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Re: Keypad V5.010 available for GTOCP4 and GTOCP5!

Konstantin v. Poschinger
 

Hi Roland,

so what do you think is the best way to handle if you are working in a combination sometimes with a computer and APCC and sometimes with the hand pad. If you have a model build without the Ortho model and you build afterwards the Ortho model. Will this influence APCC when you flip sides?

Grüsse

Konni


Konstantin v. Poschinger


Hammerichstr. 5
22605 Hamburg
040/8805747
0171/1983476

Am 19.07.2022 um 18:08 schrieb Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...>:


Yes, the Ortho model is active after a power cycle.

Roland

-----Original Message-----
From: Konstantin von Poschinger <KPoschinger@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Sent: Tue, Jul 19, 2022 1:06 am
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Keypad V5.010 available for GTOCP4 and GTOCP5!

Hi Roland,

what will happen if you power cycle the mount? Is the Ortho  model still working?

Grüsse

Konni


Konstantin v. Poschinger


Hammerichstr. 5
22605 Hamburg
040/8805747
0171/1983476

Am 19.07.2022 um 02:41 schrieb Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...>:



My question is will the CP4 apply the ortho model even for goto's that are done through planetarium software, or only though the keypad?
The keypad is always only the messenger. The CP controllers do all the math. Once the Ortho model is loaded it will operate automatically with any external software. The keypad has the routine that creates the model. Once that's done, the keypad is no longer in the loop.

The drift and sky pointing models also reside in the CP controller. The keypad can turn them on or off, but has no other function once they are created and loaded into the CP. You could even eliminate the keypad if you simply send the commands to turn these models on and off via terminal mode.

Roland




-----Original Message-----
From: W Hilmo <y.groups@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io; ap-gto@groups.io <ap-gto@groups.io>
Sent: Mon, Jul 18, 2022 6:09 pm
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Keypad V5.010 available for GTOCP4 and GTOCP5!

Wow!  This feels like Christmas in July!

I read through the materials and have a couple of questions.  Hopefully, I didn't just miss the answers as I went through everything.

I have verified the serial numbers of my CP4 controllers and keypad.  All of my CP4's are old enough that I will need to purchase the modeling license for each.

My biggest question is about how the model works.  Specifically, I am interested in the ortho modeling for visual use with my C14.  I see how this works with the keypad, but it's not clear to me how much work is done by the keypad and how much is done in the CP4.  My scenario is that I would like to use the keypad to configure the ortho model, but then use SkySafari over WiFi to find objects.  My question is will the CP4 apply the ortho model even for goto's that are done through planetarium software, or only though the keypad?

As for my keypad, I've never changed the battery since I purchased it new 10 years ago.  I assume that the battery is dead, but since I typically use SkySafari, I wouldn't notice.  I'll be calling in tomorrow to order a new battery, but will be heading to a star party next week, so there is a chance that I won't have it in time.  It looks like making the ortho model depends on the star catalog, so I should be able to make that work even before changing the battery, right?

Also, I am interested in updating the membrane on the keypad to match the new layout.  Is it possible to order the membrane and replace it at the same time I do the battery?

Thanks so much for this update.  This is awesome!

-Wade

On 7/18/22 3:15 PM, Marj Christen wrote:
The newest version 5.010 is now available for the GTOCP4 as well as the GTOCP5 and the manual has been updated to provide information regarding use with both control boxes.
 
This is a long-anticipated release for owners of the GTOCP4 control boxes and I am sure that there will be many questions. Most questions can be answered by careful reading of the 5.010 upgrade page that can be accessed from the Software Updates page. 
 
Here are the major topics addressed on the 5.010 upgrade page:
  • Are you Upgrading from v4.19.5 or Earlier Version?
  • Using Keypad v5.010 with the GTOCP5 vs GTOCP4 Control Boxes
  • Requirements – These are VERY IMPORTANT!
  • Keypad Version History
  • Links to the upgrade Instructions – FOLLOW THESE CAREFULLY.
  • Link to the Keypad manual – This is the totally revised manual that should be downloaded by everyone who upgrades to v5.010.
  • Link to 5.010 Program and Loader
Here is a direct link to the 5.010 firmware update page:
https://www.astro-physics.com/keypad-v5-010-code-only-or-code-and-database-load/
 
We hope that you all enjoy the program as much as Roland does!!
 
 
Clear Skies,
Marj Christen
Astro-Physics
11250 Forest Hills Road
Machesney Park, IL 61115
Phone: 815-282-1513
www.astro-physics.com
Video Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/astrophysicscorp 
 


--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics

Re: Keypad V5.010 available for GTOCP4 and GTOCP5!

Ted Mickle
 

The installation instructions state "MUST have version VCPx-P02-09 installed" for both CP4 and CP5 control boxes.

However, the latest version available is VCP4-P02-08.

Have I missed something, or is this a typo?

Ted



On Jul 19, 2022, at 10:54, Marj Christen <marj@...> wrote:



Thanks for the report, Wade!

 

Clear Skies,

Marj Christen

Astro-Physics

11250 Forest Hills Road

Machesney Park, IL 61115

Phone: 815-282-1513

www.astro-physics.com
Video Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/astrophysicscorp 

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of W Hilmo
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 10:52 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Keypad V5.010 available for GTOCP4 and GTOCP5!

 

I just thought that I'd send an update that I had a chance to play with this last night, and it works great!

The goto accuracy on my C14 with the ortho model is much better than it was previously.  And it seems that my keypad battery is still working, even after all these years.  Go figure.

I've updated all of my CP4 controllers with the modeling license.  Normally, I do all my imaging with APCC Pro running on a NUC, but at some point, I'll probably play with the tracking models that are now available without a computer.

-Wade


On 7/18/22 5:13 PM, W Hilmo wrote:

I am on P02-13 and I got the same thing.  The two options in the loader are code only and database only.

I went ahead and did the code only install and it went fine.  The keypad started up on the 5.010 with no problem.  After initializing the CP4 on the new firmware, I started the database only load.  It seems to be progressing fine.

Note that on the code load, the 10% and 20% status updates came almost immediately.  There was a fairly long pause for each of the next status updates at 30%, 40%, etc.  The whole thing took probably 30 minutes.

The database load is going to take much longer.  I may have a dead battery in the keypad, so I may end up doing the database load again after I replace the battery.

While that was going on, I went ahead and purchased the modeling update for the CP4 that I have connected currently.  I'll install the license after the database load finishes.  I have several CP4 controllers to update, and the order page only supports a single purchase, so I'll need to do the enter order process separately for each CP4.

-Wade

On 7/18/22 5:08 PM, Bill Long wrote:

Are you on P02-13 firmware?

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Peter Nagy <topboxman@...>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 5:07 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Keypad V5.010 available for GTOCP4 and GTOCP5!

 

I'm downloading right now. It seems to use older KeypadLoader.jar software because mine does not show "Load Keypad (Full Load: Code/DB/Location 1) to load both the program code and database."

Peter

 

 
Re: Keypad V5.010 available for GTOCP4 and GTOCP5!

Roland Christen
 

Yes, the Ortho model is active after a power cycle.

Roland

-----Original Message-----
From: Konstantin von Poschinger <KPoschinger@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Sent: Tue, Jul 19, 2022 1:06 am
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Keypad V5.010 available for GTOCP4 and GTOCP5!

Hi Roland,

what will happen if you power cycle the mount? Is the Ortho  model still working?

Grüsse

Konni


Konstantin v. Poschinger


Hammerichstr. 5
22605 Hamburg
040/8805747
0171/1983476

Am 19.07.2022 um 02:41 schrieb Roland Christen via groups.io <chris1011@...>:



My question is will the CP4 apply the ortho model even for goto's that are done through planetarium software, or only though the keypad?
The keypad is always only the messenger. The CP controllers do all the math. Once the Ortho model is loaded it will operate automatically with any external software. The keypad has the routine that creates the model. Once that's done, the keypad is no longer in the loop.

The drift and sky pointing models also reside in the CP controller. The keypad can turn them on or off, but has no other function once they are created and loaded into the CP. You could even eliminate the keypad if you simply send the commands to turn these models on and off via terminal mode.

Roland




-----Original Message-----
From: W Hilmo <y.groups@...>
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io; ap-gto@groups.io <ap-gto@groups.io>
Sent: Mon, Jul 18, 2022 6:09 pm
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Keypad V5.010 available for GTOCP4 and GTOCP5!

Wow!  This feels like Christmas in July!

I read through the materials and have a couple of questions.  Hopefully, I didn't just miss the answers as I went through everything.

I have verified the serial numbers of my CP4 controllers and keypad.  All of my CP4's are old enough that I will need to purchase the modeling license for each.

My biggest question is about how the model works.  Specifically, I am interested in the ortho modeling for visual use with my C14.  I see how this works with the keypad, but it's not clear to me how much work is done by the keypad and how much is done in the CP4.  My scenario is that I would like to use the keypad to configure the ortho model, but then use SkySafari over WiFi to find objects.  My question is will the CP4 apply the ortho model even for goto's that are done through planetarium software, or only though the keypad?

As for my keypad, I've never changed the battery since I purchased it new 10 years ago.  I assume that the battery is dead, but since I typically use SkySafari, I wouldn't notice.  I'll be calling in tomorrow to order a new battery, but will be heading to a star party next week, so there is a chance that I won't have it in time.  It looks like making the ortho model depends on the star catalog, so I should be able to make that work even before changing the battery, right?

Also, I am interested in updating the membrane on the keypad to match the new layout.  Is it possible to order the membrane and replace it at the same time I do the battery?

Thanks so much for this update.  This is awesome!

-Wade

On 7/18/22 3:15 PM, Marj Christen wrote:
The newest version 5.010 is now available for the GTOCP4 as well as the GTOCP5 and the manual has been updated to provide information regarding use with both control boxes.
 
This is a long-anticipated release for owners of the GTOCP4 control boxes and I am sure that there will be many questions. Most questions can be answered by careful reading of the 5.010 upgrade page that can be accessed from the Software Updates page. 
 
Here are the major topics addressed on the 5.010 upgrade page:
  • Are you Upgrading from v4.19.5 or Earlier Version?
  • Using Keypad v5.010 with the GTOCP5 vs GTOCP4 Control Boxes
  • Requirements – These are VERY IMPORTANT!
  • Keypad Version History
  • Links to the upgrade Instructions – FOLLOW THESE CAREFULLY.
  • Link to the Keypad manual – This is the totally revised manual that should be downloaded by everyone who upgrades to v5.010.
  • Link to 5.010 Program and Loader
Here is a direct link to the 5.010 firmware update page:
https://www.astro-physics.com/keypad-v5-010-code-only-or-code-and-database-load/
 
We hope that you all enjoy the program as much as Roland does!!
 
 
Clear Skies,
Marj Christen
Astro-Physics
11250 Forest Hills Road
Machesney Park, IL 61115
Phone: 815-282-1513
www.astro-physics.com
Video Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/astrophysicscorp 
 


--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics

--
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics
Re: Recal when using an APPM Model

Dale Ghent
 

Recals under an APCC model are fine. This option in NINA is geared towards TheSkyX+T-Point users where syncs from the app can mess up the T-Point model.

I didn't want to put this option in NINA itself because the TSX ASCOM driver itself has an option to ignore syncs from the app to protect the T-Point model - and really it should be doing this automatically since it can use the TSX API to know if T-Point is active or not, obviating the need to manually control this option there. But the user demanded that this option be in NINA because they, for some unarticulated reason, didn't trust or didn't want to use the built-in option in the TSX ASCOM driver to block syncs. They were very... vocal and insistent, to describe it diplomatically... about their belief that NINA itself needed this option and it was provided in the hopes that they'd move on. Thankfully, they did. I believe I saw them list a Paramount on Amart some months later. So goes life in this peculiar microcosm of astro software.

On Jul 19, 2022, at 10:10, Andrew J <andjones132@...> wrote:

Hope you all can help with some questions I have about APCC Pointing Models and Sync commands. I have started to see options show up in programs like N.I.N.A that say "Do Not Sync", with the tool tip that states "When enabled the application will never send a sync command to the telescope. This should only be used when having a good pointing model that should not be altered in any way." So does this mean that if I have a mount with encoders and I am using a Pointing Model that was created in APPM that I would turn on this option and not send Sync commands to the telescope? If you have a mount with encoders on a permenant pier, do you ever need to send a Sync command to the telescope? Does it hurt anythign if you do?

<dummyfile.0.part>

Thanks for the info.

Andrew J
CP4 Power Connector Type

W Hilmo
 

Does anyone know the type of connector for the power cable on a CP4?

I have a bunch of DeWalt cordless tools, so have plenty of batteries.  I picked up an adapter that lets me connect a PowerPole to this type of battery, so now I have the battery sitting on the floor of the RA assembly.  The standard power cord is much longer than it needs to be for this, so I would like to make one that is an appropriate length.  I could just hack up the stock cable, but I would prefer to keep it intact as a spare.

Thanks,
-Wade
Re: Keypad V5.010 available for GTOCP4 and GTOCP5!

Marj Christen
 

Thanks for the report, Wade!

 

Clear Skies,

Marj Christen

Astro-Physics

11250 Forest Hills Road

Machesney Park, IL 61115

Phone: 815-282-1513

www.astro-physics.com
Video Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/astrophysicscorp 

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of W Hilmo
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 10:52 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Keypad V5.010 available for GTOCP4 and GTOCP5!

 

I just thought that I'd send an update that I had a chance to play with this last night, and it works great!

The goto accuracy on my C14 with the ortho model is much better than it was previously.  And it seems that my keypad battery is still working, even after all these years.  Go figure.

I've updated all of my CP4 controllers with the modeling license.  Normally, I do all my imaging with APCC Pro running on a NUC, but at some point, I'll probably play with the tracking models that are now available without a computer.

-Wade


On 7/18/22 5:13 PM, W Hilmo wrote:

I am on P02-13 and I got the same thing.  The two options in the loader are code only and database only.

I went ahead and did the code only install and it went fine.  The keypad started up on the 5.010 with no problem.  After initializing the CP4 on the new firmware, I started the database only load.  It seems to be progressing fine.

Note that on the code load, the 10% and 20% status updates came almost immediately.  There was a fairly long pause for each of the next status updates at 30%, 40%, etc.  The whole thing took probably 30 minutes.

The database load is going to take much longer.  I may have a dead battery in the keypad, so I may end up doing the database load again after I replace the battery.

While that was going on, I went ahead and purchased the modeling update for the CP4 that I have connected currently.  I'll install the license after the database load finishes.  I have several CP4 controllers to update, and the order page only supports a single purchase, so I'll need to do the enter order process separately for each CP4.

-Wade

On 7/18/22 5:08 PM, Bill Long wrote:

Are you on P02-13 firmware?

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Peter Nagy <topboxman@...>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 5:07 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Keypad V5.010 available for GTOCP4 and GTOCP5!

 

I'm downloading right now. It seems to use older KeypadLoader.jar software because mine does not show "Load Keypad (Full Load: Code/DB/Location 1) to load both the program code and database."

Peter

 

 
Re: Keypad V5.010 available for GTOCP4 and GTOCP5!

W Hilmo
 

I just thought that I'd send an update that I had a chance to play with this last night, and it works great!

The goto accuracy on my C14 with the ortho model is much better than it was previously.  And it seems that my keypad battery is still working, even after all these years.  Go figure.

I've updated all of my CP4 controllers with the modeling license.  Normally, I do all my imaging with APCC Pro running on a NUC, but at some point, I'll probably play with the tracking models that are now available without a computer.

-Wade



On 7/18/22 5:13 PM, W Hilmo wrote:

I am on P02-13 and I got the same thing.  The two options in the loader are code only and database only.

I went ahead and did the code only install and it went fine.  The keypad started up on the 5.010 with no problem.  After initializing the CP4 on the new firmware, I started the database only load.  It seems to be progressing fine.

Note that on the code load, the 10% and 20% status updates came almost immediately.  There was a fairly long pause for each of the next status updates at 30%, 40%, etc.  The whole thing took probably 30 minutes.

The database load is going to take much longer.  I may have a dead battery in the keypad, so I may end up doing the database load again after I replace the battery.

While that was going on, I went ahead and purchased the modeling update for the CP4 that I have connected currently.  I'll install the license after the database load finishes.  I have several CP4 controllers to update, and the order page only supports a single purchase, so I'll need to do the enter order process separately for each CP4.

-Wade

On 7/18/22 5:08 PM, Bill Long wrote:
Are you on P02-13 firmware?
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Peter Nagy <topboxman@...>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 5:07 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Keypad V5.010 available for GTOCP4 and GTOCP5!
 
I'm downloading right now. It seems to use older KeypadLoader.jar software because mine does not show "Load Keypad (Full Load: Code/DB/Location 1) to load both the program code and database."

Peter


Recal when using an APPM Model

Andrew J
 

Hope you all can help with some questions I have about APCC Pointing Models and Sync commands. I have started to see options show up in programs like N.I.N.A that say "Do Not Sync", with the tool tip that states "When enabled the application will never send a sync command to the telescope. This should only be used when having a good pointing model that should not be altered in any way." So does this mean that if I have a mount with encoders and I am using a Pointing Model that was created in APPM that I would turn on this option and not send Sync commands to the telescope? If you have a mount with encoders on a permenant pier, do you ever need to send a Sync command to the telescope? Does it hurt anythign if you do?



Thanks for the info.

Andrew J

Re: Mach2GTO-L cross-threading cw shaft? #Mach2GTO

George
 

P,

 

Most excellent…a happy ending…

 

Regards,

 

George

 

George Whitney

Astro-Physics, Inc.

Phone:  815-222-6538 (direct line)

Phone:  815-282-1513 (office)

Email:  george@...

Video Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/astrophysicscorp 

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> On Behalf Of Peds
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 9:38 AM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2GTO-L cross-threading cw shaft?

 

Hi all,

Reporting back to say that the very high tech solution of the toothbrush and a tiny bit of lube solved my problems and I am now able to fully - and easily - thread the cw shaft. Threading it with the DEC axis upside down is also much easier.

A-P could make a fortune selling mount Dopp kits - bespoke toothbrush, scented lubes… just saying!  ;)

Thanks for the suggestions and hope this thread helps someone else in the future.

P.
Re: Mach2GTO-L cross-threading cw shaft? #Mach2GTO

Peds
 

Hi all,

Reporting back to say that the very high tech solution of the toothbrush and a tiny bit of lube solved my problems and I am now able to fully - and easily - thread the cw shaft. Threading it with the DEC axis upside down is also much easier.

A-P could make a fortune selling mount Dopp kits - bespoke toothbrush, scented lubes… just saying!  ;)

Thanks for the suggestions and hope this thread helps someone else in the future.

P.
Re : Re: [ap-gto] Installing GTOCP4 firmware version VCP4-P02-13

Yves Laroche
 

Hi Brian,

It worked just fine for you probably because the USBserialUtilities_VSU-06.jar file was already associated to be opened with the Java platform.  Mine was associated as a zip file even after installing the Java platform so I had to right-click the file and used the "Open with" associated with the Java Platform.

Why the Java installer did not associate the file with the Java platform by default is a mystery.  

Regards,
Yves



Le 18/07/22 22:52, Brian Valente <bvalente@...> a écrit :
Hi Yves

>>> The way I was doing thing worked well with Windows 7 but not with Windows 10.

hmmm.. on my Windows 10 i just double-clicked it and it worked just fine

I don't have Windows 11, so i can't test on that (i know you weren't asking about that, but now i'm curious)

On Mon, Jul 18, 2022 at 7:37 PM Yves Laroche <yves.laroche@...> wrote:
Hi,

I decided to revert back the GTOCP4 firmware to test why the downloading process didn't work with my Windows 10 machine...

First the Java app worked well with my Windows 7 machine but had to find out what was the problem with Windows 10.

When I was opening the Java application I always did "open with" in selecting the Java Platform SE library instead of using the Java platform by default.  The file USBserialUtilities_VSU-06.jar was always treated as a zip file by default instead of a Java file.  The way I was doing thing worked well with Windows 7 but not with Windows 10.

Hope it will help!

Regards,
Yves




Le 12/07/22 14:55, Yves Laroche <yves.laroche@...> a écrit :
Hi Todd,

The first thing I've done but without success.  My computer was correctly connected to the web but no file was downloaded.  Maybe a server glitch...

Regards,
Yves



Le 12/07/22 14:41, midmoastro <teche70@...> a écrit :
Just out of curiosity, any reason why you didn't perform the auto update? Once I launched the java application, I scanned for ports and it auto connected and did the updates all without me doing anything other than choosing the load tab. I was connected using serial cable and usb adapter.  Worked like a charm.
Todd



--

Re: Eggy Stars with Polar Axis Correction

Ray Gralak
 

Chris,

Would it be helpful for me to include the logs for the session where I collected these two test subs?
Thanks, but I don't need any logs or additional testing for this issue. I can purposely polar misalign my mount to test the all-sky model.

-Ray
Re: Mach2GTO-L cross-threading cw shaft? #Mach2GTO

Ted Moss
 

@Peds: I have been having an instructive email exchange with George Whitney.

@Cytan: I as well…have read your posting. Quite the read.

 

1.       I have used a machinist scribe with the short bend..to trace out the internal mount threading for the counter weight shaft. Next, used both a raised nylon brush…then short raised nylon brush.

2.       Applied same procedure for external counter weight shaft. Wiped off excess anti seize lubricant.

3.       Went 2-1/4 revolutions from having the Dec upside down and also right side up. The binding is very pronounced after 2-1/4 revolutions. I wouldn’t apply a rubber strap to go any further. From my novice observations..I’ve done all recommendations; but I have an impression that this might be something to confirm with George as far as the machining of the shaft. I wish I knew someone who had a Mach 2 locally...where upon….I could check my counter weight shaft threading to another Mach 2. I might ring up a local (Agena Astro or OPT)..to see if they have a Mach 2.

4.       Thank you for everyone’s suggestions….!!

 
Re: Eggy Stars with Polar Axis Correction

Chris White
 

On Tue, Jul 19, 2022 at 09:28 AM, Ray Gralak wrote:
Hi Chris,

Until I can investigate and find a solution, which may not be immediately, you should either disable PA or use Dec-Arc tracking, which is superior to all-sky tracking.

-Ray

Thanks Ray. It's not urgent, just opening up the discussion in case there is something under the hood causing this. I'll do more testing when I can to try and replicate the issue. 

I've never done DEC arc before. I have a perm setup so always just did AllSky. I've also always guided with a non encoder Mount. Going unguided is new for me as I just received the mach2. 

Would it be helpful for me to include the logs for the session where I collected these two test subs?  
Re: Eggy Stars with Polar Axis Correction

Ray Gralak
 

Hi Chris,

Until I can investigate and find a solution, which may not be immediately, you should either disable PA or use Dec-Arc tracking, which is superior to all-sky tracking.

-Ray
Re: Eggy Stars with Polar Axis Correction

Ray Gralak
 

Bill,

 

I don’t understand the immediacy of the issue. If you are getting better tracking in all-sky mode with PA off, then do so. That’s the temporary workaround until I can look into this.

 

However, you should get better results using Dec Arc tracking unless the plate solve data is not accurate enough.

 

-Ray

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io [mailto:main@ap-gto.groups.io] On Behalf Of Bill Long
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 11:24 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2 and Eggy Stars with Polar Axis Correction

 

That image of CCDI was heavily shrunk:

 

 

Aspect is their metric for star roundness. I think this tells it all.

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Bill Long <bill@...>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 11:16 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2 and Eggy Stars with Polar Axis Correction

 

Ray / AP,

 

Well, the theory sounded good, actual usage showed otherwise.

 

New model, much denser, 1 degree separation, the whole nine yards.

 

Eggy stars with PA correction enabled in APCC model terms. Eggy stars gone with it off. Confirmed in "true Dec Arc mode" 

 

Something isn't right, and we are not talking about a minor difference here folks:

 

 

While I understand the intent of the design here, I think multiple users (Bill, Chris, Linwood) expressing problems is worth digging into. 

 

 

I think something is not right with the code here, please look into this with urgency.

 

Thanks,

Bill

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Bill Long <bill@...>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 6:43 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2 and Eggy Stars with Polar Axis Correction

 

Found an object to test on now. Ray is correct there is zero change in the tracking rate no matter what I change, PA correction or refraction correction the rate remains the same.

 

So unchecking these boxes had nothing to do with why my stars went round. 

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Bill Long <bill@...>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 6:24 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2 and Eggy Stars with Polar Axis Correction

 

I found the log entry, which will work fine for now. As soon as this object gets high enough I will test again.

 

 

From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io> on behalf of Ray Gralak <iogroups@...>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 6:23 PM
To: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2 and Eggy Stars with Polar Axis Correction

 

> Might be useful for an indicator in the UI as to which mode the tracking correction is in.
> Dec Arc vs All-Sky Fallback.

A quick way to do that is to enable/disable Dec Arc tracking. If the tracking rates do not change, then the mode is All-Sky.

-Ray
Re: Eggy Stars with Polar Axis Correction

Ray Gralak
 

Hi Bill,

Eggy stars with PA correction enabled in APCC model terms.
Eggy stars gone with it off. Confirmed in "true Dec Arc mode"
It's unclear what you are stating here. Is the issue with all-sky tracking or dec arc tracking? If the mount is in true dec arc
mode, there is no tracking difference with PA correction on/off. If there is trailing in dec arc mode, then it could be that the
source data points (via plate solves) are not accurate enough, or something in the setup has changed.

-Ray
Re: Older 1100GTO balance question

Worsel
 

I use the same approach as Marc.

A-P sells an inline DC meter from Powerwerx that goes downstream of your power supply.  The screen is easy to read and uses Powerpole connectors.  


https://www.astro-physics.com/cabppwm

Bryan
Re: Eggy Stars with Polar Axis Correction

Chris White
 

On Tue, Jul 19, 2022 at 08:22 AM, Brian Valente wrote:
Chris are you doing unguided?
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text

 


On Tue, Jul 19, 2022 at 5:18 AM Chris White <chris.white@...> wrote:
With the two test shots I did I had a similar result. 

Test shot with PA Correction Enabled:
FWHM: 3.22"
Eccentricity: 0.47

Test shot with PA Correction Disabled:
FWHM: 2.75
Eccentricity: 0.39

 

 


 
--
Brian 
Brian,

Yes.  Unguided. 
Re: Eggy Stars with Polar Axis Correction

ap@CaptivePhotons.com
 

On Tue, Jul 19, 2022 at 02:16 AM, Bill Long wrote:
While I understand the intent of the design here, I think multiple users (Bill, Chris, Linwood) expressing problems is worth digging into. 
Just to be clear, while I am not getting the unguided performance people seem to expect, I would characterize me as still learning to drive properly rather than really saying the car is not steering correctly, yet. If I could get some clear nights I'd know more.  Also, I have a different mount (no idea if that matters).  I have not tried turning off and on specific aspects of the model, though I can next clear night.

Possible break in the clouds Wednesday. 

Linwood
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