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VbScript for Named Park Positions
Hi everyone,
This folder contains scripts to create and park to new park positions. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ap-gto/files/VbScript%20Make%20New%20Park%20Positions/ NOTE: To use the VB scripts in this folder you MUST have a GTOCP4 or a GTOCP3 with Rev "S" firmware or later. This folder contains two VbScript files, one to create a new "named" park position, and the other to execute a park operation to a previously created park position. The new park position can be below the horizon, and/or with counterweight up, neither of which the current version of APCC will let you do. The scripts have a ".txt" file extension so that you can download them without being deemed a virus threat by anti-virus utilities. To use these scripts download them to your computer's desktop or another convenient location. After that, remove the ".txt" file extension by renaming each file. If Windows or your AV utility won't let you execute them, you may have to right click each file, select "Properties", and click the "Unblock" button, if there is one. IMPORTANT NOTE: to create a new named park position, you must be able to connect to your mount via the AP V2 driver, with or without APCC. So, to create a new named position double click the VbScript file: CreateNamedMountParkPosition.vbs You will be prompted for a descriptive name for the new park position. Although the names can have spaces, do not use any characters that are illegal in a file name or the script will fail. The script will give you a chance to this file to slew to the desired park position, if the scope is not already positioned there. Before saving to disk the script will display the parameters and the name of the file it will save them in. You can confirm or cancel at that time. If confirmed a new file will be saved in the folder "ApParkPositions" in your Windows Documents folder. This folder will be automatically created if it does not exist. If you ever want to remove any park positions just delete the appropriate file in the folder. If you don't qwant to delete the file but not have it included as a park position, then change the file extension from ".Park" to something else. To later park to one of the named park positions, double click this script: ParkToNamedParkPosition.vbscript The script will search the "Documents\ApParkPositions" folder for files with ".Park" extension and create an option list for you to select from. To park to a location select the appropriate number in the list that is presented. While slewing to the park position, a popup window will show up for two seconds at a time showing the current position of the scope. If you click the Cancel button the slew will stop. If you let the slew complete the popup window will stop appearing and a final popup message will show for about 5 seconds indicating the mount has been parked. If you have any questions or problems with the scripts, please post them here and not to my private email (thanks!) I am offering these scripts to the community under the open source MIT license, which means you are free to do whatever you want with them. However, as is typical in software licenses there is no implied warranty and by using these scripts or modifications of Best regards, -Ray Gralak Author of APCC (Astro-Physics Command Center): http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/software/apcc/apcc Author of PEMPro V3: https://www.ccdware.com Author of Astro-Physics V2 ASCOM Driver: https://www.siriusimaging.com/apdriver
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New file uploaded to ap-gto
ap-gto@...
Hello,
This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the ap-gto group. File : /VbScript Make New Park Positions/ParkToNamedParkPosition.vbs.txt Uploaded by : raygralak <groups3@...> Description : Allows you to park to a previously created park position using the script CreateNamedMountParkPosition.vbs. To use this script download this file to your desktop and remove the ".txt" file extension. Double-click to run it and select a previously created park position. You can access this file at the URL: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ap-gto/files/VbScript%20Make%20New%20Park%20Positions/ParkToNamedParkPosition.vbs.txt To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit: https://help.yahoo.com/kb/index?page=content&y=PROD_GRPS&locale=en_US&id=SLN15398 Regards, raygralak <groups3@...>
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New file uploaded to ap-gto
ap-gto@...
Hello,
This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the ap-gto group. File : /VbScript Make New Park Positions/CreateNamedMountParkPosition.vbs.txt Uploaded by : raygralak <groups3@...> Description : Creates a new user-defined and user-named park position. To use this script download this file to your desktop and remove the ".txt" file extension. Double-click to run it and create a new park position. Once a new park position has been created, you can park to the new park position with the vbscript file ParkToNamedParkPosition.vbs. You can access this file at the URL: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ap-gto/files/VbScript%20Make%20New%20Park%20Positions/CreateNamedMountParkPosition.vbs.txt To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit: https://help.yahoo.com/kb/index?page=content&y=PROD_GRPS&locale=en_US&id=SLN15398 Regards, raygralak <groups3@...>
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Re: USB (or Serial) vs Ethernet: Which is better or more reliable?
Dale Ghent
Hi, Peter
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
I'm not quite sure what you mean by "trust" here. The protocol spoken to and by your mount is comprised of very short ASCII character sequences - nothing like bulk binary data like which you'd see from your two cameras (main and guider). If you're already running USB to your pier for your other accessories, the mount isn't going to amount to much else in terms of perceived instability. It, like a focuser or filter wheel, has a very simple protocol with exceedingly low bandwidth requirements. USB will handle it fine. It will note, however, that 35 feet for a USB run is *double* the maximum length specified by the USB 2.0 spec, as the maximum length in order to maintain USB 2.0 Hi-speed (480Mbits/s) is 5 meters, or a smidge over 16 feet. In this case, I wouldn't be surprised if the run between your computer and the hub you have on your pier has fallen back to USB 1.1 Full-Speed speeds of 12Mbits/s. Obviously, since you're imaging, that would be or is sub-optimal. You low-bandwith devices such as mount and focuser will still be fine, but downloading images off your cameras will be slower than it should. You have 2 options in that case: 1. Get an Active USB 2.0 extension cable, also known as repeater cables. The throw distance on these are far greater than the 5 meter limit of USB 2.0. Examples can be seen here: http://www.yourcablestore.com/Active-Repeater-Cables_c_166.html 2. Move your PC physically closer to your pier in order to cut down cable length. I reckon that you would have done this already if you were able to, but it bears mentioning that small x86/x64 computer systems in industrial chassis are pretty ubiquitous now and are small enough that that can live *on* the pier itself. Running windows and file share services on it, you can remote desktop into it and use SMB file shares to offload photo data over an existing 802.11 or hardwire ethernet network. /dale
On Sep 15, 2018, at 2:47 PM, pnagy@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...> wrote:
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New file uploaded to ap-gto
ap-gto@...
Hello,
This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the ap-gto group. File : /VbScript Make New Park Positions/ReadMe.txt Uploaded by : raygralak <groups3@...> Description : Read me first! You can access this file at the URL: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ap-gto/files/VbScript%20Make%20New%20Park%20Positions/ReadMe.txt To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit: https://help.yahoo.com/kb/index?page=content&y=PROD_GRPS&locale=en_US&id=SLN15398 Regards, raygralak <groups3@...>
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New file uploaded to ap-gto
ap-gto@...
Hello,
This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the ap-gto group. File : /VbScript Make New Park Positions/ParkToNamedParkPosition.vbs.txt Uploaded by : raygralak <groups3@...> Description : Allows you to park to a previously created park position using the script CreateNamedMountParkPosition.vbs. To use this script download this file to your desktop and remove the ".txt" file extension. Double-click to run it and select a previously created park position. You can access this file at the URL: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ap-gto/files/VbScript%20Make%20New%20Park%20Positions/ParkToNamedParkPosition.vbs.txt To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit: https://help.yahoo.com/kb/index?page=content&y=PROD_GRPS&locale=en_US&id=SLN15398 Regards, raygralak <groups3@...>
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New file uploaded to ap-gto
ap-gto@...
Hello,
This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the ap-gto group. File : /VbScript Make New Park Positions/CreateNamedMountParkPosition.vbs.txt Uploaded by : raygralak <groups3@...> Description : Creates a new user-defined and user-named park position. To use this script download this file to your desktop and remove the ".txt" file extension. Double-click to run it and create a new park position. Once a new park position has been created, you can park to the new park position with the vbscript file ParkToNamedParkPosition.vbs. You can access this file at the URL: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ap-gto/files/VbScript%20Make%20New%20Park%20Positions/CreateNamedMountParkPosition.vbs.txt To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit: https://help.yahoo.com/kb/index?page=content&y=PROD_GRPS&locale=en_US&id=SLN15398 Regards, raygralak <groups3@...>
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Two new videos
Harley Davidson
I have seen in the past group members that inquire as to what are the possible cases for the 1100 mount. This is what I use.
ASTRO PHYSICS 1100GTO mount - cases I use for transport https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wd7IQtZSQw AND I came up with this idea to use both my 1100 and 1600 on the same 12" tripod. Wanted it to be a quick changeover. I will use my Eagle tripod the majority of the time with the 1100 and a 130GTX. Just wanted to keep my options open though. The 1600 will be used with the 175 f/8. Astro Physics 1100GTO & 1600GTO Mounts share the same tripod https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pSJfj13lZc tony
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Re: USB (or Serial) vs Ethernet: Which is better or more reliable?
Bill Long
I use Ethernet. I trust a network interface more than USB root hubs and all the OS level trickery.
From: ap-gto@... on behalf of pnagy@... [ap-gto]
Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2018 11:47:04 AM
To: ap-gto@... Subject: [ap-gto] USB (or Serial) vs Ethernet: Which is better or more reliable? Hello,
Now that Ray Gralak has created a Beta version of A-P V2 ASCOM driver to include Ethernet connection, I am wondering whether it's more worthwhile to switch from USB2 to Ethernet?
Currently, I have a powered USB2 hub velcroed to CP4 and use 35 feet USB active extension cable between laptop and USB2 hub and the outputs of USB hub connect to the following:
1) CP4 (1 foot cable)
2) Optec Focus Boss II auto focuser hub (1 foot cable)
3) QSI 660wsg CCD camera (6 feet cable)
4) Ultrastar auto guider (6 foot cable)
This current setup has worked great and so far no issues or disconnection of any kind.
If I use Ethernet to control CP4 and Optec Focus Boss II auto focuser hub, I will have to velcro a 5 port Ethernet switch to USB hub and use another 35 feet Ethernet cable in between laptop and Ethernet switch. I have personally tested latest A-P V2 ASCOM
driver with Ethernet and Ethernet switch and works very well.
My question is, do you trust Ethernet more than USB2 for controlling CP4 as well as Optec Focus Boss II auto focuser hub? I am not interested in high speed transmission because the bandwidth is very low. I have read that more people prefer or trust Ethernet
than USB2? Does Ethernet have less overhead in protocol than USB2? Do you think Ethernet is more reliable than USB2? I know one advantage of Ethernet is very long cable can be used like at least a 100 feet but that will never happen to me.
Thanks, Peter
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USB (or Serial) vs Ethernet: Which is better or more reliable?
topboxman
Hello, Now that Ray Gralak has created a Beta version of A-P V2 ASCOM driver to include Ethernet connection, I am wondering whether it's more worthwhile to switch from USB2 to Ethernet? Currently, I have a powered USB2 hub velcroed to CP4 and use 35 feet USB active extension cable between laptop and USB2 hub and the outputs of USB hub connect to the following: 1) CP4 (1 foot cable) 2) Optec Focus Boss II auto focuser hub (1 foot cable) 3) QSI 660wsg CCD camera (6 feet cable) 4) Ultrastar auto guider (6 foot cable) This current setup has worked great and so far no issues or disconnection of any kind. If I use Ethernet to control CP4 and Optec Focus Boss II auto focuser hub, I will have to velcro a 5 port Ethernet switch to USB hub and use another 35 feet Ethernet cable in between laptop and Ethernet switch. I have personally tested latest A-P V2 ASCOM driver with Ethernet and Ethernet switch and works very well. My question is, do you trust Ethernet more than USB2 for controlling CP4 as well as Optec Focus Boss II auto focuser hub? I am not interested in high speed transmission because the bandwidth is very low. I have read that more people prefer or trust Ethernet than USB2? Does Ethernet have less overhead in protocol than USB2? Do you think Ethernet is more reliable than USB2? I know one advantage of Ethernet is very long cable can be used like at least a 100 feet but that will never happen to me. Thanks, Peter
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Adaptive Tracking
Craig Young
I coined this term to describe custom tracking by changing the RA and DEC tracking rates rather than small go to movements to correct tracking errors. The advantage of using this method is a) I don't need a guide camera, I use the main imaging camera instead, b) by adjusting the tracking rate the corrections become smaller and are persistent, which means if clouds disrupt observing, the telescope continues to track quite accurately. The drifting has been minimized by correcting the tracking rates. I currently do this manually but am looking for an interface to APCC which will do this automatically. The procedure is this. My observing program is a sequence of images in different colors at 60 second exposure times or less, performed over several hours (high cadence photometry). At the beginning of the program the star is centered in the image and the custom tracking rates in DEC and RA are set to 0. An APPM model is used to provide the first level of tracking correction. After a few images the star will drift a few pixels from the center. This is due to an imperfect model and small mechanical changes in the mount. The number of pixels from the center in RA and DEC are measured and used to determine the tracking drift. A correction is then applied by changing the RA and DEC tracking rates in the V2 driver (or in the debug tracking correction screen in APCC). The amount of correction is calculated firstly to correct the drift and secondly to move the star slowly back to the center of the image. I am using an AP1600 mount with encoders and a plate scale of 0.57 arcsec/pixel, the drift is very small, but does add up over a few hours. What I want to do is automate this process, to monitor a folder for new images coming from the camera. The image is then analyzed to measure the pixel drift, calculates the correction rates for RA and DEC and then passes them to either APCC or V2 driver. So my questions are: a) before I write such a program, is there any other program that already does this? b) should I interface to the V2 driver or directly to the APCC program? c) what are the commands needed to change the tracking rate?
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TEST
Mike Shade
Mike J. Shade: mshade@q.com Mike J. Shade Photography:
In War: Resolution In Defeat: Defiance In Victory: Magnanimity In Peace: Goodwill Sir Winston Churchill Already, in the gathering dusk, a few of the stars are turning on their lights. Vega, the brightest one, is now dropping towards the west. Can it be half a year since I watched her April rising in the east? Low in the southwest Antares blinks a sad farwell to fall... Leslie Peltier, Starlight Nights
International Dark Sky Association: www.darksky.org
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Re: How to clear all RECALs in the CP4?
have you done a plate solve? Once I do one - all my goto's are dead centered. (mach1 as well)
On Wed, Sep 12, 2018 at 9:55 AM 'Christopher Erickson' christopher.k.erickson@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...> wrote:
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Re: How do AP mounts respond to small guide pulses?
Lee Borsboom
Thanks for the quick response, Rolando! ---In ap-gto@..., <chris1011@...> wrote : They will respond to all guide pulses no matter how small. Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: lee_borsboom@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...> To: ap-gto <ap-gto@...> Sent: Wed, Sep 12, 2018 6:46 pm Subject: [ap-gto] How do AP mounts respond to small guide pulses? Hey guys, Quick, and perhaps odd, question; do AP mounts (and the Mach 1 specifically) attempt to respond to all guide pulses, no matter how small, or do they ignore small guide pulses? Cheers, Lee
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Re: How do AP mounts respond to small guide pulses?
Stuart Heggie <stuart.j.heggie@...>
Sounds like a Dr. Seuss story! Stuart
--
Stuart Heggie
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Re: How do AP mounts respond to small guide pulses?
Roland Christen
They will respond to all guide pulses no matter how small.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: lee_borsboom@... [ap-gto] To: ap-gto Sent: Wed, Sep 12, 2018 6:46 pm Subject: [ap-gto] How do AP mounts respond to small guide pulses? Hey guys,
Quick, and perhaps odd, question; do AP mounts (and the Mach 1 specifically) attempt to respond to all guide pulses, no matter how small, or do they ignore small guide pulses?
Cheers,
Lee
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Re: 92mm Stowaway notification
Leon Fasano
Hello, just wanted to be clear, is the 92mm a apochromatic? I know it stated 3 air spaced lens wasn’t sure if that described it correctly, thanks.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
On Sep 12, 2018, at 4:32 PM, Thomas Fischer manusfisch@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...> wrote:
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Re: 92mm Stowaway notification
DFisch
Thanks for all you do in keeping high quality and high touch with your fans and customers!
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Re: 92mm Stowaway notification
Roland Christen
We need first to digest this first signup.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: TJF manusfisch@... [ap-gto] To: ap-gto Sent: Wed, Sep 12, 2018 3:13 pm Subject: Re: [ap-gto] 92mm Stowaway notification Marj, is there any room on a wait list for the next run? how do I sign up. Thanks for your consideration. Tom Fischer, INdy
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Re: [ap-ug] 92mm Stowaway notification
Roland Christen
1. Some of the people that signed up in April are also on the old list, so others on the April list will move up.
2. We are making every effort to contact all the people on the old list, but do not anticipate that all of them will order anything. In the past there were many who had moved on to other scopes and other hobbies.
3. In short order we will be ordering more glass for a second run, and that run may be larger than the first. It won't be a year for the second run. Things have gone smoothly for this one so I'm anticipating less startup tummy aches on the second run.
4. Do not despair. There are lots of other great scopes out there for your viewing pleasure.
Rolando
-----Original Message-----
From: Moshen Chan moshenext@... [ap-ug] To: ap-ug Cc: ap-gto Sent: Wed, Sep 12, 2018 3:02 pm Subject: Re: [ap-ug] 92mm Stowaway notification Hi Marj,
Given you know how many people are on the original list and how much time you will give them to make a decision - do you know (roughly) when you will contact folks on the new list if any are remaining?
Thanks!
Moshen
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