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Re: A Dolphin from Florida
Emilio J. Robau, P.E.
Boy Linwood, that is a beauty! I bet you are out there tonight!
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of ap@...
Sent: Thursday, February 3, 2022 10:31 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: [ap-gto] A Dolphin from Florida
Since I had this screen open for the last message thought I would share my latest image courtesy of my 1100.
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Re: A Dolphin from Florida
I think we probably all feel that our processing is never good enough. That’s a keeper Linwood.
Eric
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Re: A Dolphin from Florida
Bob Enouen
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing Linwood.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
Bob Robert J. Enouen Cell 513-504-4410
On Feb 3, 2022, at 11:08 PM, ap@... wrote:
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Re: A Dolphin from Florida
ap@CaptivePhotons.com
On Thu, Feb 3, 2022 at 10:50 PM, Eric Weiner wrote:
I’d like to see your data without stars removed.I didn't save the color version of that, but have the stacks with minimal processing, if you care to look. Two files in one zip here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1carQ4CiRNGOIJAf6XrOpAVarF1sV_r5L/view?usp=sharing Love to hear any recommendations, etc. you have. I struggled a lot trying to remove stars. I ended up doing it in the synthetic luminance (just the sum of the Ha and Oiii) instead of the RGB version. The new Starnet++ V2 is great, but it removes them, doesn't just remove some. I ended up taking the synthetic luminance and running starnet to get a stars masked (after stretch -- it isn't working right pre-stretch), then did some multiscale linear work to remove some, also some morphalogical transform, then added the stars back in. It made a mess, I cloned some odd shapes out afterwards. I also tried the Star De-emphasis script Adam Block loves, but it did not do nearly enough reduction. I wish starnet had a "remove all below this size" or some such. Linwood
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Re: A Dolphin from Florida
great definition, nice one Linwood
On Thu, Feb 3, 2022 at 7:31 PM ap@... <ap@...> wrote: Since I had this screen open for the last message thought I would share my latest image courtesy of my 1100. --
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Re: A Dolphin from Florida
Well done. Excellent processing. I’d like to see your data without stars removed.
Eric
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Re: A Dolphin from Florida
I like that a lot. Karen AP
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of ap@...
Sent: Thursday, February 3, 2022 9:31 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: [ap-gto] A Dolphin from Florida
Since I had this screen open for the last message thought I would share my latest image courtesy of my 1100. -- Karen Christen Astro-Physics
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A Dolphin from Florida
ap@CaptivePhotons.com
Since I had this screen open for the last message thought I would share my latest image courtesy of my 1100.
This is SH2-308, the Dolphin Nebula, at 540mm with an ASI6200, about 35 hours combined of Oiii and Ha (it has little Sii), as R=Ha, G=(2*Ha+Oiii)/3, B=Oiii, with a lot of stars removed and de-emphasized. Any not-round stars are from optics, not the mount. :) Criticism and suggestions welcomed. Full size: https://www.astrobin.com/18cvoi/ 
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Re: All of a sudden I can't guide well (PHD2, AP1100AE), large spikes
ap@CaptivePhotons.com
I thought I would add some closure, or maybe non-closure-giving-up to this.
I spent some time with grep and the command language and found the log entries in APCC for every motion command sent during a couple of these events. The commands in there corresponded to the guide pulses from the PHD2 log, and were correct -- the only large ones were reactive to the excursion, not the cause of the excursion. Since everything connects to ASCOM which connects to APCC, nothing else could have commanded the mount to move without appearing in that log (there is no handheld). I went back and reviewed security footage again, more carefully. It's very dark and vague, but I really think I would see a bird, and that's about the only thing I can think that would be out and might touch the mount. Nothing. I set up the again last night with the same setup exactly. I had intended to switch to the C11, but thought I would try the same setup again. It guided normally, and fine. Seeing was still mediocre, but no excursions, imaged all night, perfect round stars. Not great guiding, but what I expected given the seeing (I ran guiding assistant first for a good while to see how well it saw). Tonight I put the C11 on, and it is more or less normal. It is slightly windy tonight and seeing is still bad. There are some larger excursions but most are under 1", two were over 2" but even with light wind with that big dew shield that could well be a puff of wind. So the problem seems gone. Or in hiding. Maybe I need a better camera to watch the telescope. Everything else I've checked is a dead end. But I will remain happy so long as it stays in hiding. If anyone has other things to check, let me know, otherwise guiding, imaging and happy. Linwood
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Re: AP 900 Questions
Shawn Johnston
Great info! Thanks for updating the post. Shawn
On Thu, Feb 3, 2022 at 11:07 AM Emilio J. Robau, P.E. <ejr@...> wrote: 1.) The mount is pre SN 900 450. I understand that from that SN on, there were modifications to the dec assembly that allowed the mount to more effectively guide while counterweight up. I understand that AP enhanced prior to SN 900 450. Is this enhancement still available? Can the enhancement be done by the end user? What was the issue with the mount in the first place? I am perfectly happy to not guide with the counterweight up, but of course I want to further understand the issue and modify my expectations accordingly. --
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Re: AP 900 Questions
Emilio J. Robau, P.E.
Thanks Peter,
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Re: AP 900 Questions
Peter Nagy
Check this info about your Keypad:
https://www.astro-physics.info/index.htm?tech_support/mounts/keypad_update/419/419 Peter
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Re: AP 900 Questions
Emilio J. Robau, P.E.
1.) The mount is pre SN 900 450. I understand that from that SN on, there were modifications to the dec assembly that allowed the mount to more effectively guide while counterweight up. I understand that AP enhanced prior to SN 900 450. Is this enhancement still available? Can the enhancement be done by the end user? What was the issue with the mount in the first place? I am perfectly happy to not guide with the counterweight up, but of course I want to further understand the issue and modify my expectations accordingly.
The enhancement requires additional machine work on the mount. AP is no longer offering the service. The enhancements can not be done by the end user. The issue with pre SN 900 450 had to do with performance of SOME of the units with the counterweight up position as it related to the way DEC responded to the corrections. This is all I know. Reportedly not all pre 450 models had the issue. 2.) I received a hand controller that boots up with 4.19.3. Is this the latest firmware release? Can this hand controller be used on both of my mounts? If so, I may keep it. However, I really don't need it since I am strictly an imager and run everything from computers. I may sell it to upgrade other items. The hand controller firmware is the most current for the CP2 control boxes. Later boxes support a more recent firmware. I did not get an answer to working on both mounts, so I think the answer is yes with the proper adjustments to the input parameters before you use the hand controller. 3.) The unit has a CP2 control box on it. I have a wanted add out for a CP3 box on Amart. If anyone has an older CP3 box they want to sell let me know. I may go for the CP4 which is what I have on my 1600. The CP2 box has the E chip. I thought that the latest hand controller would not run on the CP2 box. Yet, mine seems to run. Is that because the chip was updated to the latest and greatest for the CP2 box? The hand controller will run off of the CP2 box with the E chip, which I think is the latest chip for that item. 4.) I want a fresh start so just as I have re-greased the unit, I want to go ahead and replace the clutch plugs as indicated in the Clutch Plug Replacement for 900 and 1200 mounts but can't seem to find parts M12300 or M12665-A (pending age of mount and set screw or no set screw) and can't fine M0100 that is all needed in order to replace the plugs. Any advice on this? Call AP? Call AP, if they sold Moses a piece of equipment to take across the Red Sea, AP still has the parts for the equipment. 5) I am going to replace the dovetail knob for the dovetail with a plug so it won't tangle stuff. Yepper. Ordering that today. This reminds me to do so. 6) I am going to replace the clutch knob in the strategic location so it won't tangle stuff. Yepper. Ordering that today. This reminds me to do so. More editorial content: My new old mount is approximately 20 years old. It looks like the day AP shipped it. Last night I measured the PEC with Pempro and it came in at about 3.2 arc-sec with no management and with windy conditions. This is so good that I am going to check everything again when the wind dies down. I am working on replaying the curve to the mount. First time without inversion, it seemed to get worse. I fed it the inverted curve but had to go to sleep. I will be testing it again. Amazing piece of equipment.
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Re: AP 900 Questions
Shawn Johnston
Out of curiosity what did you find out for answers to your questions?
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
Shawn
On Jan 31, 2022, at 14:54, Eric Weiner <weinere@...> wrote:
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Re: Pier for AP1600
Am also a fan of the Monolith and funnily enough there is one available now on Amart (In Texas - 48" and attached to a 1200GTO). It could use a new coat of paint - but may be worth seeing if the seller will split from the mount. It looks like a 36"+12" which is more flexible if you plan on switching it between visual and imaging duties
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Re: APPM with Different Cameras
Actually, the CP4 control boxes do not have this feature yet. We plan to make it available within the next month.
Clear Skies, Marj Christen Astro-Physics 11250 Forest Hills Road Machesney Park, IL 61115 Phone: 815-282-1513 www.astro-physics.com
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Roland Christen via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, February 2, 2022 5:55 PM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] APPM with Different Cameras
People who have purchased the 1100/1600 in these last couple of runs have the latest software in their CP4 and keypad.
Roland
-----Original Message----- Indeed. I was asking if the updated firmware is available yet. On 2/2/22 2:04 PM, Roland Christen via groups.io wrote: CP4s are software upgrade-able.
Rolando
-----Original Message----- Does the current CP4 firmware already have these features? I hadn't heard that. On 2/2/22 1:35 PM, Roland Christen via groups.io wrote: The latest keypad software has a built-in modeling routines, one of which is Dec arc modeling which is effective at producing the RA/Dec rates to compensate for drift in those axes for a specific object. There is also global modeling for pointing and a routine for eliminating orthogonality error. In the case of the keypad, this model resides in the CP4/5 controller, rather than on a laptop, so it can be used in the field without a laptop for someone that just wants to do imaging with a consumer digital camera. I have tested the software on a number of objects and the latest version is quite effective for unguided imaging. The only downside is that you have to do some work to pick the points and center them, whereas APCC-APPM is totally automated.
Since the keypad is a manual operation, there is the possibility of user error if you don't follow the instructions on the keypad exactly. If you make a mistake and press the wrong key, you can always exit and go back to the routine without losing the previous entries. With APPM the human input is minimal, and thus the possibility of mistakes are essentially gone.
The keypad routine for Dec arc modeling has two methods. The first is to center up to 8 points along a Dec arc where the object is located. You only need one Dec arc with 8 points, no need to bracket it. Centering is done either manually with a crosshair, or with plate solve software (which requires external software/hardware). Once all points are entered into the modeling, you simply change the keypad from Sidereal to Custom and you are off to the races.
The second method measures the actual drift rate of any given point along the Dec arc. You start by placing a crosshair on any star in the field and entering that data point. You let it drift for 5 - 10 minutes, recenter the same star and enter that point. The CP4/5 calculates the exact drift rate for that point in the sky and creates a custom rate from that. You can enter up to 8 points on a Dec line to get maximum precision. The CP4/5 draws a curve thru the points and interpolates rates between them. In practice I have entered just 3 points and gotten excellent results for 6 hours of tracking with 10 minute exposures.
Rolando
-----Original Message----- Wade, so, I would need the latest APCC to make this work. I have had issues with the latest one onl this computer and am awaiting some changes by Ray. I am using
1.9.0.11 so I guess this option is on hold for me. However, I thought Roland had described a correction method that only needed the hand controller.
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Re: APPM with Different Cameras
Roland Christen
People who have purchased the 1100/1600 in these last couple of runs have the latest software in their CP4 and keypad.
Roland
-----Original Message-----
From: W Hilmo <y.groups@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Wed, Feb 2, 2022 5:07 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] APPM with Different Cameras
Indeed. I was asking if the updated firmware is available yet.
From your later reply, it sounds like "not yet", which is what I thought. I just got a bit excited when you mentioned "CP4/5" below :) -Wade On 2/2/22 2:04 PM, Roland Christen via
groups.io wrote:
CP4s are software upgrade-able.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: W Hilmo <y.groups@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Wed, Feb 2, 2022 3:56 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] APPM with Different Cameras Does the current CP4 firmware already have these
features? I hadn't heard that.
Thanks, -Wade On 2/2/22 1:35
PM, Roland Christen via groups.io wrote:
The latest
keypad software has a built-in modeling routines,
one of which is Dec arc modeling which is
effective at producing the RA/Dec rates to
compensate for drift in those axes for a specific
object. There is also global modeling for pointing
and a routine for eliminating orthogonality error.
In the case of the keypad, this model resides in
the CP4/5 controller, rather than on a laptop, so
it can be used in the field without a laptop for
someone that just wants to do imaging with a
consumer digital camera. I have tested the
software on a number of objects and the latest
version is quite effective for unguided imaging.
The only downside is that you have to do some work
to pick the points and center them, whereas
APCC-APPM is totally automated.
Since the keypad is a manual
operation, there is the possibility of user error
if you don't follow the instructions on the keypad
exactly. If you make a mistake and press the wrong
key, you can always exit and go back to the
routine without losing the previous entries. With
APPM the human input is minimal, and thus the
possibility of mistakes are essentially gone.
The keypad routine for Dec arc
modeling has two methods. The first is to center
up to 8 points along a Dec arc where the object is
located. You only need one Dec arc with 8 points,
no need to bracket it. Centering is done either
manually with a crosshair, or with plate solve
software (which requires external
software/hardware). Once all points are entered
into the modeling, you simply change the keypad
from Sidereal to Custom and you are off to the
races.
The second method measures the
actual drift rate of any given point along the Dec
arc. You start by placing a crosshair on any star
in the field and entering that data point. You let
it drift for 5 - 10 minutes, recenter the same
star and enter that point. The CP4/5 calculates
the exact drift rate for that point in the sky and
creates a custom rate from that. You can enter up
to 8 points on a Dec line to get maximum
precision. The
CP4/5 draws a curve thru the points and
interpolates rates between them. In
practice I have entered just 3 points and gotten
excellent results for 6 hours of tracking with 10
minute exposures.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: Larry Phillips <llp41astro@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Wed, Feb 2, 2022 2:00 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] APPM with Different Cameras Wade, so, I would need the latest APCC to
make this work. I have had issues with the
latest one onl this computer and am awaiting
some changes by Ray. I am using 1.9.0.11 so I
guess this option is on hold for me. However, I
thought Roland had described a correction method
that only needed the hand controller.
Larry -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics
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Re: APPM with Different Cameras
W Hilmo
Indeed. I was asking if the updated firmware is available yet.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
From your later reply, it sounds like "not yet", which is what I thought. I just got a bit excited when you mentioned "CP4/5" below :) -Wade
On 2/2/22 2:04 PM, Roland Christen via
groups.io wrote:
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Re: APPM with Different Cameras
Roland Christen
The software will be available. I don't know the timeline but they are working on it. Has to do with the software key to allow useage.
Roland
-----Original Message-----
From: Konstantin von Poschinger <KPoschinger@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Wed, Feb 2, 2022 4:51 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] APPM with Different Cameras Hi Roland,
have you changed something? I have asked for the using of the new futures already but you said that it will only work for the Mach2 and the CP5. So I would like to test it also with a CP4 and my AP1100 an AP1600. Can you tell me the software versions I would need for the keypad and perhaps for the CP4.
Konstantin
Konstantin v. Poschinger
Hammerichstr. 5 22605 Hamburg 040/8805747 0171 1983476
-- Roland Christen Astro-Physics
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Re: APPM with Different Cameras
Larry Phillips
Thanks Roland.
Larry
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