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maxmirot

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Posts posted by maxmirot

  1. Well, first of all ASA would need to offer some sort of interface to start an MLPT run from other programs, may it be a COM interface for scripting or a little command line program.

    Then one needs to invoke that function from the automation program used. In CCD Autopilot there is this function, which seems alright.

    In ACP one can use a custom UserAction to do so.

    In SGP I have no idea if it can be done or not. What you need is a way of calling an external program before imaging but after the slew to the target is completed, ideally with the total imaging time as an argument.

    SPG runs scripts.

  2. "I had the impression, that for ASA it was difficult to understand why a group of active forum members that are using ASA equipment with success for years see a need for better documentation."

    Maximrot beat me to the appropriate reply :D

    Its beyond me that they can be so unaware.....

     

    On another note, I have some experience with getting the software up and running so I could perhaps be of some help in case of need. This would be via Teamviewer and skype. I'm willing to be added as such a resource at the wiki. If it gets too overwhelming I might reconsider of course. Perhaps others as well would be willing?

     

    pelle

    Thanks Pelle.

  3. I sent Paul Rodman the author of Astroplanner. The email below. He is willing to help us.

     

    I don't use Sequence that much yet but hope to soon with Astroplanner import.

     

    Can someone post a few .trg files with a few  targets and focus stars that I can forward to him?

     

    Max

     

     

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

     

    Sure. Send me some sample XML files and I will figure out what you'll need to do.

     

    Paul Rodman

    Sent from my iPad

    On Sep 12, 2016, at 12:07 PM, Mirot, Max Max.Mirot@canyonvistamedicalcenter.com> wrote:

    Paul,

     

    I just purchased AstroPlanner.

    I see it has a lot of ways to export including scripting.

     

    I use the automation program called Sequence by ASA telescopes that supports their direct drive mounts.

    Several members of the ASA user group are also interested in exporting from Astroplanner into Sequence.

    Sequence takes a XML file.

     

    Can you help us configure or script this output?   I can send you some sample files that we need to emulate.

     

    Thanks

     

    Max

  4. "I had the impression, that for ASA it was difficult to understand why a group of active forum members that are using ASA equipment with success for years see a need for better documentation. I mentioned, that on the one hand side it would help seasoned users if they knew what changes are incorporated in new software releases and how to use them. But at least from my perspective, I find it very sad to read so many bad comments in other forums when it comes to the question whether it is a good idea to invest in ASA equipment or not. A decent, up-to-date documentation and a solid support base is a must-have today, especially when dealing with a rather sophisticated and complicated product like e.g. DDMs."

     

    I got a good laugh out this one.  Apparently engineers without business sense run this company. 

     

    Research funding has it's up and downs.

    One day they will be out of luck when there is not another 1.5 meter order left in the pipeline and no DDM60s are selling either.

  5. Hi,

     

    on the 10th of September, there's the AME fair in southern Germany. ASA usually has a booth there so I can try to discuss with them whether they would have a problem with us using their documentation as a basis for a user-group-maintained wiki page.

     

    I like the idea and would be willing to contribute where possible.

     

    Best regards,

     

    Robert

     

    A number of user need to complain to ASA in person in a big way. 

     

    It is silly to develop amateur products without really supporting them.

    It is impacted sales already and will get worse.

     

    No matter what they say we still need a Wiki run by us unless there is 1000% turn around in documentation.

    I would like to see ASA contributing too.

     

     

    Max

  6. As Nigel says this has been suggested before. It is an excellent idea, particularly as ASA clearly has no intention of ever providing proper documentation. I just wish they had admitted this long ago rather than repeatedly promising improvements that never eventuate! I am really quite angry about this as I feel they have acted no better than conmen!

    Nevertheless we have already spent the money and being angry will get me nowhere.

    So I strongly support Max's suggestion.

    Ian

    We need a process to build our own documents online. I don't have the experience to do this. I am will to contribute.

     

    Max

  7. Is there a way the community can develop and a knowledge base, Wiki etc?

     

    God knows the documentation has not been updated in years and does not contain may details. 

    The company rarely answers user's questions online which make this worse.

     

    That means it is falling on the owners to be more effective in detailing  best practices. 

     

    Examples :

     

    What does a good motor waveform look like?

     

    How much current should the motor be using?

     

    What are the tip offs that something is wrong.

     

    When and how to use motor filters for RA and Dec.

     

     

    Balance how good does it have to be?  Best way to use the balance tool or is a manually balance effective  too?

     

    How to cope with offset weights such as finders scopes and non concentric filter wheels.

     

    Understanding and refining models.

     

    Procedure for adding only PA or PA with Collimation data to a larger model ( Just figured this out ).

     

    Tweaking superfit.  The polynomials can improve the models ( just figure this out).

    Understanding the superfit plots.

     

    Identifying and removing outliers.

     

    What does the sync and refere box do in Sequence?

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    With these mounts, understanding a single check box can make a big difference in the unguided performance.

    Ignorance may lead to other problems with motors, usb etc.

     

    Those of us that have these mounts have found the answers to some of these questions.

    We need to share our collective experience. i think we could do this somehow including screen prints and figures as needed.

     

    What do you think?

     

    Max

     

     

     

     

     

     

  8. You clearly get excellent performance with MLPT on the N10. I would assume that its should be better than chasing the seeing in most cases.

     

    It too bad I don't like Sequence.

    I can only pray that the ASA software gods have pity on those of us that use other automation programs and make it scripted.

     

    Max

  9. My tests show I can do often do 20 mins or more unguided with MLPT. However, Sequence is necessary. Sequence  is pretty bare bones (does not do much of what I want).

     

    Straight models get me 10 mins. They seem to need a model redo every few weeks even if the systems has not been touched. 

    I still don't understand how to get the most out of my mount do to poor documentation and support.

     

    I often find it easier and more reliable to guide.  I am sure there are many other users like my self could do better but there is no expert support.

    I know I am not alone.

     

    I am pretty tech savvy but these mounts are not easy to use.  There are big holes in the available knowledge and easy way to ask simple questions. 

     

    Max

  10. Not what I am asking. This about permanent pier that PA was original perfect. There has been a suggestion that these values change slightly over time, even if you have not touched the mount or scope. Asking about doing a big model  then tweaking PA with 3-5 additional stars or PA and collimation with 12-15. I think there was a suggestion this could be done.

     

    Also, what does the east and west refere and sync check box do in Sequence autopoint?

     

    Max

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