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Buhlig
super member
Reged: 12/03/07
Posts: 193
Loc: Derby, KS
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So..i've got the obs functioning, but I've got about a dozen apps running to do AP. Is there something that integrates it into a single application? Some things I'd like to do in a one stop shop.
Control a CGE mount: In theory that should be wake up, goto target, slew/center and then park/hibernate; I'm assuming alignments and advanced stuff would still require Celestron HC or NexRemote
Autoguide with an SSAG
Control two focusers (both ASCOM compliant), autofocus sure would be nice.
Control DSLR (functionality similar to nebulosity), frame/focus help, image acquisition and storage, preview, timer, bulb control, possibly interface with autoguide to shut off during slewing (or mount control software)
Script a sequence: Take xx images, handle meridian flips, park mount, take XX darks.
Growth: Shut observatory roof (assume ascom compliance)
Process and stack images.
I know Maxim and TheSky6 claim to have some capability, but it sure is hard to get to the real capabilities via the marketing hype. Has anyone got experience using various softwares and the pros/cons associated with them???
Thanks,
Sean
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Celestron 80mm ED Apochromatic Refractor
Orion 8" Newt
Celestron 80ST achro (guider)
PHD via handcontroller interface
CG-5 Advanced GT Mount
Canon 350D
Philips SPC900NC
http://www.flickr.com/photos/derbysluggers/sets/72157605255114566/
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JAT Observatory
Got Cookies?
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 6794
Loc: Eastern PA
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I suggest you download and try CCD AutoPilot as your main control software. It will interface with your imaging software (Maxim) and mount control (TheSky or MaxIm).
While it will also control a ASCOM compliant focuser, your problem is you have 2. I built a wireless switch box which is remote controlled to switch between the 2 focusers. The switch box is controlled by a VB program I wrote and is called from CCD Autopilot when needed.
Since it allows extenal software to run It can also control your roof.
CCD Autopilot is pretty easy to use. I have also used other software but currently really like CCD Software. I use ACP if allow someone else to control my OBS, becuase they don't need to know anything about my setup to operate it. The problem with ACP is it is expensive and can be rather complicated to setup.
CCD Commander is anothe program to consider but I like CCD Autopilot better.
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-Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://www.jatobservatory.org
Currently a SV102A, WO 66mm & 10" LX200GPS OTA on a Paramount ME
(these OTAs subject to change without notice)
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gavinm
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 08/26/05
Posts: 807
Loc: Auckland New Zealand
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Cercis makes a focus controller that will control 2 focusers, with temperature compensation.
search cercisastro
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Gavin
Mt Albert Grammar School Observatory
Auckland, New Zealand
http://www.mags.school.nz/astronomy/index.html
12" LX200R F6.8 AP
SBIG ST7-XME + CFW10
Moonlite SCT focuser w/ temp
Skywatcher Equinox ED80 Pro (ADM dovetail)
+ other stuff
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Buhlig
super member
Reged: 12/03/07
Posts: 193
Loc: Derby, KS
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Marcus,
Absolutely good stuff...I am always impressed with your suggestions and particularily your setup. I may have shot too high in my initial inquiry. Is there some baby steps that I can take? Right now, I'm running Nebulosity and PHD guide. Not exactly high end software stuff. It seems the CCDAutopilot has a set of compatible software it likes, but it's not clear from the website what all is compatible. The plate matching interface was particularily intriguing. Given my current situation, it seems a huge chunk of $$ to get CCDautopilot useful, am I reading that right? Then I read things like MaximDL can do it all...and Sky6 can do it all..and focusmax is free and works only with x,y,z..quite frankly, it's like a maze and hard to unravel.
So here's my basic question. If I want to simply command the mount to a target, autofocus and then script 20 or so subs, park the mount and do darks. What is the best interim solution keeping in mind, full automation is of interest down the road? Handling the meridian flip is desireable, but if it's too $$, may be something in the (near) future.
Sean
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Celestron 80mm ED Apochromatic Refractor
Orion 8" Newt
Celestron 80ST achro (guider)
PHD via handcontroller interface
CG-5 Advanced GT Mount
Canon 350D
Philips SPC900NC
http://www.flickr.com/photos/derbysluggers/sets/72157605255114566/
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LateViewer
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 785
Loc: Westchester NY
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Any time I think about trying to image I fear posts like the one above by Marcus
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12.5" Discovery Mirror String Truss Dob
DSV-1 Alt-Az Mount
WO 66mm Petzval
Orion 127mm Mak with WO 2" Dielectric Diagonal
C9.25"
Celestron CG-5 GoTo
8.8, 14, 18, and 24mm Meade UWA Series 5000 EP
32, 40mm Orion Optiluxe EP
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JAT Observatory
Got Cookies?
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 6794
Loc: Eastern PA
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Al - My setup is complex because of how it was used. I used to travel frequently so I wanted a remote/automated setup that I could control safely from anywhere in the world. Imaging doesn’t have to be complicated, things tend to get complicated when they are automated or remote controlled. I am not a good imager. I spend almost no time processing buI use the cameras so I can see the sky.
Sean – Based on your setup I would suggest your first step should be MaxIm DL DSRL. That would allow you to control your mount for slewing to your target and control your cameras. MaxIm isn’t cheap but if you really want to do automation down the road you are going to need a scriptable program that can control your mount, camera and roof. FocusMax also works with MaxIm.
MaxIm will allow you to script your imaging right out of the box, but the level of the operation will depend on your script writing ability. Programs like CCD Autopilot just removes the need to learn the scripting via a user interface in which you tell it want you want to do. It then interfaces with programs like MaxIm by passing your target and exposure setting to it, and MaxIm executes the requests.
The immediate benefit of you buying MaxIm now is you get a mount and camera control program with image processing that you can build on later. It supports Pinpoint for Plate solves, and even has a ASCOM dome controller built in.
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-Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://www.jatobservatory.org
Currently a SV102A, WO 66mm & 10" LX200GPS OTA on a Paramount ME
(these OTAs subject to change without notice)
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LateViewer
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 785
Loc: Westchester NY
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Marcus,
I know I did not sign my post but, call me Al.
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12.5" Discovery Mirror String Truss Dob
DSV-1 Alt-Az Mount
WO 66mm Petzval
Orion 127mm Mak with WO 2" Dielectric Diagonal
C9.25"
Celestron CG-5 GoTo
8.8, 14, 18, and 24mm Meade UWA Series 5000 EP
32, 40mm Orion Optiluxe EP
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JAT Observatory
Got Cookies?
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 6794
Loc: Eastern PA
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Hey Al see the post above again 
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-Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://www.jatobservatory.org
Currently a SV102A, WO 66mm & 10" LX200GPS OTA on a Paramount ME
(these OTAs subject to change without notice)
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LateViewer
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 785
Loc: Westchester NY
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 Oooops.
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12.5" Discovery Mirror String Truss Dob
DSV-1 Alt-Az Mount
WO 66mm Petzval
Orion 127mm Mak with WO 2" Dielectric Diagonal
C9.25"
Celestron CG-5 GoTo
8.8, 14, 18, and 24mm Meade UWA Series 5000 EP
32, 40mm Orion Optiluxe EP
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JAT Observatory
Got Cookies?
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 6794
Loc: Eastern PA
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No oops needed I edited it
--------------------
-Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://www.jatobservatory.org
Currently a SV102A, WO 66mm & 10" LX200GPS OTA on a Paramount ME
(these OTAs subject to change without notice)
|
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