We are currently using CCDAutoPilot to automate our research. We almost have the process going smooth but one problem we have encountered is this.

The Autoguider starts over after a switch of the filter sets. We take 3 sets of red filter pictures and then 3 sets of Visual (green) pictures, and then repeat this process through the course of the night. The problem is that the autoguider takes a "initial image" once the filters switch.

Is there a way to not take the "initial image" again so that there is no time wasted in between the switching of the filters?

I will attach the log file for our most recent night.

Thanks in advance,

Steve Sanders

ccdap20080615_212151.log (9 KB, 171 downloads)

Hi Steve,

If you need guided imaging, then the initial guide exposures must be taken to establish the guide star location at the start of each series, approx. 3 x guide exposure plus a little overhead. You can save some time by turning off temperature compensation since your focuser doesn't seem to support that, based on the log. This try/fail on the temp compensation consumes around the same amount of time.

The only way to avoid this would be to go unguided, assuming your mount can track with sufficient accuracy for 60 sec. You could then periodically re-center the target using the Realign Scope function.

Dear John,

Thank you for your quick reply. I will turn off the temperature compensation on the next night.

Now I know that what I ask might not be possible, but if one never asks for water then they will be forever thirsty.

Is there any chance in the next version of autopilot that it could not acquire the guide star location when it switches series? Instead just switch filters and go right back to autoguiding?

We currently have CCDsoft running in this manner and it saves us a good deal of time.

Sorry for imposing such an idea, but I figured asking could not hurt.

Thanks again for all your help!

Steve

Version 4 is currently in feature freeze and I am working hard on its release so I won't be able to accommodate your request in the short term. I will add it to the suggestion list for post-release consideration.