373 replies to this topic

[Psionmark]

Fantastic. Why mono though?

Oh no, I can feel myself getting drawn back into this again lol.

 

Updating Stellarmate now.

 

What do you do for the initial alignment of the mount during a session? Just point it North and let Stellarmate do the rest, of do you go through a star alignment using SynScan first?

[Psionmark]

How does one force the update of Stellarmate to 1.7 beta? I've switched to the Beta channel in the Control Panel but when checking for updates, it says there are none and it stays at 1.6.1. On the Check for Updates page, there's only a single button next to Release Type labelled Stable. This was highlighted, so I clicked it so it wasn't highlighted. Is that all I need to do? I'd have thought there should be a Beta button there, too?

[jkelly]

I guess because it is a 64 Bit OS, you have to do a full reinstall.

Go to your orders page and you will see the Beta under the 1.6 32 bit version.

At least - that is what I had to do.

[jkelly]

 

I know this is about Stellarmate, but I am getting great results using Astroberry with my AZ-GTi. 

Astroberry is a great system. And of course Stellarmate has KStars at it's base, so you can vnc into Stellarmate as well.

 

Have your read the OP? Did you watch Cuiv's video?

 

What caught the eye of most of us, is an inexpensive Smart telescope that gets you close to EVscope and Stellina.

 

Take it out, point it north and level, choose a target and start stacking.

 

To be fair, there is a fair amount of installation setup, procedures to follow and screen buttons so it's not as user friendly as those smart telescopes. It might be a little tough for someone to get running with no astronomy experience. The app does follow the EKOS workflow. Once you do get it running, it is as easy as start it up, select your target, let it plate solve the target, and start the camera stacking. The Evoguide 50 holds focus pretty good, but checking focus on a bright star with a mask is needed at times.

 

Unfortunately, at the beginning, the iPad/Android app with Stellarmate OS was plagued with problems, but the software author has been hard at work to fix those problems. We are excited to try this latest 64 bit version.

Edited by jkelly, 27 January 2022 - 07:41 AM.

[Psionmark]

I guess because it is a 64 Bit OS, you have to do a full reinstall.

Go to your orders page and you will see the Beta under the 1.6 32 bit version.

At least - that is what I had to do.

Ah okay, thanks - re-downloading and will try full reinstall.

[jkmonroe]

Have your read the OP? Did you watch Cuiv's video?

...

Take it out, point it north and level, choose a target and start stacking.

Of course.  I am running the same base components (different scope) and am doing the same thing as Cuiv, just with different software; take scope outside, point it north and level, then start stacking. 

 

It's worth the demonstration to show everyone there are options and how modular a setup like this can be.  There are variations in *how* you drive the system, be it a mobile device, tablet, or PC - or Stellarmate, the ASIAir, or Astroberry - but the ultimate goal is getting close to 'point and shoot' and this system works wonderfully.  KStars/EKOS a great alternative for someone who may be more familiar or comfortable using a Mac/PC than a mobile app.

 

I think I was outside for a total of 2 minutes last night getting the scope pointed north and then again for focus.  Everything else was automated.

 

And Jasem is the maintainer of KStars/EKOS and the author of Stellarmate, so there is a lot of overlap between them.

 

I also have Stellarmate so I will give the latest version a go to see how it performs.

[jkelly]

I think you see how much I agree with you by checking post #176!

[jkmonroe]

I think you see how much I agree with you by checking post #176!

 

fantastic.  if only i could manipulate sharpcap like that.

[acrh2]

Oh no, I can feel myself getting drawn back into this again lol.

 

What are you even talking about? Did I miss something?

[jkelly]

Short session tonight. Early clouds warning us of the NE storm starting to roll into NJ.

Again system worked great. Used the 178MC tonight.

I guess I'll be putting the scope away for a few days.

 

Lower Sword NGC1980

Scaled for posting.

 

 

 

 

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[ahmadeus9]

Nice work!! Have you tried in alt/az again? Curious whether the software updates may have fixed the original issues.

[jkelly]

No I’m still using the EQ setting and wedge and doing a rough polar alignment. I’m not doing any star alignment which leads me to think that ALT AZ plate solving will be excellent also. If no one gets a chance to try the update on alt az, I’ll reconfigure and test it after the Northeast storm passes.

[Crist Rigotti]

jkelly,

What speed is your wifi to Stellarmate?  2.4 or 5.8?  Thanks.

If is is 5.8, then you have to use the usb cable to the mount, right?

[jkelly]

I use the USB cable from the mount to the RPI. So the only Wi-Fi I use is from the RPI to the iPad.

I normally use 5.8.

I don’t want to complicate things but I have been using a Wi-Fi extender that only works on 2.4 so I have on occasion put the RPI on 2.4 and have the extender create stellarmate_ext so that I can walk around the house with the iPad.
it’s works 100%, But that’s for another day.

[Crist Rigotti]

I use the USB cable from the mount to the RPI. So the only Wi-Fi I use is from the RPI to the iPad.

I normally use 5.8.

I don’t want to complicate things but I have been using a Wi-Fi extender that only works on 2.4 so I have on occasion put the RPI on 2.4 and have the extender create stellarmate_ext so that I can walk around the house with the iPad.
it’s works 100%, But that’s for another day.

Thank you!

[Psionmark]

What are you even talking about? Did I miss something?

I mentioned a while back I was giving up on this project after countless hours tinkering (and not observing  ) having only had a successful run on the very first attempt and never again.

 

But reading the positive comments on the latest beta has rekindled my interest so I'm going for a full reinstall.

[Curt B]

Does any Raspberry Pi 4 kit work?  I was looking at this. 

 

https://www.amazon.c...93&sr=8-9&th=1 

 

This seems to be the only one available on Amazon. If this is not the right one, what should I look for?

[jkelly]

The stellarmate website does recommend the 4GB raspberry pi so yes that will work. And now that the 64 bit OS Beta is out all 4 GB or (8 GB model) memory can be used. It’s quite a big upsell with accessories and the 128 gig microSD card. You’ll have to reloaded it with StellarMate. I guess you could always buy a 32 gb micro sd if you want. It’s important that the case be plastic to get the maximum Wi-Fi range. So yes it will work but due to the cost I’d only buy it if I was desperate. There are some kits on eBay for a lot less just make sure they are the 4 GB model. Lots of 2 GB models for sale. Not sure they ship to Canada either.

Edited by jkelly, 29 January 2022 - 08:48 AM.

[Curt B]

I cannot find too many options in Canada. I checked eBay and found this one.

https://www.ebay.ca/...1-127632-2357-0

With shipping it is not too much cheaper than Amazon. Things are always so much more expensive in Canada.

[jkmonroe]

can you buy from canakit direct? the board only is $55 for the 4GB or $75 for 8GB (USD).

https://www.canakit....berry-pi-boards

Edited by jkmonroe, 29 January 2022 - 09:25 AM.

[Curt B]

I will check that out Jkmonroe. Thanks!

[jimhoward999]

I just stumbled across this thread and decided I have to have build this set up.  It looks so cool.   Some supply chain problems but It seems like all the parts are currently obtainable.

 

For the scope I will use a Svbony 503 80mm ED which I have.   That is the one area I will deviate from Cuiv. My scope is a little longer and a couple of pounds heavier than a 50mm SW guide scope, but I think within the capability of the mount....fingers crossed.

 

Also, my focal length will be about 448mm (560mm plus 0.8 reducer) so will be around twice as long as his.  My field will only be about 1°  but I think quite a few object will still fit. 

 

AZ-GTi mounts just came into stock yesterday (1/29/2022) at BH photo so I grabbed one.  The only domestic supplied to have them as far as I know.    They did in fact have it as I got a report that it shipped.

 

Turn-key Stellarmates are not in stock.  But of course the OS can be downloaded for $50.

 

Raspberry PI 4 8GB starter kits are not in stock at any authorized reseller and only available for back order shipping in March.    However "piGeek" has a few selling on Amazon for $239.  That is about a $100 overpay.    But that does include everything required, RPI, sd card, sd card reader, plastic case.  So I went for it.  Should be here Tuesday..  So I have to learn how to do all the fine details Cuiv explains in his video to get Stellarmate OS onto the board.

 

I already have a ZWO ASI 178MC camera, so that works out.  So my set up and costs (including sunk costs in the scope and camera, and not counting sales tax, nor battery, nor cables, nor the ipad or phone) in summary will be

 

80mm ED  F/7  with 0.8 reducer ($575)

Az-GTi mount with tripod ($475)

Stellarmate software ($50)

RPi 4 8 GB computer kit ($239)

ZWO Asi 178MC camera ($299)

 

Total = $1638.

 

Pretty reasonable even with some overpays.  Kind of excited and really hoping this works.    If not it will still be a fun little project.  I should know by the end of this coming week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jkelly]

Welcome and you’re coming in at the right time. It seems that the latest beta and tablet app are working pretty good so you won’t have to go through what most of us did! And I know that there’s a lot more work being done especially in the stacking area. Install the 1.7 64 bit version. All of us started with the Cuiv method but many of us have gotten the Synscan USB adapter/printer cable and eliminated the Wi-Fi craziness. The cable connects the mount to the raspberry pi and then the only Wi-Fi is the raspberry pi to your tablet. That can run at 5.8 GHz. 
 

Any way you choose to go, a lot of us are on the same path and we’re all trying to help each other out so good luck, ask questions, and let us know when you get everything going.

 

Jeff

Edited by jkelly, 30 January 2022 - 03:28 PM.

[jimhoward999]

Welcome and you’re coming in at the right time. It seems that the latest beta and tablet app are working pretty good so you won’t have to go through what most of us did! And I know that there’s a lot more work being done especially in the stacking area. Install the 1.7 64 bit version. All of us started with the Cuiv method but many of us have gotten the Synscan USB adapter/printer cable and eliminated the Wi-Fi craziness. The cable connects the mount to the raspberry pi and then the only Wi-Fi is the raspberry pi to your tablet. That can run at 5.8 GHz. 
 

Any way you choose to go, a lot of us are on the same path and we’re all trying to help each other out so good luck, ask questions, and let us know when you get everything going.

 

Jeff

Thanks for the tip.   Synscan USB adapter cable ordered.  In stock at BHphoto.

[jimhoward999]

I got my rig together and it seems to work pretty well.   Following tips found in this thread I modified Cuiv's method slightly.   

 

I am using the synscan USB adapter to connect the mount to the RPi.

I am using the Az-Gti hotspot rather than the RPi.  Or maybe I'm not using a hotspot at all since the mount and camera are wired to the RPi.

I am using my home WiFi network to access Stellarmate rather than the RPi Hotspot.  The RPi is on my home network.

 

So my rig seems to work great in my backyard where my home wifi is super powerful.  I have a giant commercial quality WAP that broadcasts my home Wifi very well.  But it wont travel unless I go back to the Rpi hotspot.

 

I can carry my whole rig with one hand ...telescope, mount, computer and camera all assembled as one piece.  Just walk out the door with it and set it down pointing north..  Turn on the mount swtich, turn on the Rpi switch, take off the lens cap, go back inside.   Or at least that is how it worked the first day.   Kind of cool.

 

I am able to control the mount and gather images using Stellarmate from my office inside the house.  Here is an image of the cluster M67.   I didn't focus perfectly and just live stacked a few 5 second exposures.  Doesn't seem like it would take too long to get through a large chunk of the messier list. It was pretty easy.

 

Now I just have to improve my real time imaging technique.

 

 

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