Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Imaging Setup and Work flow

Here is my current work flow for imaging. It contains the work around for my Meridian Flip issues which I'll figure out sometime.


StepCatagoryDescriptionWhen
1Pre-planningIdentify objects; check when they clear the houses and trees; and put into spreadsheetDays before
2Pre-planningAdd Sequence to SGP using Framing and Mosaic wizardDaylight
3SetupTripod to PadDaylight
4SetupLevel the scope using the bubble levels on the mountDaylight
5SetupAdd CounterweightsDaylight
6SetupPut on TelescopeDaylight
7SetupPlug in all the cables including USB and Ethernet cords through window.Daylight
8SetupPut on Coma Corrector and check CollimationDaylight
9SetupReplace cover on front of scopeDaylight
10SetupPut on Camera onto Coma Corrector and scope and plug in cablesDaylight
11SetupBalance ScopeDaylight
12SetupStart up Pocket Power Box software and connectDaylight
13SetupCheck connection from PC to Gemini; park the scope with Gemini SoftwareDaylight
14SetupCheck connection from PC to Gemini, Camera, Focuser, and PolemasterDaylight
15SetupRemove caps from Scope, Guide scope, and PolemasterTwilight
16Pre-CaptureStartup Teamview on PC; Connect Laptop to PCTwilight
17Pre-CaptureStart up Stellarium; connect to the GeminiTwilight
18Pre-CaptureStart up PHD2 and connect to camera and scope (Optional)Twilight
19Pre-CaptureStart Polemaster Software and weight to see Polaris and 5 starsTwilight
20Pre-CaptureRun Polemaster routine from PC until Alt-Az adjustments are needed.Twilight
21Pre-CaptureGrad headlamp and put on head; turn on red lightTwilight
22Pre-CaptureBring laptop outside and adjust Alt-Az boltsTwilight
23Pre-CaptureUnpark the scope via Gemini SoftwareTwilight
24Pre-CaptureUSe Stellarium to slew to target. Watch cables and scope to make sure nothing goes wrong.Twilight
25Pre-CaptureUse SGP to get general focus on starsTwilight
26CaptureIf target is already centered, turn off slew/center in SGP; do blind SyncDark
27CaptureStart Sequence (automatically starts Slew; Center; Autofocus; PHD2)Dark
28CaptureStart up SharpCapDark
29CaptureSet camera in SharpCap to "Folder Monitor Camera"Dark
30CaptureSet folder in Camera Controls to folder of SGP capture and click "Live Stack"Dark
31CaptureMonitor stacking and check in on SGP.Dark
32CaptureEnjoy till Meridian Flip timeDark
33Capture (Meridian Flip)Meridian Flip not working yet....Dark
34Capture (Meridian Flip)Decide when it is time to do the flip; pause sequence; Park at CWDDark
35Capture (Meridian Flip)Grad headlamp and put on head; turn on red lightDark
36Capture (Meridian Flip)Bring laptop outsideDark
37Capture (Meridian Flip)Unpark the scope via Gemini SoftwareDark
38Capture (Meridian Flip)Use Stellarium to slew to target. Watch cables and scope to make sure nothing goes wrong.Dark
39CaptureResume monitoring and enjoymentDark

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