Some time ago when searching the Net for drift alignment software (the requirements were: free, user friendly, supprorting LX200 protocol..) I stumbled on
EQAlign - which is actually much more that that - It helps with alignment but it is also a complete suite, with objects data base, GoTo and guiding capabilities. However, it turned out that it won't work with
SoundStepper (which I am using to control all my mounts) due to some protocol issues.
That was not a big deal since my preferred sky chart software is CdC.. but I still fancied the idea of minimising the number of applications running during session, and EQA had a great potential to be the right main choice (with CdC as backup, having much larger object data base).
After contacting both authors of my preferred applications, last couple of days I was involved in testing this combination (which is IMHO the winner) and it seems that all issues were sorted out (still need to test guiding though).
So, now, with this combination, I can do (almost) everything that needs to be done for an average observation/photo session:
- Drift align
- GoTo to any of 10k of fixed objects in EQA data base (not sure yet how this data base can be manipulated)
- GoTo comets/asteroids (elements are updatable from web)
- GoTo specific coordinates
- Guiding with the same camera used for alignment
For the above functionality I am using both 2 USB ports available on my Dell Latitude LS lap [one for camera (Vesta) and another one (on docking station) is for audio adapters and game console (via 4-port USB hub)..].
The communication between EQAlign suite (or CdC) and SoundStepper is internal, via VPSE).
The one remaining issue will be my future dome and its sync with telescope movement, but I will be solving this when it becomes a problem (mid next year.. I hope).
