Canon T4i (650D) DSLR Camera Modification Instructions for Astro & Infrared Imaging Gary Honis 2013-04-11 | This is a complete instructional video for modifying a Canon T4i (650D) DSLR Camera using an Astronomik Multi-Coated and optically pollished clear glass for astrophotography and infrared imaging and video capture. An astro modification using a Baader UV/IR DSLR replacement filter is also explained. See my web site for detailed step by step modification instructions for various Canon DSLR models. My website is at http://garyhonis.com
Astro Images at Cherry Springs, October New Moon period Gary Honis 2017-10-29 | This is a video of all images I took for the October New Moon period with a Full Spectrum Canon 6D through a 12 inch Astro-Tech RC telescope. SQM readings ranged between 21.07 and 21.27.
September 2017 Astro Images at Cherry Springs Gary Honis 2017-10-10 | Astro images taken at Cherry Springs during the September 2017 New Moon period. All images were taken with a Full Spectrum modified Canon 6D DSLR camera through a 12 inch Astro-tech RC telescope. SQM readings were ranged between 21.54 and 21.74. Gary
2017 Total Solar Eclipse Gary Honis 2017-08-28 | I lost an SD card with a lot of images and videos on it for the total eclipse. We were observing the total eclipse in Central, SC. They were cutting the grass at the time with a lawn tractor and after the eclipse, I think they obliterated the SD card. Fortunately my family was taken many images and videos with their cell phones. The video is over 41 minutes long and should fast forward for the first videos as it is like watching paint dry. The first video begins much later than totality as the Moon was exiting the Sun, the video ends at 4:30 pm. Thanks to my family members that helped me out looking for the lost SD card in my vehicle and in my camera bags. My son Jerry and grandson Nicky was able to capture the shadow bands (snakes).
July 2017 Astro Images at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park Gary Honis 2017-08-01 | Astro images taken at Cherry Springs during the July 2017 New Moon period. All images were taken with a Full Spectrum modified Canon 6D DSLR camera through a 12 inch Astro-tech RC telescope. Still images can be seen here:http://GaryHonis.com/071517CS/071517CS.htmlGary
Astro Images at Cherry Springs June 2017 Gary Honis 2017-07-05 | Astro images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park from June 14 to June 25. Images taken with Full Spectrum Canon 6D camera using an Astro-Tech 12" RC telescope.
2017eaw Supernova in NGC6946 Galaxy Gary Honis 2017-05-30 | Supernova 2017eaw in NGC 6946, the Fireworks Galaxy, imaged on May 22, 2017 at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park. Images taken with a Full Spectrum Canon 6D camera through a 12" Astro-Tech RC telescope.
Bluejays on Deck February 21, 2017 Gary Honis 2017-02-21 | I feed about 20 bluejays on my deck every morning in the winter. I put unsalted peanuts in the shell out for them. I usually scatter them across the deck, but for this movie I placed them in one location to take the movie. The bluejays leave during the Spring, Summer and Fall. I notice that the bluejays pick up a few peanuts trying to decide which one they want. Also I have seen bluejays that pick up two peanuts at once.
October 8, 2013 Aurora at Cherry Springs Gary Honis 2017-01-29 | We had an Aurora low in the North at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park. Camera used was a Baader modified Canon XSi (450D) with 30 second exposures and ISO 1600. The Aurora began around 8:48 pm on October 8. The video starts at that time and continues until 6:26 am in the morning.
Astro Images Taken at Cherry Springs in September & October 2013 Gary Honis 2017-01-28 | I finally got around to processing astro images taken in September and October 2013 with a 5" Astro-Tech triplet refractor using an astro modified Canon 450D. The 450D camera was inside a Whole Camera Peltier Cooler. Images were taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park.
August & Sept 2013 Astro Images at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park Gary Honis 2017-01-06 | I finally got around to processing astro images taken in August and September 2013 with a 5" Astro-Tech triplet refractor using an astro modified Canon 450D. The 450D camera was inside a Whole Camera Peltier Cooler. Images were taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park.I posted still images along with image details here:http://GaryHonis.com/080913CS/080913CS.html
Astro Images taken June & July 2013 at Cherry Springs Gary Honis 2016-12-24 | Astro images taken with a 5" Astro-Tech triplet refractor using an astro modified Canon 450D. The 450D camera was inside a Whole Camera Peltier Cooler. Images were taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park.
NAS Petuxant River Air EXPO Gary Honis 2016-11-14 | Images I took during the NAS Petuxant River Air EXPO on October 29, 2016.
Astro Images with Full Spectrum 6D May 30-June 9, 2016 Gary Honis 2016-09-25 | Astro images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park between May 30 and June 9, 2016. Images were taken with a Full Spectrum modified Canon 6D camera through a 12" Astro-Tech RC telescope on an Orion HDX-110 mount. We had 7 clear nights out of a 12 day stay with SQM readings between 21.67 and 21.71.I posted still images along with image details here: http://GaryHonis.com/053016CS/053016CS.html Gary
Timelapse Animations over 5 nights at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park Gary Honis 2016-09-21 | Timelapse was taken over five nights: May 30 & May 31, 2016; June 1 & June 3 & June 7, 2016. Lens used was a Bower 8mm Fisheye at f2.8 and ISO 1600 using a Full Spectrum Canon T4i camera. The animation is at 10 frames per second. Even though we had clouds on some nights, I think they add to the timelapse.
Astro Images Taken at Cherry Springs July 26 to August 1, 2016 Gary Honis 2016-08-25 | Astro images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park between July 26 and August 1, 2016. A Full Spectrum modified Canon 6D camera was used on a 12" Astro-Tech RC telescope. We had five clear nights during the period with SQM readings ranging between 21.65 and 21.81.Still images and details are posted here: http://GaryHonis.com/072616CS/072616CS.html
June & July 2016 Astro Images Gary Honis 2016-07-25 | I was able to take 17 astro images at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park this past New Moon period. We had 12 clear nights out of a 15 night stay. That hasn't happened in a long time in our area. Images were taken using a Full Spectrum 6D and 12" Astro-Tech RC.Still images along with image details are here:http://GaryHonis.com/062516CS/062516CS.html
Camera Rail Timelapse Day to Night at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park on July 7, 2016 Gary Honis 2016-07-11 | On July 7, 2016 I took a camera rail timelapse using a Full Spectrum modified T5i and a Rokinon 14mm lens at f2.8. The lens dewed up shortly after sunset. At 3:10 am the night sky became very foggy ending the timelapse.
Meteor Trail Dispersing Gary Honis 2016-07-02 | Concerning the timelapse that I posted at:youtu.be/xlb0ay3Z_dYA friend noticed a bright meteor in the second timelapse at 1:55 in the video that left a trail and was dispersed by the wind. I slowed the video down to only show the meteor and trail dispersing.
Cherry Springs Daytime to Nighttime Timelapse Animation Gary Honis 2016-06-27 | This is a timelapse animation taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park of the daytime and nighttime skies on June 8 & 9, 2016. An Ommlite "Timelapse Electronic Video Slider" was used for the timelapse. A Full Spectrum T3i camera was used for the first timelapse long with the kit lens at 21mm @ f3.5. For the second timelapse the same camera was used with a 50mm f1.8 lens @ f4.
Tree Planting on May 7, 2016 at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park Gary Honis 2016-05-13 | A work session was held at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park on May 7, 2016 to plant trees donated by the Cherry Springs Dark Sky Fund. The trees are for blocking vehicle headlights from the public program side of Cherry Springs shining onto the astronomy field. Thanks to all the volunteers that were able to help out and thanks to Maxine Harrison for the excellent lunch and refreshments.
April 2015 Astro Images & Milky Way Timelapse Gary Honis 2016-04-15 | Astro Images taken during the April 2015 New Moon period over three clear nights at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park. A Full Spectrum modified Canon 6D was used to take the images through a 12" Astro-Tech RC telescope (AT12RC). The animation also includes a timelapse of the Milky Way between 1:30am and 4:42am on April 18. The images for the timelapse were taken with a Baader modified 450D camera and using the kit lens at 18mm.I uploaded still images along with image details here: http://GaryHonis.com/041515CS/041515CS.html
May & June 2015 Astro Images From Cherry Springs Gary Honis 2016-04-07 | Astro Images taken during the May and June 2015 New Moon period at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park. A Full Spectrum modified Canon 6D was used to take the images through a 12" Astro-Tech RC telescope (AT12RC). The video also includes images of a double rainbow we had on June 12. Sky Quality readings ranged between 21.40 and 21.50.I uploaded still images along with image details here: http://GaryHonis.com/051315CS/051315CS.html
July 2015 Astro Images Gary Honis 2016-03-04 | Astro Images taken during the July 2015 New Moon period at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park. A Full Spectrum modified Canon 6D was used to take the images through a 12" Astro-Tech RC telescope (AT12RC). Sky Quality readings ranged between 21.20 and 21.61. Still images along with details can be seen here:http://GaryHonis.com/071015CS/071015CS.html
August 2015 Astro Images at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park Gary Honis 2016-02-12 | These are images taken at Cherry Springs during August 2015 using a 12 inch RC telescope and a Canon 6D Full Spectrum camera. We had five clear nights during the New Moon period. Check out my other Youtube video for the Perseids Meteor Shower. For the soundtrack I used a Moog Theremini. For still images with details see:http://dslrmodifications.com/081215CS/081215CS.html
Modification of Astro-Tech 12 RC for Improved Star Images Gary Honis 2016-01-13 | After nearly two years imaging with a white tube Astro-Tech 12" RC (AT12RC) I began to experience triangular stars on occasion in September 2015. It would happen on very warm nights only, maybe from metal expanding from the heat. I would loosen the collar at the base of the baffle tube, that holds the primary mirror in place, and that would solve the problem. I read online that the primary mirror has only 3 cork pads for support and also has black RTV that is used in 3 places around the edge of the mirror. Both the 3 cork pads and 3 RTV spots are suspected problem areas. So, I put together a Youtube video of the fixes I learned online as a modification video of the AT12RC. The fixes include replacing the 3 cork pads with 12 velcro pads and cutting the 3 RTV spots away from the mirror. I also raised the 3 hold down clips to their highest position. I haven't had the triangular star problem since I made the fix. My stars are now very round!
2015 Chiefland Star Party - Astro Images Gary Honis 2015-12-13 | We had three clear nights at the 2015 Chiefland Star Party despite having to contend with some foggy conditions and thin clouds. This is a slideshow animation of astro images I took using an Astro-Tech 12" RC and Full Spectrum modified Canon 6D camera. Still images with details can be seen on my website here:http://GaryHonis.com/111115Chief/111115Chief.html
October 2015 Images Gary Honis 2015-11-04 | This is a slideshow of images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park from October 10 to 14, 2015. A Full Spectrum self-modified 6D camera was used through a 12" Astro-Tech RC telescope.GaryHonis.com
Astro Images taken September 2015 at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park Gary Honis 2015-10-24 | Astro images taken during September 2015 at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park. PA DCNR is planning to develop rules for the Cherry Springs Astronomical Observing Field in November. If you agree with the recommendations a group of regular users of the field developed here, please consider adding your name by clicking on the "SIGN NOW" button at this link:http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/proposed-rules-and-actions-for-the-astronomy
Field Light Pollution for Aurora Time-lapse...Argh! Gary Honis 2015-09-13 | On September 11, two days after another auroral display at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park, we were treated to a brief aurora. It took me awhile to set up my full spectrum T5i camera and most of the brighter parts of the aurora had already ended. Amateur astronomers set up near me were using white light and bright red lights for covering up their equipment as can be seen in this Youtube time-lapse of the brief aurora.
Aurora Time-lapse from Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park Gary Honis 2015-09-11 | I was set up to do an all night time-lapse animation on September 8, 2015 at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park when an aurora occurred twice in the morning. I used a Full Spectrum T2i camera with an 8mm fisheye lens. When the second aurora began around 4:45 am, I re-aimed the fisheye lens to the North to capture the aurora, but I forgot to rotate it. For the second aurora, I set up a Full Spectrum T5i camera with a lens set at 18mm and took exposures every minute at ISO 1600. Clouds are usually black above Cherry Springs because of the absence of light pollution. But the higher clouds this night were lit up with yellow light from the distant aurora to the North.
August 2015 Perseids from Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park Gary Honis 2015-08-21 | This is a time-lapse animation of the Perseid meteors made over three nights August 12, 16 & 17 from Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park. One minute exposures were used with Full Spectrum modified T5i and T2i cameras through 8mm Fisheye and 28mm lenses on fixed tripods. The animation was made at five frames per second.
Beginner Theremini Gary Honis 2015-02-12 | This video may be helpful to someone that is starting out with the Moog Theremini or is considering purchase of one. It includes some information on the Firmware Update version 1.1 that was released by Moog in December 2014. It also covers the Theremini Advanced Software Editor that was released by Moog in February 2015.
Comet Lovejoy C/2014 Q2 Gary Honis 2015-01-19 | This video was made with 73 two-minute exposures using a Canon Modified Canon XSi camera on January 15, 2015. It begins at 7:24 pm and ends at 10:00 pm so covers a 2 hour and 36 minute period. A 5" Astro-Tech Triplet refractor was used. More details can be seen on my web site at:http://GaryHonis.com/011515Comet/011515Comet.html
Astro & Infrared Images taken with 6D & T4i at Fall Star Party Gary Honis 2015-01-04 | This is a slideshow animation of Astro images I took at the Fall Star Party held in Chiefland, Florida November 17 through November 23, 2014. These Astro images were taken with a modified Full Spectrum Canon 6D using a 12" Astro-Tech RC telescope:NGC1977 Running Man NebulaNGC 7793 Spiral GalaxyIC 410 NebulaM74 Spiral GalaxyNGC 1491 Emmission Nebula NGC 2174 Monkey Head NebulaM 77 Barred Spiral GalaxyM45 - The Pleiades NGC 246 Skull NebulaIC 405 Flaming Star NebulaThe slideshow also includes daytime infrared images taken with a Full Spectrum Canon T4i camera using an Astronomik ProPlanet 742 clip filter while at Shell Mound, Manatee State Park and Cedar Key. For more information see my web page at:http://GaryHonis.com/111614FSP/111614FSP.html
Moog Theremini Cheat Gary Honis 2014-10-16 | I own a Moog Theremini and have been finding it difficult to play well. This video shows how I set up the Theremini using a sheet of paper with the location of notes marked so that it is easier to play. The video ends with a demo of me playing the Star Trek (TOS) theme using the cheat.
Comet C/2014 E2 Jacques on 4 Nights with Full Spectrum 6D Gary Honis 2014-10-07 | Time lapse animation of Comet C/2014 E2 Jacques with images taken on August 18, 24, 25 and 28, 2014. A self-modified Full Spectrum modified Canon 6D camera was used through an Astro-Tech 12" RC (AT12RC) on an Orion HDX-110 mount. Total video covers nearly a 17 hour period over 4 nights.
Orion HDX110 Setup & Teardown in the Field Gary Honis 2014-07-17 | In April, I bought an Orion HDX110 mount. It has been working well for me. The only problem I have had is a broken pier adjustment bolt that three months later, Orion customer service has not replaced. The video begins with the boxes that were shipped and shows how I use a hydraulic lift table in the field to set up and tear down the mount and AT12RC scope to avoid back problems.
Astro Images May 2014 Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park Gary Honis 2014-07-14 | These are images taken with a self-modified Full Spectrum Canon 6D full format DSLR camera during the May New Moon period at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park. An AT12RC telescope was used for the deep sky astro images. A Nikon ED 180mm camera lens was used for the deep sky widefield images.
Installing Fat Shark Predator FPV Goggles to DJI Phantom Quadcopter with GoPro Hero 3 Camera Gary Honis 2013-11-08 | In this video tutorial, I explain how to install a Fat Shark Predator V2 FPV Goggles for a DJI Phantom Quadcopter using a GoPro Hero 3 Camera. Instead of using the video camera that comes with the Fat Shark Predator Goggles I connect a GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition camera instead. I found that the Hero 3 camera gives a better quality video display in the Predator goggles than the video camera that comes with the Fat Shark system. The video also shows an antivibration system for the GoPro Hero 3 Camera that I bought on ebay. I explain how to use the auxillary power cable inside the DJI Phantom Quadcopter to power the Fat Shark goggles. The Fat Shark transmitter is easilly removed when the Predator goggles are not being used. The video was made using a Canon T4iDSLR camera in 1080p HD video. My website is at http://garyhonis.com
DJI Phantom & GoPro Hero 3 Video Tour of Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park Gary Honis 2013-10-05 | Video was taken October 2013 at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park using a DJI Phantom quadcopter and a Hero 3 GoPro Black Edition camera. Video capture was in 1080P resolution at 60 frames per second. Music composed and provided by my friend Dr. Elliott McKinley. The quadcopter was rotated high above both sections of the park to show the distant terrain. It will be useful at night to determine any sources of local light pollution. My website is at http://garyhonis.com
Aurora and Milky Way at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park Gary Honis 2013-10-05 | I was set up to take an all night time-lapse of the Milky Way using a Bower 8mm fisheye lens on fixed tripod at Cherry Springs. Camera being used was a Full Spectrum modified XSi with Astronomik UV/IR clip filter. Around midnight someone on the observing field noticed bright auroral beams to the North. When you watch the fisheye lens animation, you can see reds of the Aurora beginning on the left side (North). I re-aimed the fisheye lens to the North and continued to capture continuous 60 second exposures at ISO 1600 and f3.5. I then set up a Canon T3i camera with 18-55mmm kit lens aimed at Polaris and began taking 30 second exposures at 18mm, ISO 1600 and f3.5. My website is at http://garyhonis.com
2013 Perseid Meteor Shower 10.5 Hour Time-Lapse Gary Honis 2013-08-15 | This time-lapse animation was made with images taken at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park and covers a total of 10.5 hours over the nights of August 10 and 11, 2013. Two cameras were used; a Canon T3i and T4i. Three Canon lenses were used on fixed tripods; a 28-135mm EF lens at 28mm, an 18-55mm EF-S lens at 18mm and a 50mm EF lens. All exposures were 1 minute in length at ISO 1600 except the 50mm f1.8 images that were 30 second exposures. The second half of the video is a faster time-lapse and pauses at the meteor streaks. One meteor appears to be a double and for the brightest meteor, its dust trail can be seen dimly dissipating with high altitude winds. My website is at http://garyhonis.com
Build Your Own Star Trek Transporter Tutorial Gary Honis 2013-08-09 | This is a step by step tutorial for building a Star Trek type Transporter. The Transporter is easy to build and uses an LED Light Strip, foam board and plexiglass. The LED Light Strip comes with a remote and power supply. Surprisingly, my grandkids are interested in the original Star Trek series. They had a lot of fun playing with the transporter. I mounted it on the ceiling of my Toy Hauler camper trailer. I can also use the transporter as a light fixture. I use the trailer for star parties and the transporter can be set to glow red with adjustable brightness using the remote. My website is at http://garyhonis.com
Aurora at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park July 15, 2013 Gary Honis 2013-07-23 | On July 15, 2013 just after midnight we had an auroral display that was not forecasted. It wasn't the brightest of auroras but still a good aurora to photograph. I took one minute exposures at ISO 1600 for this time lapse animation using Canon T3i and T4i cameras on fixed tripods. Camera lenses used were a Canon 18-55mm lens at 18mm and a Canon 28-135mm lens at 28mm. During the peak of the Aurora a teenage couple opened the field entrance gate and drove onto to observing field of the Dark Sky Park with their headlights on. You can see the headlights in the lower right of the animation.
Aurora on 6/1/13 at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park Gary Honis 2013-06-29 | We had a surprise auroral display after midnight that was not forecasted. For this time lapse animation I used three Canon DSLR cameras set up on fixed tripods. Two cameras used lenses at 18mm and the third camera was a Full Spectrum modified T2i camera using a Bower 8mm Fisheye lens to capture the whole sky. The animation begins at 1:26 am and continues til 3:07 am. Moonrise was at 1:40 am so caused the sky to brighten. My website is at http://garyhonis.com
Mohawk Moe the Mangey Bear Gary Honis 2013-05-18 | A male bear with mange was hanging around the grassy observing field of Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park on May 6, 2013. Video was taken with a Canon T3i DSLR camera. At the end of the video is a short clip of a red fox that was seen the same day at the end of the South field.
Comet PanSTARRS 12 Hour Time-Lapse Full Spectrum Canon T2i Gary Honis 2013-05-16 | At Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park on the nights of May 4 and 5, 2013, I imaged Comet L4 PanSTARRS using a Full Spectrum modified and peltier cooled Canon T2i (550D) camera. Continuous six-minute exposures were taken at ISO 1600 through a 5" triplet refractor telescope. The time-lapse spans a 12 hour period. The comet was moving across the field of stars. At first, I autoguided on the stars. Later I autoguided on the comet nucleus. The jumps in the video are due to repositioning the comet. My website is at http://garyhonis.com
Geisinger Life Flight Helicopter at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park Gary Honis 2013-03-04 | At noon on August 22, 2012, the Geisinger Hospital Life Flight Helicopter landed to pick up a rural patient. This is a video of its take off. Camera used: Full Spectrum modified Canon T2i (550D) DSLR camera. My website is at http://garyhonis.com
Astro Images & Animations Cherry Springs Park August 2012 New Moon Gary Honis 2013-03-04 | Had 7 clear nights at Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park during the August New Moon period. Imaged with a Full Spectrum modified Canon T2i (550D) using a 5" triplet refractor telescope, 8mm Fisheye and 50mm camera lenses. The video includes a six hour 25 minute time-lapse of the MilkyWay using the Fisheye lens on a fixed trpod. That is followed by a one hour 25 minute time-lapse using a 50mm lens on fixed tripod that was an unsuccessful search for transient luminous events (sprites). Exposures were taken every 4 seconds for the time-lapse. Please visit my web site for more details. My website is at http://garyhonis.com
