|
Hello fellow ObsessionUsers,
I spent some time putting together a PDF manual for users of the Obsession / ServoCat / Argo Navis system.? For first time users, it might make the setup and operation of the combined system easier and less intimidating, something that I would have found useful as a new user many moons ago. For more veteran users, there may be some interesting stuff and functionality that you may not have looked into because you thought it would be a hassle.
A lot of this information is spread out among the different user manuals for SC and AN, I tried to put it together into a single document for easier access, with a more step-by-step approach for the whole system working together, with labeled screenshots to help the user along. When I was a new user I found making a pointing model intimidating, so I made a flowchart-based approach for those interested in doing this (p.s. do this, having a pointing model markedly improved your GOTO accuracy), and included some screen shots from websites where you can get orbital element data to make finding the right information easier.
Want to know how to optimize SC gear ratios? Make your own custom catalogs? Do autoguiding with your Dob on planets with your Obsession / SC / AN system with Firecapture and a camera with an ST4 port?? Make and edit a pointing model using a custom catalog and tour mode? Know when and when not to put the AUX switch in the up or down position? Connect and use Argonaut or ServoCAT-Sky on your PC? Sync your PC's time to an accurate server so your satellite tracking will be accurate, and adjust the time scale on the Argo Navis? This and a lot more is in the document.
Take a look if you are interested: Click on "Files" on the groups.io menu on the left side of the screen, then click on "OBSESSION REFERENCE GUIDE 1.0 2020 07 02". At least in Chrome the PDF should open in a browser tab so you can view without downloading it.
There are probably some errors I need to correct, but which are not obvious to me, I could use some constructive criticism.? Gary M @ StellarCAT and Gary K @ Wildcard are busy, so I thought I would try to cloud-source corrections. Let me know if there is more information that I should include in the guide, I certainly do not know everything.? This is a when-I-have-time project which I found to be worthwhile.
Clear skies,
Greg
|
Great job! I wish I had a guide like that when I had my UC18 with GoTo... maybe I would not have traded for the manual only 20" classic :-)
On Tue., Sep. 1, 2020, 2:08 p.m. busy_sky_guy via , <busy_sky_guy= [email protected]> wrote: Hello fellow ObsessionUsers,
I spent some time putting together a PDF manual for users of the Obsession / ServoCat / Argo Navis system.? For first time users, it might make the setup and operation of the combined system easier and less intimidating, something that I would have found useful as a new user many moons ago. For more veteran users, there may be some interesting stuff and functionality that you may not have looked into because you thought it would be a hassle.
A lot of this information is spread out among the different user manuals for SC and AN, I tried to put it together into a single document for easier access, with a more step-by-step approach for the whole system working together, with labeled screenshots to help the user along. When I was a new user I found making a pointing model intimidating, so I made a flowchart-based approach for those interested in doing this (p.s. do this, having a pointing model markedly improved your GOTO accuracy), and included some screen shots from websites where you can get orbital element data to make finding the right information easier.
Want to know how to optimize SC gear ratios? Make your own custom catalogs? Do autoguiding with your Dob on planets with your Obsession / SC / AN system with Firecapture and a camera with an ST4 port?? Make and edit a pointing model using a custom catalog and tour mode? Know when and when not to put the AUX switch in the up or down position? Connect and use Argonaut or ServoCAT-Sky on your PC? Sync your PC's time to an accurate server so your satellite tracking will be accurate, and adjust the time scale on the Argo Navis? This and a lot more is in the document.
Take a look if you are interested: Click on "Files" on the menu on the left side of the screen, then click on "OBSESSION REFERENCE GUIDE 1.0 2020 07 02". At least in Chrome the PDF should open in a browser tab so you can view without downloading it.
There are probably some errors I need to correct, but which are not obvious to me, I could use some constructive criticism.? Gary M @ StellarCAT and Gary K @ Wildcard are busy, so I thought I would try to cloud-source corrections. Let me know if there is more information that I should include in the guide, I certainly do not know everything.? This is a when-I-have-time project which I found to be worthwhile.
Clear skies,
Greg
|
Hi Greg,
Please tell me how to open the file containing your PDF article in Groups.io. ?I don’t see the”files” directory on the left side of the screen. ?I’m sorry but I don’t have much experience with groups.io! ?
?If possible, could you just e-mail me the PDF file directly to my e-mail address - dbeckley94510@...? Thanks very much!
Best regards,
Dennis Beckley, Obsession 18, ServoCAT, AN
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sep 1, 2020, at 1:08 PM, busy_sky_guy via groups.io <busy_sky_guy@...> wrote:
?Hello fellow ObsessionUsers,
I spent some time putting together a PDF manual for users of the Obsession / ServoCat / Argo Navis system.? For first time users, it might make the setup and operation of the combined system easier and less intimidating, something that I would have found useful as a new user many moons ago. For more veteran users, there may be some interesting stuff and functionality that you may not have looked into because you thought it would be a hassle.
A lot of this information is spread out among the different user manuals for SC and AN, I tried to put it together into a single document for easier access, with a more step-by-step approach for the whole system working together, with labeled screenshots to help the user along. When I was a new user I found making a pointing model intimidating, so I made a flowchart-based approach for those interested in doing this (p.s. do this, having a pointing model markedly improved your GOTO accuracy), and included some screen shots from websites where you can get orbital element data to make finding the right information easier.
Want to know how to optimize SC gear ratios? Make your own custom catalogs? Do autoguiding with your Dob on planets with your Obsession / SC / AN system with Firecapture and a camera with an ST4 port?? Make and edit a pointing model using a custom catalog and tour mode? Know when and when not to put the AUX switch in the up or down position? Connect and use Argonaut or ServoCAT-Sky on your PC? Sync your PC's time to an accurate server so your satellite tracking will be accurate, and adjust the time scale on the Argo Navis? This and a lot more is in the document.
Take a look if you are interested: Click on "Files" on the groups.io menu on the left side of the screen, then click on "OBSESSION REFERENCE GUIDE 1.0 2020 07 02". At least in Chrome the PDF should open in a browser tab so you can view without downloading it.
There are probably some errors I need to correct, but which are not obvious to me, I could use some constructive criticism.? Gary M @ StellarCAT and Gary K @ Wildcard are busy, so I thought I would try to cloud-source corrections. Let me know if there is more information that I should include in the guide, I certainly do not know everything.? This is a when-I-have-time project which I found to be worthwhile.
Clear skies,
Greg
|
Wow 194 pages...strong work! I have some reading in front of me!?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sep 1, 2020, at 6:34 PM, Dennis Beckley via groups.io <dbeckley94510@...> wrote:
? Hi Greg,
Please tell me how to open the file containing your PDF article in Groups.io. ?I don’t see the”files” directory on the left side of the screen. ?I’m sorry but I don’t have much experience with groups.io! ?
?If possible, could you just e-mail me the PDF file directly to my e-mail address - dbeckley94510@...? Thanks very much!
Best regards,
Dennis Beckley, Obsession 18, ServoCAT, AN On Sep 1, 2020, at 1:08 PM, busy_sky_guy via groups.io <busy_sky_guy@...> wrote:
?Hello fellow ObsessionUsers,
I spent some time putting together a PDF manual for users of the Obsession / ServoCat / Argo Navis system.? For first time users, it might make the setup and operation of the combined system easier and less intimidating, something that I would have found useful as a new user many moons ago. For more veteran users, there may be some interesting stuff and functionality that you may not have looked into because you thought it would be a hassle.
A lot of this information is spread out among the different user manuals for SC and AN, I tried to put it together into a single document for easier access, with a more step-by-step approach for the whole system working together, with labeled screenshots to help the user along. When I was a new user I found making a pointing model intimidating, so I made a flowchart-based approach for those interested in doing this (p.s. do this, having a pointing model markedly improved your GOTO accuracy), and included some screen shots from websites where you can get orbital element data to make finding the right information easier.
Want to know how to optimize SC gear ratios? Make your own custom catalogs? Do autoguiding with your Dob on planets with your Obsession / SC / AN system with Firecapture and a camera with an ST4 port?? Make and edit a pointing model using a custom catalog and tour mode? Know when and when not to put the AUX switch in the up or down position? Connect and use Argonaut or ServoCAT-Sky on your PC? Sync your PC's time to an accurate server so your satellite tracking will be accurate, and adjust the time scale on the Argo Navis? This and a lot more is in the document.
Take a look if you are interested: Click on "Files" on the groups.io menu on the left side of the screen, then click on "OBSESSION REFERENCE GUIDE 1.0 2020 07 02". At least in Chrome the PDF should open in a browser tab so you can view without downloading it.
There are probably some errors I need to correct, but which are not obvious to me, I could use some constructive criticism.? Gary M @ StellarCAT and Gary K @ Wildcard are busy, so I thought I would try to cloud-source corrections. Let me know if there is more information that I should include in the guide, I certainly do not know everything.? This is a when-I-have-time project which I found to be worthwhile.
Clear skies,
Greg
|
|
|
|
|
Hello Greg,
BOOM! I am so impressed, words cannot say. This was a phenomenal effort and will benefit so many! Thank you so very much for this. No single supplier of the big three have the incentive to tie it all together. What you have done deserves much
more than my little comments!!
-Roger
18" Classic AN/SC/FSA
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sep 1, 2020, at 4:08 PM, busy_sky_guy via groups.io <busy_sky_guy@...> wrote:
?Hello fellow ObsessionUsers,
I spent some time putting together a PDF manual for users of the Obsession / ServoCat / Argo Navis system.? For first time users, it might make the setup and operation of the combined system easier and less intimidating, something that I would have found useful
as a new user many moons ago. For more veteran users, there may be some interesting stuff and functionality that you may not have looked into because you thought it would be a hassle.
A lot of this information is spread out among the different user manuals for SC and AN, I tried to put it together into a single document for easier access, with a more step-by-step approach for the whole system working together, with labeled screenshots to
help the user along. When I was a new user I found making a pointing model intimidating, so I made a flowchart-based approach for those interested in doing this (p.s. do this, having a pointing model markedly improved your GOTO accuracy), and included some
screen shots from websites where you can get orbital element data to make finding the right information easier.
Want to know how to optimize SC gear ratios? Make your own custom catalogs? Do autoguiding with your Dob on planets with your Obsession / SC / AN system with Firecapture and a camera with an ST4 port?? Make and edit a pointing model using a custom catalog and
tour mode? Know when and when not to put the AUX switch in the up or down position? Connect and use Argonaut or ServoCAT-Sky on your PC? Sync your PC's time to an accurate server so your satellite tracking will be accurate, and adjust the time scale on the
Argo Navis? This and a lot more is in the document.
Take a look if you are interested: Click on "Files" on the groups.io menu on the left side of the screen, then click on "OBSESSION REFERENCE GUIDE 1.0 2020 07 02". At least in Chrome the PDF should open in a browser tab so you can view without downloading it.
There are probably some errors I need to correct, but which are not obvious to me, I could use some constructive criticism.? Gary M @ StellarCAT and Gary K @ Wildcard are busy, so I thought I would try to cloud-source corrections. Let me know if there is more
information that I should include in the guide, I certainly do not know everything.? This is a when-I-have-time project which I found to be worthwhile.
Clear skies,
Greg
|
|
|
Greg, ? ?This is a Tour de Force! Thanks so much for getting the combined info out to the group here
Matt Orsie Hedgesville, WV 22" UC
On Wed, Sep 2, 2020 at 12:36 PM Roger Greenwood < roger@...> wrote:
Thank you Paul!!!
-Roger
18" Classic AN/SC/FSA
|
Hi Greg,
as you say and as I experienced, I went through both manuels (AN / SC) trying to find a consistent path to do things, sometimes it was easy sometimes less.....
Thank you for the enormous job you've done especially for end to end processes.
I support your statement about pointing model, for my classic 15 I know have a consistent pointing with my ethos 13mm within the FOV all over the sky with no spiral search.
Thanks again, Frédéric
|
Greg,
What good timing. ?Within the next week I will be getting my ServoCAT to install on my 15” Obsession Classic that currently has AN. ?It will take a while to get everything setup, but I will put your manual to use in due time. ?Thanks for all of your work.
MIke
|
Thanks everyone for the supportive comments.? Let me know if anything could be presented in a clearer way, or if there are any tricks or tips anyone would like to add. Gary K ,Gary M and Dave K have contributed since nice components to the total system to use it is a shame not to use it to its full potential.
Greg
|
So this may be a pretty basic question. And in my busy life(unfortunately lots not Astro-related) here is my question:
Can I add to alignment accuracy by going to "align star" on a 3rd alignment star during the night whilst observing? I would think this would be a capability other than "local sync" that I haven't had great luck with,
-Roger
18" Classic AN/SC/FSA
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sep 4, 2020, at 9:31 PM, busy_sky_guy via groups.io <busy_sky_guy@...> wrote:
?Thanks everyone for the supportive comments.? Let me know if anything could be presented in a clearer way, or if there are any tricks or tips anyone would like to add. Gary K ,Gary M and Dave K have contributed since nice components to the total
system to use it is a shame not to use it to its full potential.
Greg
|
Others may be smarter than me, but my understanding is that if you just two a 2 star align, sampling an additional star with ALIGN STAR will not help.? I only used a 2 star align for years and my pointing performance was "dissa-pointing".
But you could resample your original 2 stars you used for the two star align (do a GOTO, use SAMPLE MNT ERROR, not ALIGN STAR, see p. 56 of guide) and sample an additional 2 stars near the area you are observing, which would be 4 sampled stars.? From this compute?and use the IE term (page 59), and your pointing should be better. It's rather quick to do this once you get the hang of it and the pointing performance of the scope will be much better. I usually end up sampling 6 or 8 stars in the area I will be observing (since it is quick to do GOTO to the custom catalog stars in the guide) and only use the IE term with good pointing performance, it only takes a few minutes once you have done the 2 star align.
Greg
On Fri, Sep 4, 2020 at 8:54 PM Roger Greenwood < roger@...> wrote:
So this may be a pretty basic question. And in my busy life(unfortunately lots not Astro-related) here is my question:
Can I add to alignment accuracy by going to "align star" on a 3rd alignment star during the night whilst observing? I would think this would be a capability other than "local sync" that I haven't had great luck with,
-Roger
18" Classic AN/SC/FSA
?Thanks everyone for the supportive comments.? Let me know if anything could be presented in a clearer way, or if there are any tricks or tips anyone would like to add. Gary K ,Gary M and Dave K have contributed since nice components to the total
system to use it is a shame not to use it to its full potential.
Greg
|
I've texted Gary asking to chime in as I felt he'd dispel all rumors/misconceptions. Particularly one of my own.?
After my initial alignment, I'll do a goto BACK to Polaris, center it with a reticle and (re)align. (I forget the actual function name. I believe it's align) After that, I then do a goto BACK to whatever happened to be my 2nd alignment star from the initial alignment procedure,? center it using my reticle, and then (re)align that star. (I always try to pick a star as far away as possible from Polaris BTW. That seems to work for me)?
I do 3 or 4 iterations of this procedure and I swear I can see an improvement in pointing accuracy. Each goto results in a more and more accurate centering of the stars. Afterwards, gotos to objects all over the sky are almost always in the center of even 300x (8 & 10 Ethos) plus powered eyepieces.?
I hope Gary can clarify this. I do this and I swear by it.?
-Dragan 25" f/5 #610 "Toto"? 30" f/4.5 OMI EVO?
Sent from my Samsung Note 10+
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message -------- From: "G.Salton" <g.salton14@...> Date: 9/4/20 9:25 PM (GMT-06:00) Subject: Re: [ObsessionUsers] Obsession with SC/AN user guide on groups.io
Others may be smarter than me, but my understanding is that if you just two a 2 star align, sampling an additional star with ALIGN STAR will not help.? I only used a 2 star align for years and my pointing performance was "dissa-pointing".
But you could resample your original 2 stars you used for the two star align (do a GOTO, use SAMPLE MNT ERROR, not ALIGN STAR, see p. 56 of guide) and sample an additional 2 stars near the area you are observing, which would be 4 sampled stars.? From this compute?and use the IE term (page 59), and your pointing should be better. It's rather quick to do this once you get the hang of it and the pointing performance of the scope will be much better. I usually end up sampling 6 or 8 stars in the area I will be observing (since it is quick to do GOTO to the custom catalog stars in the guide) and only use the IE term with good pointing performance, it only takes a few minutes once you have done the 2 star align.
Greg On Fri, Sep 4, 2020 at 8:54 PM Roger Greenwood < roger@...> wrote:
So this may be a pretty basic question. And in my busy life(unfortunately lots not Astro-related) here is my question:
Can I add to alignment accuracy by going to "align star" on a 3rd alignment star during the night whilst observing? I would think this would be a capability other than "local sync" that I haven't had great luck with,
-Roger
18" Classic AN/SC/FSA
?Thanks everyone for the supportive comments.? Let me know if anything could be presented in a clearer way, or if there are any tricks or tips anyone would like to add. Gary K ,Gary M and Dave K have contributed since nice components to the total
system to use it is a shame not to use it to its full potential.
Greg
|
Greg,
I installed the ASCOM driver for ServoCat and I?can’t get step 7 of the Stellarium to ServoCat to offer me theServoCat.Telescope when configuring the device hub setup.
Any advice?
Richard Miller
|
Hi Richard,
at least what I know is that this kind of question needs much more information about your configuration to trigger insightflul advice. What I would do, is start to check that everything works layer by layer, I mean for example, are you sure that you have a hardware configuration that has proven to establish communication between you PC and servo cat? This sound basically stupid but I spent a lot of time discussing with Gary from stellar cat before discovering that some USB to RS232 adapter that once worked with my previous PC stopped working properly when I changed for a new one. And I would check layer by layer to isolate where the problem is located.
This might be useless if you've already done it.
Clear skies, Frederic.
|
Thanks Frederic,
I am not that far yet. ?I am replacing my laptop that does have Stellarium controlling my ServoCat and just can’t remember how I got past this issue last year. ?My ServoCat has the usb on the front so no converter needed. ?
Richard
|
Hello Richard, In step 7, click on the round grey "Choose" button which has the words "ASCOM.Simulator.Telescope" below it, like in the left hand picture of the guide.? This should bring up a drop down menu, and select ServoCAT from this list: see attached picture, then "OK". Hope this helps,? Greg 
|
I figured out I needed to also configure the ServoCat telescope with my details before it would accept.
Richard
Richard Miller
33.51N 83.59W
UC18 & DS287m
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hello Richard,
In step 7, click on the round grey "Choose" button which has the words "ASCOM.Simulator.Telescope" below it, like in the left hand picture of the guide.? This should bring up a drop down menu, and select ServoCAT from this list: see attached picture, then "OK".
Hope this helps,?
Greg
|
Dennis Beckley
Netscape
Frédéric Ruciak
Dragan Nikin
