Automation software

[Bart]

What is the automation software of choice?

I am currently using SGP, although good it is lacking in the focus department of me.

CCD Commander?

CCD Auto Pilot?

ACP?

I have as well MaxIm 5, Pinpoint, Focus Max, Starry Night and possibly an old copy of The Sky 6 somewhere too, I think.

Appreciate the thoughts. All I really want to do is automate my focusing and probably use temp compensation and filter offsets.

I'm leaning towards CCD Auto Pilot at this stage.

[RickS]

I use ACP for my portable set up and also at a couple of remote sites (with ACP Scheduler as well in the case of the remote sites). It is very capable and flexible but expensive.

[SimmoW]

Not sure what's happening with Diego, I know he has been using the Voyager software and is kicking goals with it. Sounds cheap too

[Bart]

Hi Rick,


Yes ACP is a bit exy, as long as it does the job though.


Thanks.



Simon,


I have looked at Voyager and it seems the program has not been updated since 2010 (if there is a need??) and it seems the website has not been updated since 2014?? Not sure what that means except it feels a bit unsupported.


Cheers.

[garymck]

not sure if you are looking at the right voyager? The adddress for the Voyager Diego is using is:
https://software.starkeeper.it/index.php/voyager/
I'm waiting for the clouds to clear to try it out to replace SGP.

Have you been looking at the old Voyager Planetarium (Carinasoft?)
cheers
Gary

[Bart]

Aaaahh..yes, well there you go!

So...does it work like CCD Autopilot where it uses other programs to do the work and acts as a control and hub?

Calling Diego to the Bat Phone!!

[diegocolonnello]

This may help

https://youtu.be/mGlV_sXo3i4

I will make 3 more videos covering set up, operation and scripting... let me know If you need help and i can remote into your computer and explain...

[Bart]

Thanks Diego, I have been having a bit of a play. Unfortunately it is not on my observatory computer so will need to shift it to there shortly. Only trial version at the moment.

The Robofire focusing....that is built into Voyager? That means you do not have to use an outside focus program if you do not want to? Can focusing be integrated into a sequence? So, take 4 frames and refocus, take four more?

[diegocolonnello]

Yes, robofire is part of Voyager, and yes, you can focus inside a sequence or between subs......

[Bart]

Excellent, thanks Diego. I have downloaded a trial to my office computer and have been mucking around with it. It seems very good.

I will now put a trial version on my obs computer.

The main reason I need to get this sorted is my observatory is 60 km away and I'm not always there to over ride issues. My brother opens and closes the roof for me, for which I'm very grateful as it reduces my driving and fuel costs. Hopefully saves me enough to automate my roof.

[ChrisV]

This definitely looks interesting. And I was considering SGPro

[rogerg]

Rick the ACP site looks like it hasn't updated much since I last looked at it a few years ago. Is ACP still actively updated with new versions?



Bart have you used CCD Autopilot? I'm wondering how it compares.



Diego, Voyager looks interesting. Are you the author?

Does anyone have experience with SGPro?

Thanks all,
Roger.