How do I do that exactly? In the Ponting Model tab I can't find where to enter that information. And if I go to Settings > Environmental Settings the text boxes do not allow you to enter data

Clearly this is a complicated issue with no “perfect” answer. The difference in refraction rates with varying atmospheric conditions adds another level of complexity to this discussion. Without

Since a few days ago I've been testing my Mach2 (fantastic machine, by the way) and I have a couple of doubts about the modeling: 1) How important is the focus, does it need to be precise or is

Can I make the assumption that the Low Temp encoders must be used in those frigid conditions? ...or anything approaching those frigid conditions? Terry

Thank you. -- Dean Jacobsen http://astrophoto.net/wp/ Image Gallery - http://astrophoto.net/wp/image-gallery/ Astrobin Image Gallery - https://www.astrobin.com/users/deanjacobsen/ Amateur Radio

Yes, by modeling. I wasn't shooting at the pole, rather I was shooting about 10 degrees north of the zenith. Atmospheric refraction was quite large until I got within 1 hour of the meridian. There's

Hi David, In regards to tracking rates, it doesn't matter to which pole you align. The model will correct the tracking rate appropriately, including refraction. However, the preferred "pole" is the

You CAN mitigate the EFFECT of atmospheric refraction. Atmospheric refraction does not go away, but as I said, if you are shooting stars NEAR THE POLE, you are not shooting near the zenith (unless you

The gearbox won't freeze because there is no gearbox - the Mach2 is belt driven. The worm grease may stiffen up a bit, but the lubricant is rated to -40C and even if it stiffens up a bit, that will

We have a lot of mass in the earth and no real friction, so the turning rate is very smooth. Consider it a Cadillac ride in the cosmos ;^)) Rolando

You can pick either one, but it will not solve the problem of atmospheric refraction when you image away from the zenith. The RA will always drift at the rates that I indicated below. You cannot

Here is an interesting link on tracking rate : https://canburytech.net/DriftAlign/DriftAlign_3.html I also remember an old S&T issue (late 70s ?) with a figure showing the RA

The problem, as I see it, is to which “pole” are you aligning your scope. If you are shooting stars near the pole, your polar alignment should be on the refracted pole for the best tracking. In

The problem, as I see it, is to which “pole” are you aligning your scope. If you are shooting stars near the pole, your polar alignment should be on the refracted pole for the best tracking. In

Last night I damaged my Ethernet cable, which is what I usually use to connect and was trying to connect with wifi. I could not connect. The PW I used was three numbers of the box SN + "admin12345".

So, what is wrong with ASCOM 6.5 - or is there something in SGP/APPM/PlateSolve/??? This has been known about for some time. Is it being worked on? -- George Prineville, Oregon

Honestly any small low power router that can operate at a voltage you can supply from your power source will work. As for the operating temp it gets only to -10c here where I live at its coldest but

Hi AP, Just wondering if the "L" version of the mount is only about the encoders or if there is more to it: - lubricant - electronics - motors, etc. Arctic winds can bring temps down to -33C at my

Yes, unfortunately. Rolando

They forgot Pluto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! J