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

Bi-monthly release with minor bug fixes and improvements

Newbie question: What is the best (stable/reliable) platform for running ekos/kstars?

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The heat is well controlled by enclosing the RPi in a ‘Flirc’ metal case which has plenty of heat dispersing effect especially outdoors. I then mount it with its plastic bottom outwards to optimise the WiFi performance. There are people who fit an RTC, but this will require a higher clearance case, and a different approach to heat sinks. I used to attempt to use a GPS dongle to set the location and the clock time. I had problems with poor GPS reception and interference into the very low level satellite signals from the RPi’s own ‘digital noise’. These days I simply turn on the RPi, use VNC Viewer from my laptop, and set the date and time to match the laptop clock using the terminal command <sudo date -s ‘2021-10-21 21:10:50’>. I don’t need to change the geographical location very often but when I do go travelling I set the location from the data on my iPhone app ‘ScopeTools’. 

If you do want to use your RTC and GPS then here is a YT video about this: 

 
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Last edit: 2 years 5 months ago by Avocette.
2 years 5 months ago #76785

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Found the settings... nothing changed on the behavior... back to bathinov masks... Thanks!
 
2 years 5 months ago #76787

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I am using a Rpi4 with Stellarmate. It took a while to get it all dialed in but now it is a great setup. I use it with a Ultimate Power Box from Pegasus to provide power and a reliable powered USB hub. This is then all mounted on top of the scope. I run all the software on the Rpi, so Kstars runs on the Rpi and I just remote desktop into it. I have an outdoor WiFi access point so the Rpi is internet connected so I always have the right time and I can update easily.

As for focusing I have never got the autofocusing to work reliably. I have motor focusers on all my scopes and I focus in Ekos but I use a Bahtinov mask to achieve focus.
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2 years 5 months ago #76809

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I fitted an RTC module into a Flirc case without any problem. 
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Last edit: 2 years 5 months ago by Richard Wesson.
2 years 5 months ago #76817

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Hi

- We use old Dells too. Mainly i3s. Unless you're going to do processing, the amount of memory doesn't seem to make much difference.
- Not sure about the 24-105 for AP, but there are some excellent old fixed focal length lenses from Takumar and Zeiss available on Ebay for under €100 and adapters eos to m42 abundant on AliExpress for next to nothing. Focus once at the start of the session and forget.
- The t7m needs this firmware:
drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eXBCN06U...5QRw9zSO?usp=sharing
Be sure to start the driver in 8-bit.

Cheers and HTH
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2 years 5 months ago #76819

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I used a RPI 4 with 8gb and both Astroberry and StellarMate for awhile. I now use a Mac Mini 2018 model. It has 4 TB ports and 2 USB and HDMI if you wish but I use RealVNC. It has great WiFi and I use a 4TB M2 pcie drive for images. I have run Ubuntu under Parallels on it too but running native on the Mini is easier. It is much faster than the RPI but cost $499 new when I got it in July.

Kurt
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2 years 5 months ago #76820

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Do you use the t7m with a Dell and Linux? And it works?\
I've put that 120mm-compatible on it, but still get the resets. Not sure about starting it in 8-bit... will check that later.
Thanks
2 years 5 months ago #76841

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How can I start the zwo in 8bit? Cannot find any info on it.
2 years 5 months ago #76844

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8 bit can be selected from the Indi control panel -> zwo120mm (Or asi120mm, sorry not by an indi box ATM)
HTH
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Last edit: 2 years 5 months ago by alacant.
2 years 5 months ago #76845

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2 years 5 months ago #76846

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Update: It seems that it works on the Pi but not on the Dell Laptop. On the laptop it does takes pics, but the image is not correct (like several images out-of-sync in the same image). So far, on the Pi it seems to work well. Took about 300 pics without any problems. Lets see...
2 years 5 months ago #76891

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You must use a usb 2 port and have no hub.
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2 years 5 months ago #76892

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