what to remember to check PT I

[iapa]

Following on from @D33P's thread 'what else could go wrong' it felt like an idea to put together a check list of what to look at before you start your session.

I wasn't sure whether to make this a checklist or a list of 'what went wrong and why'. I opted for a checklist to printout, and draw a line through each item as you do it.

I was thinking I'd print it an laminate it, then use a wax crayon (I am not allowed sharp objects any more) to score of each item.These will be available in sets of three for £30 along side Craig Starks design for a rig to align your laser collimator. 

Before you even start make sure that you have your location written down in all formats - some software uses hours minutes seconds, others hours in decimal only

e.g. a previous location for me was 58º 49' 40.6" N, 002º 54' 33.8" W; some software needed me to enter as 58º 49.67' N or 58.83º 

Assembly checks

• tripod is secure, level and facing North.
• mount is securely attached to the tripod
• clean lenses and filters - flats will help reduce dust 'bunnies', but it it best not to have them in the first place of possible
• filters are in place )particulalryof you are solar imaging) ,
• filters are in the slots you want them to be in; you do not want to be using red when you thought it was OIII.
• light pollution filter in place if you are using one e.g. OSC (One Shote Colour camera)
• guide camera is secure in guidescope 
• guide scope securely mounted - use clamshell type rings if you must use rings.
• imaging 'scope secure
• imaging camera secure, not is a good time to have guide and image cameras oriented to both are same way 'up' is this can make guiding easier.
• filter wheel is secure
• balance the rig
• align finder scope if fitted.

Cabling - label all cables when assembling

• Guide camera connected
• Imaging camera connected
• focuser for guide scope connected USB
• focuser for imaging scope connected to USB
• power to guide camera if required (you nay be using a cooled device)
• power to imaging camera if required (you nay be using a cooled device)
• power to mount
• rebalance the rig - the cables will have put it out slightly.

Power- label all cables when assembling

• Guide camera connected
• Imaging camera connected
• focus controller for guide scope connected
• focus controller for imaging scope connected to USB
• power to guide camera if required (you nay be using a cooled device)
• power to imaging camera if required
• turn each item on one at a time
• confirm date and time of the mount is correct; most common mistake is to incorrectly allow for GMT/BST (Jonny Forener will have a different name LOL)
• check current location on the mount is correct; most common mistake is to transpose latitude and longitude entries

Computer hardware

• Power on the computer and check that OS is upto date and that no updates are scheduled to occur during your imaging session; Microsoft just love to provide updates that auto install and auto restart.
• do NOT start to update any applications, ASCOM drivers etc. at this stage. You do that during the day
• check power saving will not shut down your PC after a period of idleness - this is usually based on user interaction i.e. keyboard/miuse rather than if any applications are actively processing
• image camera driver is loaded; just use supplied software to check you get an image
• guide camera driver is loaded; as above
• 'scope control driver loaded; use to slew in DEC and RA then return to home/park position

Compute software

• plate solving software is working; use a previously solved image
• plate solving software has correct observing location, date and time
• plate solving software parameters include the correct imaging 'scope and/or camera details
• plate solving software reference files cover the correct range of files of view
• rack guidescope in an out using focus software; this is a good time to check focus of the guide scope.
• rack imaging scope in an out using focus software; again, a good time to check focus is about correct.
• guiding software has correct location
• guiding software has correct time
• stellarium software has correct location
• stellarium has correct time and GMT offset.

Here endeth Part I, The First.

 

 

 

 

[Davey-T]

And then you discover you've forgotten to recharge the power tank 

Dave

[richyrich_one]

If I had a list with everything I needed to do I'd have even more trouble getting off the sofa

When you show off your nights efforts to others they have no idea what work went into getting that shot.

[Garethr]

Where does it mention remove dust covers 

 

Gareth 

[spillage]

Or the large notice above the extension lead plug marked "DO NOT UNPLUG OR TURN OFF!!!" is clearly and securely in place.

 

I must admit it make me slightly tired just reading that list but good effort. 

Edited December 30, 2016 by spillage

[Garethr]

I must admit though it's more detailed than my list.

Had to include remove " Remove focus mask"  on mine as well after many wasted first subs showed lovely focus still maintained 

Gareth 

[Garethr]

I must admit though it's more detailed than my list.

Had to include " Remove focus mask"  on mine as well after many wasted first subs showed lovely focus still maintained 

Gareth 

MOD's  please can you remove this post as it's a duplicate posted in error.  TA 

 

Edited December 31, 2016 by Garethr
I

[iapa]

1 hour ago, Davey-T said:

And then you discover you've forgotten to recharge the power tank 

Dave

@Garethr @Davey-T

focus masks, power tanks, dust covers come  in PT II - the implementation stages.

[Davey-T]

Just now, iapa said:

@Garethr @Davey-T

focus masks, power tanks, dust covers come  in PT II - the implementation stages.

Bit late to discover that the power tank isn't charged after you've set up 

Dave

[iapa]

28 minutes ago, Davey-T said:

Bit late to discover that the power tank isn't charged after you've set up 

Dave

Py II includes charging whilst in situ (caveat that your tank allows charging whilst it is in use. If you are remote - take an inverter to charge form the car :))

Pt III (teardown) includes putting it on charge when finished.

[Davey-T]

38 minutes ago, iapa said:

Py II includes charging whilst in situ (caveat that your tank allows charging whilst it is in use. If you are remote - take an inverter to charge form the car :))

Pt III (teardown) includes putting it on charge when finished.

If you're remote you need a list to make sure you've got everything before you leave home, an absent minded person could forget the counterweights 

Dave

[iapa]

you have captured, very succinctly, the whole point if this thread (as well as in what to remember to check PT II - your session )

 forget

I am assuming the reference is anecdotal only.

 

[Kropster]

Was there a 'don't forget the checklist' in there anywhere?

 

 

[Thalestris24]

Checking the weather should probably take place early on

[spillage]

4 hours ago, Davey-T said:

If you're remote you need a list to make sure you've got everything before you leave home, an absent minded person could forget the counterweights 

Dave

That why we should all have duct tape in our cars..I find taping large stones to your mount resolve this one...

[iapa]

28 minutes ago, Thalestris24 said:

Checking the weather should probably take place early on

You should know better than that surely?

central belt - it changes every 10 minutes

[Thalestris24]

2 hours ago, iapa said:

You should know better than that surely?

central belt - it changes every 10 minutes

Yeah, lol, but it's sensible to check it before setting up!

[Moonshed]

I have an extra item on the list. Stick note on back door telling wife not to switch the outside light on when she lets the dogs out.

[iapa]

Here is my final contribution.

Double sided ready to print and laminate.

 

Assembly checks.docx

Edited December 31, 2016 by iapa

[iapa]

As I have recently seen completion of an observatory installation, I will be reviewing this over the next few weeks.

I would appreciate any feedback on subsequent posts.

The first will be a simple list of stages to consider.