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

Bi-monthly release with minor bug fixes and improvements

Horizontal coordinates as input in EKOS

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I'm int the process of setting up a telescope and mount (skywatcher AZ-EQ5GT) to look at an artificial star that we will generate in the mesosphere using laser aiming to measure the magnetic field up there. I've successfully set up KSTARS/EKOS and it works fine with controlling the mount.
However, I've not been able to find an efficient way of giving altitude and azimuth as Goto input in EKOS, except by right-clicking on the sky map which isn't very efficient and accurate. EKOS seems to be set up only to receive celestial coordinates, which of course makes sense for looking at celestial objects, but my artificial star will be stationary with respect to the ground. We will be pointing the laser at several locations in the sky, so it will be necessary to change direction of the telescope as well.
Are there any ways of giving horizontal coordinates as input for goto in EKOS?
Hints will be highly appreciated! Maybe I just missed some functionality?

Cheers,
Magnar
5 years 3 weeks ago #36045

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Good suggestion. I'll add Az/Alt GOTO controls in the Mount control panel in the next version of KStars.
5 years 3 weeks ago #36048

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One reason you might want want to enter Alt AZ coordinates might be to center on a geosynchronous satellite. That could be interesting.
5 years 3 weeks ago #36049

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I believe this can already be easily done from the top menu.
Pointing > Set Coordinates Manually (CTRL+M) > Az/Alt tab
5 years 3 weeks ago #36056

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That moves the map, not a telescope
5 years 3 weeks ago #36060

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It's added to GIT and should be in KStars 3.1.1

5 years 3 weeks ago #36079
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I'm overly impressed and grateful! That was quick. Thanks a lot!

Cheers,
Magnar
5 years 3 weeks ago #36081

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That's fine for GOTO landmarks too. For me one of the most interesting "landmarks" is the flatfield panel.
Is there a chance to GOTO to this position if FLATFIELD is marked in camera module of EKOS?
Name: Frank Fleischmann
Interests: nature, technics, astronomy, optics, space
Developments: motor control, sensors, networking, radio detectors astronomy, cameras for spacecrafts
Using: 3m Baader dome, 2m ScopDome, GM4000, EQ8, and homebrewed ones, echelle spectrograph and ... INDI
2 years 10 months ago #71060

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Yes, in Ekos capture module --> calibration, you can set the flat field position "Wall" and specify AZ/ALT coordinates.
2 years 10 months ago #71077

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This will help for one telescope. But I am using 3 different scopes on a 10micron GM4000.
Can I add 3 different "landmarks" like Wall1, Wall2 and Wall3?
Will these names be displayed in the virtual handset and/or in KSTARS too?
Name: Frank Fleischmann
Interests: nature, technics, astronomy, optics, space
Developments: motor control, sensors, networking, radio detectors astronomy, cameras for spacecrafts
Using: 3m Baader dome, 2m ScopDome, GM4000, EQ8, and homebrewed ones, echelle spectrograph and ... INDI
2 years 10 months ago #71079

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Sure, You can set it per capture job.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Dr. Frank Fleischmann
2 years 10 months ago #71081

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Thank you very much!
I will test it next clear night ;-)

Frank
Name: Frank Fleischmann
Interests: nature, technics, astronomy, optics, space
Developments: motor control, sensors, networking, radio detectors astronomy, cameras for spacecrafts
Using: 3m Baader dome, 2m ScopDome, GM4000, EQ8, and homebrewed ones, echelle spectrograph and ... INDI
2 years 10 months ago #71088

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