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Re: ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
No I live in rural Virginia with bortal between 3 and 4 so have nice dark skies. However todays modern Astrophotography filters largely make the light pollution a non-issue. The Optolong L-enhance and L-Pro are particularly effective for folks imaging even in big cities like LA. That is also where plate solving is critical for telescope alignment when you can’t see stars visually.
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On Sep 22, 2023, at 7:53 AM, K9RX - Gary <amateurK9RX@...> wrote:
? And remind me Mike - was this in a less than ideal location??
Gary
------ Original Message ------
Date 9/21/2023 8:38:14 PM
Subject Re: [ServoCAT] ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
Richard, There are quite a few of us servocat owners who image with our dobs. I have an 18” Dob that is also completely remote including electronic focuser (and recently a Pegasus falcon de-rotator I am trying to get working to avoid the frame rotation inherent with Alt-Az). I use a cooled ZWO ASI294 MC Pro with Sharpcap and cartes du ciel. I platesolve from within Sharpcap and targets are always dead center. Sharpcap can also annotate objects automatically after plate solving which is cool when you see very faint 19mag or 20mag galaxies and wonder what they are (usually LEDA catalogued galaxies). Here is one stack of M33(was actually a live stack of 23x 8 second images meaning you can watch the images build over time). This was not post processed at all and only darks subtracted during the stack. ? Gary, ? Each image (there were bunches of images to make this mosaic) were 10 second exposures each with 10 stacks. ?The MallincamSKY software averaged to reduce noise during the stacking process. ? I stitched the images together with MS ICE. ? I really like my ServoCAT and the ASCOM driver for Stellarium to allow me to observe from my recliner wirelessly and WIDI to my big screen TV (wireless in from the telescope and wireless out to my TV). I slew, change focus, change filters all remotely. ? I use the ASCOM virtual hand pad for fine tune centering of the object and the CATPAW when I need to do a spiral search (my recliner is about 30’ from the telescope and the CATPAW seems to reach OK). ? Maybe one day I will do plate solving instead of the 2-star alignment that requires my presence at the telescope. ? Richard ? ? I have to say that is pretty darn nice! What are the details - stack depth and times?? ------ Original Message ------ Date 9/20/2023 9:24:34 PM Subject [ServoCAT] ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos Just curious how many ServoCAT users are creating Astro Photos.
Here is my UC18 Obsession telescope and my DS287m camera making a mosaic of the Witch's Broom via the optolong LeNhance filter.
<image001.png>
Richard
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Re: ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
The one issue with my rotator also is thickness. I will need to shorten my truss poles some more. The primaluce stuff is very nice but a little to pricey for me. Philip Scopeliti who I believe may also be a member of this group takes the most amazing Astro photos which his dob (I think his is 22”). Here is his Astrobin page:
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On Sep 21, 2023, at 10:41 PM, Richard <rmille64@...> wrote:
?
Thanks Mike,
?
I have been thinking about adding a de-rotator.? Since I purchased the Focuser from Primalucelab I will likely go with their de-rotator if/when I pull the trigger—it weighs about a pound and is a little thick.?
?
M33 is one of my favorites.? My DS287C camera/UC18 requires about 9 frames to make this mosaic.? I typically use 10 second exposures and 10 stacks for each frame and do enjoy seeing the target before I start stacking.
?
<image002.jpg>
?
?
I have ordered a DS10CTEC camera and hope to get it soon.? Can Sharpcap communicate with the ServoCAT/ASCOM to slew your DOB after it plate solves??
?
The MallincamSKY software has really grown on me (I have been learning live HDR techniques) so I have not tried Sharpcap, but plate solving would be a compelling feature.
?
Richard
?
?
There are quite a few of us servocat owners who image with our dobs. I have an 18” Dob that is also completely remote including electronic focuser (and recently a Pegasus falcon de-rotator I am trying to get working to avoid the frame rotation inherent with Alt-Az). I use a cooled ZWO ASI294 MC Pro with Sharpcap and cartes du ciel. I platesolve from within Sharpcap and targets are always dead center. Sharpcap can also annotate objects automatically after plate solving which is cool when you see very faint 19mag or 20mag galaxies and wonder what they are (usually LEDA catalogued galaxies). Here is one stack of M33(was actually a live stack of 23x 8 second images meaning you can watch the images build over time). This was not post processed at all and only darks subtracted during the stack.
?
Gary,
?
Each image (there were bunches of images to make this mosaic) were 10 second exposures each with 10 stacks. ?The MallincamSKY software averaged to reduce noise during the stacking process.
?
I stitched the images together with MS ICE.
?
I really like my ServoCAT and the ASCOM driver for Stellarium to allow me to observe from my recliner wirelessly and WIDI to my big screen TV (wireless in from the telescope and wireless out to my TV).
I slew, change focus, change filters all remotely.
?
I use the ASCOM virtual hand pad for fine tune centering of the object and the CATPAW when I need to do a spiral search (my recliner is about 30’ from the telescope and the CATPAW seems to reach OK).
?
Maybe one day I will do plate solving instead of the 2-star alignment that requires my presence at the telescope.
?
Richard
?
?
I have to say that is pretty darn nice! What are the details - stack depth and times??
------ Original Message ------
Date 9/20/2023 9:24:34 PM
Subject [ServoCAT] ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
Just curious how many ServoCAT users are creating Astro Photos.
Here is my UC18 Obsession telescope and my DS287m camera making a mosaic of the Witch's Broom via the optolong LeNhance filter.
Richard
Re: ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
And remind me Mike - was this in a less than ideal location??
Gary
------ Original Message ------
Date 9/21/2023 8:38:14 PM
Subject Re: [ServoCAT] ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
Richard, There are quite a few of us servocat owners who image with our dobs. I have an 18” Dob that is also completely remote including electronic focuser (and recently a Pegasus falcon de-rotator I am trying to get working to avoid the frame rotation inherent with Alt-Az). I use a cooled ZWO ASI294 MC Pro with Sharpcap and cartes du ciel. I platesolve from within Sharpcap and targets are always dead center. Sharpcap can also annotate objects automatically after plate solving which is cool when you see very faint 19mag or 20mag galaxies and wonder what they are (usually LEDA catalogued galaxies). Here is one stack of M33(was actually a live stack of 23x 8 second images meaning you can watch the images build over time). This was not post processed at all and only darks subtracted during the stack.  ? Gary, ? Each image (there were bunches of images to make this mosaic) were 10 second exposures each with 10 stacks. ?The MallincamSKY software averaged to reduce noise during the stacking process. ? I stitched the images together with MS ICE. ? I really like my ServoCAT and the ASCOM driver for Stellarium to allow me to observe from my recliner wirelessly and WIDI to my big screen TV (wireless in from the telescope and wireless out to my TV). I slew, change focus, change filters all remotely. ? I use the ASCOM virtual hand pad for fine tune centering of the object and the CATPAW when I need to do a spiral search (my recliner is about 30’ from the telescope and the CATPAW seems to reach OK). ? Maybe one day I will do plate solving instead of the 2-star alignment that requires my presence at the telescope. ? Richard ? ? I have to say that is pretty darn nice! What are the details - stack depth and times?? ------ Original Message ------ Date 9/20/2023 9:24:34 PM Subject [ServoCAT] ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos Just curious how many ServoCAT users are creating Astro Photos.
Here is my UC18 Obsession telescope and my DS287m camera making a mosaic of the Witch's Broom via the optolong LeNhance filter.
<image001.png>
Richard
|
Re: ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
Thanks Mike, ? I have been thinking about adding a de-rotator.? Since I purchased the Focuser from Primalucelab I will likely go with their de-rotator if/when I pull the trigger—it weighs about a pound and is a little thick.? ? M33 is one of my favorites.? My DS287C camera/UC18 requires about 9 frames to make this mosaic.? I typically use 10 second exposures and 10 stacks for each frame and do enjoy seeing the target before I start stacking. ? 
? ? I have ordered a DS10CTEC camera and hope to get it soon.? Can Sharpcap communicate with the ServoCAT/ASCOM to slew your DOB after it plate solves?? ? The MallincamSKY software has really grown on me (I have been learning live HDR techniques) so I have not tried Sharpcap, but plate solving would be a compelling feature. ? Richard ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2023 8:38 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [ServoCAT] ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos ? There are quite a few of us servocat owners who image with our dobs. I have an 18” Dob that is also completely remote including electronic focuser (and recently a Pegasus falcon de-rotator I am trying to get working to avoid the frame rotation inherent with Alt-Az). I use a cooled ZWO ASI294 MC Pro with Sharpcap and cartes du ciel. I platesolve from within Sharpcap and targets are always dead center. Sharpcap can also annotate objects automatically after plate solving which is cool when you see very faint 19mag or 20mag galaxies and wonder what they are (usually LEDA catalogued galaxies). Here is one stack of M33(was actually a live stack of 23x 8 second images meaning you can watch the images build over time). This was not post processed at all and only darks subtracted during the stack. 
? Gary, ? Each image (there were bunches of images to make this mosaic) were 10 second exposures each with 10 stacks. ?The MallincamSKY software averaged to reduce noise during the stacking process. ? I stitched the images together with MS ICE. ? I really like my ServoCAT and the ASCOM driver for Stellarium to allow me to observe from my recliner wirelessly and WIDI to my big screen TV (wireless in from the telescope and wireless out to my TV). I slew, change focus, change filters all remotely. ? I use the ASCOM virtual hand pad for fine tune centering of the object and the CATPAW when I need to do a spiral search (my recliner is about 30’ from the telescope and the CATPAW seems to reach OK). ? Maybe one day I will do plate solving instead of the 2-star alignment that requires my presence at the telescope. ? Richard ? ? I have to say that is pretty darn nice! What are the details - stack depth and times?? ------ Original Message ------ Date 9/20/2023 9:24:34 PM Subject [ServoCAT] ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos Just curious how many ServoCAT users are creating Astro Photos.
Here is my UC18 Obsession telescope and my DS287m camera making a mosaic of the Witch's Broom via the optolong LeNhance filter.
Richard
|
Re: ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
Forgot to mention that the Cloudy Nights Electronic Assisted Astronomy (EAA) forum is great and has lots of folks with dobs?
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On Sep 21, 2023, at 8:38 PM, Mike via groups.io <mklosterman1@...> wrote:
? Richard, There are quite a few of us servocat owners who image with our dobs. I have an 18” Dob that is also completely remote including electronic focuser (and recently a Pegasus falcon de-rotator I am trying to get working to avoid the frame rotation inherent with Alt-Az). I use a cooled ZWO ASI294 MC Pro with Sharpcap and cartes du ciel. I platesolve from within Sharpcap and targets are always dead center. Sharpcap can also annotate objects automatically after plate solving which is cool when you see very faint 19mag or 20mag galaxies and wonder what they are (usually LEDA catalogued galaxies). Here is one stack of M33(was actually a live stack of 23x 8 second images meaning you can watch the images build over time). This was not post processed at all and only darks subtracted during the stack. On Sep 21, 2023, at 4:45 PM, Richard <rmille64@...> wrote:
? Gary, ? Each image (there were bunches of images to make this mosaic) were 10 second exposures each with 10 stacks. ?The MallincamSKY software averaged to reduce noise during the stacking process. ? I stitched the images together with MS ICE. ? I really like my ServoCAT and the ASCOM driver for Stellarium to allow me to observe from my recliner wirelessly and WIDI to my big screen TV (wireless in from the telescope and wireless out to my TV). I slew, change focus, change filters all remotely. ? I use the ASCOM virtual hand pad for fine tune centering of the object and the CATPAW when I need to do a spiral search (my recliner is about 30’ from the telescope and the CATPAW seems to reach OK). ? Maybe one day I will do plate solving instead of the 2-star alignment that requires my presence at the telescope. ? Richard ? ? I have to say that is pretty darn nice! What are the details - stack depth and times?? ------ Original Message ------ Date 9/20/2023 9:24:34 PM Subject [ServoCAT] ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos Just curious how many ServoCAT users are creating Astro Photos.
Here is my UC18 Obsession telescope and my DS287m camera making a mosaic of the Witch's Broom via the optolong LeNhance filter.
<image001.png>
Richard
|
Re: ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
Richard, There are quite a few of us servocat owners who image with our dobs. I have an 18” Dob that is also completely remote including electronic focuser (and recently a Pegasus falcon de-rotator I am trying to get working to avoid the frame rotation inherent with Alt-Az). I use a cooled ZWO ASI294 MC Pro with Sharpcap and cartes du ciel. I platesolve from within Sharpcap and targets are always dead center. Sharpcap can also annotate objects automatically after plate solving which is cool when you see very faint 19mag or 20mag galaxies and wonder what they are (usually LEDA catalogued galaxies). Here is one stack of M33(was actually a live stack of 23x 8 second images meaning you can watch the images build over time). This was not post processed at all and only darks subtracted during the stack.
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On Sep 21, 2023, at 4:45 PM, Richard <rmille64@...> wrote:
? Gary, ? Each image (there were bunches of images to make this mosaic) were 10 second exposures each with 10 stacks. ?The MallincamSKY software averaged to reduce noise during the stacking process. ? I stitched the images together with MS ICE. ? I really like my ServoCAT and the ASCOM driver for Stellarium to allow me to observe from my recliner wirelessly and WIDI to my big screen TV (wireless in from the telescope and wireless out to my TV). I slew, change focus, change filters all remotely. ? I use the ASCOM virtual hand pad for fine tune centering of the object and the CATPAW when I need to do a spiral search (my recliner is about 30’ from the telescope and the CATPAW seems to reach OK). ? Maybe one day I will do plate solving instead of the 2-star alignment that requires my presence at the telescope. ? Richard ? ? I have to say that is pretty darn nice! What are the details - stack depth and times?? ------ Original Message ------ Date 9/20/2023 9:24:34 PM Subject [ServoCAT] ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos Just curious how many ServoCAT users are creating Astro Photos.
Here is my UC18 Obsession telescope and my DS287m camera making a mosaic of the Witch's Broom via the optolong LeNhance filter.
<image001.png>
Richard
|
Re: ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
Gary, ? Each image (there were bunches of images to make this mosaic) were 10 second exposures each with 10 stacks. ?The MallincamSKY software averaged to reduce noise during the stacking process. ? I stitched the images together with MS ICE. ? I really like my ServoCAT and the ASCOM driver for Stellarium to allow me to observe from my recliner wirelessly and WIDI to my big screen TV (wireless in from the telescope and wireless out to my TV). I slew, change focus, change filters all remotely. ? I use the ASCOM virtual hand pad for fine tune centering of the object and the CATPAW when I need to do a spiral search (my recliner is about 30’ from the telescope and the CATPAW seems to reach OK). ? Maybe one day I will do plate solving instead of the 2-star alignment that requires my presence at the telescope. ? Richard ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of K9RX - Gary Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2023 3:04 PM To: [email protected]; [email protected]Subject: Re: [ServoCAT] ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos ? I have to say that is pretty darn nice! What are the details - stack depth and times?? ------ Original Message ------ Date 9/20/2023 9:24:34 PM Subject [ServoCAT] ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos Just curious how many ServoCAT users are creating Astro Photos.
Here is my UC18 Obsession telescope and my DS287m camera making a mosaic of the Witch's Broom via the optolong LeNhance filter.
Richard
|
Re: ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
I have to say that is pretty darn nice! What are the details - stack depth and times??
g.
------ Original Message ------
Date 9/20/2023 9:24:34 PM
Subject [ServoCAT] ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
Just curious how many ServoCAT users are creating Astro Photos.
Here is my UC18 Obsession telescope and my DS287m camera making a mosaic of the Witch's Broom via the optolong LeNhance filter.
Richard
|
Re: ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
Thanks Richard for making people aware ?
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On Sep 21, 2023, at 4:20 AM, Wes Smith <wessmithy@...> wrote:
? Hi Richard ,
?I have yet to explore the full potential of my "Zamar" ,a SDM Pimped Obsession Classic # 305,. After buying shorter poles to reach focus I bought the Nexus 0.75 reducer flattener but unfortunately the little I did took me to the dark side with an EQ mount and refractor !! ? Here is one of my better work with "Zamar". ?
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Re: ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
Hi Richard ,
?I have yet to explore the full potential of my "Zamar" ,a SDM Pimped Obsession Classic # 305,. After buying shorter poles to reach focus I bought the Nexus 0.75 reducer flattener but unfortunately the little I did took me to the dark side with an EQ mount and refractor !! ? Here is one of my better work with "Zamar". ?
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Re: ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
Richard, ? Great system for achieving the data for each image. ? Jack ? Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 mallincamusa@...
30.37N? 89.76W ? All of us get lost in the darkness.
Dreamers learn to steer by the stars. ………………………………….Neil Peart ? ? ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Richard Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2023 9:18 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [ServoCAT] ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos ? And with so many images I felt the need to create a MS Access database and capture all the camera, ArgoNavis, weather station, SQM meter etc with each image.
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Re: ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
And with so many images I felt the need to create a MS Access database and capture all the camera, ArgoNavis, weather station, SQM meter etc with each image. 
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Re: ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
Richard, ? You are doing remarkable work with that small sensor, but extremely sensitive camera.? I look forward to what you can come up with when you get your new camera with 3.5 times the diagonal extent. ? Jack ? Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 mallincamusa@...
30.37N? 89.76W ? All of us get lost in the darkness.
Dreamers learn to steer by the stars. ………………………………….Neil Peart ? ? ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Richard Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2023 8:25 PM To: [email protected]Subject: [ServoCAT] ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos ? Just curious how many ServoCAT users are creating Astro Photos.
Here is my UC18 Obsession telescope and my DS287m camera making a mosaic of the Witch's Broom via the optolong LeNhance filter.
Richard
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ServoCAT on my DOB enables Astro Photos
Just curious how many ServoCAT users are creating Astro Photos. Here is my UC18 Obsession telescope and my DS287m camera making a mosaic of the Witch's Broom via the optolong LeNhance filter.  Richard
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Re: Spiral Search is one of my favorite ServoCAT features
On Tue, Sep 12, 2023 at 09:03 AM, Richard wrote:
Just saw this PiFinder device that can plate solve in under one second.? Any thoughts?
PIFinder is a nifty device but not what you are looking for.? I have a similar device called skysolve.? Neither tell your telescope how to correct it's position.? Instead they just tell the human where the center of it's view is pointed.? When aligned with the scope then of course it is telling you where the scope is pointed and it is up to you to position refine the position of the scope.? Usually their resolution accuracy is in the 10 to 60 arc seconds. There are however other plate solve devices around and all solve in the few second to under a second region.? Those devices can be linked into astro photography setups.? If you do enough searches you can find them.? Some are DIY and others are commercial versions similar to the Stellarmate.? I'm not an astro photo guy so I don't know the details.? I enjoy using my skysolve on my scopes that don't have ServoCat and Argo on them.
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Re: Spiral Search is one of my favorite ServoCAT features
I am still trying to get the falcon rotator to work with my optical train setup. I have a starizona nexus connected to telescope side of the falcon then other side has 16.5mm spacer, 11mm spacer and finally zwo asi294MC Pro. I can’t presently reach focus with the falcon rotator in the image train so I am trying to figure out how much shorter I will need to make the truss tubes. For power I have the powered ground board with a 19v buck boost connected to my Intel NUC computer that rides on a small dovetail on rocker. I have a separate 12v line going up the truss tubes to upper cage where I have a Pegasus Pocket Power Box advanced that distributes switchable power to the falcon, the camera peltier cooler and motorized focuser (EAF). ?I’ll get a photo of my setup next time I get a chance to image again.
Mike
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On Sep 12, 2023, at 5:26 PM, Mickey Huffman via groups.io <finman42@...> wrote:
? Hello Mike? I'm piggy backing this conversation as I am trying the same thing.? Do you find the derotator helps with longer exposures??
? If your DOB has a power ground board how do you connect the power to the Pegasus?
Thank you Mickey
On Sep 12, 2023, at 1:45 PM, Mike <mklosterman1@...> wrote:
? 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 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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Re: Spiral Search is one of my favorite ServoCAT features
Hi Richard,
?
Platesolving with the ServoCAT (and Nexus DSC) can be done using Keith Venable’s eFinder.? I have built my own version, and the results are very good:? The object is always nicely centered
in the field of view.? More information can be found here:
?
?
There is also a mailing list here:
?
/g/eFinder
?
Cheers,
?
Wim
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Re: Spiral Search is one of my favorite ServoCAT features
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Re: Spiral Search is one of my favorite ServoCAT features
Thanks Mike.
I do have the ASCOM device hub running so I should be able to copy your setup.
Thanks,
Richard
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Re: Spiral Search is one of my favorite ServoCAT features
Hello Mike? I'm piggy backing this conversation as I am trying the same thing.? Do you find the derotator helps with longer exposures??
? If your DOB has a power ground board how do you connect the power to the Pegasus?
Thank you Mickey
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On Sep 12, 2023, at 1:45 PM, Mike <mklosterman1@...> wrote:
? 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 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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Mike
Jack Huerkamp
Dale Eason
Wim De Meester