Using VBScript for Automation

[russellhq]

I started a thread a while ago titled "Maxim DL Scripts" (https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/226124-maxim-dl-scripts/) but later realised that I don't need Maxim to run scripts. So I thought I'd start a new topic for anyone interested in using vbscript to automate some of the tasks we do on a regular basis.

To start off, I made this simple script which points the scope to the zenith so I can balance my light panel on the end of the scope without sliding off.

' This script will slew the telescope to the zenith for the current LST
' The script uses the local latitude to find the zenith altitude,
' then uses the LST with an offset to choose which side of the pier to point
' This is optional

Option Explicit

' List of variables used
Dim localDEC 'Local declination of zenith in decimal degrees
Dim localRA 'Local RA at LST in decimal hours

'Run sub to slew to zenith
SlewToZenith

' Sub sets variables with details held in telescope driver 
Sub SlewToZenith
   Dim Tel ' ASCOM telescope
   Dim TelescopeDriver 'Telescope driver
   Set Tel = Nothing
   TelescopeDriver = "EQMOD.Telescope" 
   Set Tel = CreateObject(TelescopeDriver)
   localDEC = Tel.SiteLatitude ' Telescope declination, decimal degrees
   localRA = Tel.SiderealTime + 0.02' Telescope right ascension, decimal hours
   Tel.SlewToCoordinates localRA, localDEC 'Right ascension in decimal hours and Declination in decimal degrees
   Set Tel = Nothing

End Sub

 

[russellhq]

Found my astrometry solve and sync script!

https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/229416-scripting-image-capture-some-examples-of-my-own-including-plate-solving/

It uploads a file to astrometry.net then syncs the telescope to the solved co-ordinates.