Re: [APML] Why this discussion?? WAS The End of Tech Pan???

["Tom & Lou Krajci" <krajcit@3lefties.com>]

From: "Matt BenDaniel" <matt@starmatt.com>

> >Why do we keep getting into the CCD vs. Film argument all the time?
>
> It's not really an argument. It's a discussion. And it's very relevant.
It's important to spend a little time understanding how our technology
compares with other technologies.

I started with film.  I now do CCD work (unless another big comet comes
along).  I used to do pretty pictures...now I do almost exclusively
science/data collection with my CCD.  (As an example of how many nights I've
used my CCD in the last 9-10 months...go to:  http://128.59.168.162/   and
sepcifically to:
http://128.59.168.162/archive/newmexico.html (the data archive of my
submissions to CBA).  It's really handy being able to image from your
patio...even if it's light polluted.

Because of the different technology...I'm doing different things.  Instead
of film for wide field pretty pictures...I now take narrow field imags for
science data.  Different?  Yes, very.  But I'm learning a great deal by
travelling down this road...even with humble equipment like a homemade CCD
and an optically mediocre C-11 (my homemade 10 inch f/7 dob is far better
for planetary observing...and I figured that mirror in one afternoon. ;-)

I can do 'productive' imaging with my CCD from my patio, even with
streetlights in the neighborhood.

I don't get oooohs and aaaaahs from my science data, but I'm doing stuff
that was impossible for amateurs only a few years ago.  I can do it on
nights with the full moon, cirrus clouds here and there, wind, and lousy
seeing all at once...and still get (most of the time) useful data.

Some of my latest science efforts are 'high speed' photometry...almost 2,000
images in almost 4 hours.  See
http://members.3lefties.com/krajcit/TT-Ari.htm

Instead of ooooohs and aaaaahs from the pretty picture crowd, my data is
submitted to pro's in the USA and Japan...and when some variable star needs
monitoring sometimes they contact me and see if I can collect some data for
them.  This is amazing collaboration on a global scale, unlike anything I
ever did with pretty pictures.

...but in the end it's apples and oranges.  If you like pretty pictures
you'll keep on shooting them.  If you are interested in taking on new
challenges, you may get a (relatively) inexpensive CCD/scope/mount rig and
set up to collect data in your back yard while you eat dinner, work out at
the gym, nap, etc....and learn new stuff, and meet new people along the way.

Tom Krajci

PS.  The undying cheapskate in me is pondering the future of my
astro-imaging journey.  I see a fork in the road ahead.  I could spend $$$$$
and get something like the Centurion 18 (or maybe the 28?!?)
http://www.astroworks.com/    ...but only get one of them.  Or I can surf
the astro-classifieds and pick up a bunch more used 8 to 12 inch 'fast food'
SCT's, mounts, and 'small chip' CCD's....and establish a 'telescope farm' to
collect against many variable stars at one time.  Hmmmmmm, I'll have to get
them set up for robotic/unattended operation, or I'll never sleep at night.
What a hobby!


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