http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/ 2010-09-09T12:57:58+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/ http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/lib/images/favicon.ico text/html 2010-08-22T00:26:24+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=1.eqmod_main_page&rev=1282433184&do=diff EQMOD This wiki is setup to document the features and use of the EQMOD driver. It may also document other related topics. This documentation is created in a collaborative approach so your feedback and input is essential. Please send private mail to JonD (use the “Contact Us” menu item on the Welsh Dragon Computing Web Site to give suggestions, explanations or corrections. text/html 2008-11-06T15:03:39+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=a_detailed_description_of_how_eqmod_gets_the_equatorial_coordinates&rev=1225983819&do=diff A detailed description of how EQMOD gets the equatorial coordinates Author: Mon 1. Read the RA and DEC Stepper ring counter values from the stepper board * Values are 32BIT Hexadecimal Ring counter values * Ring counter center value is 0x800000 * A single increment (decrement) of the counter corresponds to 0.144 arcsecond of mount movement on each axis text/html 2008-11-06T15:03:38+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=about_mosaic_fov_settings&rev=1225983818&do=diff About Mosaic FOV settings: 2 deg,54 min x 1 deg,34mins is 174 arcmins x 94 arcmins The field of view needed is that of your imaging device when applied to your scope. Obviously there are a wide range of FOVs we need to cover when you consider the various options folks have in terms of scopes, barlows, reducers, CCDs, webcams, DSLRs, SLRs etc. You don't have to be deadly accurate with setting the FOV values just err on the 'smaller' side and all that will happen is the mosaic will be slightly… text/html 2008-11-06T15:03:39+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=add_on_software_that_can_be_used_with_eqmod_but_not_required&rev=1225983819&do=diff Add on Software There are a number of additional applications that have been written specifically to work with EQMOD. These applications use the ASCOM interface and so may also work with other ASCOM compliant telescope drivers. This manual focuses on their use with EQMOD. text/html 2009-03-09T01:18:37+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=adding_and_deleting_object_entries&rev=1236561517&do=diff EQMOD Tour - Adding and Deleting Object entries Objects can be added to the current Tour Object List. Usually you would add objects to the MyTour list. * Start EQMOD Tour and connect to EQMOD * Start your planetarium program and connect to EQMOD * Using your planetarium program, slew to the object to be added. * In EQMOD Tour, click the [Add] button. * Enter an appropriate description. Press the [Enter] key on your keyboard in order to record the description. The list will be refreshed an… text/html 2009-05-20T21:08:23+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=alignment_overview&rev=1242850103&do=diff Alignment EQASCOM Alignment Overview. Summary: * EQASCOM provides a pointing model using a list of calibrated points. * The number of points can vary from 1-1000. * The process of adding a point to the list is referred to as “Alignment” and involves moving the mount to a known location (typically a star) in the sky and adjusting the mount to centre this point in a high power reticule eyepiece (or camera image). * The point remains as a fixed position In the sky with respect to the obse… text/html 2010-05-26T19:59:36+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=alignment_points_list_editor&rev=1274900376&do=diff Alignment Points List Editor It may be desirable to delete one or more points from the points that have been used for alignment without completely resetting all the alignment data or you may simply want to verify the alignment for the alignment that you have used for alignment. text/html 2010-05-24T17:43:36+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=auto_pier_flip_option&rev=1274719416&do=diff Auto Pier Flip Option Given the concerns expressed at inclusion of auto-flip capability the auto flip support itself is dependent on an EQASCOM setup screen option (as presented when selecting properties from the ASCOM chooser). In the “ASCOM Telescope Chooser” click the [Properties] button to display the ASCOM setup window shown below. You can also display this window by accessing: text/html 2009-01-26T21:06:26+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=basic_operation&rev=1233003986&do=diff Basic Operation of EQMOD Mosaic * Double click the file EQMOD_MOSAIC.exe . Depending upon your computer setup the .exe extension may not be visible. * Start your planetarium program (optional) and connect to EQMOD in the “ASCOM Telescope Chooser” dialog. EQMOD will start up. * In the EQMOD Mosaic window, click the [Connect] button. EQMOD Mosaic will then connect to an ASCOM driver. If none has previously been selected then the “ASCOM Telescope Chooser” dialog will appear. On successful conne… text/html 2010-05-26T19:08:58+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=calibrating_joystick&rev=1274897338&do=diff * Calibrating the Joystick Typically a joystick will send values of a minimum of 0 and a max of 65535. These are the limits that EQASCOM always used to apply internally. If Joysticks are auto calibrating or can be calibrated from their driver then these are the typical values. text/html 2009-03-16T20:57:53+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=credits_and_copyright&rev=1237237073&do=diff ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ EQMOD ASCOM Driver is a software module that allows direct control of Synta mounts such as EQG, EQ-6, EQ-5, Sirius, and upgraded older Atlas mounts sold by Orion USA or Skywatcher. text/html 2010-05-26T19:06:29+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=defining_the_mapping_of_buttons&rev=1274897189&do=diff Defining the Mapping of Buttons on a Gamepad/Joystick Controller The Gamepad is sought out automatically if your Gamepad is present at start-up. If the Gamepad is not detected, try using the “Initialise” button in the “Gamepad Configuration” sub-panel. text/html 2009-08-29T21:34:24+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=detailed_description_of_how_alignments_are_processed&rev=1251578064&do=diff Detailed description of how alignments are processed As explained before, you can actually use the same star all over again in populating the N-Point table as it traverses across the sky. What N-Point basically does is it converts all RA and DEC coordinate values into stepper values and uses the stepper values themselves in the transformation process. If we use the equatorial coordinates in the transformation, we need to utilize a third parameter which is the time of measurement. Including ti… text/html 2010-05-26T19:44:59+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=dialog_based_alignment&rev=1274899499&do=diff Dialog Based Alignment (old alignment method) Procedure * Unpark the mount. * Make sure that you have selected the “Dialog Based” option in the User Interface. * Click the [Add Point(s)] button. The EQMOD Alignment Tool window will appear. * Using your planetarium program, select an appropriate alignment star. * GOTO that star using the planetarium program. * Accurately centre the star in your FOV using the slew buttons in the EQMOD Alignment Tool window (or other mechanism such as a jo… text/html 2008-11-06T15:03:45+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=disclaimer_warning&rev=1225983825&do=diff Disclaimer & Warning DISCLAIMER: You can use the information on this site COMPLETELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. The modification steps and other information on this site is provided to you “AS IS” and WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, express, statutory, implied or otherwise, including without limitation any warranty of merchantability or fitness for any particular or intended purpose. In no event will the authors be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, special, incidental or consequential damages … text/html 2009-05-17T14:42:53+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=downloading_the_software&rev=1242567773&do=diff Downloading the EQMOD Software The software is best downloaded from the Yahoo EQMOD news group ( http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/EQMOD/files/A EQMOD Release/ ) * Login and go to the files section. * Look for the folder “A EQMOD Release” text/html 2008-11-06T15:03:45+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=edit_star_list&rev=1225983825&do=diff Edit Star List It may be desirable to delete one or more stars from the stars that have been used for alignment without completely resetting all the alignment data or you may simply want to verify the alignment for the stars that you have used for alignment. text/html 2010-05-26T19:35:29+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=eqascom_polarscope_alignment_tool&rev=1274898929&do=diff EQASCOM PolarScope Alignment Tool Important: For the following procedure work properly, you must be sure the the reticule on the mount is correctly centred. The manufacturer's manual outlines the required procedure. (Typically you just centre the 'X' of the polarscope on a distant object (in daylight) and rotate the mount 180d. The object should stay centred under the 'X”. If not, use the appropriate set screws to move the reticle.) text/html 2009-09-05T14:18:47+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=eqascom_run&rev=1252156727&do=diff EQASCOM_Run EQASCOM_Run is a very basic ASCOM client intended to provide a permanent client for EQASCOM thereby ensuring the EQASCOM continues to run even it other more complex client apps such as guiding/planetarium are closed (or crash). Those with dedicated mount control PCs may wish to add EQASCOM_Run to the startup menu and leave it to windows to terminate on close down. Those without dedicated PCs may also opt to use EQASCOM_Run but may want to initiate it manually. text/html 2009-08-29T21:43:32+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=eqmod_goto_accuracy_explained&rev=1251578612&do=diff EQMOD Goto Accuracy – Explained (Author: Mon) The key to GOTO accuracy is basically a two step method; * Alignment of the mount with respect to a series of reference point on the sky (alignment stars) * Properly Positioning the RA and DEC stepper motor after the GOTO slew to the correct location. text/html 2009-01-26T21:05:23+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=eqmod_mosaic&rev=1233003923&do=diff EQMOD Mosaic EQMOD Mosaic is an ASCOM Client Application that integrates with EQMOD. Note: You do not need to install EQMOD Mosaic in order to use EQMOD. EQMOD Mosaic is used to facilitate creating mosaics of large objects. The program creates a grid of RA and DEC coordinate points so that the mount can be moved in a systematic manner as the mosaic images are accumulated. text/html 2009-01-26T20:56:56+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=eqmod_tour&rev=1233003416&do=diff EQTour Introduction EQTour is an ASCOM Client Application that integrates with EQMOD. Note: You do not need to install EQTour in order to use EQMOD. EQTour is a lightweight, small footprint application that provides users with the capability to create their own Sky Tours of objects. This may prove be useful as a “bookmarking” facility during or spanning observing session when objects need to be regularly revisited. By using EQTour in combination with Planetarium software and the EQMOD simula… text/html 2008-11-06T15:03:47+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=eqmosaic_and_meridian_flips&rev=1225983827&do=diff EQMosaic and Meridian Flips If the Meridian flip warning option has be enabled, Mosaic will issue a warning if it thinks the next slew is on the opposite side of the meridian from last slew position. Mosaic itself doesn't make the mount flip, the driver actually controls the flip. The mount may not actually flip when you click the [OK] button because, in the time it takes you to make the decision, the target position may have drifted back to the mounts current side. text/html 2009-11-26T02:29:39+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=faq&rev=1259202579&do=diff FAQs Tracking – my mount stopped tracking. When I click a tracking icon it flashes briefly and still stays at “not tracking”. What is the probable cause? One of the RA limits that have been set in EQMOD has probably been reached. Solutions: text/html 2009-03-16T23:02:47+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=glossary&rev=1237244567&do=diff Glossary Affine There are many detailed mathematical descriptions of affine/taki transformations (check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affine_transformation for example). The simplest description is to say that it is a mathematical method of calculating the differences between the actual “sky” positions and the mount position. Basically it is used to tell the mount where it has to move in order to GOTO the required object. It uses the star catalog data from your planetarium program and the align… text/html 2009-03-09T01:20:00+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=guiding&rev=1236561600&do=diff Guiding Guiding control of the mount can be accomplished in 2 different ways. The guiding signals can be sent to the dedicated ST-4 port on the mount or they can be sent to the regular control port on the mount. ST-4 Port and ST-4 Autoguider port rate For the ST-4 port, the signal could come directly from the guide camera (if the camera supports that option) or the signal could come from a separate port on the computer using a relay or electronic switch box. text/html 2010-01-16T00:22:21+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=hardware&rev=1263601341&do=diff Hardware Computer Hardware The EQMOD driver itself does not require a high-powered computer. On the other hand, you will typically be running one or more other programs (notably a planetarium program) that will require a computer with more memory and processing power. A low-end computer that works satisfactorily has the following specifications: text/html 2010-05-24T17:35:11+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=initial_setup&rev=1274718911&do=diff Initial Setup Once you have installed the software with the current setup package, you will want to do an initial setup. You only need to do this once, so installing later versions will simply use the setup from the previous installation. You will find the script “Setup EQASCOM” installed with the EQASCOM package, typically found: text/html 2010-05-12T21:50:17+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=initial_setup_with_eqascom_run&rev=1273697417&do=diff Initial setup with EQASCOM_Run EQMOD is not a stand-alone program. It is software that acts as a driver between other applications (such as your planetarium program). For this reason you would usually start a planetarium program that would then start EQMOD and connect to your mount. text/html 2010-05-12T21:51:19+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=initial_setup_with_planetarium&rev=1273697479&do=diff Initial setup with Planetarium program If all seems to be working satisfactorily, it's time to try with your planetarium program. Every planetarium program has different steps in order to initiate the connection. For details refer to the “Using EQMOD with a Planetarium program” topic. text/html 2009-05-20T20:58:31+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=installing_the_driver&rev=1242849511&do=diff Installing the EQMOD Driver Before you try installing EQMOD, make sure you have installed the ASCOM driver: ( http://ascom-standards.org ). EQASCOM will work with v4 of ASCOM but you are advised to update to the latest ASCOM version Then: * Run the program file you downloaded (EQASCOM_V114f_Setup.exe for example). The file will have a name and number appropriate to the current release. * You will probably receive a warning from Windows but it is safe to proceed as long as you have obtain… text/html 2009-08-29T21:38:30+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=introduction_to_eqmod&rev=1251578310&do=diff EQMOD ASCOM DRIVER The EQMOD ASCOM Driver is a software module that allows direct control of Synta mounts such as EQG, EQ-6, EQ-5, Sirius, and upgraded older Atlas mounts sold by Orion USA or Skywatcher. It either requires a modification of the hand controller or a small module such as EQDIR from Shoestring Astronomy: http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/index.htm or a special adapter cable, such as the one available from Pierro Astro: http://www.pierro-astro.com/ or Xagyl Communicat… text/html 2010-05-26T19:09:54+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=joystick_system_options&rev=1274897394&do=diff * Joystick System Options text/html 2009-05-24T15:11:50+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=language_customization_for_eqmod_mosaic_and_eqmod_tour&rev=1243174310&do=diff Language Customization for EQMOD Mosaic and EQMOD Tour EQMOD_TOUR_BETA_V105 and EQMOD_MOSAIC_BETA_V110 support the use of language specific dlls where all language specific text is held. Developers wishing only to translate these products now can do so by creating a separate language dll without the need to modify the main body of code. text/html 2009-05-20T21:10:41+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=levelling_the_mount&rev=1242850241&do=diff Leveling the Mount Although it is not obvious, it turns out that precise leveling of the tripod/pier/mount is not all that important. Of course you want to have reasonable values here (there's little point in having your pier tilted way off vertical). However, any discrepancies are easily compensated for by the algorithms used in the N-point alignment process. text/html 2008-11-06T15:03:54+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=lists_of_accessories&rev=1225983834&do=diff Accessories Used with EQMOD The accessories most commonly used with EQMOD are: * a game controller/joystick * a USB to serial converter * an add-on numeric keypad A source of specific hardware models and brands that work and do not work can be found on the EQMOD Yahoo site under files or database. text/html 2009-07-21T18:56:26+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=location_of_ini_files&rev=1248198986&do=diff Location of .ini files The .ini file is typically stored in directory (folder): \Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\EQMOD USERNAME is your windows login username). The Application Data folder has hidden attributes . This means you might not be able to see the folder. Set your explorer options to show hidden files. text/html 2010-01-05T22:44:02+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=manual_goto&rev=1262731442&do=diff Manual Goto As of version v1.18m, a feature has been added that allows a manual entry of the RA/Dec. * Right click on either the RA or Dec entry to display the manual Goto dialog * Enter/Modify the data entry in the manual Goto dialog and click the [GoTo] button text/html 2008-11-06T15:03:54+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=miscellaneous_facts&rev=1225983834&do=diff Miscellaneous Facts This link has been changed. Please select the Miscellaneous topic from the main menu. text/html 2008-11-06T15:03:55+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=moon_images&rev=1225983835&do=diff EQMOD Mosaic – Moon Images The staggered nature of the grids shows the effect of not having the camera RA aligned and that despite this, given sufficient overlap, an acceptable mosaic can still be achieved (each frame being overlapped by six other frames rather than 4 for optimal alignment) text/html 2009-08-11T01:58:21+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=more_on_the_eqtour_j2000_option&rev=1249952301&do=diff More on the EQTOUR !J2000 option * This is the typical situation for the sample .lst files provided with the EQTOUR installation. The coords stored in these files are based on J2000. The assumption is that your planetarium program (or other software) will be sending EQMOD JNOW coords. * If you add objects to a list you should be aware whether the coords provided by your planetarium program are JNOW or J2000. If you are adding to a list setup with the !J2000 setting and you add a JNOW set of… text/html 2009-03-09T01:24:07+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=mosaic_interface_images&rev=1236561847&do=diff EQMOD Mosaic – Interface Images This is the start up window of EQMOD Mosaic. Click the [Connect] button to connect to the mount. (see below about auto-connect option) The ASCOM Telescope Chooser appears. Select EQMOD and click the [OK] button. If you have set the “Auto-connect” option, Mosaic will attempt to connect to the last driver that you have used. In this case the [Connect] button will be replaced with a [Disconnect] button. text/html 2008-11-06T15:03:55+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=mosaic_sessions&rev=1225983835&do=diff Mosaic Sessions It is possible to save and load sessions. Up to 10 separate sessions may be saved and recalled. The following information is saved as part of a session definition. Prior to saving a session the user can change the session name by clicking on it, and entering new text. text/html 2009-03-09T01:22:31+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=mosaic_settings&rev=1236561751&do=diff EQMOD Mosaic Settings * To change the default settings of EQMOD Mosaic, click the [> > >] button. * In this extended window, you can set the frame size that corresponds to your imaging setup. This setting only needs to be approximate although it should typically be equal or smaller than the actual camera image size. The frame size is used by the grid navigator to calculate the amount of slew. * There is a drop down that allows you to save and recall the frame sizes * There is a setting to … text/html 2010-05-26T19:40:43+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=n-point_alignment_using_sync&rev=1274899243&do=diff N-Point Alignment Using SYNC (recommended alignment method) This is the recommended method of setting up alignment for planetarium programs with a SYNC function User Settings * User Interface = Append on Sync ([Add Point(s)] button will no longer be displayed. * Alignment Behavior = 3-Point + Nearest Point text/html 2008-11-06T15:03:59+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=notes_about_eqmod_mosaic&rev=1225983839&do=diff Notes about EQMOD Mosaic * As of v106, the grid navigation pad has been removed - All grid navigation is now via mouse clicks. This feature is merely hidden from view at the moment and can come back if there are sufficient requests. * The settings for EQMOD Mosaic are stored in a file EQMOSAIC.ini in folder: c:\Documents and Settings\YourLoginName\Application Data\EQMOD text/html 2009-05-24T15:12:54+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=notes_about_eqmod_tour&rev=1243174374&do=diff Additional Notes about EQMOD Tour * The additional settings are visible only if you click the [> > >] button. * The additional settings has an option to set the horizon altitude. Setting this value above 0 degrees will hide objects from the tour list below that level. * Right clicking the object list will expand or reduce the display... revealing or hiding the controls. * The settings for EQMOD Tour are stored in a file EQTOUR.ini in folder: C:\Documents and Settings\YourLoginAccountN… text/html 2009-08-29T22:08:17+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=notes_on_defining_buttons&rev=1251580097&do=diff Notes on Defining Gamepad /JoystickController Buttons * The same button can be assigned to more than one function and if this is the case any duplicates are highlighted as a warning. This allows you to combine RA and DEC rate adjustments to use only two buttons (increment and decrement) if you so desire. * While the Gamepad configuration is in progress the Gamepad buttons no longer control the scope - this includes any button currently defined for the emergency stop function. On closing the c… text/html 2009-05-21T20:25:41+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=one_point_alignment&rev=1242933941&do=diff One Point Alignment Some users of EQMOD find that alignment on a single star is sufficient... particularly if used with a permanent installation. Assumptions: * you have carefully polar aligned the mount. * you are not concerned about precise GOTO's. * there is minimal cone error. * the mount is reasonably level. text/html 2009-05-22T00:11:28+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=other_information_about_alignment&rev=1242947488&do=diff Other Information About Alignment Should the mount be tracking while aligning? Yes, the mount should be tracking, although the only difference is that it's easier to centre a star at high magnification (if you weren't tracking the star would drift out of the FOV pretty quickly). When you SYNC or click [Accept] button, EQMOD uses the current ring counter stepper values and that has nothing to do with tracking being on. text/html 2009-05-23T15:02:19+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=other_settings&rev=1243087339&do=diff Other EQMOD Settings RA Reverse and Dec Reverse These 2 options allow you to reverse the function of the associated slew control. “PierSide Points Only” checkbox (enabled by default). In previous versions this was labelled as “Local to Pier”. When enabled, only alignment point on the target side of the meridian are used. If disabled, a 3-point cross-meridian is allowed. This function should be enabled if the setup has severe cone errors or mirror flop is an issue. text/html 2009-05-22T15:00:12+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=parking_the_mount&rev=1243000812&do=diff Parking the Mount Before powering down the mount, it is desirable to return the mount to a known position (a park position). If you have set some mount RA limits, parking the mount properly before power down is essential in order to record the limits for the next power up. It will also be important for restoration of stored alignment data. text/html 2009-11-26T02:26:43+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=periodic_error_pe&rev=1259202403&do=diff Periodic Error (EQ) EQMOD VS-PEC: Q&A (Author: Chris Shillito ) * Documentation for EQMOD VS-PEC can be found on the Yahoo tech group here: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/EQMOD/files/Documentation/ * Also: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/EQMOD/files/A EQMOD Release/EQPEC/ text/html 2009-05-21T23:54:15+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=points_list_and_pointing_accuracy&rev=1242946455&do=diff Points List And Pointing Accuracy If you create a list of alignment stars using an eyepiece and later create alignments with a CCD you should probably keep the alignments in separate lists. Generally speaking CCD centered stars have an accuracy higher than those manually centered using an eyepiece. It is OK to mix them but the ones centered by the eyepiece (depending on the way it was centered) would slightly 'degrade' the overall accuracy. text/html 2010-05-26T19:22:35+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=polar_alignment&rev=1274898155&do=diff Polar Alignment Polar alignment is the process of aligning the mount so that it points at the NCP (the North Celestial Pole) or the SCP (South Celestial Pole). This means that the axis of the mount will then be aligned parallel to the earth's axis. It should be noted that Polaris, although being accepted as the North Star, is not quite at the the NCP. For polar alignment in the northern hemisphere, it is necessary to offset the mount a fraction of a degree from Polaris. text/html 2009-03-09T01:21:48+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=problems&rev=1236561708&do=diff Problems Game Controllers If your game controller is not responding as expected, look for the [Mode] button on the controller. This button switches most game controllers from analog to digital modes. The digital mode should work correctly. Tracking past Meridian Q: I would like to be able to set my mount to keep tracking a few degrees past the meridian before any limits are set. Tracking appears to stop right at the meridian which can be quite frustrating when imaging. Is there a setting … text/html 2009-03-16T23:06:31+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=report_bugs_and_requesting_new_features&rev=1237244791&do=diff Reporting Bugs and Requesting New Features If you have a request for a new feature or a bug report you can mention it on the Yahoo technical group. It probably makes sense to first browse the existing bugs & suggestions to see if you can find any issues relevant to what you're about to report. You can then add a comment about the bug or the new feature that you are suggesting. That gives an idea of how many are experiencing the same issue or would like the same improvement. ( http://tech.group… text/html 2008-11-06T15:04:06+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=resources&rev=1225983846&do=diff Resources The best place to find supporting resources is the Yahoo special interest group http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/EQMOD Within that group, you will find a very responsive and supportive group of individuals willing to provide answers to questions that might not have been covered in this manual. Please remember to search the manual and news group before posing questions that might have already been covered. text/html 2010-08-21T17:38:01+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=saving_n-point_alignment_data&rev=1282408681&do=diff Saving N-Point Alignment Data Procedure for saving data: * Perform N-Point alignment as usual. * Open the “Alignment Point List Editor” window by clicking on [Point List] button. * Click on the preset drop down list and select a preset. * Click on the preset name to rename it * Click the [Save] button to save the alignment data. (There is also an option “Save Alignment Points to Preset on PARK”.) text/html 2009-06-06T19:49:22+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=saving_the_ini_files&rev=1244314162&do=diff Saving the ini files Check the EQMOD files section for the following application: EQMOD_Toolbox.exe ( http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/EQMOD/files/A EQMOD Release/EQASCOM/ ) text/html 2009-08-29T21:36:40+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=setting_home_position&rev=1251578200&do=diff Setting the Home position of the mount The home position of the mount is the position where the telescope is pointing at the NCP (north celestial pole) or SCP(south celestial pole). This is accomplished by setting the mount with the balance (counter-weight) bar pointed downwards and the scope aimed north or south (as appropriate). text/html 2010-02-04T01:09:37+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=setting_mount_limits&rev=1265245777&do=diff EQASCOM Mount Limits Mount Limits provide a way to restrict mount movement perhaps to correspond to a physical horizon or to help protect equipment from possible pier collisions. It is important to understand that limit detection is performed within the EQASCOM driver and not by the mount motor controller itself. In common with all other PC based mount control applications, if you intend to leave the mount unattended you should carefully consider the potential risks to your equipment that may b… text/html 2008-11-06T15:04:12+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=setting_the_framesize_default&rev=1225983852&do=diff Setting the Framesize Default Q: I am using a 6” Schmidt Newton F/5 with a (modified) Canon 350D, my FOV is about 2 x 1 degrees. However currently the maximum framesize is 60 arcmin (1 degree). Is it possible to make the framesize bigger than 60 arcmin, say 150 x 150 arcmin? text/html 2009-12-20T15:20:29+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=slew_controls&rev=1261322429&do=diff Controlling the Mount Using the Slew Controls In the EQMOD ASCOM driver window you will find the “Slew Controls” panel. Assuming that the mount is unparked, clicking &/or holding the mouse down on one of the N/S/E/W buttons will move the mount in the appropriate direction. text/html 2009-05-20T18:02:42+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=slewing_presets&rev=1242838962&do=diff Slew Presets EQMOD can use preset rates for slewing The rates are read from the EQMOD.ini file and are defined as multiples of sidereal rate (same as slider bars use). The presets apply the rates to both RA and DEC. The preset rates may be selected via the drop down list situated between the two rate sliders. Additionally a pair of joystick buttons may be assigned to increment and decrement the current preset number. You can also set buttons to select specific presets. Note that joystick but… text/html 2008-11-06T15:04:13+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=slewing_to_an_object&rev=1225983853&do=diff EQMOD Tour - Slewing to an Object Clicking on a Tour Object Item will result in the “Object Position” settings being changed to those associated with the object. Double clicking will slew the scope to the object position. If an object has passed below the horizon its coordinates will be displayed in RED and slews for that object will be disabled. text/html 2009-05-18T14:17:14+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=software&rev=1242652634&do=diff Software Operating Systems The EQMOD driver works on Windows(tm) most versions. Windows Vista(tm) is relatively new but EQMOD has been run successfully using the Windows XP compatibility mode (use a right click to set this mode). There is currently no specific support for Linux. text/html 2009-03-09T01:17:06+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=starting_eqmod&rev=1236561426&do=diff Starting EQMOD EQMOD is not a stand-alone program. It is software that acts as a driver between other applications (such as your planetarium program). For this reason you should start the planetarium program and then connect to the mount from within the planetarium program. This will start up the EQMOD driver. text/html 2010-08-22T00:01:10+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=strategies_for_recovering_lost_alignments&rev=1282431670&do=diff Strategies for Recovering Lost Alignments There is nothing so frustrating as losing mount alignment in the middle of an observing session! Your mount can lose alignment for any number of reasons. It should be noted that a computer crash where the mount remains powered up should not cause a loss of alignment so long as you have saved your currently created alignment points. The option to save alignment point data as you append points is currently available in the points editor as of v1.22g. text/html 2010-08-21T16:52:33+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=summary_of_recent_changes&rev=1282405953&do=diff Summary of Recent Changes since v1.12k EQMOD_ASCOM_V122g ---------- Save Alignment Points to Preset on APPEND option added. EQMOD_ASCOM_V122f ---------- Further changes to simulator display. Axis position dials added to main display. EQMOD_ASCOM_V122e text/html 2010-08-21T19:00:17+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=summary_of_recent_changes_and_additions&rev=1282413617&do=diff Summary of recently added EQASCOM functions. EQASCOM setup screen Some of the following settings need access to the EQASCOM setup screen Programs | EQMOD |EQASCOM |Scripts | Setup EQASCOM Max slew rate (introduced with V1.21e) Provided the “Show Advanced Settings” option has been checked on the EQASCOM setup screen the user now has the option to limit the slew rate of Gotos and Parks/Unparks. text/html 2008-11-06T15:04:15+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=summary_of_using_mosaic&rev=1225983855&do=diff Summary of Using Mosaic * Startup Mosaic and Planetarium program. * If auto-connection hasn't been enabled press [Connect]. * Find object, slew to it. * Verify current FOV and overlap settings are giving reasonable slews by using Mosaic to move in RA, then DEC visually noting features in the overlap zones. * Frame the Mosaic by performing a Mosaic slew to the 'edges' of your subject, adjust using manual slews (joystick, keypad etc.). * Mosaic slew to first grid of your mosaic and start i… text/html 2008-11-06T15:04:15+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=the_advantage_of_using_pulseguide_with_eqdir&rev=1225983855&do=diff The advantage of using pulseguide with EQDIR Author: Mon The old hand controller (HC) will not work as it doesn't have Pulseguide support. On the ASCOM-talk yahoo groups, I suggested that the Celestron's ASCOM driver be changed to support a “timer” based simultaneous axis pulseguide. An updated Celestron driver was released last month to support the ability of PHD to implement pulseguide directly to the Syncscan controller. text/html 2009-08-11T02:05:58+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=tour_files&rev=1249952758&do=diff EQTour - Tour Files Tour definitions are stored in text files (*.lst) located in the same directory as EQTour.exe These files can be freely edited (in notepad for example) to add new entries. The format is as follows : * a first line with !J2000, if the tour file contains J2000 coordinates that require precession and nutation to be applied by EQTOUR. * lines starting with a semi-colon or hash (#) are comment lines * Object definition take the form of RA; DEC; Name & descriptio… text/html 2008-11-06T15:04:16+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=tours_object_lists&rev=1225983856&do=diff EQMOD Tour - Tours & Object lists On start-up EQMOD Tour automatically scans its install directory and populates a drop down list of available Tours. Each Tour simply consists of a list of sky objects. Several samples have been included as part of the installation zip - these have not been fully verified as to accuracy but should give a fair selection of Northern and Southern hemisphere objects. text/html 2008-11-06T15:04:17+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=typical_configurations&rev=1225983857&do=diff Typical Configurations In this hobby there are virtually an infinite number of combinations of equipment. This is certainly true for guiding. The examples listed here come from working installations and may be useful in setting up your specific equipment environment. text/html 2010-01-16T16:33:52+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=upgrading_from_previous_versions&rev=1263659632&do=diff Upgrading from Previous Versions No special upgrade installation is required. It is not necessary to uninstall the older version. Simply install the new version “over the top” of the previous version. text/html 2009-05-28T17:37:15+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=using_a_joystick&rev=1243528635&do=diff Using a Gamepad/Joystick to control mount Install the Gamepad/Joystick with the associated installation software. * Start up EQMOD in the usual fashion. * There is an [Initialise] button in the expanded EQMOD window. It's located in the lower right under “Gamepad Configuration”. You can use this [Initialise] button if the joystick disconnects. * Typically the left joystick will control the slewing of the mount. You will also find you can move the joystick diagonally to move the mount in De… text/html 2009-05-20T17:57:57+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=using_a_keypad&rev=1242838677&do=diff Using a numeric Keypad to control mount You can use the regular numeric keys on your regular keyboard. However, a more useful setup is a separate numeric USB keypad that is a frequent add-on for notebook computers. This allows you to hold the keypad in much the same way as you would have used the original hand controller. text/html 2009-05-20T17:55:51+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=using_a_mouse_and_slew_pad&rev=1242838551&do=diff Using the slew pad and mouse to control mount You can use a 3-button mouse to slew the mount using a special slew pad window. Open up the slew pad window by click on the [Pad] button in the lower left of the slew controls. * You will probably want to have two mice. * You can adjust the size of the slew pad by dragging and dropping the borders so that it takes less of the available screen space. text/html 2009-05-20T16:25:37+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=using_a_planetarium_program&rev=1242833137&do=diff Using a Planetarium program to control mount Once the planetarium program is connected to EQMOD (and the mount is unparked) you can select an object in the planetarium program and slew the mount to that object. The exact method varies from program to program. Possibilities: text/html 2009-03-01T20:40:21+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=using_eqmod_with_a_planetarium_program&rev=1235940021&do=diff Using EQMOD with a Planetarium program EQMOD is not a stand-alone program. It is software that acts as a driver between other applications (such as your planetarium program). For this reason you should start the planetarium program and then connect to the mount from within the planetarium program. This will start up the EQMOD driver. text/html 2010-05-22T20:11:17+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=using_gps&rev=1274555477&do=diff Using a GPS module The GPS module that is sold as an EQ mount accessory works well with EQMOD. It typically comes ready to connect to the hand controller with an adapter or directly to a USB port on your computer. There is a CD included with driver software for the computer. text/html 2009-05-21T20:49:59+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=using_spiral_search&rev=1242935399&do=diff Using Spiral Search Feature This feature is useful when the required object is not within the FOV. * Click and hold the [Spiral] button. The mount will start a spiral outwards search until you release the [Spiral] button. * Alternatively press and hold button [1] on the game controller (unless you have defined another button for spiral search). Button [1] is spiral by default. text/html 2009-12-09T01:33:19+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=using_the_eqmod_simulator&rev=1260322399&do=diff Using the EQMOD simulator It is important to distinguish between the ASCOM simulators and the EQMOD simulator. When you use the EQMOD simulator you are not using the ASCOM simulator. In fact, ASCOM “thinks” that you are working with a “live” mount! text/html 2008-11-06T15:04:21+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=using_the_spiral_button&rev=1225983861&do=diff Using the [Spiral] button in Mosaic * The first click of the [Spiral] button initializes the spiral slew * Subsequent button clicks slew the scope in a “circular” pattern of grid positions * When all grid positions have been covered the process starts again. Provided your target is roughly circular/square and doesn't span the meridian during your imaging session, this provides a simple one button approach to mosaic building. text/html 2009-08-29T21:30:31+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=value_of_using_a_gps_device&rev=1251577831&do=diff Value of using a GPS device Author: Mon As long as you have the time and location data consistent and accurate on every imaging or observation session, and as long the alignment data is intact, whether the data came from the GPS or manually entered, you will be able to achieve accurate GOTO's. text/html 2008-11-06T15:04:24+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=ways_of_controlling_slew_rate&rev=1225983864&do=diff Ways of Controlling Slew rate There are three options for controlling slew rate: * Pure analogue variation via increment and decrement. RA and DEC can have separate inc and decrement buttons or can be combined on to two buttons. * Preset selection via increment and decrement preset. RA and DEC rates are linked. * Direct selection via dedicated buttons. RA and DEC rates are linked text/html 2009-05-21T01:46:53+01:00 http://welshdragoncomputing.ca/eqmod/doku.php?id=what_is_n-point_alignment&rev=1242866813&do=diff What is N-Point Alignment? EQMOD driver supports the N-Point Alignment algorithm. N-Point basically is a mount stepper coordinate to sky coordinate affine/taki matrix transformation process. The driver internally plots the sky using a minimum of three alignment points (anchor points) as reference points. Pointing accuracy is increased by simply adding more anchor points on different parts of the sky automatically compensating for any mount alignment errors (polar, cone, etc.) yielding more a…