3 replies to this topic

[Xaxys]

I have been using ACP Expert for many years but I've been hearing a lot about NINA recently. My question is, can NINA do everything that ACP Scheduler does? I'm drawing a distinction here between basic ACP, which does roughly the same as SGP, and ACP's Scheduler, whose ability to select from a database of targets based on criteria such as height above horizon, completing part-finished projects, moon avoidance etc is so valuable?

 

It would be great to hear from anyone with experience using both software applications.

[chvvkumar]

Not familiar with ACP but NINA can and does use the built-in planetarium database. It is part of NINA and deeply integrates into the scheduling/automation flows. It also supports all the filters you mentioned and more.

 

https://nighttime-im.../tabs/skyatlas/

[Xaxys]

Hi and thanks for the reply. I think we have our wires slightly crossed - the database I was referring to is a list of personal targets that you input into ACP Scheduler. As you are not familiar with ACP, a little explanation is in order:

 

ACP's Sequencer controls all the equipment, automatically centres the object in the field, runs the autoguiding and takes the images (via Maxim DL). It is also aware of the weather and will close the roof and suspend observing if the weather becomes unsafe. I'm thinking that NINA can do all that, though I don't know for sure.

 

ACP Scheduler is a Dispatcher. It contains your personal list of desired targets along with all the information needed about which filters, what sub-exposure times to use, total imaging time required etc. It also contains your chosen criteria, for example minimum altitude, moon avoidance, preference to avoid meridian flips, giving preference to part-complete plans, relative priority, and so on. 

At the start of the night it goes through the list and calculates a score for each potential target, then sends ('dispatches') the observing plan with the highest score to ACP's sequencer. Once that plan of observations is complete, it runs through the evaluation process again for the next target.

The scores changes through the night as objects rise and set, and other criteria come into play.

If the roof closes for a couple of hours then re-opens, Scheduler calculates the scores again bearing in mind that a new target may be chosen.

 

ACP Scheduler and Sequencer together are branded ACP Expert.

 

Operation is automatic, from starting up and connecting the equipment after sunset, closing it down at dawn, and 'safeing' the observatory in the event of unsafe weather, including bringing the camera temperature partway back up rather than having it at full power when it's not needed. It also sends emails advising of plan completion, or if there is a problem it can't cope with.

This is the kind of functionality I was wondering if NINA can emulate. I guess I need someone who has used both products to comment!

[chvvkumar]

I will let others more experienced than me reply more intelligently that I can but to me it sounds like you want what the TargetScheduler plugin provides:

 

https://tcpalmer.git...duler/concepts/

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=CfpkKCvf6pg

Edited by chvvkumar, 12 May 2025 - 12:18 PM.