Upgrading PHD2

[Startrek (Martin)]

Even though in the PHD2 forum the advice is that you won’t lose any of your Brain settings , calibration, dark library, Bad pixel map etc.. by upgrading a version of PHD2 , but I would like to confirm that with folk on IIS who have recently upgraded PHD2 , in particular the Dev 3 and Dev 4 versions which include the multi star guiding feature
Await your first hand advice and experience on upgrading
Thanks in advance

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Been updating to latest version each new dev release for years. Never had an issue losing config settings.

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

I am currently using Dev 3 with no issues. Multistar guiding has been great

[Startrek (Martin)]

Thanks Gents
That’s reassuring
Nearly finish my Dome so I’m in the process of upgrading and updating software etc....
Just need some decent weather soon , it’s been an ordinary summer for AP
Thanks
Martin

[Sitt (Simon)]

Originally Posted by mswhin63

I am currently using Dev 3 with no issues. Multistar guiding has been great

Dev 4 has been out for just over a month. Some issues with Dev 3

[Startrek (Martin)]

Upgraded PHD2 yesterday to Dev4 ( Multistar Guiding )
Last night used it for the first time however started off disastrous as I didn’t realise you have to wipe your existing calibration and recalibrate
Anyway re calibrated and started guiding.Guiding numbers during a 4 hour imaging session were at least 20 to 25% better than any previous session
Usually on good nights I’m around 0.90 to 1.15 , last night I was guiding between 0.75 and 0.80 total rms ( got down to 0.72 at one stage )
Definitely a winner this Multistar guiding, at least with my EQ6-R mount

[AdamJL]

that's good, Martin. I must be doing something good, because I sit around 0.6 or so on PHD2. I've never changed any settings, just pressed the button *shrugs*

From what the experts say, so long as your around (or below) 1, you should be good!

[Startrek (Martin)]

Originally Posted by AdamJL

that's good, Martin. I must be doing something good, because I sit around 0.6 or so on PHD2. I've never changed any settings, just pressed the button *shrugs*

From what the experts say, so long as your around (or below) 1, you should be good!

I’ve been guiding for over 3 years now and I’ve pushed 5 minute subs with 1.50 arc sec error and still have round stars
It all depends on your image scale , the type of Dec and Ra movements
But yes the universal safe figure is 1 arc sec and preferably less

[RobF (Rob)]

Yep, you really don't want your average dec and RA values to stay above your calculated arcsec/pixel for your OTA and camera combination. Preferably under half is nice where possible. Then there is also seeing, wind effects, and stampeding elephants near your rig to keep under control too

Looking forward to trying the multi-star guiding next opportunity....

[Karlz (Karl)]

I had no worries when I upgraded, all settings were waiting. I re-calibrate every now and again just to keep it up to date. I didn't deal with my settings before my flip now at 0.8 but was around the 0.45 mark prior, running a heavy set up which won't help.

[Ryderscope (Rodney)]

I've just upgraded tonight to Dev 4 and so far is looking good. Have attached thumbnail of current guiding graphs. Normally I track between .5" - .7" and at the moment I've been tracking in the low .4" range. This is very good because the conditions tonight are awful as there is a lot of hazy cloud going through so without the multi star guiding I expect that I would be getting closer to .7" - .9". Will have to use it over a few imaging sessions to be sure but so far it is looking good. I won't be doing any more tonight though as the conditions are seriously crappy.

And - also, I downloaded the Dev4 install package and installed it with no problems. All existing settings and equipment profiles were retained and everything is in order.

CS,
Rodney