Thank you! The ASI290mm mini with an IR pass filter (albeit on a 30mm f/4 guide scope instead of 50mm since I have a shorter focal length main scope) is exactly what I'm using. I'll try the 290 gain numbers you mentioned. Now all I need is clear skies!
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Cool, and thanks! I'm running an ASI290mm Mini, and I'm just waiting for the weather to clear so that I can try a new guide scope and updated guiding parameters (last time I tried, the guider kept losing track of the stars—extremely frustrating).
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Another night of bad weather... crazy winds and a 30°F temperature drop this afternoon (hence the winds). On the plus side, once the winds die down, I won't need to cool the camera!
When you guys are using INDI (e.g., StellarMate), are you running everything on the Raspberry Pi, or are you using the Pi as an INDI server and then running remotely? I ask because I have been running KStars/Ekos on my Mac and then connecting to my Raspberry Pi as a server. I was wondering if the communications delays between the Mac and the Pi might cause some of the issues I'm seeing (perhaps too much time to think since I can't be out trying things). I'm assuming that the guiding software runs on the client (i.e., the Mac) with input from the server (the 0.5s exposures) and then sends it results to the server (i.e., the Pi). Note that I do have the Pi hardwired to ethernet (I've learned that the Pi is not the most reliable in terms of WiFi connection...) and the Mac is on WiFi (5GHz, usually 500MBs or faster—strong signal)
I'm hoping for clear skis later this week, but it looks like it may be a few days.
Thanks,
Greg
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Max,
Thank you for the updated guiding settings and list of the steps you take during setup. Sounds like I need to add homing the mount from the INDI control panel to my routine. Plus, I’ll turn off “simulate the pier side”, too. You mentioned that you don’t use the hand controller. Is there an operational reason for that other than simplifying the setup? I’ve already had the mount damage itself once (cord wrap), and I kind of like the extra assurance of having an easy to reach panic button.
Unfortunately, it’s cloudy here tonight, and so I’ll have to try again later.
Thanks again,
Greg
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Thank you. I have built homing the mount into my start up routine, and since I’ve starting doing that, I’ve not had issues with cord wrap. Maybe I need to add homing after starting INDI, too. Plate solving seems to work great. Maybe the some of the guiding issues had to do with my polar alignment being off. I’ve purchased a new MacBook Pro, I’ve had issues with the PoleMaster software failing (it worked fine on my old MacBook Air). So when I tried this last night, my PA was undoubtedly off. I have been trying 0.5 and 1.0 second exposures. I’ll revisit that with better alignment. Maybe it’s time to try the internal PA routine until the PoleMaster software is sorted.
I was hoping for a clear night but maybe tomorrow… thanks for the suggestions.
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I was thrilled to find this. I did read the thread (tome?) on CloudyNights, but it doesn't seem like many there are on the INDI platform (I'm running StellarMate 1.6.1 on a Pi 4 with 8 GB). Plus, I've forgotten much of what I've read since it's long, I'm getting old, and the thread is kind of all over the place.
I'm trying to set up a Borg 90FL with Starizona Apex feeding a QHY268C on an RST-135 (f/3.6, 325 mm when all is said and done). I'm seeing the spikes you mentioned and look forward to trying the counterweight (my system is pretty light). Also, my RMS numbers are horrid (~6 or worse), and I'm guessing that is a mix of operator error (I'm new to guiding... didn't really need it much in the past at this short focal length) and not enough light reaching the sensor of my ASI290MM Mini (I'm using an OAG, and the mirror is quite small—the guider keeps losing the stars and starting over).
I also have a 30mm f/4 guide scope, and I'll give that a try with your guide numbers tonight, skies willing. What I was wondering is whether you have updated numbers? I figured I might as well start with the latest-and-greatest.
Finally, I'm also seeing the unpredictable mount behavior mentioned above. On a couple of occasions, it's lead to cord wrap—one time bending the USB socket of the mount (I'm learning this is a weak spot on the Rainbow Astro design but am learning to work around that). I reached out to both the vendor and manufacturer, but neither have been responsive—a little disappointing and scary when you're trying to work through issues on a $4000 USD mount. Anyway, I digress, but it does both me that the support has been lacking.
Here's hoping that you're still monitoring this thread!
Thanks,
Greg
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