[naskies (Dave)]

Originally Posted by multiweb

Ok, so I've got this right. It's clear tonight so I'll give it another go.

1_ connect lodestar/AO etc...

Yep...

2_ make a single dark frame then apply full calibration (or can you do a library of darks and combine to make a quality master dark?)

I've just used the Autosave feature and shot a library of darks at various binnings and shutter speeds (0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.2 secs are what I usually use). I then go into Set Calibration (Process menu), auto generate, and replace with masters.

3_ in the AO set up window, click the locate radio button then start.

You need to first go into the Setup tab of the SX AO Control window, and ensure that Full Frame Image is checked in the Full Calibration section.

Once you've done that, click on the Locate radio button. I usually have the Contin. box checked to ensure that the star is reasonably steady first - then click on Abort.

4_ one click on the star then start?

Now click on the Calibrate Drive radio button, and then click Start. It should move the mount and calibrate itself.

You'll also need to do the Calibrate AO step if you haven't already. You need to re-do this if you change your imaging train (e.g. taking the camera out, and then putting it back in) - but not if you slew to a different part of the sky, or on successive nights with the same set up.

Step 5. Click on the Locate radio button again and re-acquire a guide star. (You have to do this before you can start tracking - even though MaximDL knows where the guide star is after the drive calibration step )

Step 6. Click on the Track tab, and then click on Start. If all went well - you should see the guide star updating in the window and corrections being made.

Good luck! I find MaximDL's normal guiding set up fairly straightforward, but the AO set up is definitely convoluted.