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Sequence Generator Pro With Autofocus

Dr_Ju_Ju
2018-09-22
2018-09-22
  • Dr_Ju_Ju

    Dr_Ju_Ju - 2018-09-22

    As I've been using this focuser with SGPro for some time, I've been asked to post some tips & tricks...

    Firstly, my setup:

    Mount: Sky-Watcher AZEQ-6
    OTA: Sky-Watcher ED80
    Cameras: ASI\ZWO 1600 MM (imaging) ASI\ZWO 120MM (guiding)
    Filter Wheel: ASI\ZWO 8 slot wheel fitted with Baader filters
    ASI\ZWO OAG
    Ascom Focuser Pro2 (DRV8825 full, my own PCB layout as I use an RJ45 connector for screen & buttons, RJ11 for motor connection)

    ... which is all driven by CDC, PHD2 (2.6.5.dev5), SGPro (3.0.2.94) These are the latest version, but everything worked with earlier versions.

    The Cameras & Filter wheel uses ASI\ZWO's direct drivers, but everything else then uses ASCOM drivers.

    I've attached a zip file of images, as the site doesn't allow me to do in-line images....

    I don't believe I select anything other than default settings, but to configure Auto focus, the 1st thing to do is to select the Focus Ascom driver in "Equipment Profile Manager" (after installing the driver(s)) {Image 1}

    Click on the "settings" button, which opens up the Ascom config setting(s) (intial & extra), you'll need to configure any settings that are for your hardware. {Images 2 & 3}

    Select "use auto focus".

    In a new sequence, connect to your focuser, then open "Control Panel - Focus tab" (Image 4), then selecting the "set" button, adjacent to "use auto focus" for the settings (Image 5).

    The final Image is from a sequence I was recently taking of NGC 404, showing the focuser in action, before cloud stopped play....

    The one thing that gets 'new' users, is that the auto focus routine is useless at starting out from either minimum or maximum.
    You need to be close when starting the routimes. I tend to use Robert's apps combined with either Sharpcap\ASICap\FireCapture etc. & do a quick focus, using the apps, when the mount is parked & looking up at Polaris, but you could just slew to your target & do it there. It's also possible to do it within SGPro

    Hope this helps sombody.

    Julian

     
  • Dr_Ju_Ju

    Dr_Ju_Ju - 2018-09-22

    Silly system, wont allow attachment without a some text....

     

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