teoria_del_big_bang

Malcolm, if you struggle I can 3D print you some if you give me the dimensions you want, just pay cost of post and packaging. Dimensions need to be accurate otherwise can be too loose or too tight.

Steve

1 hour ago, vineyard said:

You may already have seen this but just in case: https://indilib.org/focusers/pegasus-falcon-rotator.html

Thanks, no I hadn't seen that, mine is not the Pegasus rotator but the function of mine should be the same so I may get some useful info from this when I get time, many thanks 😉 

Steve

Ah, just had a brainwave and remembered I had seen a similar issue on the Adam Block tutorials whereby the focal length and coordinates were wrong in the fits header so he changed them, just like you have done, in the parameters of PCC.
And, just like you it failed to platesolve.
He found the issue was that although you enter the data on the parameters the process still used the data from the fits header.
It only seems to use those parameters in the boxes if there is no values for them in the fits header, even if the focal length for instance is zero.
Which is not what I would expect I would expect the parameters to over-ride the header. 

So I first put the image on nova.astrometry.net to get correct coordinates.

Then used the fits header editor in PI to permanently change the coordinates and focal length.
NOTE: the process uses the values in degrees even though it displays them as H M S in the parameter boxes.

Then if I click acquire from image it gets the correct data from the image.

I am sure you are aware but to get good colour calibration when a very reddy image with lots of nebulosity use a preview of the background for background neutralisation, and also make the low limit much lower than 0.1 otherwise the sky colour comes out nowhere near the correct colour.

Then voila it platesolves okay.

Steve

Is this with OSC or mono & filters and if so what filters ?
Not that should stop it plate solving properly it should only affect the actual correction (I guess)

It fails for me when performing RANSAC is that the issue you had ?

Steve 

I now have a motor driven rotator for the first time fitted.

I am running KStars/EKOS/Indi.

On the face of it all seems to be running correctly and I can use an old image in the sequence to use for the alignment and plate solving and it appears to work in that the align module takes images and slews the mount to the correct position as it always did, it also rotates the camera with the rotator to supposedly align the angle of the camera to be the same as in the image but the new images are not at the correct angle. They are out by a long way, and not 180 degrees, more like 60 to 80- degrees out.

Last night was my first try with the rotator and clouds did come to hamper the progress so not even sure if the error is repeatable and is always the same error in the angle of the new images.

I assumed it would use plate solving to determine were to move the rotator to to achieve the correct angle and would keep taking images and rotating camera until the images were at same angle (accounting for the tolerance allowed) just as it does with the mount for the normal alignment process.
And thats what it looks to do but nowhere near the correct angle.

Unless it takes the angle from the existing image, which could be wrong as it will have been taken without the rotator working but that doesn't seem to make any sense.

Or do I have to do some sort of calibration to determine an offset of my setup ?

Steve

Well I am pretty pleased with how this is all running in my mini PC.
Took a while to get things loaded I needed, mainly to allow remote desktop from Windows laptop, but that really was down to my incompetence.
Had a test drive last night in and between the clouds and so far seems much smoother and reliable than the RPi4.

Don't get me wrong the RPi did a great job considering how small it is and the low cost, it was just the occasional freezes on KStars planetarium with green screen for several seconds and very juddery, and occasional KStars crashing altogether. But it was something I had lived wit for a year or two now and not too unhappy as once it was in its sequence it never failed.

But last night at least the mini PC was much smoother on the planetarium and no freezes, not green screen, even when really zooming in which before was a big issue.
Also never crashed once.

So it cannot all be down to WiFi as even though the WiFi is much better on the mini PC, and it has its own dual aerial, compared to the standard WiFi on the RPi, I did have a great WiFi dongle on the RPi and when I check the speed and strength is almost the same as the RPI with the dongle, slightly less speed if anything.

Only problem I have now is getting my new rotator to work properly. It works but I am not sure how to get it plate solving to an existing image and then turning to correct angle as the image.
it plate solves and it also rotates the camera during plate solving and it says it has rotated the camera to be same as the image but the angle is wrong by somewhere in the order of 70 to 80 degrees and not sure why, I am sure it is me that just does not know what to do in EKOS.
But I will probably start a new thread to ask for advise.

Steve  

30 minutes ago, alacant said:

Yes, of course it does:)

We see many visitors struggle with SGP/NINA/stellarium and WHY. The simplicity and stability of Linux client-server comes as a breath of fresh air to many.

There seems to be a lot of confusion about what Kstars and EKOS do. Maybe some pictures?

And here is Kstars with EKOS communicating with it. On the same laptop sitting by the telescope if you really must. But then you've lost all the client server control-from-anywhere-with-Internet (or even just your warm dining room!) advantage.

That's it. Installation takes around 5 minutes. There'as nothing else you need. No third party imaging program. No separate guide program. No separate planetarium. No anti-virus... It doesn't get much simpler:)

Cheers and HTH.

Hi alacant, sorry again its probably my lack of knowledge and the way I refer to EKOS and INDI in my posts that is confusing those more adept with this software.
Once again I used the wrong wording and should have really said "I didn't think EKOS / INDI worked on Windows (or does it ?)." and to my understanding it is the INDI server part of it that has to run on a linux based OS computer.

I was aware I could run the KStars with EKOS on another Windows based computer and get that to control the INDI server on a RPi but I really want to keep the package on the remote computer at the mount, whether that be an RPi or small PC as I see that the most reliable setup.
Running the scheduler from a PC that the communicates with the remote PC running INDI means that if the link (in my case WiFI) fails then the session may end premeturely, whereas if I am just connecting with Teamviewer, Remote DT or whetever the imaging session carries on in a loss of communication.

Steve

3 hours ago, wornish said:

Today, KStars and Ekos are certainly not experimental! and both work natively perfectly well on Windows 7, 8 and 10!  As well as Mac and Linux boxes.

Dave, maybe my use of the word experimental was not used in the correct context, I actually meant that I did not want to experiment too much with my setup which is currently KStars, EKOS / INDI on a RPi4.
I never meant to suggest KStars or EKOS were experimental.

I actually really love EKOS and having tries some other sequence software I do want to stick with it.
I love the way it is all presented, find it does all I want and is very easy to setup sequences and get going on a session.
I just I have had a few minor issues with crashes where KStars just shuts down. I also suffer with slow screen updates when using the planetarium over remote connections over WiFi, which I admit are more likely WiFi issues although the WiFi with a WiFi dongle is very good now.

I also have probably got a bit confused as just before I added to this thread I started a new thread about loading Ubuntu on a fairly high spec fanless PC I already had doing nothing to see how the same setup of KStars and EKOS worked on this PC compared to a RPi4 and see if it is worth swapping to the PC.
If no real increase in performance then I may as well sell the PC.
So my statement really meant I wanted to keep pretty much the same setup to do a direct comparison rather than experiment using Windows or some other setup, and I probably thought I was answering on my thread not yours giving us the heads up on a new release of KStars.

But in a way maybe not a bad thing as I was pretty much sure that EKOS / Indi did not really work on Windows so now interested to maybe later try that setup if is works well as although I admit Linux based OS's in their various flavors work well I just struggle with them and loading new programs via the Terminal so something on Windows would just be easier for me.

Steve

7 hours ago, Dr_Ju_ju said:

Personally, and after going through a number of Linux flavours etc., I've always returned to Ubuntu Mate (https://ubuntu-mate.org/) which I've found gives me the most stable, configurable, and does everything I need, and runs everything well, even on RPi's, Odroids etc.

Downloaded Ubuntu-Mate and so far pretty straightforward and I am impressed with it.

Also I think downloaded the other software I need:

• KStars
• INDI
• PHD2
• Teamviewer
• Stellarium
• Samba

now to connect my equipment.

Steve

34 minutes ago, malc-c said:

 

Not natively...  There have been many attempts at a bridge between ASCOM and INDI over the years, but IMO its a clunky band aid fix to what really needed and that is a re-wright to use ASCOM natively.  

I did find this from 2017 which claims to bridge EKOS on windows.... never tried it, and can't confirm if it works

 

Doh... should have tried the link --- the download gives a 404 error... !

Cheers, but I don't want to go too far down the experimental route so probably will at least stick with EKOS.
The RPI does work fine 95% of the time and I do really like EKOS and am used to it, it is just that I quite often get just a green screen for a few seconds quite often when using the KStars planetarium, that is probably down to WiFi speed more than the RPI, and I do get a fair few times when KStars just crashes, which shuts EKOS down and I have to open it all again. Now thankfully this only seems to happen when setting up, I don't actually think it has happened when the sequence has started and I just let things go, so wondering if a bit more processing power will help and I have this PC just sat in a cupboard, and it is a decent spec with good RPI without adding a dongle, and whilst not small I can still attache it to tripos easily which is where I have the RPi.
So I may as well use it or sell it, this test should make my decision.

Steve

25 minutes ago, Dr_Ju_ju said:

Also have you tried running CDC on your RPi ??

No I haven't, I did try using it early days whilst using APT but always returned to Stellarium as I didn't get on with it but to be fair because stellarium is very good and I was running it on a decent spec desktop I really didn't give it much of a chance back then so might well be worth giving it a go again.

Does it do much the same as KStars and send coordinates to EKOS to slew the mount and then update position in CDC after plate solving etc.
I guess apart from being there just to have a luck what is about and to choose a target that is all it has to do.

Steve

I am wanting to basically install an Astroberry or Stellarmate type package (or more precise KStars, EKOS, INDI and PHD2) and a fairly high spec fanless PC just to see whether it gives me significant advantages over my RPi with either of these running.

To be honest I am not a massive fan of KStars planetarium, it seems very clunky, the images of DSO's are very poor and it often freezes for several seconds but I just really love EKOS and find it so much simpler to use than other capture software I have tried to wish to stick with EKOS, and apart from the clunky planetarium the rest of what KStars offer is fine and easy to use.

So I guess my first action is to install Ubuntu to the PC which is very easily done but which Ubuntu is best for my use, there seems so many flavors, do I actually use Ubuntu or KUbuntu, or one of the many others on offer ?

Steve

56 minutes ago, wornish said:

Well worth another look, it has evolved considerably over the last few years.

Now it is probably the most complete astro package available.   It doesn't use ascom but INDi to control all the devices.

Works on Windows/ Mac/ and Linux systems.

 

Does it work on Windows really ?
I know the actual planetarium works on Windows but how then does it control the equipment as normally would use EKOS with INDI server, I didn't think EKOS worked on Windows (or does it ?).

Steve

Glad you got chance to try it out and it is back in use again.
The clouds were a bit of a pain up here as well, I didn't get any useful data as I was testing my new rotator which I still have some teething issues with and by about 2:00 am I gave up and packed it in.

Steve

53 minutes ago, licho52 said:

The picture really makes me tempted to purchase a Redcat

I have hovered over the buy button several times since they came onto the market.
This really is a great FOV for this target.

Steve

23 hours ago, The Lazy Astronomer said:

What is your area of interest: Planets? Moon? Deep sky objects? If DSOs, are you more interested in large nebulae or smaller nebulae/galaxies?

If the answer is all of the above, be aware no one telescope and camera combination will do all of these things well. 

Yes this should be the first question you need to ask yourself. 
I am pretty new to all this and only bought my first scope for observing about 3 1/2 years ago but glad I asked for advice on SGL first.
I too always wanted to do some form of imaging but bought a second hand Dobsonian after advice on SGL and then used that to get into Astronomy and meanwhile read up on AP and also started to save my pennies, before spending anything on AP equipment..
I had some great fun with the Dob and it only served to get me more into Astronomy. I did take some images just with my mobile using the Dobsonian so did do dome form of imaging. mostly of the moon, and to be fair you can spend many a clear night mesmerised by the moon, although if you do get into AP seriously then the mood can become a little less loved 🙂 

Anyway back to the question you need to answer above, when I started I also assumed buy a scope and camera and then take all these wonderful images of the planets, DSO's the moon but it really does not work like that.
Yes you can buy an allrounder bit of kit that will take some sort of images of DSO's and some diddy pics of some of the planets and bits of the moon but really planetary imaging needs pretty much all different scope, camera and techniques to DSO imaging and the moon is really different again.
Also , keep in mind that this astro imaging is not easy, it gets a lot easier the more you do it but starting out can be a bit bewildering and I see many selling up after a few months as they still have not managed a decent image (be prepared for that, sometime it comes easy but not to all and nights suitable for imaging can be few and far between in UK so that also hampers your progression).

All that said when you even get a half decent image it is so rewarding when you sit back and think what you have achieved and that spurs you on.
But, I would suggest you do not even try to image planets and DSO's both need different skills and really different equipment so you may end up mastering neither.
By all means get a grip of one and then look into maybe getting a setup together for the other at a later stage.

For me I chose DSO's as there is so much to go at but that was just my decision.
Even with DSO's there is no perfect scope for that as some are so big you really need a widefield set up (or you need to use mosaics whereby you basically stitch several images together) , many are in a certain range of sizes they can be captured with same scope easily, and a fair few are really small they require a different scope again.

To get an idea for what you would see in your FOV (field of view) use This Tool which lets you select various targets and various scope and cameras to see how it fits in the FOV.

Steve

11 minutes ago, Dr_Ju_ju said:

If you are driving another computer remotely, and only really using the laptop for post processing, it then begs the question is it a laptop you really need ??  as there are plenty of workstation PC's around that will easily accommodate what you require, with added advantages of Gig-Bit ethernet ports, multi monitor support, with added graphics cards, etc.....

I think you have convinced me to spend my money elsewhere.

I do actually have a fairly powerful desktop PC with dual monitor and perhaps I should really sit myself down on that and do the processing rather than on the settee with laptop on my lap.
I think I have the opportunity to buy something for a special birthday but maybe I need to look elsewhere, maybe not even Astro related.

Thanks for the advice anyway 🙂 

Steve

1 minute ago, Stuart1971 said:

Well I have e to say, you old laptop is still better spec than the one I currently use, it looks plenty good enough to me TBH…👍🏼

Yes, it is a good spec, maybe I need to find something else for my Birthday then eh 🙂 

One other thing putting me off a new one is most seem to have ditched the Ethernet which whilst I do not normally use it if I take my gear anywhere and struggle with the RPi hotspot is always real easy to revert to rolling out the ethernet cable and using it, never fails and saves time messing about trying to get a wifi connection.

Steve

1 minute ago, Dr_Ju_ju said:

If the laptop is working ok & doing everything you need, apart from a dodgy keyboard etc. then why not just use a USB keyboard/mouse, whether wired or wireless e.g. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/123010051035?epid=14032176994&hash=item1ca3f86bdb:g:acQAAOSw5W9e6TsF  and a larger screen....   

Well yes that is probably what I should do and to be honest I have had it apart various times to replace fan, cooler unit and some other issue I cannot remember what now that it would be fairly easy and cheap to replace the keyboard which is what I did consider.
And when I see the cost of replacing if I am not getting anything extra I may still just do that.
So just really want to see what is out there and maybe treat myself for my not so far off 60th BDay 🙂 

5 minutes ago, Dr_Ju_ju said:

f you really want to go the new device route, have you considered going the Raspberry Pi. Linux etc. route, for control & image gathering, then using the  laptop for processing ??     

Maybe I should have stated in my OP the Laptop is mainly for processing using PI and also just to remote desktop to the RPI or Linux PC on the mount so obviously does not need to be "Deep Thought" to do either but maybe a fast processor would speed the processing up.

Current laptop spec is:
Windows 10,
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3210M CPU @ 2.50GHz   2.50 GHz
16Gb Ram
OS disk SATA 256 GB SSD
2nd Disk 1TB HHD

Steve

Any thoughts for what specification of laptop or recommendations for a new laptop ?

My current Laptop does all I need but is pretty old and has a small screen which with my eyes means without  2nd monitor I really struggle to see my laptop screen, also the keyboard is a bit dodgy and some keys need a really firm press otherwise they do not work (my excuse anyway for bad spelling) 🙂 

So thinking of a new one as I have already had to replace a few components on this one.

The laptop is mainly for processing using PI and also just to remote desktop to the RPI or Linux PC on the mount so obviously does not need to be "Deep Thought" to do either but maybe a fast processor would speed the processing up. Also it is not only for Astro work but a general everyday laptop for emails, browsing etc.

Current laptop spec is:
Windows 10,
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3210M CPU @ 2.50GHz   2.50 GHz
16Gb Ram
OS disk SATA 256 GB SSD
2nd Disk 1TB HHD

I really do not want to spend much more than £500 to £700 unless I an getting significant more for a bit more cash then maybe would stretch to around £800.

I have had a look at various top ten laptops of 2021, and all a bit odd as really non of them seem to have any of the same 10 in their recommendations.
Most have at least one Mac book in there and usually near the top. Now I know some people swear by them and I am sure they are very reliable and quick but have always stayed away from them because a lot of programs designed for windows didn't seem to run on them and always saw threads on various forums about certain software being difficult to install on them if not impossible.
Is this still the case ?
Do all Astro software programs work on them ?
Can I still run Microsoft office etc ?

Its been a long while since I bought a laptop new so not sure what is about now.
Are there any that you can attach two full size monitors to and maybe not even use its own monitor as that would be good for processing?

Anyway if anyone has any advice as this is a fairly heft outlay (for me anyway) I would be grateful.

Steve

All versions I have seen look fantastic, and I think a lot is down to personal taste.

My preference actually is the very first version, but like I say that's just me. I really like this version because the core is not over bright yet you still have all the outer detail showing.
Arguably, maybe the stars look better on the last version, but honestly I would be happy with any of them 🙂 

Steve

Hope you are well soon, always dangerous looking at any site with a buy button when nothing better to do 🙂 

Steve

For the few times I need to cover up (not often as I normally bring all my gear back inside after a session) I have one of the gold reflective ones and it can get hot under there but probably not hot enough to melt PLA .

Steve

52 minutes ago, scotty38 said:

"Making every Photon count" will be recommended for sure so you may as well buy that book first.

+1 for that, I would get a copy and read thoroughly even before buying any more equipment.
It will not make you an expert by any means but will give you a really good insight into all the basics of AP and a good understanding of the things you will need to learn and what items you need to buy.
Of course there are new cameras and other gadgets on the market since the book was last published but the basics have not changed.

Other than that do lots of searching on Google there's so much out there and pretty much most of it good advice.

Ask plenty of questions on SGL also lots of help available here and also some good articles to read.
SGL Tutorials
 

Steve

44 minutes ago, AbsolutelyN said:

Thanks - I've ordered some of that to try. 

Great, It sometimes takes a bit of tweaking in to get parameters just right, but main thing I find is getting the cooling settings right so you do not get bad stringing or blobs forming.
Blobs are the worst as any blob on the print means it is raised above the current print height and then the print head catches it and either moves the print or moves the printhead.
Any issues add to this thread and I will try to help and I am sure others will help but generally I have found it prints pretty easily.

Steve