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Re: APCC new install error

midmoastro
 

Only using Windows Defender. No other AV solution.

Panther Canyon 11PAHi7 
Bob, I hope you are wrong ;-)
Re: General Questions about new AP1600

Bob Enouen
 

Hi Scott - I’m on a very similar path to what you describe below.  I’ve provided some answers below.

Thanks, Bob


Robert J. Enouen
Cell 513-504-4410

On Dec 14, 2021, at 5:49 PM, Scott B <biebs123@...> wrote:




Hello All -

I'm the proud new owner of an AP 1600. As I get started with it, I'm hoping some of the experienced observers and imagers can weigh in on a few questions.

Circumstances gave me a once in a lifetime opportunity to design and build a permanently housed observatory as part of a new home construction. We are going to have a Meade LX 850 OTA side-by-side with an AP 130mm refractor, mounted onto the AP 1600. This is all a big step up from my current rig, an AVX mount controlled by CPWI and PhD2 , SV70 OTA, ZWO 183 OSC camera, using Sharpcap for imaging. I've used sharpcap for polar alignment and I'm reasonably confident that I'll be able to get the AP mount aligned accurately.

What is the status? What kind of observatory have you decided to go with?  I have a 16” RC on my AP1600 and there isn’t much room left under the dome to add another scope.  I plan to dual image at some point with an APM 152 refractor and ~100ish refractor tbd.  The RAPAS worked great for me, and then I removed it to avoid cable snags.

The plan for the new observatory is imaging only for the 130mm OTA, while the 16'' SCT will be used for visual as well as imaging small DSOs like planetaries and probably the planets too. Down the road I'd love to get into photometry when I have the time to dedicate to it.

I haven't chosen a camera yet for the refractor. A camera with 3.75 micrometer pixels would yield an image scale of about 1.33''/pixel for the 130mm (there is a focal reducer). I am near the Atlantic Ocean - a block away - would the seeing over the ocean allow me to be more aggressive about a smaller image scale? FWIW I've yet to image in monochrome or use an autofocuser, so this will be another piece of the learning curve.

I use a ZWO6200MM at 2x2 binning with a ZWO EF7 filter wheel.  I just tested it last night at 3x3 and I like the stars even better.  

I plan to run the Pegasus Ultimate Powerbox 2 thru the mount to connect and power the cameras and accessories. Would any other cables need to go thru? I'd like to get everything setup in such a way that I can leave all the heavy parts of the mount in place permanently, so I'm trying to plan out cable management in advance.

I didn’t run any additional cables through the mount. I tucked my shuttle pc in the cubby hole between the polar fork assembly and I connected the mount and everything else that doesn’t move to it.  The dc converter for the pegasus sits there too.  The pegasus sits under the scope and zip tied wires connect it to the pc, camera, ef7, and focuser. 

Some other questions -

Do most users prefer APCC or ASCOM?

APCC Pro with a 300 point APPM model that allows me to get good 180 second Lights without guiding.  NINA has been great.

Do most imagers use PhD to guide, or other software?

I have used PHD in the past but don’t need to now.

I've never used an OAG - will this be a necessity for imaging with the LX850?

Finally, when it comes to this new mount and OTAs, I don't know what I don't know, so any experiences you consider worth sharing are appreciated. Thanks very much

I thought about trying to start with the dual setup you describe but decided that it was a bridge too far and I’d just take it one step at a time.  

Scott B
M78 and Barnard's Loop

Robert Chozick <rchozick@...>
 

I got this image last time I was out at my observatory Paducah, TX.  I got the same reflection that was on my last shot of M78.  I moved my filter placement because of the last time so not sure how to avoid this.  I actually think the reflection looks interesting.

Any suggestions as to why I am getting this reflection on my refractor would be welcome.  The only thing I can think of is that my dew shield is stuck half way and cannot be fully extended.  Could that cause this?   This is the only object I have imaged that has done this.  After the last time it showed up I moved my filter to a different spot.  See the other image below:


Robert
Re: RAPAS bracket gap on Mach2? #Mach2GTO

Eric Weiner
 

I went through this too last year when I first got my Mach2. AP assured me this was normal. It has worked perfectly fine for me.
Re: APCC new install error

Bob Enouen
 

You’re right - that’s exactly what happened to me and I tried all the solutions you’ve been describing.  I finally solved it by getting a different NUC as described in the topic you attached.  What NUC are you using?

Thanks, Bob


Robert J. Enouen
Cell 513-504-4410
Re: APCC new install error

Dale Ghent
 

Ray would likely have deeper knowledge of what might (not) be happening here. The only remaining thing I can think of is that anti-virus is pulling shenanigans. Are you running anything other than the stock Windows Defender? If so, I would try disabling it temporarily while installing APCC. I presume you're running Windows 10?

On Dec 14, 2021, at 22:29, midmoastro <teche70@...> wrote:

checking the error log first, I do see the following:

GetCurrentUtcOffset, Current Time Zone offset for '(UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada)' is -6
0000020 2021-12-14 21:22:49.173: Info, Async Window, <*closing*>
0000021 2021-12-14 21:22:50.005: Info, TimedMsgBox, Timeout (msecs): 5000, Message: Error creating virtual port 1 control: Class not registered (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80040154 (REGDB_E_CLASSNOTREG))
0000022 2021-12-14 21:22:55.015: Info, TimedMsgBox, NO USER RESPONSE: Using default button 1
0000023 2021-12-14 21:22:55.016: Info, TimedMsgBox, Button 2 clicked (&OK). Result code OK
0000024 2021-12-14 21:22:55.017: Info, TimedMsgBox, CLOSING: OK, Original Message: Error creating virtual port 1 control: Class not registered (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80040154 (REGDB_E_CLASSNOTREG))
0000025 2021-12-14 21:22:55.024: Info, Environmental, EnablePolling = True
0000026 2021-12-14 21:22:55.025: Info, Environmental, Polling Interval = 10 (secs)
0000027 2021-12-14 21:22:55.027: Info, Environmental, DeviceType = THUM
0000028 2021-12-14 21:22:55.068: Error, THUM, Error Reading THUM = 2
Re: APCC new install error

midmoastro
 

checking the error log first, I do see the following:

GetCurrentUtcOffset, Current Time Zone offset for '(UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada)' is -6
0000020 2021-12-14 21:22:49.173:       Info,    Async Window, <*closing*>
0000021 2021-12-14 21:22:50.005:       Info,     TimedMsgBox, Timeout (msecs): 5000, Message: Error creating virtual port 1 control: Class not registered (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80040154 (REGDB_E_CLASSNOTREG))
0000022 2021-12-14 21:22:55.015:       Info,     TimedMsgBox, NO USER RESPONSE: Using default button 1
0000023 2021-12-14 21:22:55.016:       Info,     TimedMsgBox, Button 2 clicked (&OK). Result code OK
0000024 2021-12-14 21:22:55.017:       Info,     TimedMsgBox, CLOSING: OK, Original Message: Error creating virtual port 1 control: Class not registered (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80040154 (REGDB_E_CLASSNOTREG))
0000025 2021-12-14 21:22:55.024:       Info,   Environmental, EnablePolling = True
0000026 2021-12-14 21:22:55.025:       Info,   Environmental, Polling Interval = 10 (secs)
0000027 2021-12-14 21:22:55.027:       Info,   Environmental, DeviceType = THUM
0000028 2021-12-14 21:22:55.068:      Error,            THUM, Error Reading THUM = 2
Re: APCC new install error

midmoastro
 

reboot in between makes no difference. After the install, though, there are several settings files left over. Im thinking about deleting everything under the Astro-Physics folder and trying it again. I can replace that stuff with the content of my laptop which does work.
Re: APCC new install error

midmoastro
 

Uninstalled. Right-clicked and ran as admin but still the same issue. Is a reboot needed between the uninstall and reinstall?
Very odd.
Re: APCC new install error

Dale Ghent
 

The kind of error you're getting makes me wonder. Uninstall APCC, then try installing again (the beta) but this time, right click the installer .exe file and "Run as administrator"

On Dec 14, 2021, at 21:49, midmoastro <teche70@...> wrote:

Same error. I wonder if I need to remove other files/remnants after the uninstall of APCC 1.9.0.11?
Re: APCC new install error

midmoastro
 

Same error. I wonder if I need to remove other files/remnants after the uninstall of APCC 1.9.0.11?
Re: APCC new install error

midmoastro
 

I have not, thank you Dale. I will try this and report back
Todd
Re: APCC new install error

Dale Ghent
 

Try the current beta installer instead? There are a bunch of improvements in this area.

https://www.apastrosoftware.com/apcc_download/APCC_Pro_BETA_Setup_1.9.2.5.exe

On Dec 14, 2021, at 21:21, midmoastro <teche70@...> wrote:

Beginning to wonder if this might be similar to my issue
https://ap-gto.groups.io/g/main/topic/eltima_virtual_ports/87262959?p=,,,20,0,0,0::recentpostdate/sticky,,,20,2,0,87262959,previd=1638259245354554293,nextid=1637626116085467712&previd=1638259245354554293&nextid=1637626116085467712

RAPAS bracket gap on Mach2? #Mach2GTO

Jeff Kraehnke
 

Not sure if this is a problem or not, but couldn't find mention of it anywhere so I thought I'd ask.  When I insert the RAPAS into the mounting bracket on my Mach2, it doesn't slide all the way in.  Comparing it to images from the RAPAS manual, I see that it inserts what appears to be all the way to the housing.  Is this a problem or am I doing something wrong?  Best I can tell it only goes one way.  And yes, the thumbscrew is not preventing it from going in further.  The geometry is I believe.  Thanks.

Jeff
Re: APCC new install error

midmoastro
 

Re: APCC new install error

midmoastro
 

Thank you Brian. I installed: APCC Pro v1.9.0.11
I looked to see if Eltima showed in Add/Remove programs but couldnt find it there.
I also went to my current working laptop to see if it was installed there as well and could not find it so its hard to tell if it installed correct or not.
Or if that is in fact the issue
Todd
Re: [ap-ug] M33 with 92mm Stowaway, combining RGB, H-alpha, and O-III

Dale Ghent
 

I never did get the CFF flattener because it wasn't available when I received the CFF92, and I wanted to try to find a reducer+flattener system that had the same (or very close to the same) BFL so they could be interchangeable using the same Precise Parts adapter, with only a few shims of difference between them. But that didn't happen and all I've been using is the M63 reducer. That was perfectly fine with the 4/3 sensor in the ASI1600 I was using on it. The QHY268 pushes it just enough more that it's flaking out rapidly at the corners, as f/4.5 light cones are good at doing. I'm sure APS-C would be fine corner-to-corner on the slower f/6.9 version of the CFF92 with this reducer.

A "unicorn" solution, for me at least, would be this super reducer that can be stuffed into the rear of a 3" FTF or Nitecrawler, with a paired flattener that has the same BFL to keep framing options open without much ado when it comes to adapter configuration.

On Dec 13, 2021, at 15:42, Bill Long <bill@...> wrote:

Well this is good information. The CFF92 was the other scope I thought of for being in the game for a well corrected field. Sounds like it's not terrible with the reducer, but could be improved on.

What about the flattener? Can it cover the IMX455.

Either way, sounds like more positive data for the AP92 upgrade option for the full frame capability and the TCC.


From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Dale Ghent <daleg@...>
Sent: Monday, December 13, 2021 6:13 AM
To: main@ap-ug.groups.io <main@ap-ug.groups.io>
Cc: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] [ap-ug] M33 with 92mm Stowaway, combining RGB, H-alpha, and O-III

It’s something I would be interested in, and I don’t even have a Stowaway. I have a CFF 92 f/6 refractor and the M63 APM-Riccardi reducer that have been using on it is baaaaarely passable, with some leniency, when using it with my APS-C sensor. I’m using an OAG with this scope since it’s a compact travel imager, so its pick-off mirror is definitely sitting outside the corrected area in order to avoid intruding into the sensor’s fov. A larger corrected field is certainty something that I miss and would jump at the opportunity to have, even if it meant a focuser upgrade (my CFF 92 came with a 3” FTF; an improved optical design similar to the M63 format or a little larger, would be fine in my case.)

The APS-C Sony IMX571 sensor that is now in many CMOS astrocams is a fantastic sensor and is fairly accessible in terms of price, which is fueling its rise as a common sensor to see now. It’s the smaller cousin of the full-frame IMX455 which is also popular, of course. A TCC and flattener that could competently handle both would be noticed. Other makes of (mainly Chinese) refractors in the 90-110mm range also lack a competent reducer/flattener for these sensor sizes and one could find use with those.

On Dec 11, 2021, at 19:33, Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...> wrote:


It's certainly possible to design and build a super sharp telecompressor for the 92 Stowaway to cover the full frame CMOS cameras with sharp round stars into the corners with no vignetting. It would require 3 things, a more exotic compressor design, a larger focuser and market for it. It would be more or less a super astrograph, rather than a small fun portable scope, plus it would cost more. Is the interest there or not, that is the question.

Rolando


-----Original Message-----
From: Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...>
To: main@ap-ug.groups.io <main@ap-ug.groups.io>
Sent: Sat, Dec 11, 2021 6:15 pm
Subject: Re: [ap-ug] M33 with 92mm Stowaway, combining RGB, H-alpha, and O-III

Tonight I'm shooting in very clear skies, very cold sub-freezing, but poor seeing. Moon is also nearby.

Roland

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Weiner <weinere@...>
To: main@ap-ug.groups.io
Sent: Sat, Dec 11, 2021 6:09 pm
Subject: Re: [ap-ug] M33 with 92mm Stowaway, combining RGB, H-alpha, and O-III

Thanks Roland. I have the 92FF as well. Just exploring my options. Focal length of 644 vs 488, a 1’x0.7’ delta. That’s worth the trouble of flats for some targets imho. Our skies in Colorado have been terrible so I haven’t had a chance to experiment with the TCC myself yet. I just got it on Monday.

Eric




Re: APCC new install error

Brian Valente
 

what version of APCC are you installing?

I agree it sounds like an issue with Eltima software, although it should install (silently i believe) with APCC

On Tue, Dec 14, 2021 at 4:45 PM midmoastro <teche70@...> wrote:
I'm installing APCC on a new Intel NUC and having some issues that I didnt have with my prior laptop install.
I've been following the document and dont think I've missed anything.
I installed in this order:
1. Update to .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later (if needed) ( I actually have 3.5 and 4.8 installed)
2. Install the ASCOM Platform 6.5 SP1 (complete)
3. Install the AP V2 ASCOM Driver (complete)
4. Install APCC (complete)

I also saw the black box pop up but never got a prompt to install the Eltima software. So maybe this is the issue?
I entered my software key in APCC without issue.

After launching APCC, I get the following error. Any ideas what this may be related to? Did I miss something?



--
Brian 



Brian Valente
APCC new install error

midmoastro
 

I'm installing APCC on a new Intel NUC and having some issues that I didnt have with my prior laptop install.
I've been following the document and dont think I've missed anything.
I installed in this order:
1. Update to .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later (if needed) ( I actually have 3.5 and 4.8 installed)
2. Install the ASCOM Platform 6.5 SP1 (complete)
3. Install the AP V2 ASCOM Driver (complete)
4. Install APCC (complete)

I also saw the black box pop up but never got a prompt to install the Eltima software. So maybe this is the issue?
I entered my software key in APCC without issue.

After launching APCC, I get the following error. Any ideas what this may be related to? Did I miss something?
Re: APCC Not Restarting Cleanly

Bob Denny
 

I know this is old, sorry it's  been on my queue too long:

They can be two separate connections to the telescope - one from ACP and the other from MaximDL. In your script, I see that ACP is disconnecting from the telescope, but I do not see a call disconnecting MaximDL from the telescope.
MaxIm, when used with ACP never connects the Telescope (or anything else!) in its own Observatory Control. ACP is in charge of slewing the scope etc. However, if the guider uses Pulse Guiding, then MaxIm will use a connection from the guider logic ("ASCOM Direct") only for the purpose of providing guiding corrections. In this case, connecting and disconnecting the Camera (MaxIm's CCDCamera object) results in connecting and disconnecting from the telescope. In Jerry's case

        Camera.LinkEnabled = false;
        Util.CameraConnected = false;            // Disconnect it from ACP
        Console.PrintLine("OK, imager shutdown complete.");

Is releasing MaxIm's connection to the telescope.

I need to review with Jerry though, on how he is getting his "dangerous low hjanging rolloff" closed safely. I believe you changed (rightly) Park() from sync to async, right? His script may be trying to disconnect the telescope while it is still parking. I'll let you know.
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