Kstars device support - HEQ5?

[AstroViking (Steve)]

Quick update - got pretty much everything working this evening.

Polar alignment with the PoleMaster - spot on
Ekos driving the DSLR for image capture - check
KStars slewing the mount to the desired target - check
Ekos plate solving via the DSLR and fine-tuning mount position - check
Ekos guiding - check*
New gloves keep the fingers warm - check!

One very happy and very cold Viking!

I can't wait to get the last few bugs wrinkled out with the image preview function in Ekos, and then time at a dark sky site to put everything through it's paces.

Hopefully the images I captured tonight will be good enough (still dubious about camera settings) to share here.

Cheers all,
V

* - the RMS value provided by Ekos varies by target location in the sky. Close to the zenith (and hence less light pollution, it was under 1") but lower targets saw the RMS coasting along at about 2".

[Sunfish (Ray)]

Well done

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

The FITS Viewer for Ekos/KStars is not suited for DSLR RAW images and does not work that well. For me the latest update, I convert the RAW images direct to FIT on the RPi. I actually have fewer issues than using the RAW conversion.

[AstroViking (Steve)]

Hi Malcolm,

Yeah, I've noticed the RAW -> FITS conversion is rather poor. I discovered 'GwenView' was installed as part of the Kubuntu distribution, so have been using that to (try and) examine the test frames.

If I understand you correctly, you are using Ekos' built-in RAW to FITS convertor and then viewing the FITS image? If so, I'll have to try that next time I have the rig up and running.

Cheers,
V

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Originally Posted by AstroViking

Hi Malcolm,

Yeah, I've noticed the RAW -> FITS conversion is rather poor. I discovered 'GwenView' was installed as part of the Kubuntu distribution, so have been using that to (try and) examine the test frames.

If I understand you correctly, you are using Ekos' built-in RAW to FITS convertor and then viewing the FITS image? If so, I'll have to try that next time I have the rig up and running.

Cheers,
V

I don't really view the FITS while imaging anyway. I mostly for processing benefits.

[AstroViking (Steve)]

This will make Martin happy, seeing how he strongly recommends using an EQMod cable over the handset in 'PC Direct' mode.

A PegasusAstro EQMod cable arrived in the mail the other day - now I just have to get the rig sorted out and using that instead of the hand controller.

It will speed up the setting up, as I no longer need to mess around with configuring the HC. Not to mention making the cables neater - something that's been bothering my OCD for a long time.