When I run using guiding, there is a complaint in the log file that I have not enabled "predictive guiding". This is apparently a nice feature of Autopilot, but I can't find how to use it.

I am using a self guided SBig camera, which I have calibrated manually. What is predictive guiding, and how do I enable it? I tried doing the Initialize button on the Settings screen, but it just seemed to do the usual calibration. Am I missing something?

Thanks,
brew

Hi Robert,

For predictive guiding, you need to have successful plate solving and successfully initialize both camera and guider.

Please post the log.

When you say I need to successfully initialize both camera and guider, I assume you mean using the Initialize button on the Settings page? I will try that - I have normally just calibrated the autoguider manually, then adjusted the settings manually to get the best guiding I can.

I do have successful plate solving going on, so that should be OK.

What does predictive guiding do? Does this somehow replace the standard guiding done within CCDSoft with a different algorithm (something I have been thinking about)? Or is it adjusting the calibration settings as time goes on, then using the standard autoguider within CCDSoft?

We have had three days of clear in April, so I expect I will see the next clear day in May to try this...

Thanks,
brew

Yes, that is correct. See the help file for details on initializing.

Once initialized, CCDAP replaces the conventional manually-developed set of guide vectors with algorithm-based ones that are optimized for your system. These guide vectors are then applied to your camera control program's guider routine, CCDSoft in your case.

Once your system has been successfully initialized, you can point your telescope to any point in the sky, on either side of the meridian, rotate the camera to any position angle either manually or with a rotator, and the guide vectors will be optimally adjusted. You will not need to calibrate your guider again. You will only need to reinitialize if you change your system.