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Hardware:
Mini ITX PC (1.8Ghz) - sitting under the scope. Runs off 12V, so perfect for the off grid dark site. Don't need a powerful PC for image capture
MacBook Pro running Remote Desktop Client somewhere comfortable
Home network (or $20 secondhand wireless network at the dark site)
Software:
Maxim DL for capture & guiding
Pinpoint LE (within Maxim)
FocusMax
CCD Commander to tie it all together and hopefully let me sleep!
PolarAlignMax when setting up.
I use the catalogue in Maxim for initial pointing to the target, then nudge the scope around to get a pleasing composition. I'll then platesolve this and enter those coordinates into a script in CCDC. I also use Maxim to select a Mag 4-5 star within a short slew from the target and use that as a focus target in CCDC. Haven't found the need to use a full on planetarium package when I'm usually working with just one or two targets per night. I usually use AstroPlanner to work out local rise and set times for my local horizon limits.
DT
Last edited by DavidTrap; 29-06-2013 at 10:15 PM.
Reason: added a bit
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