Astro Tortilla

[Sarge (Rod)]

After a lot of research, I finally installed Astro Tortilla v0.7 plate solving software.
The equipment I am using is a NEQ6 mount, ED127 scope with Canon 60D camera.
Supporting software is EQascom, BYE and Cartes du Ciel on a Win Vista laptop

When I used AT for the first time last night I had a problem with AT hanging when recentering.
My images were solved OK, however when I had the sync & recentre options selected the AT status bar would hang on "recentreing...." but the mount did not move. The program would then go back into capture and solve mode.
I later started a polar alignment session using AT and the slewing seems to be working AOK in that session, but I didn't get to finish it due to clouds rolling in.
I suspect that the issue is related to EQmod. I had EQmod set on "Append on sync" as one of the AT turtorials indicated, but I have read further and on another forum it is suggested to change to "Dialog based"

Any suggestions or other ideas?

Clear skies

Rod

[RobC (Rob)]

I have experienced the same behaviour with my ED127 , AZ-EQ6 , EQascom and APT ( Astro Photography Tools). However when I switched to my 8" inch F10 Celestron SCT it worked like a charm.

Be interested to know when you resole the problem.

Cheers

Rob

[Sarge (Rod)]

Finally got a clear night to play with AT again.

First I did a polar align using the software and found it quite simple and painless. It took me about 15 mins, but it was my first attempt. I settled on a 7 min error, but could have got it a lot closer if I spent more time.

Then did several solvings and centerings. The program solved, but would not center when EQascom was set on "Append on sync", so switched to "Dialog based" and it worked perfectly, the only issue was EQascom did not record syncs, but I can live with that. Even slewing from one side of the sky (SE) to the other (NW) AT solved and centred every time. Only needed one iteration to centre the target each time. Solving was taking about 30 secs

For astrophotography I think this is a great tool.

P.S: Hi Rob, how are you, hope you got through the cyclone OK.

Clear skies

Rod

[Amaranthus (Barry)]

Rod, I've never had a problem getting EQASCOM to record the syncs from Astrotorilla via my AZ-EQ6. I use 'Append on Sync' and it works fine, everytime. I'm also using APT, and CdC as the planetarium. The 4 software tools work in synergy like a charm.

The key for consistent performance with AstroTortilla is to get the correct image scale, and then set the tolerances tight. This will ensure really fast solves (typically 5-10 sec if not blind solving). I calculate my arcsecpix and use this scale - very reliable.