Post by tomlee on Jun 17, 2011 15:32:41 GMT -6
Class 3–June 14, 2011 8pm-11pm
Computer Programs I
- USB , Serial, and LAN interfaces
- Wireless protocols
- ASCOM
- Focuser control / Focusmax
Focusing
- Telescope focusers
- Manual focusing / focus aids
- Computerized focusing
- Fully automated focusing
Hands On Lab – Focusing
This third week class meeting is on how to configure and use the software which we are suppose to download and install at some point. We spend the entire session looking at the screen, yep, so the best way for me to recap these with you is to find some screen shots and videos.
Here, we would assume, just so you know it is needed, we have downloaded and installed the Ascom platform which is required for the applications we will use below. To learn more click ascom-standards.org/
Let’s take a look at the sky software (you can use software such as Starry Night, if you like paying) that connects with the EQMOD to align the mounted scope and control its movement for star hopping or guiding, which is Cartes Du Ciel. It’s free, click www.ap-i.net/skychart/start to go to website.
Then we use EQMOD as an on screen control panel, see below or
youtu.be/TExsfjt8aro or click eq-mod.sourceforge.net/lxindex.html to go to website
To see a demonstration on a simulated polar alignment with EQMOD (with EQMOD and Cartes Du Ciel if actual)
Click --> youtu.be/FZgPZnC7zKc
You can program you game pad if you prefer . . .
And if you care to know about so you can do a correction for precision guiding, see below or
youtu.be/IojWEizSRHE or click eq-mod.sourceforge.net/apindex.html to go to website
We were going to get into focusing but not only there was not anything to focus on in the sky this evening but the computer gone haywire, too. Well, at least it didn’t rain or anything!
Next week we will pick up from focusing . . .
Class 4–June 21, 2011 8pm-11pm
Computer Programs II
- Planetariums, mount control / Cartes Du Ciel
- Camera control / Maxim DL
- Guiding control / PHD
- Remote control / Ultra VNC
Guiding
- Guide scopes
- Aligning the guide scope with the main scope
- Calibration
Hands On Lab – Setting Up the Guide Scope and
taking a short exposure