4 replies to this topic

[sw196060]

I am considering an AM3 or a Wave 100i for strictly visual, altaz mode.

I have read in a thread or two that the AM3 or AM5 do not support multi-star alignment.

 

However, I understand that it does allow you to sync on targets. After a few syncs I figure the GoTo accuracy (and tracking) should be very good.

 

Is this the case?

I think one user reported that goto and tracking would not improve with syncing.

 

 

[scanner97]

I think many of the new strainwaves don't support classic 2- and 3-star alignment; they are generally designed to be used with a camera and plate solver.  The Waves are apparently backward compatible with Synscan so you should be able to do it on the 100i.

[sw196060]

OK.  

I am hoping at least if they can perform effective syncing, that would work in lieu of a multi-star alignment.

[groupoid]

My understanding is that AM5, starting from firmware 1.3, allows multi-star alignment through their skyatlas app (without asiair). I didn't try it. Supposedly, it generates a model after you sync to a star, and then refines it once you sync to more stars.

 

I personally prefer Skywatcher hand control, because it's exact same controller as on my dobsonian, and it's two star alignment has been reliable essentially 100% of times.

[scanner97]

My understanding is that AM5, starting from firmware 1.3, allows multi-star alignment through their skyatlas app (without asiair). I didn't try it. Supposedly, it generates a model after you sync to a star, and then refines it once you sync to more stars.

 

I personally prefer Skywatcher hand control, because it's exact same controller as on my dobsonian, and it's two star alignment has been reliable essentially 100% of times.

This prompted me to do a little more research, so thanks!

 

It's natural to prefer what we know!  The challenge with the AM3/5 has been that AP is so popular these days and so many people only use them with a camera in EQ.  When someone has a question about visual-only in alt-az mode, there are usually pointers to threads that are a couple years old - which is pretty ancient for the strainwave market.  There are some discussions going back to the 1.3 firmware where ZWO is saying that you need to do multiple syncs to gradually improve the goto.  Some users were reporting (at that time) that they were not seeing any improvement after the first sync, and the goto would typically by a couple degrees off.  Again, this was with the 1.3 firmware.  The firmware was at 1.6.x six months back; not sure where it is now.  It would be strange if ZWO had not made any improvements to the sync code in two years, but not totally surprising given the target audience is AP on EQ.

 

Hoping someone who's played with alt-az recently will jump in to provide better info on multi-star and goto accuracy.

 

Cheers.