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Old 08-07-2014, 11:35 AM
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Octane (Humayun)
IIS Member #671

Octane is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Canberra
Posts: 11,159
Alistair,

Sorry for not replying earlier.

I've only been playing around with the software in the last week, or so.

But, I think the answer to your question is: yes!

You build a script by using the Actions menu, which then just places actions into the script, such as:

Set the temperature
Move to RA/Dec
Plate solve to confirm pointing
Focus (if you use AcquireStar in FocusMax, it will take a pointing reference exposure, plate solve, go find a suitable star to focus on, focus, and, then; come back to the position it started at, take a pointing reference exposure, then, by performing another plate solve, confirm, or, slew to the reference location)
Take images
Set the temperature
Park scope

You can then save this sequence in a file. I see no reason why you can't then open that file on the observatory computer.

If you like imaging based on time/altitude, you will love CCD Commander. It has a wait time, and, wait altitude feature. As well as a bunch of other things, like, skipping ahead at time or altitude. So, say, you set up the automatic flats action for dawn, it will automatically, at civil twilight, trash your current exposure (or, complete current exposure (soft skipping)), and, then, go and do flats (and, take dark frames for the flats, too).

It is a whole bunch of fun watching it work.

If you have other questions, please ask. Happy to help. I'm learning as I go on my automation journey.

H

Quote:
Originally Posted by alistairsam View Post
hi H,

Does CCD commander have the ability to create a session plan on another machine, and then load it to your PC connected to the scope?

This would be useful if you wanted to work on a target plan over a few days and then just load it in your Obs Machine on the day.
I tend to take time choosing a target based on its height, time, filter sequence (stepped RGB) rather than doing it on the night which wastes time.

Cheers
Alistair

Last edited by Octane; 09-07-2014 at 01:15 PM.
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