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Re: CP4 - Ethernet autoguider
Daniel,
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
If the axes show RA/Dec moving while calibration is active, then that's pretty much absolute proof that it's not the driver, APCC, or the mount (unless an axis is slipping). BTW, the closer you point to the celestial pole, the shorter the RA movement will appear in the camera. Is it possible you were calibrating somewhere near the celestial pole? -Ray Gralak Author of APCC (Astro-Physics Command Center): http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/software/apcc/apcc Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma
-----Original Message-----
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Re: APCC Meridian Limits - tracking only?
The meridian limits are best considered as tracking limits. This is especially the case if you are using other observatory control software like ACP or CCDAP. These programs do not yet work with the meridian delay logic in AP mounts and APCC.
If you are using APCC independently, you can activate the logic to take advantage of the meridian limits by slewing into “safe” CW up positions to start an image ahead of the meridian. Likewise, this same logic can be used to continue imaging past the meridian without having dither moves or short autofocus slews initiate a flip. These features are a safety measure involving both slewing and the meridian limits.
However, the meridian limits are not the same as the limits found in the Home and Limits Tab. This is what you want to use for absolute safety of your equipment, and to prevent pier crashes. The Home and Limits tab is found in APCC v.1.5.x.x. You will not have it if you still use the 1.0.3.4.
Mag. 7 Skies!
Howard Hedlund Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-282-1513 Please include this e-mail with your response.
P Consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2016 15:25 To: ap-gto@... Subject: [ap-gto] APCC Meridian Limits - tracking only?
Do the APCC Meridian Limits only apply when tracking, or do they also apply when slewing?
The first sentence below in the APCC user guide makes it sound like they apply to both, but the second sentence makes it sound like they are tracking limits only:
"The Meridian Limits, are primarily tracking limits in the west, and counterweight-up slewing guides for APCC's advanced slew logic in the east. They will NOT prevent you from slewing into your pier with an incorrect slew, or from running into the pier with direction buttons."
Are the key words in that statement "limits" and "guides", i.e., "tracking limits" are enforced by APCC but "slewing guides" aren't?
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Re: CP4 - Ethernet autoguider
Daniel Calleja
Ray
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
I'll certainly check the guide rate (but I'm pretty sure it's set to 1.00x). I am also fairly sure both axes are moving too. One other thing I tried on the same night is disconnecting maxim altogether and using SkyX to guide. (I have the camera pack). The result was the same - it would not calibrate. So it's unlikely to be maxim I'm going to try without APPC to see if thats also the possible cause somehow Dan
On Monday, 15 August 2016, 'Ray Gralak (Groups)' groups3@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...> wrote:
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APCC Meridian Limits - tracking only?
naperastro@...
Do the APCC Meridian Limits only apply when tracking, or do they also apply when slewing? The first sentence below in the APCC user guide makes it sound like they apply to both, but the second sentence makes it sound like they are tracking limits only: "The Meridian Limits, are primarily tracking limits in the west, and counterweight-up slewing guides for APCC's advanced slew logic in the east. They will NOT prevent you from slewing into your pier with an incorrect slew, or from running into the pier with direction buttons." Are the key words in that statement "limits" and "guides", i.e., "tracking limits" are enforced by APCC but "slewing guides" aren't?
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Meridian limits and need to be "hands on"
naperastro@...
Looking at the newest APCC manual version 1.5.0.6, I'm confused by what appear to be conflicting statements regarding meridian tracking limits and the need to be "hands on" or not. On page 119 of section 5.3 it says "APCC creates meridian limits that can allow the user to safely exceed the meridian without hovering over the mount to protect the scope and imaging equipment from a potential crash. Remotely controlled observatories can now also safely image through the meridian (where declination permits it)." However, the next page has a warning in yellow (referring to the "East Limits" and "West Limits" checkboxes for "Counterweight Up Slews within": "NOTE: The following two checkboxes should ONLY be checked if you are using your mount "hands on". At the present time, automation software has not been written to fully accommodate these features in APCC. Programs like ACP and CCDAutoPilot cannot yet take full advantage of these capabilities. This will require cooperative development between the respective software developers.
If I understand correct, this is saying Meridian Tracking Limits are safe to use without being there only if the mount doesn't start on the east side with counterweights up (i.e., the East Limits box isn't checked). If that's correct, does that mean without those checkboxes checked, tracking can start in the east with counterweights down and continue past the meridian until the west meridian limit is reached without a pier flip? So the "East Limits" checkbox basically allows additional tracking time without a flip by starting earlier in the east, i.e., with counterweight up?
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Re: installing previous version of APCC
Ok, thanks. I'll take a look tonight.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
-Ray Gralak Author of APCC (Astro-Physics Command Center): http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/software/apcc/apcc Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma
-----Original Message-----
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Re: GTOCP4 and latest APAE?
Just to be clear to anyone following this thread, the APAE utility is ONLY for mounts that have absolute encoders.
If you have received a GTOCP4 for your mount that has absolute encoders and did not receive the CD, please let us know.
Clear Skies,
Marj Christen Astro-Physics, Inc 11250 Forest Hills Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847 www.astro-physics.com
From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2016 12:18 PM To: ap-gto@... Subject: [ap-gto] RE: GTOCP4 and latest APAE?
Hi Chris,
I just sent an email to you privately with a link to a Dropbox folder that has the zip file. Apparently, the shipment of your GTOCP4 did not include the CD as it should have. We will send that to you, as well. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Clear Skies,
Marj Christen Astro-Physics, Inc 11250 Forest Hills Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847
From:
ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Thank Roland,
The APAE encoder Utility I have is the original v1.0 before the GTOCP4 existed, and the documentation (page 15) states that "You must have the latest version to recognize the GTOCP4". Is this older version 1.0 compatible with the GTCOCP4? (Updated versions of the APAE utility do not appear available for download from the AP site)
Chris
The status lights indicate that the encoder is working properly, but does not indicate that the encoders are turned on in the CP4. To do that, simply run the encoder utility and set your encoders on and set the home and limits that you want. It is a one time operation that will set the encoder status inside the CP4, and you won't have to run it again.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
I just mounted my new GTOCP4 on my AP1600GTO today. I also took advantage of the 30% offer and installed APCC on my POC also. So far, it all seems to hang together and I am starting to explore.
The missing part of the equation appears to be the APAE software that controls both absolute encoders on my mount. I assume I might have to tun these on again now the old GTOCP3 and GTOAE combo is gone? (The RA status LED is glowing blue, the DEC status LED is now glowing green)
I have a version 1.0 of the APAE utility on an (old school) CD that was shipped to me when I purchased my AP1600GTO a few years ago, but the documentation says the newest version is needed with the GTOCP4 but it does not seem to be available online. The documentation only says that a future version of APCC will integrate the APAE utility.
Has anyone with absolute enco der mounts got the GTOCP4 working with the latest version of the existing APAE utility? (And what version number is it and where did you get it from)
Chris
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Re: installing previous version of APCC
cluster@...
Ok here is everything I hope and the ACP log too Right now I need to leave meridian limits off to verify that it is fixed
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Re: Disengaging the Worm on Mach 1
Andrew Arai
Everything was fixed with a minor adjustment by phone. Thanks to George and Marj for great customer support.
Andrew
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Re: GTOCP4 and latest APAE?
Hi Chris,
I just sent an email to you privately with a link to a Dropbox folder that has the zip file. Apparently, the shipment of your GTOCP4 did not include the CD as it should have. We will send that to you, as well. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Clear Skies,
Marj Christen Astro-Physics, Inc 11250 Forest Hills Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847 www.astro-physics.com
From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2016 10:57 AM To: ap-gto@... Subject: Re: [ap-gto] GTOCP4 and latest APAE?
Thank Roland,
The APAE encoder Utility I have is the original v1.0 before the GTOCP4 existed, and the documentation (page 15) states that "You must have the latest version to recognize the GTOCP4". Is this older version 1.0 compatible with the GTCOCP4? (Updated versions of the APAE utility do not appear available for download from the AP site)
Chris
The status lights indicate that the encoder is working properly, but does not indicate that the encoders are turned on in the CP4. To do that, simply run the encoder utility and set your encoders on and set the home and limits that you want. It is a one time operation that will set the encoder status inside the CP4, and you won't have to run it again.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
I just mounted my new GTOCP4 on my AP1600GTO today. I also took advantage of the 30% offer and installed APCC on my POC also. So far, it all seems to hang together and I am starting to explore.
The missing part of the equation appears to be the APAE software that controls both absolute encoders on my mount. I assume I might have to tun these on again now the old GTOCP3 and GTOAE combo is gone? (The RA status LED is glowing blue, the DEC status LED is now glowing green)
I have a version 1.0 of the APAE utility on an (old school) CD that was shipped to me when I purchased my AP1600GTO a few years ago, but the documentation says the newest version is needed with the GTOCP4 but it does not seem to be available online. The documentation only says that a future version of APCC will integrate the APAE utility.
Has anyone with absolute enco der mounts got the GTOCP4 working with the latest version of the existing APAE utility? (And what version number is it and where did you get it from)
Chris
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Re: GTOCP4 and latest APAE?
Roland Christen
Marj will answer you and get you the software.
Rolando
-----Original Message----- From: cford81@... [ap-gto] To: ap-gto Sent: Mon, Aug 15, 2016 10:57 am Subject: Re: [ap-gto] GTOCP4 and latest APAE? Thank Roland,
The APAE encoder Utility I have is the original v1.0 before the GTOCP4 existed, and the documentation (page 15) states that "You must have the latest version to recognize the GTOCP4". Is this older version 1.0 compatible with the GTCOCP4? (Updated versions of the APAE utility do not appear available for download from the AP site)
Chris
The missing part of the equation appears to be the APAE software that controls both absolute encoders on my mount. I assume I might have to tun these on again now the old GTOCP3 and GTOAE combo is gone? (The RA status LED is glowing blue, the DEC status LED is now glowing green) The status lights indicate that the encoder is working properly, but does not indicate that the encoders are turned on in the CP4. To do that, simply run the encoder utility and set your encoders on and set the home and limits that you want. It is a one time operation that will set the encoder status inside the CP4, and you won't have to run it again.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: cford81@... [ap-gto] gto@...> To: ap-gto gto@...> Sent: Sun, Aug 14, 2016 10:36 pm Subject: [ap-gto] GTOCP4 and latest APAE? I just mounted my new GTOCP4 on my AP1600GTO today. I also took advantage of the 30% offer and installed APCC on my POC also. So far, it all seems to hang together and I am starting to explore.
The missing part of the equation appears to be the APAE software that controls both absolute encoders on my mount. I assume I might have to tun these on again now the old GTOCP3 and GTOAE combo is gone? (The RA status LED is glowing blue, the DEC status LED is now glowing green)
I have a version 1.0 of the APAE utility on an (old school) CD that was shipped to me when I purchased my AP1600GTO a few years ago, but the documentation says the newest version is needed with the GTOCP4 but it does not seem to be available online. The documentation only says that a future version of APCC will integrate the APAE utility.
Has anyone with a
bsolute enco der mounts got the GTOCP4 working with the latest version of the existing APAE utility? (And what version number is it and where did you get it from)
Chris
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Re: GTOCP4 and latest APAE?
cford81@...
Thank Roland, The APAE encoder Utility I have is the original v1.0 before the GTOCP4 existed, and the documentation (page 15) states that "You must have the latest version to recognize the GTOCP4". Is this older version 1.0 compatible with the GTCOCP4? (Updated versions of the APAE utility do not appear available for download from the AP site) Chris The missing part of the equation appears to be the APAE software that controls both absolute encoders on my mount. I assume I might have to tun these on again now the old GTOCP3 and GTOAE combo is gone? (The RA status LED is glowing blue, the DEC status LED is now glowing green) The status lights indicate that the encoder is working properly, but does not indicate that the encoders are turned on in the CP4. To do that, simply run the encoder utility and set your encoders on and set the home and limits that you want. It is a one time operation that will set the encoder status inside the CP4, and you won't have to run it again. Rolando -----Original Message----- From: cford81@... [ap-gto] To: ap-gto Sent: Sun, Aug 14, 2016 10:36 pm Subject: [ap-gto] GTOCP4 and latest APAE? I just mounted my new GTOCP4 on my AP1600GTO today. I also took advantage of the 30% offer and installed APCC on my POC also. So far, it all seems to hang together and I am starting to explore. The missing part of the equation appears to be the APAE software that controls both absolute encoders on my mount. I assume I might have to tun these on again now the old GTOCP3 and GTOAE combo is gone? (The RA status LED is glowing blue, the DEC status LED is now glowing green) I have a version 1.0 of the APAE utility on an (old school) CD that was shipped to me when I purchased my AP1600GTO a few years ago, but the documentation says the newest version is needed with the GTOCP4 but it does not seem to be available online. The documentation only says that a future version of APCC will integrate the APAE utility. Has anyone with absolute enco der mounts got the GTOCP4 working with the latest version of the existing APAE utility? (And what version number is it and where did you get it from) Chris
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Re: installing previous version of APCC
There are two different log zippers. One is in APCC. The other is in APPM, which you should have since you have APCC Pro. The log zipper in APPM is more extensive.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
I would like to see the logs so that I may try to identify the problem. You can also copy the logs directly from the logs directory. You can identify the appropriate logs by the date/time in the filename. Thanks, -Ray Gralak Author of APCC (Astro-Physics Command Center): http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/software/apcc/apcc Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma
-----Original Message-----
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Re: GTOCP4 and latest APAE?
Roland Christen
The missing part of the equation appears to be the APAE software that controls both absolute encoders on my mount. I assume I might have to tun these on again now the old GTOCP3 and GTOAE combo is gone? (The RA status LED is glowing blue, the DEC status LED is now glowing green) The status lights indicate that the encoder is working properly, but does not indicate that the encoders are turned on in the CP4. To do that, simply run the encoder utility and set your encoders on and set the home and limits that you want. It is a one time operation that will set the encoder status inside the CP4, and you won't have to run it again.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: cford81@... [ap-gto] To: ap-gto Sent: Sun, Aug 14, 2016 10:36 pm Subject: [ap-gto] GTOCP4 and latest APAE? I just mounted my new GTOCP4 on my AP1600GTO today. I also took advantage of the 30% offer and installed APCC on my POC also. So far, it all seems to hang together and I am starting to explore.
The missing part of the equation appears to be the APAE software that controls both absolute encoders on my mount. I assume I might have to tun these on again now the old GTOCP3 and GTOAE combo is gone? (The RA status LED is glowing blue, the DEC status LED is now glowing green)
I have a version 1.0 of the APAE utility on an (old school) CD that was shipped to me when I purchased my AP1600GTO a few years ago, but the documentation says the newest version is needed with the GTOCP4 but it does not seem to be available online. The documentation only says that a future version of APCC will integrate the APAE utility.
Has anyone with absolute enco
der mounts got the GTOCP4 working with the latest version of the existing APAE utility? (And what version number is it and where did you get it from)
Chris
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Re: installing previous version of APCC
cluster@...
I used the apzipper before, it kept saying it could not add files to the zip so I am not surprised. I will try it again. Last night it worked fine but I did have the limits disabled. I don't really need them I guess because the automation should work. It is when something else goes wrong and the mount wants to keep tracking. I will try again the zipper and see if it works this time.
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Re: CP4 - Ethernet autoguider
Hi Dan,
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
If the mount moves both Axes from within Maxim's Move window, that shows that Maxim can move the mount, and that there is probably nothing wrong with APCC or the driver. When you run the calibration in MaximDL, watch the RA and Dec values in APCC to see if they move. If one axis doesn't move then you might want to double check the Maxim settings. It could be a setting, or a bug in MaximDL 6.11 (I think 6.13 is the latest). Also, make sure your guide rate is set to 1.00x. -Ray Gralak Author of APCC (Astro-Physics Command Center): http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/software/apcc/apcc Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma
-----Original Message-----
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Re: installing previous version of APCC
Yes that is what happen. I was that was at 1130 pm to 7am when I logged in afterThere are no slews in the log files you provided. There was less than 20 minutes total of logging in the largest file, and it looks like it was during the day (15:18 - 15:36 -> 3:18-3:36 PM). Note that the date and time of when a log starts is embedded in the filename. I also need to see the ASCOM log files and ACP's log to match everything up. Instead, please try the Log Zipper within APPM. It should grab all the ASCOM and APCC files. You'll need to copy the ACP log file separately. Thanks, -Ray Gralak Author of APCC (Astro-Physics Command Center): http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/software/apcc/apcc Author of PEMPro: http://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: http://www.gralak.com/apdriver Author of PulseGuide: http://www.pulseguide.com Author of Sigma: http://www.gralak.com/sigma -----Original Message-----
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Re: CP4 - Ethernet autoguider
Daniel Calleja
Ray
I've redone this test (I had actually done it before after my initial post to ensure there was movement - I should have noted that). It is moving the mount (and in both axes). I can see it moving in APPC. The problem however seems to be in the calibration. It seems to then only move the mount in one axis - you can see the error here in the screen capture attached from two nights ago I've tried making the calibration time longer also (15 and 20 secs) Thanks Dan On 14/08/2016 1:00 AM, 'Ray Gralak (Groups)' groups3@... [ap-gto] wrote:
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Re: Automated remote operation of an AP1200 mount
m.salisbury30
Hi Ray
Many thanks for your reply (and to others for their comments). It has given me some confidence in operating the AP1200 remotely, though Lloyds experiences of pier collisions is something of a concern!
I currently operate the observatory semi-remotely and use The Sky6 and CCDSoft. I know they are outdated but they work well so I haven't seen any reason to change. I also use FocusMax to control the Atlas focuser and PHD for my separate guidescope
In addition to CCDAP I also plan to use Pinpoint for plate solving which I think I also need to build a pointing model in APCC.
From my experience of using other remote telescopes the robustness of the software and it's integration with the hardware are key. I have a few issues with the current set up such as changes to British Summer Time always seem to cause problems and I have a persistent (though not consistent) pointing error. Neither of these have been a particular issue to me as I use the scope long time series photometry generally of a single target per night, until I start to think about remote control. I will probably also install a very wide angle camera to allow me to identify the sky pointing if there is a problem.
It sounds like I will be looking at CCDAP working with APCC will for the core of the software suite. I think this will enable me to improve the pointing and plate solve automatically.
Many thanks Mark
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GTOCP4 and latest APAE?
cford81@...
I just mounted my new GTOCP4 on my AP1600GTO today. I also took advantage of the 30% offer and installed APCC on my POC also. So far, it all seems to hang together and I am starting to explore. The missing part of the equation appears to be the APAE software that controls both absolute encoders on my mount. I assume I might have to tun these on again now the old GTOCP3 and GTOAE combo is gone? (The RA status LED is glowing blue, the DEC status LED is now glowing green) I have a version 1.0 of the APAE utility on an (old school) CD that was shipped to me when I purchased my AP1600GTO a few years ago, but the documentation says the newest version is needed with the GTOCP4 but it does not seem to be available online. The documentation only says that a future version of APCC will integrate the APAE utility. Has anyone with absolute encoder mounts got the GTOCP4 working with the latest version of the existing APAE utility? (And what version number is it and where did you get it from) Chris
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