nakbrooks

I’m not saying I’d never update, but I prefer to do so infrequently at a time I choose - not have Win10 do it automatically, often several times a week. Maybe I’m over-cautious. I will be updating soon though as I need on-demand OneDrive sync.

Purely as a matter of interest, with exposures as long as 20 minutes, what proportion are affected by things like aircraft, satellites, etc? There must be a point at which it is more efficient to do more shorter exposures.

Thanks for the responses. Win10 auto update on my system is turned off (if it ain’t broke don’t fix it) but usb issues have started to surface again. I wanted to get some confidence that others are using the latest Win10 and FTDI updates before I risk it myself

I'm having USB problems again - the FTDI driver keeps crashing. Could I ask Win 10 users to post their Windows version and FTDI driver versions please. My versions are: Windows 10 Ver 1703 Build 15063.786 FTDI driver dated 10/04/2012 Ver 2.8.24.0 Many thanks Nigel

http://www.lulin.ncu.edu.tw/lot/Autoslew_EngSept02.pdf This manual is for a 20 year old version of Autoslew (pre ASA and pre direct drive). Mainly of historic interest, but it includes much more detail than the recent manuals so may be of help in understanding some of the more esoteric features (although a lot has obviously changed, so use with care).

Thanks Thomas. That confirms what I thought.

Pretty basic question this. I tend to sync from Autoslew but TheSkyX (and most other software that connects to the telescope via ASCOM) obviously also has a sync function. Am I correct that it doesn’t matter in which application I do the sync? In other words, if I have TheSkyX (and possibly multiple other packages via an ASCOM hub) all connected to Autoslew then doing a sync in one of them automatically causes them all to sync?

I was thinking about the new Autoslew manuals that came out last year. These were a great improvement on previous documentation. At the time I posted I had hoped these would be followed by a series of new documentation on other ASA hardware/software but unfortunately that hasn’t happened.

Only issue I’ve had is much more dew than expected in winter. Also slow Internet but they are installing fibre now.

Yes unfortunately only 3 of us contributed content I think. ASA have slowly started producing better documentation. If that continues then maybe the wiki will not be needed.

I’m installed there now. A few things to configure still before I’m fully operational.

That’s good. What’s your system? Will you do the installation yourself?

Is that another attack Christer? Your service provider needs to improve its security!

Thanks for yours reply John, particularly given your other priorities at this time. I'm still undecided. It's very tempting to get the upgrade now while everything is disassembled as I move it to e-eye in Spain. However the cost is significant so I may wait and see how it goes. I never had major problems in the past - just a couple of excursions following power outages mid-session, but I was able to resolve those ok using cctv.

John, what did you find were the major benefits. It's several thousand euros so a difficult decision. Also how long did it take ASA to do the upgrade? Thanks Nigel

Thanks Josch, that's reassuring. Incidentally I've had problems with Maxim losing the camera connection almost every session for years. I have to reconnect the camera. I've not been able to diagnose the problem but I suspect USB issues. In the new observatory I will have new cables and a new PC and will not need to use an extra USB hub so I'm hoping that will solve my problem.

Thanks. I've also been using my DDM85XL remotely (albeit from the comfort of the adjacent house, not a thousand miles away). I've had a couple of occasions where the mount has lost track of its position and got into a very strange position but have managed to get it back using the cameras. Think I'll continue to rely on that, although I may need to rethink if I automate an entire night session using ACP without any visual supervision.

Thanks Christer

Had a very interesting visit to E-EYE yesterday. Most impressive. Think I'll be moving there.

Thanks Luke. I'll have 2 IP cameras so think I'll stick with the old encoders for now.

I am considering upgrading my DDM85XL to use absolute encoders. ASA have given me a quote which is expensive, although a lot cheaper than buying a new mount. I am considering this because I intend to move to a hosted facility and need trouble-free remote operation. Can anyone advise me whether the benefits of absolute encoders are worthwhile for remote operation, given the upgrade cost of several thousand euros. Thanks Nigel

If anyone has direct experience of the E-Eye telescope hosting service in Spain I would be very interested to hear your views (by private message if you are unhappy about posting in a public forum). I am visiting E-Eye this weekend to discuss hosting my system. Thanks

As I plan to move my equipment to a hosted service I am offering my 4 metre ScopeDome motorised dome, including controller, free of charge to anyone able to dismantle and transport it. It is located in SW France (near 65220 Trie sur Baise). It will require at least 3 people and a small mobile crane (can be rented locally) to dismantle it and a truck with a 8m flat bed to transport it. This would be ideal for a club, school or serious amateur. If anyone is interested please send me a private message.

Thanks Luke. If anyone else knows of hosting facilities with availability I'd be interested to hear.

Can anyone recommend a reliable telescope hosting facility? I am considering closing my own observatory and relocating my equipment (400mm Cassegrain on DDM85XL mount) to a hosting service. I have contacted several in Spain and the US but most seem to have no spare capacity. Thanks Nigel