For those of you experimenting with Lucky Imaging techniques on deep sky objects, especially planetary nebulae or compact targets, I wanted to share a workflow that may be of interest.
HelioMaker supports SharpCap Live Stack mode using single imaging camera for both imaging and guiding (limited to short exposures of 3-5 seconds or longer depending on type of your mount, current PA accuracy, etc.)
This enables a relatively uncommon but powerful setup:
Live stacking (Lucky Imaging style frame selection and rejection)
Continuous guiding through PHD2
No need for a separate guide camera or guide scope
This can be particularly useful when:
Working at longer focal lengths where differential flexure becomes a concern
Trying to maximize sharpness on compact DSOs using short exposures
Running simplified optical trains (single camera, single scope)
Curious to hear from others using Lucky Imaging for DSOs:
What exposure ranges are you using?
Guided vs unguided?
This screenshot showcases SharpCap Pro in Live Stack mode with Omega Centauri as the target, captured using my remote imaging rig with assistance of HelioMaker 1.4.4 and the custom PHD2 version 2.6.14-solar.1.
📷 LiveStack.jpg
Happy to share more details if there is interest and also have your feedback.
Leo