Lucky imaging with Lunt LS60MT

[David Glasser]

Inspired by Phil’s terrific solar images, I’ve decided to try my hand at lucky imaging. I have some hardware questions and I'm hoping the group can offer some advice.

My scope is the LS60MT with a pressure-tuned etalon, 60mm f/7, and a 60 mm front mounted tilt-tuned etalon for double stacking.

I would like to be able to capture full disc images.

I’m looking at the ZWO ASI294MC and ASI676MC cameras. The 676 seems better in terms of resolution, but only when seeing is in the 1” range. Its smaller pixel size also means a lower SNR and likely fewer high quality frames than the 294. So I’m leaning towards the 294. Thoughts? 

(I also considered the ASI676MC and ASI183MC. After doing calculations on pixel sizes and over/under sampling at various seeing levels and focal lengths with/without Barlows, it seemed they were less well suited.)

Is a cooled camera important? This is lucky imaging, not long exposure AP. No darks. Target is bright. On the other hand, it can get hot. Will it make a visible difference? If I don’t anticipate doing long exposure AP, is a cooled camera worth the additional $300?

What about a Barlow? The TFOV with the ASI294MC is ~2.6 x 1.8 degrees. Would increasing image scale with a 2X or 2.5X Barlow be helpful?

How important is an electronic focuser?

So, lots of hardware questions. Any advice, theoretical or practical, is welcome.

Thanks,

David