SharpCap resets tracking mode to sidereal

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rincewind
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 6:10 pm

SharpCap resets tracking mode to sidereal

#1

Post by rincewind »

Camera Altair Astro IMX174
Mount: Skywatcher AZ-EQ6
Scope: ES 102ED with Lunt Solar Wedge
Software:windows 10 latest update, EQ Mod 6.2
sharpcap 3.0.3994.0
After setting the tracking mode to Solar in EQMod I use the direction controls in sharpcap, on checking in EQMod the tracking mode has been changed back to sidereal
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admin
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Re: SharpCap resets tracking mode to sidereal

#2

Post by admin »

Ah yes, as far as I can tell that's an EQMOD bug - SharpCap asks EQMOD what rate it is tracking at and it always replies 'Sidereal' even when it is on solar or lunar rate (well, it can correctly reply 'None' when not tracking).

So, as far as I can tell there's no way to correctly find out what rate is being used from the SharpCap code, which means I can't put the rate back correctly after moving the mount, sorry :(

cheers,

Robin
rincewind
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Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 6:10 pm

Re: SharpCap resets tracking mode to sidereal

#3

Post by rincewind »

I understand, have you raised a fault report for eq mod?

Alternatively, can you put a select button in the control section to set solar or lunar tracking which will send a demand to eq mod
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Re: SharpCap resets tracking mode to sidereal

#4

Post by admin »

Ah, no I didn't raise an issue against EQMOD, largely because they use Yahoo groups for their discussion boards, which is pretty much the worst option imaginable (in my opinion) - I try to avoid yahoo stuff at all costs.

The challenge with adding a control isn't actually making the change (fairly easy), it's designing a UI to fit in the available space and be easily understandable (or as easy as possible) given the small space there is. Maybe I could make the tracking on/off button a drop down button?

cheers,

Robin
rincewind
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Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 6:10 pm

Re: SharpCap resets tracking mode to sidereal

#5

Post by rincewind »

A drop down selector "Track mode" is a good solution as once set would indicate which mode EQ MOD will be set to after an Ra or Dec movement.

Thanks, Roger
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Re: SharpCap resets tracking mode to sidereal

#6

Post by admin »

Hi,

I have worked out how to reset the EQMOD mount to the correct tracking rate after movement - the only downside is that it shows in the EQMOD UI as 'Custom' after I have done this rather than the standard Solar/Lunar/Sidereal. It's the right rate though, just the UI not updating correctly when I set the rate from SharpCap.

This will be in SharpCap 3.1

cheers,

Robin
rincewind
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2017 6:10 pm

Re: SharpCap resets tracking mode to sidereal

#7

Post by rincewind »

Hi Robin,

That will be fine as I don't look at the rate set in EQMOD unless the Sun starts to wonder across the screen

Thanks for your responses and excellent solution

Regards Roger
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