I started things going, and instantly got an error message. But it made no sense to me, and things were working fine, so I ignored it. Then at meridian flip time, it just kept autoguiding, but didn't flip and didn't take a picture.

Drat.

So I did the meridian flip, fought with DDW for half an hour, and I'm off and running again. With the same error message.

Here's the log from the first session. What's the error message meand?

Thanks.

ccdap20070124_184433.log (17 KB, 106 downloads) Log

As a general rule, you shouldn't ignore error messages

In this case, every time there was an attempt to slew the telescope, an error was thrown. Since the telescope is slewed via TheSky6, it appears TheSky6 was not available as a server to the client, CCDAutoPilot. This can be caused by any number of things but is resolved most likely by
1. Check Task Manager, Processes for more than one TheSky6.exe running or
2. Rebooting the computer.
3. TheSky6's installation has become corrupted (unlikely) and needs to be reinstalled.

Step 2 is the most reliable solution.

Thanks, John. I'll reboot the computer. Our install of TheSky doesn't close out properly most of the time, and I typically have to use Task Manager to get rid of it before opening it.

Does TheSky have to be opened by CCDAP in order for the server function to work properly? I already had it open when I opened CCDAP (I'm having annoying problems with DDW).

I ignored the error message, because it made no sense to me, so I could do nothing to try to fix it. I had no idea what the error was.

And it's interesting, because the scope did seem to move around just fine, other than the fact that it didn't even try a meridian flip, and it appears that the flats are no good. For instance, it would find a focus star, focus, and then go back. But it turns out that, somehow, it was only approximating the right place to go to, and all the data is worthless.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mark de Regt,

quote:

Does TheSky have to be opened by CCDAP in order for the server function to work properly?

From the help syetem, Troubleshooting topic:
Hint: It is always best to start the lowest level programs first and then load the higher level programs next. For example, assume you are using RoboFocus to control your focuser, FocusMax for focusing and CCDSoft to control your camera. Load and start RoboFocus, confirming it connects to and can control your focuser hardware. Next Load CCDSoft, confirming it connects to your camera. Take a short image to be sure. Next, load FocusMax since it must control both RoboFocus and CCDSoft. Finally, load CCDAutoPilot. If you close any program out of order, then you should close the chain and restart in the appropriate order. If you close CCDSoft, you must therefore close CCDAutoPilot and FocusMax. Then restart CCDSoft, restart FocusMax and restart CCDAutoPilot. Failure to start programs properly or in the proper order may cause subsequent automation failure.

So, we have two scopes in the dome, with different equipment. We always leave DDW up, with the dome parked and the shutter closed when not in use. Am I correct that the order for them would be:

Refractor:

1. TheSky, and link
2. Robofocus
3. FocusMax
4 CCDSoft
5. CCDAP

I can shut down CCDAP, and leave the other running, but if I shut any of the others, I need to such CCDAP first?

Reflector:

1. RCOS TCC
2. FocusMax
3. CCDSoft
4. TheSky
5. CCDAP

Thanks for your help.

Hi Mark,

I have very good success with the following sequence:

Startup:

1. Open Roof
2. Power on all cameras and equipment
3. Start TheSky6
4. Start the TCC and set fans and temp control to automatic
5. Start CCDSoft
6. Connect to camera in CCDSoft
7. Start FocusMax
8. Connect TheSKy6 to the mount and Home.
9. Start CCDAP3 and collect data.
10. Go to bed :-)))

Shutdown:

1. Close CCDAP3
2. Close FocusMax
3. Close CCDSoft
4. Close TCC
5. Close TheSky6
6. Power off cameras and equipment
7. Close roof
8. Start backup programs to upload data to Tera Server for later processing.
9. Go to work :-)))

This routine starts and closes the programs in an order that has almost never given me a problem. I use the same sequence when I image with the FSQ. I still start the TCC as I never know if I may want to change over right before I go to bed. This way everything is running and the mirrors are kept at the correct temperature on the RC and the FSQ is also ready for whatever I need. That is how I started up tonight. HTH ....

Thanks, Frank. I really like the "Go to bed" part, which has largely eluded me up to now!