wornish

Thanks for the replies but there is no explanation of the steps needed to load exactly what software on the RPi and what software on the remote controlling computer if its running Windows. Indi is not fully supported on Windows even today according to their website. Its a minefield of issues, which most posts seem to gloss over, or drown you in lots of technical info which never actually come to a working solution. I am looking at indigo which could be the way forward but it's still effectively in Beta and not solid, but shows promise. Remote control of your total imaging system and mount etc is certainly not ready for non-techies who want to get into the warm! I use APT as my main application which in the next version is promising indigo support and that will make a big difference if it delivers.

Thanks, I have read her long post but it seems she only controls the focuser and camera, not the mount. I am sure someone is doing it but I can't find them on here.

I have searched this forum but can't find any post where someone is actually controlling their mount remotely using a Rasberry Pi at the mount end. What software needs to run on the Rpi to actually connect to the mount? Any help or links appreciated.

Thanks for sharing this. Not heard of NINA before. I will certainly give it a go.

The forecast is for clear skies tomorrow have you tried saying pretty please ?

Here is an excellent tutorial in removing gradients using Photoshop and its basic tools. The steps are to create a synthetic flat and then subtract the flat from your image. You can fix your gradients for FREE.

It works great, just ran the Backlash Aid using APT and everything seems fine. If a focusser is only using the course control then I guess the accuracy of focus will suffer. On my Esprit 100 the Sesto Senso takes over 90,000 steps to move the focuser from fully in to fully extended . that works out at 0.887 micron per step.

Took the plunge and ordered one as an early Christmas present for myself. It arrived today. Its so small and neat ! Was very easy to fit on my Esprit and it works with APT. Now just need some clear skies to give it a go.

I am seriously considering the Sesto Senso and was wondering how those that have one are getting on with it ? One thing I am confused about is how does it attach to your scope ? I understand it clamps on the fine focus button shaft but where does the body of the focusser attach?

Just re visited this thread. In the first post it is said that long focal length scope imaging is beyond the capabilities of most non premium grade mounts. i.e. mounts costing less than £2000. I am successfully guiding and capturing acceptable images using my existing kit Esprit 100ED ( 550mm) so no problems there. Now the but: I "was" thinking about getting a longer focal length OTA say a Celestron HD 9.25 to capture the smaller DSO's Will I be dissappointed because my AZ-EQ6 isn't able to guide to the accuracy needed. What mounts are others using to support a long focal length scope for long exposure imaging.

Will Have you managed to get SharpCap to platesolve and polar align now ?

Ideally yes as already said but it works just as well if its out of the frame..

Another BIG + for Sharpcap Pro and Polar alignment. It just works so quickly and you don't even have to have your mount powered on. You can be in excellent alignment in less than 4 minutes. Best £10 I spent on astro software. If you are quick you can download the current Beta and try out the Polar Alignment tool for free. I think it times out the end of October after that its back to paying for it. In fact I have just this week renewed my pro licence for a second year and got 2 extra months free.

Thanks Nigel for sharing your data. Finally had a go but I think your original is better than my effort. I didn't use the Ha data this is just LRGB processed in PI and then tweaked in PS.

Thanks for the explanation of why star roundness is important. I never thought of it that way. Under normal viewing distances its really not noticeable in your data but the goal is a perfect image. Will have a go at your data when I get a chance. It has downloaded OK.

Really nice image - well done. I honestly don't understand this fixation about star elongation I can't see any in your image, which particular star is bothering people? and more importantly why? I would really like to have a go at processing the data if you are happy to share.

Thats what I found out when I tried it. You dont get the same functionality or choice of equipment. Kstars itself seems to be at the same release level as far as I can tell.

Yes I am beginning to realise that. I will resist ? I note there is also a Mac and a Windows version. The Windows version relies on ascom drivers and other stuff so its not as easy to use as the Linux version which as you say gives you everything under one roof. Wish I had found out about this earlier.

Kstars software is just amazing. After finally choosing the correct mount type i.e. EQMOD. ( and NOT the Skywatchers alt/az ? ) , my mount connected and slewed perfectly. My ZWO camera also connected and worked straight away. The whole experience of switching from Windows 10 to Ubuntu linux and using Kstars was way easier than I expected. Kstars seems very capable and logical to use. Got to play with it now to do some actual astrophotography. You certainly don't need to be a computer geek to create a dual boot system the whole process is not that difficult. Take it in easy steps and make sure you have backed up your system first.

KStars installed great and started ok. Will try connecting to my mount and camera tomorrow. Got to say very impressed so far.

Just installed ubuntu 18.04 (the latest release) as dual boot on my HP laptop running Windows 10. It was relatively easy have to say. I downloaded the ISO from ubuntu and saved to to a USB stick using Etcher. I did do a full back up my C drive first just to be safe. Installing KStar next.

Sharpcap 3.0 beta is now available to download. Sharpcap 3.0 beta