MaxPoint & MaximDL - trying to get auto mapping working but GSC errors?

[g__day (Matthew)]

Last night I tried the auto calibration under MaxPoint to create a 100 star sky model. MaxPoint launched MaximDL - which took an exposure ok - but failed to find the GSC plate tables.

Now I pointed it to the GSC data Meade Envisage installed - but no joy. So I downloaded alot of megs of star catalogue from dc3 and the three tables, unpacked the star directorys and pointed the software to the GSC directories - but it still failed. I noticed some of the unpacks failed - on maybe 60 stars - with CRC errors.

Any idea of what to do to best improve this?

Many thanks,

Matthew

[citivolus (Ric)]

I have no specific suggestions, but if by chance you would like USNO-A2.0 I can burn some DVDs. At almost 6GB it is a pain to download but is useful to have around.

[g__day (Matthew)]

Thank you - once I have sorted my problems I'll kindly like to take up your offer!

[g__day (Matthew)]

Hmm - well that time it ran for 9 stars - before it complained - I'm thinking it may well be a corrupted catalogue.

So I will download again tomorrow and see if the problem persists - or move to a larger catalogue that MaxPoint and MaximDL supports as you suggest!

[citivolus (Ric)]

It compresses down to 4.1GB in a zip file, so it does fit on a single DVD

I'll see if I still have your address.

Anyone else want a copy? Send me a PM. Don't worry, it isn't violating any license agreements for me to make copies of it

[montewilson (Monte)]

I don't know much about MaxPoint but plenty about TPoint plate solves et al.

One constant problem is finding the best image size and exposure. It may be that you are not exposing enough or your frame is too big or small.

What is the scope camera combination?

[g__day (Matthew)]

C9.25 OTA and Canon 400D taking 1-2 second shots (field of view 20 * 30 arc minutes)