Using the OGMA GP662C, GP678C, and GP678M cameras for planetary imaging involves several steps, designed to help you capture detailed and clear images of planets in our solar system. Here’s a general guide to get you started:
1. Equipment Setup
Attach the Camera: Securely attach your chosen OGMA camera (GP662C, GP678C, or GP678M) to the telescope. Thanks to their barrel-shaped design, these cameras will fit smoothly into a telescope's 1.25-inch focuser.
Connect to Your Computer: Use the provided USB cable to connect the camera to your computer. Ensure you have the necessary drivers installed, usually available on the manufacturer's website.
2. Choose the Right Software
While these cameras are compatible with various astrophotography software, selecting one that suits your needs and skill level is crucial. Software such as SharpCap, FireCapture, or AstroDMx can be excellent choices. Please note that this manual doesn’t cover detailed software operation; for that, consult the specific software’s documentation or online resources.
SharpCap and AstroDMx are being updated more often, and this camera should have a native integration with both.
FireCapture is taking longer between updates. If your camera model is not recognized natively by FireCapture, you can have the camera recognized by replacing the file ogmacam.dll in the FireCapture program folder with the x64 version from the OGMA SDK. To do so:
- Download the full OGMA SDK from https://github.com/OGMAvision/OGMAcamSDK/archive/refs/heads/main.zip
- Decompress the zip file
- Locate the latest ogmacam.dll inside the directory \win\x64\ of the SDK
- Replace the file ogmacam.dll in the FireCapture program folder
3. Focus
Achieve Sharp Focus: Use a bright star to focus your telescope with the camera attached. Many software applications offer focusing aids like Bahtinov mask tools or focus assist features to help you achieve sharp focus.
4. Planetary Imaging Settings
Resolution and Frame Rate: Set your software to capture at the highest possible resolution that your camera supports. Adjust the frame rate to a suitable value, considering that higher frame rates might necessitate higher gain settings or reduced exposure times.
Exposure and Gain: Adjust the exposure time to ensure the planet is well-exposed but not overexposed. Increase the gain as needed to achieve a bright image without introducing too much noise.
ROI (Region of Interest): Use the ROI feature to select just the area around the planet. This reduces file size and increases the frame rate, allowing more frames to be captured in a shorter time.
5. Capture
Record Video: Planetary imaging often involves recording a video of the planet for several minutes. This lets you capture many frames that can later be stacked to produce a detailed image.
Use Filters: If your setup allows, using color or specialized planetary filters can enhance certain features on the planet’s surface.
6. Processing
Stacking: Use software like AutoStakkert or RegiStax to stack the best frames from your video. Stacking combines the clearest frames to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, bringing out more detail.
Post-Processing: You can further refine your image using photo editing software. Adjustments such as sharpening, contrast, and color balance can significantly improve the final image.
7. Practice and Experiment
Planetary imaging requires practice and experimentation. Each session can be a learning experience, helping you fine-tune your process for capturing stunning planetary images.
By following these steps and utilizing the capabilities of the OGMA GP662C, GP678C, and GP678M cameras, you're well on your way to capturing breathtaking images of planets. Remember, patience and practice are key in astrophotography. Happy imaging!