Re: Spiral Search is one of my favorite ServoCAT features
Richard, I regularly utilize plate solving using ASTAP from within Sharpcap Pro with my servocat equipped 18” f/4 dob. Robin the creator of Sharpcap constantly provides amazing new features that make live viewing/live stacking such a fun experience. The way I gave it working presently is this: 1. Use ASCOM device hub to connect to servocat, ZWO EAF (electronic focuser) and eventually my Pegasus Astro falcon rotator/de-rotator. 2. Use Sky Tools, Astroplanner, or CdC (all connected to device hub) to select object of interest and goto. 3. Switch to Sharpcap that is already running with my scope and camera connected. Select an automated sequence to change camera to high gain and short exposure (I call it finder mode) and look for target in FOV. It is usually in my fov with my ZWO ASI294MC Pro. I platesolve, recenter and synch so it is in middle of fov. 3. Run next automated sequence to change exposure settings, apply darks, flats and start live stacking
Mike
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On Sep 12, 2023, at 10:03 AM, Richard <rmille64@...> wrote:
?One of my favorite features of the ServoCAT is the spiral search.? This really helps me quickly overcome my mount errors.
My mount errors don't bother me too much as I just hop from one object to another and touch up my position accuracy in Stellarium with the ctrl-shift-F2 as long as I don't slew too far.
Once I got the ServoCAT ASCOM driver going I started using the Virtual handpad for those small movement touchups need to center an object.? I tend to overshoot the target with the ServoCAT handpad.? I am not so good at tapping the push button on my ServoCAT handpad.? Either too little or too much movement.
Will I be plate solving one day and no longer worry about my (self inflicted) mount errors?
I want to start using NINA and plate solving to automate my mosaics. The downside of remotely observing is you might fall asleep in your recliner and fail to complete a large mosaic project.
Just saw this PiFinder device that can plate solve in under one second.? Any thoughts?
I would really like to think about plate solving one day.? Imagine no encoders or the need for 2-star alignment or even any consideration of mount errors.??
This might be over-simplification, but just plate solve and move until you arrive on your target perfectly centered in the FOV.
NINA could slew, focus, change filters and make my Mosaics for me!? One day just for fun, I might plant my DOB+ServoCAT at a distant dark site under a roll off roof unattended--remotely power up to image my targets then park, close the ROR and power down when done for the night.
Richard
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Spiral Search is one of my favorite ServoCAT features
One of my favorite features of the ServoCAT is the spiral search.? This really helps me quickly overcome my mount errors.
My mount errors don't bother me too much as I just hop from one object to another and touch up my position accuracy in Stellarium with the ctrl-shift-F2 as long as I don't slew too far.
Once I got the ServoCAT ASCOM driver going I started using the Virtual handpad for those small movement touchups need to center an object.? I tend to overshoot the target with the ServoCAT handpad.? I am not so good at tapping the push button on my ServoCAT handpad.? Either too little or too much movement.
Will I be plate solving one day and no longer worry about my (self inflicted) mount errors?
I want to start using NINA and plate solving to automate my mosaics. The downside of remotely observing is you might fall asleep in your recliner and fail to complete a large mosaic project.
Just saw this PiFinder device that can plate solve in under one second.? Any thoughts?
I would really like to think about plate solving one day.? Imagine no encoders or the need for 2-star alignment or even any consideration of mount errors.??
This might be over-simplification, but just plate solve and move until you arrive on your target perfectly centered in the FOV.
NINA could slew, focus, change filters and make my Mosaics for me!? One day just for fun, I might plant my DOB+ServoCAT at a distant dark site under a roll off roof unattended--remotely power up to image my targets then park, close the ROR and power down when done for the night.
Richard
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Re: GoTo stops suddenly
Happy to help Steve. And thanks to your friend Bill as well.? From what I understand the wire gauge selected for the long cable (you had said you measured it at 26') was pretty small as well - Bill stated that you guys measured a resistance of 3 ohms. That is huge. The average current the system draws while tracking is quite minimal - around 0.25A (Junior) to 0.4A... but the peak current with both motors can be as high as 3-3.5A. So the voltage seen inside the scope will drop accordingly (I X R - Vd).? To others reading this - if you have the PGB note the system works extremely well - BUT like most anything else in life it has to a) have been installed properly (you'd be surprised how many were not)? and b) maintained properly. The latter I've not pushed but now that some of these systems are approaching 20 years of use maintenance should be done. Write to me or Bill Conrad, the new master of the ServoCAT ( Bill@...), for a list of things to check if you are having a problem as well as things to do for maintenance.? Gary Myers StellarCAT
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Re: Argo Navis ascom driver that allows use of ASTAP or NINA with Sharpcap
I will, thank you Richard, I should have posted this question on the MC group site as well and will once I view this discussion. I forgot that you were or are using the Argo.
Thank you
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On Sep 11, 2023, at 7:32 AM, Michael Huffman <finman42@...> wrote:
? Thank you Wes, if you would like better results using your DOB for imaging, try using the Deep Sky Lucky Imaging technique. High gain very low exposure as in 1 to 3 seconds depending on the object. Taking 500 frames minimum with a 1000 being better. You should achieve a 75% or better sub save but it doesn't matter as you will have more than enough to achieve your goal.?
Mickey Huffman On Sep 10, 2023, at 9:06 PM, Wes Smith <wessmithy@...> wrote:
? Following ,? ?I have the servocat Argo combo ?driving my SDM pimped Obsessed 20” F5 ?# 305.? ?I achieve 4-5 sec subs with 50% roughly keepable subs and would like to improve on that .? Using it visually ?it works perfectly with holding a DSO in a wide field ep for a few hours .? ?Kind regards Wes? On Mon, Sep 11, 2023 at 8:20 AM Mickey Huffman via <finman42= [email protected]> wrote: I am new to the group. It was suggested that I ask the group this question. I have a 22" star structure Dob that is set up for imaging using the Nexus DSC system with the Servocat. It was suggested that I could get better tracking if the Nexus had an ascom driver that would allow me to connect to ASTAP or NINA with Sharpcap with the servocat gen 3. The Nexus system has no ASCOM drivers that I am aware. It has been suggested to me that some in this group have the ARGO Navis system and that the ARGO Nav does have an ascom driver that might give me the opportunity to achieve the desired outcome.?
Can and would anyone have knowledge of this and would be willing to share the information.
Thank you
Mickey Huffman
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Re: Argo Navis ascom driver that allows use of ASTAP or NINA with Sharpcap
Thank you Wes, if you would like better results using your DOB for imaging, try using the Deep Sky Lucky Imaging technique. High gain very low exposure as in 1 to 3 seconds depending on the object. Taking 500 frames minimum with a 1000 being better. You should achieve a 75% or better sub save but it doesn't matter as you will have more than enough to achieve your goal.?
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On Sep 10, 2023, at 9:06 PM, Wes Smith <wessmithy@...> wrote:
? Following ,? ?I have the servocat Argo combo ?driving my SDM pimped Obsessed 20” F5 ?# 305.? ?I achieve 4-5 sec subs with 50% roughly keepable subs and would like to improve on that .? Using it visually ?it works perfectly with holding a DSO in a wide field ep for a few hours .? ?Kind regards Wes? On Mon, Sep 11, 2023 at 8:20 AM Mickey Huffman via <finman42= [email protected]> wrote: I am new to the group. It was suggested that I ask the group this question. I have a 22" star structure Dob that is set up for imaging using the Nexus DSC system with the Servocat. It was suggested that I could get better tracking if the Nexus had an ascom driver that would allow me to connect to ASTAP or NINA with Sharpcap with the servocat gen 3. The Nexus system has no ASCOM drivers that I am aware. It has been suggested to me that some in this group have the ARGO Navis system and that the ARGO Nav does have an ascom driver that might give me the opportunity to achieve the desired outcome.?
Can and would anyone have knowledge of this and would be willing to share the information.
Thank you
Mickey Huffman
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Re: GoTo stops suddenly
We have found the issue with our scope not being able to slew with both motors at the same time. The solution was two-fold:
1. The length of cable from the power brick to the scope was too long, about 20 feet, so there was a voltage drop which would shut down the ServoCat.and stop the slewing. The solution is to move the power brick next to the scope so it is close to the powered foot. We also increased the size of the power brick from 12V 6AMP to 15V 6Amp.
2. Cleaned the brushes that conduct the power from the ground board to the rocker box and the rest of the scope.There was a buildup of dirt at the bottom of the brushes and, using cotton swabs (Q-Tips) put Deoxit on the swabs, inserted into the holes of the brushes, and rotated the scope to clean the area that the brushes make contact with the ground board.
Other than implementing #1, this is the resolution of this issue.
I want to thank Gary Myers for his time and everyone else that offered suggestions.
Steve Goldberg
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Re: Argo Navis ascom driver that allows use of ASTAP or NINA with Sharpcap
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Re: Argo Navis ascom driver that allows use of ASTAP or NINA with Sharpcap
Following ,? ?I have the servocat Argo combo ?driving my SDM pimped Obsessed 20” F5 ?# 305.? ?I achieve 4-5 sec subs with 50% roughly keepable subs and would like to improve on that .? Using it visually ?it works perfectly with holding a DSO in a wide field ep for a few hours .? ?Kind regards Wes?
On Mon, Sep 11, 2023 at 8:20 AM Mickey Huffman via <finman42= [email protected]> wrote: I am new to the group. It was suggested that I ask the group this question. I have a 22" star structure Dob that is set up for imaging using the Nexus DSC system with the Servocat. It was suggested that I could get better tracking if the Nexus had an ascom driver that would allow me to connect to ASTAP or NINA with Sharpcap with the servocat gen 3. The Nexus system has no ASCOM drivers that I am aware. It has been suggested to me that some in this group have the ARGO Navis system and that the ARGO Nav does have an ascom driver that might give me the opportunity to achieve the desired outcome.?
Can and would anyone have knowledge of this and would be willing to share the information.
Thank you
Mickey Huffman
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Argo Navis ascom driver that allows use of ASTAP or NINA with Sharpcap
I am new to the group. It was suggested that I ask the group this question. I have a 22" star structure Dob that is set up for imaging using the Nexus DSC system with the Servocat. It was suggested that I could get better tracking if the Nexus had an ascom driver that would allow me to connect to ASTAP or NINA with Sharpcap with the servocat gen 3. The Nexus system has no ASCOM drivers that I am aware. It has been suggested to me that some in this group have the ARGO Navis system and that the ARGO Nav does have an ascom driver that might give me the opportunity to achieve the desired outcome.?
Can and would anyone have knowledge of this and would be willing to share the information.
Thank you
Mickey Huffman
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Re: GoTo stops suddenly
Gary: the list you sent me to troubleshoot my issue was great. I did not have to remove the pivot plate. I lifted it up and it sprang down. Now the power does not cut out as it used to. Must have been a cocked spring that got unjammed when I lifted the plate.
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Gen3 Wired Hand Controllers - my last sale...
Fellow stargazers and ServoCAT owners... its probably fully known now that the business was sold to BRC Astro back in May. Bill is busy getting all the items on order and getting up to speed - the beauty of this, at least for me, is that my baby will lives on ... thanks Bill!?
I had ordered parts for a few more wired Hand Controllers for the Gen3 (version that uses the hand controller with a handset/phone type connection cable) and this will be my very last income from the business. Part of my "retirement" fund :)?
So - I have a few of these left - if you think you might want to have a spare now is the time to order it - they are in stock, fully assembled and tested and boxes ready to go. The unit is $199 plus it comes with an extra long coiled HC cable (or flat if you prefer, custom made to your desired length). PM S&H in the US adds $14 - 16. I'd appreciate anyone interested to speak up ...?
Gary Myers
StellarCAT
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Re: GoTo stops suddenly
Just an FYI. Steve's scope is vintage '07. I don't know if it has the redundancy spring I added to the design of the PGB system. Nor has it ever been 'cleaned' (over time it's good to take the ground board off and clean the pivot post, the inside of the bushing as well as the contacts and the contact plate). So my suspicion is indeed that there is an issue with resistance buildup over time. In diagnosing the problem Steve told me he was not using a battery (first thing to check if so as batteries DO lose their ability to store energy, even if they show a "full charge") ... but he was using a 12V PS. I mentioned that I always sold a 15V supply (either 4.5A or 6A). The reason for this is to increase the overall efficiency of the system and to give some headroom. By efficiency it needs to be noted that the ServoCAT uses SMPS's ... these will convert the incoming voltage to the 30V the motors run at (standard system). Also, there is a SMPS on the main logic supply. In all three cases if you increase the voltage you decrease the current needed (power stays the same). This then translates to less IIR losses in the wires and PGB system making it even more efficient. I had Steve try the system using the JOG speed (slightly less power required) - this worked with both axes in use. With that he decided to get a 15V supply to see if that allows him to go forward. I have not as yet (just remembered this) sent him the list of things to check re maintenance on the PGB. It is suggested that that be done as well in either case. (and in doing so we can determine if he does have the '+' circuit redundancy spring installed and installed properly).?
Gary Myers
StellarCAT?
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Re: GoTo stops suddenly
Another point. The power source may not be the issue . Voltage drop is another cause. This can happen from a high res joint or the size cable doesnt match the current ?that is being drawn. .? Cheers?
Hi Wes, It does appear to be a power issue. When slewing with both motors at the same time, in slow speed, it is successful. Using full speed does stall. We run on 110v grid power, not a battery, Gary suggested to upgrade our power brick from 12v to 15v. I purchased a 15v 6a brick. However the connector plug is larger than the connector on the powered foot. I am working on that now. That is where I am on this issue. ? Steve ? ? ? Hi Steve, Mike will get you fixed .? I would like to make comment though .? If push to works fine but go to doesn't an analysis ?may suggest a power issue??? ?Have you checked volts at the scope before and as you initiate a goto ??? I used to run a dodge lead acid battery and halfway though the night the scope would stop mid slew similar to what you are describing.? ? Hi,
We have a 15" Obsession with both ServoCat and Argo Navis.
We have a problem when we use GoTo on the hand paddle. After about 3 seconds the motors hard stop and there is a beep. Pressing GoTo again, does the same thing.
In the Argo Navis, we have done a 2 star alignment, set the current date and time, and the current location is set, not to our site, but another location at approximately the same latitude.And we know the object is above the horizon.
Instead of using GoTo, we can use the hand paddle for "push to" an object where AN said we should go.
So, any ideas on why we cannot use GoTo for objects?
Thanks
Steve Goldberg
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Re: GoTo stops suddenly
Buster, I didn’t think about the “jumper cables” route. (Maybe because I am a software guy, not hardware). I still need to make a cable with the right connector to go in to the powered ground board foot. Steve ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of wilson_buster Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 1:38 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [ServoCAT] GoTo stops suddenly ? Too much unnecessary work removing the batt. A combination of jumper cables, gator clips, cig lighter plugs and wire will easily work to test and be a 12V backup power plan. Obsessions are made to be less complicated.?
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Re: GoTo stops suddenly
Too much unnecessary work removing the batt. A combination of jumper cables, gator clips, cig lighter plugs and wire will easily work to test and be a 12V backup power plan. Obsessions are made to be less complicated.?
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Re: GoTo stops suddenly
Buster, I’m not sure how I can hook up the battery to the receptacle in the powered foot. I’d need to build a cable to do that. And then figure out how to get the battery out from under the passenger seat to get it to the scope. ? I have the brick that Gary Myers suggested but the connector on the brick doesn’t fit the powered foot. I’m waiting for my electrician (son) to help with that. ? Steve ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of wilson_buster Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 10:01 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [ServoCAT] GoTo stops suddenly ? Understand,but you don’t quite, your brick can be marked anything but it may not now be putting out the Umph it did before. Simple test is to use a known good battery like your car has to double test.?
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Re: GoTo stops suddenly
Mike, I got the power brick from a local electronics store, not the internet. ? 
? Steve ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Michael Hotka via groups.io Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 9:36 AM To: [email protected]; [email protected]Subject: Re: [ServoCAT] GoTo stops suddenly ? I Googled "Power Brick" and get all kinds of hits on this that are not a 15v 6a device. This is one of the things I dislike about the Internet. People can buy a priority placement of their products that are similar on the Internet search results. This makes it extremely difficult to find what you are looking for. Would you be able to send a URL of the power brick you purchased? Mike
Deputy Solutions Manager
Amateur Astronomer
Dark Sky Ranger - Defender of Darkness
My Homepage: On Monday, September 4, 2023 at 04:30:23 AM MDT, Steve Goldberg <sgoldberg124@...> wrote: Hi Wes, It does appear to be a power issue. When slewing with both motors at the same time, in slow speed, it is successful. Using full speed does stall. We run on 110v grid power, not a battery, Gary suggested to upgrade our power brick from 12v to 15v. I purchased a 15v 6a brick. However the connector plug is larger than the connector on the powered foot. I am working on that now. That is where I am on this issue. ? Steve ? ? ? Hi Steve, Mike will get you fixed .? I would like to make comment though .? If push to works fine but go to doesn't an analysis ?may suggest a power issue??? ?Have you checked volts at the scope before and as you initiate a goto ??? I used to run a dodge lead acid battery and halfway though the night the scope would stop mid slew similar to what you are describing.? ? Hi,
We have a 15" Obsession with both ServoCat and Argo Navis.
We have a problem when we use GoTo on the hand paddle. After about 3 seconds the motors hard stop and there is a beep. Pressing GoTo again, does the same thing.
In the Argo Navis, we have done a 2 star alignment, set the current date and time, and the current location is set, not to our site, but another location at approximately the same latitude.And we know the object is above the horizon.
Instead of using GoTo, we can use the hand paddle for "push to" an object where AN said we should go.
So, any ideas on why we cannot use GoTo for objects?
Thanks
Steve Goldberg
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Re: GoTo stops suddenly
Understand,but you don’t quite, your brick can be marked anything but it may not now be putting out the Umph it did before. Simple test is to use a known good battery like your car has to double test.?
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Re: GoTo stops suddenly
Good morning...
I Googled "Power Brick" and get all kinds of hits on this that are not a 15v 6a device. This is one of the things I dislike about the Internet. People can buy a priority placement of their products that are similar on the Internet search results. This makes it extremely difficult to find what you are looking for.
Would you be able to send a URL of the power brick you purchased?
Thank you.
Mike
Deputy Solutions Manager
Amateur Astronomer
Dark Sky Ranger - Defender of Darkness
My Homepage: http://www.mikehotka.com/
On Monday, September 4, 2023 at 04:30:23 AM MDT, Steve Goldberg <sgoldberg124@...> wrote:
Hi Wes, It does appear to be a power issue. When slewing with both motors at the same time, in slow speed, it is successful. Using full speed does stall. We run on 110v grid power, not a battery, Gary suggested to upgrade our power brick from 12v to 15v. I purchased a 15v 6a brick. However the connector plug is larger than the connector on the powered foot. I am working on that now. That is where I am on this issue. ? Steve ? ?
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Wes Smith Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 3:26 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [ServoCAT] GoTo stops suddenly ? Hi Steve, Mike will get you fixed .? I would like to make comment though .? If push to works fine but go to doesn't an analysis ?may suggest a power issue??? ?Have you checked volts at the scope before and as you initiate a goto ??? I used to run a dodge lead acid battery and halfway though the night the scope would stop mid slew similar to what you are describing.? ? Hi,
We have a 15" Obsession with both ServoCat and Argo Navis.
We have a problem when we use GoTo on the hand paddle. After about 3 seconds the motors hard stop and there is a beep. Pressing GoTo again, does the same thing.
In the Argo Navis, we have done a 2 star alignment, set the current date and time, and the current location is set, not to our site, but another location at approximately the same latitude.And we know the object is above the horizon.
Instead of using GoTo, we can use the hand paddle for "push to" an object where AN said we should go.
So, any ideas on why we cannot use GoTo for objects?
Thanks
Steve Goldberg
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Re: GoTo stops suddenly
Buster, We are on grid power with a power brick of 12V 6A. We are working on changing the brick to 15V 6A per Gary Myers, No battery involved. ? Steve Goldberg ?
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Mike
Al Lamperti
Michael Hotka