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Beginner Topics

Focusing a CCD Camera
  by John A McCubbin		This article covers the basics of focusing a CCD camera using no special tools by a tried and true method. It requires nothing more than attention to fine detail.

Field of View Calculation for CCD Imaging
  by John A McCubbin		Calculating the field of view for each object is essential to make sure it fits on the chip of your CCD camera. With this knowledge you can frame the image in your mind before you image the actual object.

Requirements for CCD Imaging Equipment
  by John A McCubbin		This is a long article! It covers what equipment is necessary for CCD imaging and why equipment choices are critical to success. This article may disappoint you, but in the end, it takes good equipment to capture high quality images.

Intermediate Topics

How to Take a Good Dark and Flat Frame
  by John A McCubbin		The importance of dark and flat frames are frequently overlooked in the early stages of an imagers path towards excellence. This article discusses the importance of dark and flat frames and how to take good ones.

Image Stacking and Blending
  by John A McCubbin		Good CCD technique entails using techniques that maximize exposure times and minimize noise. Stacking and blending CCD images, whether they be flat frames or image frames can minimize noise in your processed images.

Ten Steps to Imaging a Globular Cluster
  by John A McCubbin		Globular clusters are excellent first objects to image as they teach you all the basics of capturing and processing an image. Here is a ten step guideline to imaging your first cluster.

LRGB Image Acquisition and Processing
  by John A McCubbin		LRGB imaging has dramatically changed the ability to acquire color images. This technique separates the color channels from the luminance channels and improves the efficiency of CCD color imaging.

Critical Polar Alignment Using a CCD Camera
  by John A McCubbin		You can use your CCD camera to do a critical polar alignment of your mount. Here are the instructions on how to accoplish this task.

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