MichiP

Hi Gerald, The error happens when I try to move the telescope with the buttons in NINA. The connection runs well without errors since I'm connecting through the Hub. I'll write you an email, thank you for the offer Michael

Hi Anak, hi Chan, First of all, thank you Gerald, for your hard work on writing the plugin 🙂 I have never thought about ACP for the same reason as you said. They don't look like they are spending much on further development, but I'm glad you also tested several programs and moved to N.I.N.A. With the Hub I was able to get rid of the error that was coming when I was connecting N.I.N.A. but when I try to move the mount it get this one: I'm using Beta 3.0. is it a known problem with the Beta? Michael

Hi Paul, I also operate my observatory remotely and perform the startup routine manually. I have not encountered any issues with the sequence of tasks, as long as all programs are started in an order where a certain program requires another program to be already running. For instance, if Stellarium needs to connect to the mount, the mount should already be running to prevent an error. My startup routine is as follows: 1. Dome 2. Autoslew 3. CCD & Filter Wheels 4. Focuser 5. Autoguider 6. FlipFlap (Cover opener) 7. Cloudwatcher 8. The Sky X 9. N.I.N.A. You can keep everything connected. If you plan a fully automated setup, ensure that everything is connected and move the Mount and Dome to a park position. Regards, Michael

I will stick with N.I.N.A. because N.I.N.A. can control my dome way better than the other programs. 🙂 But maybe you can help me with one remaining problem with N.I.N.A. I can connect my DDM 85, goto is also working very well. However, when I connect N.I.N.A. with Autoslew, I receive this error message: I can also not move the mount with the buttons directly in N.I.N.A. When I hit any button e.g. N, E, S, or W. I get this error message: The buttons Park and Unpark are working. Any ideas about what this is causing?

I would not limit it to those three programs, but I think these are the most used ones. I'm currently testing N.I.N.A. next to SGP, but I don't see a huge difference between them. Photon's ASA plug-in is definitely a huge plus for N.I.N.A. 🙂

I missed mentioning CCD Autopilot. But to be honest, I'm not happy with it. It is crashing so often that I would not rely on it.

Hi, I'd like to hear your opinion on which program I should choose to have my observatory fully automated. The following equipment must be supported: ASA DDM 85XL on a bend pier RC 16 180mm APO 2 x ZWO ASI 2600mm + Filter wheel Astrometric's DomeProU Controllers (Dome control) Alnitak Cover opener Microtouch Controller Primaluce Essato Focusser AAG Cloudwatcher One critical point is that the dome needs a certain position to open and close the shutter. What should I consider? Any concerns? Thank you Michael

You are not missing a big thing. In some menus, you get access to more details that you can change. However, the standard settings are mostly working very well so there is normally no need to touch this. Michael

Have you tried to do an auto-tune from the servo motors? Go to Drive ---> Servo Setup in AutoSlew Michael

The solution was to have both, AutoSlew and Sequenz starting on the same right level. I just started AutoSlew with Admin rights. The problem was immediately solved after changing Sequenz also to Admin rights Thank you Wolfgang Promper for your support.

Thank you for letting us now

Hi, I have set up a new PC to control the equipment. All drivers etc., are the latest from the websites, and basically, all look good and are working as they should. With just one exception. Squenz can't connect to Autoslew. It's always reporting: Ascom: Connection to Austlew failed. Autoslew on it selt is working normally. The installed version of Autoslew is 5.2.4.8, and Sequenz is 0.2.1.1 Any idea what's going on and how to fix that? Regards, Michael

Hi Have you been able to fix this issue? It would help to see a star disc. Make an unsharp photo of a star where we can see all the rings nicely. What kind of telescope is it? Possibly the mirror is held too tight, or it is moving. You also have a strong vignetting. Michael

It's maybe also interesting for others, you can use also use the Meanwell SDR240-24 power supply. However, this one is meant to be for clip rail installation. I got this power supply confirmed by the ASA Support.

Hi, A few days ago, our power supply for the ASA DDM 85 XL, litterally smoked up. We had a PS 524 - 11 T power supply. Does somebody know which alternative power supply would also work stable? Thank you. Best regards, Michael

Hi, best would be to reach out to ASA support. They can send you your licence. It's not recommened to use anotherone's licese becaues it acitvates certain settings. Best Michael PS: I hope you could already solve it in the mean time.

Hi, Since our PC in the observatory is often struggeling with problems and beeing also quite old, I'm thinking about to replace it. Bisque's TheSky Fusion looks like a nice thing to control mount, camera, filters etc. Bisque is mainly developing stuff for their own hardware and compatibilty might be a problem. Is some using the this hardware or seeing some problems that might come up with it? CS, Michael

Hi, I have no problems with running Ascom 6.5 SP1, but don't take this as a guarantee that it will work 100%. It often depends on your Windows and the installed updates if all is running smoothly. Regards

What are the difficulties that you are facing?

I strongly recommend to talk to ASA support directly before doing this. I'm sure they will give assistance and helpt to do that without harming the mount.

The latest version should support Win XP without problems. You will find the latest version here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B7VuwIiNBZw2QzFtblFZVjVZaVk I think you will need the FTDI driver as well, this should be the right driver: https://ftdichip.com/drivers/

My DDM 85 was running perfectly unter Win XP. Intall all the needed driver, there should be no problem.

Hi Christer, I would be also interested in your project. Please put me also on your list Regards Michael

I think you won't have problems with you 8 inch APO. 🙂 ASA has a great support team, just reach out to them directly if you need help. They do also remote sessions to get everything up and running. The forum is more a ASA customer helping each other and not contantly motored by ASA.

Hi Dan, The ASA DDM itself is working extremely well unguided. Problems that happen are mostly found in the used telescope or bad balancing. If the error is constant, the ASA mount can compensate it by using MLPT. Be sure that your telescope has no jumping mirror shift, unstable imaging train, or any loose parts. Best regards, Michael