it might give the image a special kick ... well ... I will find out. Not sure how to integrate this, more trials, maybe it is a bad idea, but certainly fun.