Blog - Astro Escape

ZWO AM5 and ASI2600MC-Pro Unboxing

January 27, 2023 Articles, BlogdburtLeave a comment

ZWO recently sent me the AM5 and the ASI2600MC-Pro to try out. Disclaimer: I do need to send them back if I don’t buy them. Below, I give a few quick tidbits about each and link the accompanying video. Once I get some use in, a review will be released. AM5 When unboxing the AM5, right away I could tell it was lighter than the Skywatcher HEQ-5 Pro. The mount itself is very sturdy and comes with large, easy to use knobs unlike some other mount options. It also has a second bubble level which helps verify that the mount…

Which Software to Use? Astrophotography Programs Master List

January 25, 2023 Articles, Guides, Guides and ToolsdburtLeave a comment

Below you’ll find the list of currently used programs for Astrophotography. There’s a lot out there, all covering each step of the process. We all need to plan our sessions under the stars. There’s acquisition software, for when you are actually under the stars collecting data. There’s also processing. I’ll also link a few websites that are great for sharing your images if you had planned on it! Because this is intended to be a master list, if you know of something I missed, please reach out to me with the price, operating system, and a brief description and I’ll…

Getting Started In Astrophotography: Setup Examples for Each Style

July 6, 2022 Articles, Blog, GuidesdburtLeave a comment

When getting started in Astrophotography, there is a lot to consider with your setup. You should ask yourself which kind of images you would like to take. Widefield night time landscapes? Constellation or star field shots? Deep Sky Objects? What about Solar System Objects? There is no right or wrong style to choose, each has a different approach that can be very rewarding. There are different equipment requirements, although there can be some overlap. In this post, I’ll explain different styles and setups, and what you will need to get started with that style of astrophotography. Night Time Landscapes Description…

How to Add Your Gear to Stellarium

December 10, 2021 GuidesdburtLeave a comment

Introduction When first using Stellarium, it comes with quite a few telescope, eyepiece, and camera options. However, it’s impossible to include every variation out there by default. Would you like to know how to add your own gear to Stellarium? Below you’ll find my guide to adding your gear. If you follow the steps below, you’ll be able to tell what objects will look like with your specific combination of gear. Fortunately, it’s very easy to do. Getting Started Before adding your gear, go to the manufacturer’s website or a store website to look for the specifications for each item. …

November Goals – Working to Expand The Website

October 27, 2021 BlogdburtLeave a comment

In my previous post I mentioned how I did not like how little I was adding to this website. Well, I’ve set some goals. Along with the weekly video on YouTube, I’ve set some goals that will help keep new content coming in. In addition, some guides or reviews may be in conjunction with a YouTube video, but not all of them. However, each review will follow these rules: Reviews will require a minimum of six months and/or ten uses Manufacturers will not influence reviews in any way These two simple rules allows proper time to form an honest opinion.…

Things are Spotty Here, and I Don’t Like it

October 5, 2021 BlogdburtLeave a comment

So I’ve focused a LOT on YouTube, and I feel I haven’t been putting enough here. I have personal plans this weekend and next, but going into November I will make sure that something unrelated to a YouTube video is posted here, those of you keeping an eye on this site deserve better. On November 1st, I will put a poll up on my YouTube community tab (did you know that existed?) to ask which guides you would like. Some will be video, some will be text, here. So, please do participate if you get the chance!

Videos are Back to Weekly!

September 2, 2021 BlogdburtLeave a comment

Well, the craziness that was August is over, and the YouTube channel is going back to weekly videos! I have a few videos planned. The first one being the target list for September to December (similar to the June-August one). I have a few others in the works for the following couple of weeks….. and then there’s something new about the ASI Air you might need to know. It’s been upgraded, and the new version may be a PLUS? Don’t know what I’m talking about? Watch for updates around the beginning of October.

August is a BUSY MONTH!

July 30, 2021 BlogdburtLeave a comment

I have a lot going on in August, annual vacation that is in no way astro related, a few changes at work and home that are planned…. it’s a bunch! So, just for August, I am going to do bi-weekly videos, then go back to weekly in September. Good thing is, by then, I’ll have a bunch of videos lined up and ready to roll to help you all be ready for the upcoming time of year! Also, I want to give a HUGE thank you to all of the subscribers! I’m waiting for that 1,000 subscriber mark. That’s when…

The Clouds And Smoke, They Aren’t A Joke!

July 22, 2021 BlogdburtLeave a comment

Oh man, the smoke from the Western US and Canadian wildfires have royally screwed up some great nights. During the day around here, the sky, while otherwise clear, looked to be a pale white. Before the smoke rolled in, clouds ended up getting in the way of star parties in this area. The best part though is that it allowed me to work on a few video projects. One you have already seen, more to come! It’s such a huge bummer, as I recently ordered and received the Rokinon 135mm, but haven’t gotten a chance to use it yet. I’ve…

The Delay is OVER!

July 9, 2021 BlogdburtLeave a comment

After dealing with the audio issues, and some other problems at home I’d rather not publicize, next video is scheduled for Monday, July 12th. We’re also entering the time of year where it’s more clear in my region, the clouds should be disappearing soon, so more “let’s shoot ‘X’ object videos should be coming as well! What are you looking forward to taking an image of?