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INDI Library v2.0.6 is Released (02 Feb 2024)

Bi-monthly release with minor bug fixes and improvements

Custom/Satellite tracking API

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  • Thank you received: 57
I am working on the custom/Satellite tracking mode for the NexStar Evolution driver.
Thinking about API for that function I came to the conclusion that the best way would be
to make a property with predicted path+times (multiple T:Ra:Dec or T:Alt:Az vectors)
of the object, set that property from the client and just command the driver to follow the trajectory.
On each timer tick the driver would interpolate the trajectory and set proper tracking rates.
OTOH the trajectory can be updated/removed at any time by simply updating the trajectory property.

How do you like such API?
I would like to have your opinion since other drivers may like to implement similar functionality.

The motivation for this design is twofold:
  • The trajectory calculation (possibly compute intensive) is limited to the client and can be done in advance
  • Actual time critical tracking is done in the driver in the timer loop. The calculation is kept simple (linear interpolation)
    and constant time which helps keeping tracking consistent.

Any comments/suggestions on this design?
8 years 1 month ago #6923

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Replied by Oleg on topic Custom/Satellite tracking API

IMHO, you need 3 axis mount for satellite tracking mode.
You can try my open project Astronomy Linux
8 years 1 month ago #6928

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Why? The satellite is on the sky. That is Alt/Az or Ra/Dec.
That is two axis. I can track in both axis with variable speed.
Am I missing something?
The following user(s) said Thank You: Oleg
8 years 1 month ago #6929

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Replied by Oleg on topic Custom/Satellite tracking API

Sorry!
I remember old special 3 axis equatorial mount for satellite observations.
Why 3 axis? Because, each artificial satellite has own inclination to equatorial plane - so it has own pole on sky.

On the other hand, modern Alt/Az mout can track satellites along their orbits.
You can try my open project Astronomy Linux
Last edit: 8 years 1 month ago by Oleg.
8 years 1 month ago #6931
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