Rocket Stars

1 hour ago, old_eyes said:

 

That is what I do with my Minix Z83-4. To do any programming or set up I bring it into the warm and connect keyboard mouse and screen. Go to Task Manager and the Start-Up tab and you can make sure that any program you need to be running for remote operation is set to start automatically.

Now I can take the mini-PC back to the scope and I no longer need screen, keyboard or mouse. Just power on, wait and then access through AnyDesk. Of course you can't see what is going on, so sometimes I get messages saying the mini-PC is not online if start up is slow or I am impatient, but it gets there in the end.

You should be able to set the NUC to boot up on power on. That means as soon as there is power to the device it will start the boot sequence. Useful if you want to use a smart plug to turn everything on in your observatory remotely. Unfortunately, for some reason this facility is not working on my mini-PC.

Thank you for you're reply!  

I tryed to find the setting for (start at boot up)that last night. But it was a bit "messy" night, to get that sorted. Ill look tru the Anydesk config. And try to find why,  it disconnects after about 15min and won't reconnect without reboot. Or is that only available on the payed version? Also couldn't find where to change setting to boot up windows without password. 

Being able to have the nuc, both at the desk and at the scope is a blessing! 

Any hint where to find the settings in win 10 and anydesk, would be a blessing. And should save much time for a windows.  Btw, is there anyone but be, who thinks win 10 looks like a toy store? It could be me getting older though..  Anydesk is nice, since it supports all platforms. 

Its Friday, and looks like a clear night is coming up over here. Have some afterwork/beeroclock thing to do first. 

Wish you all a nice weekend! 😊

Just In, after first session with the new setup. Warming my fingers with typing and a cup coffee. 

To my surprise!!! , it seemed to be a clear night. Unprepared, I set to work.. 

Was an intresting evening. Running back and forth, maby hundred of times! 😬

All software worked fine. Just a few snags.. First, I might be an idiot. But how do you setup/start up a mini pc at the scope?  I realized that I had to carry out a screen, (mind you, smallest I had was 24") a keyboard, mouse extension cord. Then I noticed I probably needed better wifi reception. So, after some hassle, I removed the roof mounted wifi accespoint, found a looong lankabel. Got that sorted after a while.. Standing in the garden, in the dark, with a big screen, keyboard and mouse. Let say I looked like an idiot! 😂  Anyway, got the NUC started up. Fired up ANYDESK, had that tested indoors before going outside. Connected it up and went inside to the office Mac. Worked nice. Got out and derigged the little odd looking, and very bright 24" desktop screen.. Thank god, now the fun begins.. Yep, after a little while, ANYDESK connection, was no connection no more.. Out with the screen, keyboard ect again.. And left it there! 

Biggest IT problem of the night, was the remote ANYDESK set up. Found some settings for connection without having to confirm it on the NUC. But didn't work well, anyway. After about 15min. It dropped the connection. And wouldn't connect without rebooting the nuc. Very, very, very annoying, when you pretty much had alignment done.. Some Swedish swearing did happen.. 

So..the small and nifty NUC set up, was anything but nifty. First try anyway.

Conclusion, 24" screen in the garden. Plenty long extension cord. A long lancable tru the house.(aluminium garage doors blocks the signal, I think) When ANYDESK worked. It was great.

The scope bit then. 

Have still not perfect back focus. And collimation was still not even close. Temp was about -5c. And the dewshield did its job. But very soon after removing it, to get axess to the collimation knobs. It started to dew up and get frosty. So, didn't get much work don on that either. 

The to do list didn't get much shorter, but a little progress anyway. 

Get a reliably remote set up working. Without having to carry a 24" screen true the garden, in the dark... I hate extension cords, I really do! 🤣  Get back focus sorted. Then collimation of hyperstar! Dewheater setup is needed, of some sort. 

Does it never end? 

Positive is. Got a few shots of the moon. Looking green and pear shaped and all. 🤣🤣🤣 Focus is ok on small parts of it, anyway!! Sharpcap is working nice!! 

Hi

I downloaded this yesterday. https://sourceforge.net/projects/astap-program/

Also downloaded DSS. Lets you "flick" true the open files. Sort of. 

3 hours ago, Adam J said:

If you dont get the cooled version then you are going to be limited to 30s exposures, not impossible with the low read noise and High QE but the real pain will be calibration of the nasty amp glow that sensor has. 

I think that if I was going with a uncooled sensor then I would want something like the ASI533mc as that has some nice properties and no amp glow...unfortunately they have not yet released an uncooled version of that camera. 

In the end the answer is that you are much better off saving your pennies and waiting to get a cooled camera. 

Adam

My thinking is that it is fan cooled. But no Tec cooling. Should help. But im leaning toward paying up for tec cooled cam. 

Im worried.... progress!! 😲Everything is connected and working!  😃

CPWI, Cdc, focuser, camera, pole master.. Wifi dongle is halfway to the bin though! 

Problem with port com between CPWI and CdC. Was that I did set up Celestron ASCOM mount driver. didn't work with CPWI. But changed to CPWI driver in CdC. Now it syncs between the two charts. NICE!! 👌

Charpcap and NINA installed to! All equipment basically set up. NINA has connection to CdC to do. What plate solver is recommended? 

For now. Playing and doing dry runs with the setup. 

Big THANKS to all who has helped with input, to an Mac user. who hasn't don any decently advanced set up in windows..For at least 10 years, probably 15! 😆

After spending to much time (hours an hours) fiddling with SkyPortal wifi Module. Im giving up on that one.. 🥵

Updating all software and firmware on all devices. Still can't get it configured or connecting properly. Via the skyportal app on the phone. I at least get a error message. "connected to wifi, but not able to communicate with mount" This is with direct connection enabled. There I can also configure the wifi settings to the dongle, to connect to my network. Both connect settings indicate LED´s, that it is connected to app or network. But no go anyway.. 

Nice app. But have other things to do in life and astro. Then spending to much time and energy on things that docent work properly. Freeware is one thing. But paid stuff is another. 

Im having my eye on one of those too!  Have pretty much the same question! 

Or, should one go for tec cooling? Ofcoarse. But doing only short subs 10-30 sec with hyperstar. Occasionally 60sec subs. Is it ok with that? 

Just noticed that CPWI and CdC uses the same comport.

So using CPWI to align, locks up the port. Even after disconnect in CPWI. To be able to use CdC, I think I have to use the handset to align? Or can there be a workaround? 

Progress anyway!! 

Well.. Sorted! 

Just missed a small, small instruction in the manual. The scope needs to be aligned, before doing ASCOM connection. 

Silly little thing.. 🤭 but now its is up and running in CdC  

On 29/02/2020 at 11:38, Adreneline said:

Prior to using an ASIair I used a NUC-i3 at an NEQ6 mount with ED80DS for three years running ASCOM, SGPro, CdC, etc and Atik cameras. I chose to hard-wire connect to the house network but wireless worked fine - most of the time! I operated the NUC from a laptop via Windows Remote Desktop without any problems at all.

The only reason I stopped was because I moved to a light-weight setup using an iOptron mount, Samyang 135 and ZWO-ASI1600 - hence the move to an ASIair (which is Pi in disguise! - operated from my iPad - and I love it!!!!!).

Good luck!

The above clip-lid water/moisture resistant box is located next to the mount with usb connections to two cameras, the mount and the focussing unit. The filter wheel plugs into the usb hub on the back of the camera.

 

I know the asiair in nice, Pro even better! Problem is if you don't have ZWO.. But sticking to a product line. Gets good benefits of usually good and stable setups. Im dreaming of a all iPad setup. Nice and manageable! 

So, the saga continues. 😬😆

CPWI Connected wit usb/serial adapter!! 😀

Tryed to connect via wifi dongle. No joy. Either direct, or as accesspoint. Though, it was visible as a wifi spot. But could not get CPWI to connect. 

Tried CdC to connect via serial/USB adapter too. Celestron telescope ascom driver installed. But there is no comport displayed in settings. Advanced ascot settings displays a COM4 port. But, it can't connect to that one. Hmm.. Im sure Im just a silly beginner. Wifi is not that important. As the NUC will be around the telescope, anyway.  Annoying problems anyway. In windows 10 settings. I can only find com4, but not any COMport configs? 

Well, in meantime. I will se if I can rig the camera. While I hope somebody competent forum member might give me some direktions on what Im doing wrong/missing.. 😅

25 minutes ago, stash_old said:

ANYDESK should work on Ipad to control Windows in the same way as M/S RDP.

At least you will stay warmer doing remote - especially with the Winters in Sweden

Good luck !  

I’ll check it out! 

You are correct!

Cold and sleep is a big factor for remote. 😬😁

30 minutes ago, stash_old said:

Ignoring Ascom Alpaca I gues you will be using ASCOM or AXV own set up ?

If using windows set up then everything ,that controls Astro stuff, has to be on the NUC.

Assuming you are NOT going to do real time image processing (e.g. Astrotoaster) on the NUC I3 8GB 256gb SSD should be fine but you are only as fast as the slowest component - other than Camera's all the other kit is NOT high  processor intense software.

I personally use CDC as its a tried and tested with std Ascom connection software and until recently Stallarium needed Stallarium Scope to run as well.

You will most likely be using RDP or equiv to connect to the NUC some as above wired is best but a strong /fast (750MB) 5GHZ Wireless connection will work especially as everything will still run even if your RDP is lost for a moment and you have to connect again. Dont use Apple so not sure what the equiv RDP viewer is.

Mounting on the Scope is fine is your mount weight limit allows.

Dont forget the Power supply - keep AC hidden and run 12v (or whatever) to the mount distribution "box" - I use Ham power supply which is 30amp rated and "clean".

Thankyou for reply! 

I have heard good notes on RDP. So I will try that one out first. But monitoring on iPad would be super! 😊

Will test different softwares, But CDC worked well erlier with the mount. What is a bit over the limit. But, Ill use hyperstar with short subs, and no guidning for now. Still have a bit backfocus/tilt issues to work out ther too) 

Have no plans for much live stacking, for now anyway. (Plans usally changes over time  ) 

Power for now, will be with the switched psu that came with the NUC.  Battery for a portable solution is next on the ”to fix” list. 

I’m technical minded. But my own saying over the years has always been:  Ask and listen to ppl who know more. And have done it before. 😊

Edit. I have to read up on Ascom alpaca! 😳

That was a bit suprising! And a good solution! 

Looking trough the eyepice without filter. It was very bright.

Thank you so much for youre response! 

When reading my posts above. I realize they can be read as a bit harsh? 

To make sure, they are not. 😊💚

Just the bit of language barrier/ Sentence builds. 😬🚀

Just to clerify. 

I do not wish a pi vs.. or ascom vs indi debate.

Again, its great. But does not work well with some of my gear.  I have chosen gear I want, or got. And adapt my processing unit based on that. Just to clearify. I have been using both pc and Mac, since late 80ies. I do prefer Mac, just because its OS. But still, there is other options that is better some times. 

I have a workstation running a image/graphics rip, for large format prints. Back in the day, it was run on a incredibly expensive unix based SUN server. Over the years, software migrated to Windows and PC based hardwares, So I use that. 

8 minutes ago, Stuart1971 said:

Nothing at all wrong with a PI4 it runs the latest Raspbian based Stellarmate 1.5.1 OS perfectly...runs all night with no glitches.... 👍

I know! But there is issues with drivers with some of the equipment I have

Its is a awsome setup. But is not working as well as Ascom yet. Im not going to banter it. Because it is great. It would be my preferred set up. But I want to do AP. Not tweaking drivers ect. 

There was a very nice moon last night. 

Havent tryed to photo it yet. But If there is a bit Cloudy. Moon is often a good target. 

Looking at ND filters. Its not clear to me what to use on my c8. 

Any other tips are Welcome. Camera is 178c 

hope you all have a nice weeken. Im going to work most of it. But not the nights.. 😊

14 minutes ago, Dr_Ju_ju said:

How are going to connect to it ??   personally I'd go wired (GB Ethernet) especially if you are going to be transferring large volumes of data...

How many USB ports (2 & 3) does it have ?, as you may well need  more for focusers, filter wheels, cameras, mounts etc.... 

Then consider mounting it, I site computers\hubs adjacent to the mount, & not on the mount adding to the payload weight....

Im planning on to hav it on the scope or mount.  running capture software on it. Operate ot remotley. Time wise, I need something that gives me a decently fast set up. 

It has 4 USB 3 ports, one powered for charging capabillities. I think is good for now. But for future use ov filterwheel I will maby, need mor ports Ofcoarse. Looking in to buying a Pegasus Astro powerbox, of some sort

Hi!

Hoping to get some good experience inputs on this topic.

So.. Im a Mac user. But after a looong time. Decided to ditch the pi route. And go for a PC.

This gives me less software issues with drivers ect. The pi4 looks promising for the future, But if you are not in to spending some serious time with linux and indi. Its not there yet. Still, love the formfactor.. 💚

To my own disbelif, 😂 i did some homework, and ordered a pc.. A NUC i3 8th gen. Very nicley built unit!. Got a 250gig m2 drive and 8g memory. And. I payed for a win 10 home licence.. 😳

Installation went a breeze, havent built pc`s since the 90ises.. Things has move forward, and NUC is a quality build. 

I have downloaded charpcap, NINA, stellarium, cdc, CPWI, and some drivers. Aiming to connect it to the scope this evening. Just to get it swinging around, getting equipment working ect.

Hope to get some input here, on what to think about. 

Plan is to remote it. Pc or mac dosent matter. iPad yould be great. 

Equipment to be connected. 

AVX with C8edge with hyperstar. 

Altair GPCAM 3 178c

microtouch autofocuser

10 hours ago, johninderby said:

It has been unusually mild in this part of the UK this winter. Daytime highs of between 7 and 13 degrees and no snow. Last year we had a cm of snow one morning but then the sun came out and it was gone in a few hours.

Used to live in Montreal. they get serious amounts of snow. Don’t miss having to get up,early to shovel out the driveway a few times a week. 🙂

We have had a very unusual mild winter too. Mostly +5-10c. But for some reason, it snowed heavily last night. 😅😂

1 hour ago, johninderby said:

Let it cool down but when I went back outside wall to wall cloud. 🤬

Oh well at least had a bit of a first light and just so impressed. One of those scopes that makes you go WOW when you look through it. 😁

Very nice scope! 

Thanks, now its snowing heavily over here.

Its snowing alot over here.. 

Thanks for the weather..  

Wow vlaiv!! 

You are big, big book of knowledge!  

I do really appriciate your very, very good explaination! 

Halos, was the first thing on my mind. Are still setting up a hyperstar with filter holder. And I read a pdf on Baader´s sit about halo effects from filters. 

That made me wonder if I should set the filterholer as close as possible to the sensor. Or as far as possible. Now, there is less than 20mm difference of the options. 

Thank you so much for your time and effort, with diagrams and all! 

Hi! 

Ive read that some of the bloating/overexposed stars. Can be traced to a problem with light reflecting between filter and the sensor. 

If so, is it better to have the filters close to the sensor? (usually the normal solution)  Or does it really matter?