Bin or not to Bin

astromad

Captured Jupiter using ZWOASI178MC and FireCapture (second ever attempt) and got a reasonable image. But here is a problem: I cannot see the preview image in the black box unless I put a check mark in the Bin x 2 box. IF I leave that unchecked then even with slewing the scope to search the image I don't get it.

Should the Bin x 2 be checked? Will it affect quality of capture?

I'd very much appreciate advice.

Many thanks.

Marc

Sam@ZWO

as the resolution of 178 is large

so you need to move the slider to see the full range of image

maybe jupiter is just out of view on the sceen

bin2 mode will lose resolution exchange with sensetivity

so bin2 mode usually is not suggested with planets imaging

astromad

There are no sliders on the preview box of FireCapture. I have attached a screenshot of how FC presents itself when opened. Even raising gain to maximum did not show the image of Jupiter that my telescope was looking at -- I had centred it properly before replacing eyepiece with the camera. Could it be that the sensor in the camera is misaligned -- I only bought it two weeks ago so still well under guarantee.

joandunham

I can't tell from your FireCapture screen shot what size image you are using. I suggest opening it to the max possible and see if you can find your target. That worked for me. Joan