autoslew dont update planetarium after slewing with arrows?

[pesa]

Hi

 

When my DDM60 Pro is connected to theSkyX with autoslew the position in theSky isnt updated when I use the Arrow keys to move around the mount.

Is this some "feature" that I simply dont understand or is it a bug?

I realize it might be a problem with theSky but I thought I'd ask here first.

Any advice, anyone?

 

pelle

[MarkS]

Hi Pelle,

 

It's not a bug!

Have you connected the telescope to TheSkyX? This is done initially in the Telescope Setup dialog. I presume you have ASCOM installed, which you need to enable TSX to see the DDM60. The procedure is detailed in the Autoslew Manual.

 

If all is correct, you should be able to open TheSkyX, press 'Connect Telescope' to turn on Autoslew. You should then see the telescope emblem on the sky picture. Press 'Motors On' in Autoslew, and the direction buttons will move the emblem.

 

If you have set things up correctly you can perform the above in Autoslew Simulation mode.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Mark

[pesa]

Thanks Mark for the reply!

 

TSX is connected - things like slewTo (from the TSX) works as as expected, mount is moved and the emblem in TSX moves accordingly.

The only thing I do differently is the start-up order: POTH,connect telescope, then I start TSX manually and do connect from it.

 

any ideas?

 

Pelle

[MarkS]

Once you have set up the telescope in TSX using the Telescope Setup dialog box, you should not need to start via POTH. Whether you open AS via TSX, or open AS first and then TSX, you should only see the direct link - never an ASCOM dialog. Perhaps you need to examine the set up process again?

 

Being a mobile set-up, my usual startup routine is to open AS first, then the camera and Maxim, and then TSX, after which I simply connect the scope to TSX via the Start Up dialog. POTH dialog doesn't enter into the situation at all.

 

Regards,

Mark

[pesa]

Mark

• I tried other start-up roitines without involving POTH (I use POTH otherwise since then I can start both dome and mount from it)
•   first AS (start motors,home find) then start TSX (connect telescope)
•   first start TSX (connect telescope) then go over to AS (start motors, homefind)
• No Ascom dialog, scope is configured in TSX
• In both cases I can select star in TSX, slew, the yellow ring moves to the star (red ring)
• In neither case does the yellow ring (emblem) move away from red ring when I use the slew Arrows in AS
• This is driving me nuts! And this is just one of the problems I'm battling.
•  
• Any help would be appreciated!

Pelle

 

PS, in neither case (nor if I start with POTH) does Ascom dialog appear, that is already

Edited December 11, 2014 by pesa

[MarkS]

Can you move the emblem if you don't connect the telescope, but run AS in simulation mode?

 

I'm at a loss to help, as I can't reproduce your problem. Maybe someone else can shed some light???

 

Regards,

Mark

 

PS: What are the other problems?

[pesa]

Hi again!

Mark, I forgot to test your sugestion with simulator mode.  I tried both Ascom mount simulator and starting up mount without Power. In both cases same problem, Arrow keys doesnt move yellow circle in TSX. (Theres no slew keys in TSX that I can find)

Seems my question doesnt belong here after all, must be some problem with Ascom.

 

"What other problems" you ask... (remember, you asked for it

• Polar adjustment: Observatory is 70km WNW of Stockholm, Stockholm had 2 hours sun in november, about same for nights.
• Still not 100% sure if I got the PA routine right. My thought is to create the pointing file from home some clear night, then drive there some other night for turning the red nobs.
• My new ScopeDome has some problems, It can refulse to stop rotate --> I have to drive a long bit if that happens. Probably fixed now but not 100% sure. Cant connect it via remote Power switch either since residual current breaker stops 230V imediedtly. Might be of my making. Everything else with SD ouzes quality including customer support which is increadibly good (support via Skype and teamviewer). I very much recommend them!
• Sequence generator Pro hangs while downloading images sometimes. This is a really nasty one.
• I sometimes loose Connection with lakeside focuser, no idea why. If I use LakeSide utils to bypass Ascom it works fine but no autofocus then. Again, a really solid Product, I dont want this to reflect badly on him, His support is also very good.
• The term "remote observatory" is spot on for me, it feels quite remote every time I have to drive there.
• This last one is extremely whiny, I know, but here goes. If we decide for restaurant or whatever in advance, sure as HELL that is the one clear evenng that month.

Pelle

[MarkS]

Make sure you have the latest ASCOM - I think it is 6.something

Which version of Autoslew do you have?

My set-up uses AS 5205 (beta),  MaximDL - which you do need - TSX, and Sequence 206 (beta).

You need Sequence to run the DDM in MLPT mode.

 

I have to set up PA every time, so I have had a lot of practice!

Key points are;

1. The mount should be physically aligned to the celestial pole as accurately as possible. I use the noon sun to establish the Azimuth, and a digital inclinometer to set altitude.

2. Once you have done a Homefind and the system is synched to a star near the meridian and high in the south, run the Sequence Autogrid 3 star routine, and ask to solve the plates.

3. Go to AS, load the pointing file, and solve using 3 star same DE

4. AS will ask what type of mount - follow the instructions

5. I repeat until PA errors are

 

Apologies if you already know all this, but it works very well. When PA is set as I've described, and I use MLPT, I have no problem whatever with 20min subs.

 

Regards,

Mark

 

PS: Remote obsevatories are way out of my experience - there are others on the forum that mey be able to help!

[pesa]

_{Just in case this happens to someone else...}

_{Solution is extremely simple, just uncheck "quiet scope" in POTH.}

 

_Pelle