These are "first light" images captured using a prototype of the CrystalCam (thanks Milton and Sandy!) and AstroIIDC control software. The CrystalCam is a Firewire-based CCD imager based on webcam technology, but configured to permit exposures up to one hour. It is expected to be commercially available in fall 2004.

Like my planetary shots, these were taken with my 10-inch LX200, but instead of using a barlow to go to f/20, I used a Meade focal reducer to achieve an effective focal ratio of f/6.3. Both shots were unguided.

The M13 shot is a stack of five 75 second exposures, processed in both Keith's Image Stacker (KIS) and Photoshop. The M57 photo is a single three-minute exposure, processed in KIS and Photoshop. The images are scaled down from their original size of 640x480.