Deepsky imaging with new kit

[RedLeader1]

I have recently purchased new telescope that will require me to use PHD2 and will be utilising the plate solving capabilities using ASTAP in Sharpcap. I have configured already Sharpcap to talk to PHD2 and setup the platesolving side of things. The process of me getting images will change to how I used to do it using Celestron software but would I be correct in saying the following steps to getting to a target using my new equipment ready for imaging would be:

1. Connect PHD2 to devices
2. Polar align
3. Use Sharpcap to goto to target from catalog
4. Get PHD2 to select a star and ensure it is guiding and then minimize
5. In SharpCap do platesolve to centre target and do fine tuning if required.
6. Once happy with target being framed correctly go to PHD2 to check guiding is on track and start imaging if all ok

[admin]

Hi,

swap over number 4 and 5 so that you plate solve and recenter before starting guiding - otherwise PHD2 will either lose the guide star completely during the recenter or (worse) try to guide back to the original position. Otherwise, that should be fine.

cheers,

Robin

[RedLeader1]

Thanks Robin. Completely makes sense.

[RedLeader1]

Haven't quite got phd2 guiding configured yet but had a great first run with Sharpcap's Goto, focusing and platesolving. So pleased i can keep with Sharpcap. Managed to get with the limited time i had with clouds rolling in 10 x 30sec exposures stacked of M45.