Fig 1. 

Guiding used the latest version of PHD2 (version 2.6.4, Sept 17th 2017). 
The application ran robustly throughout the session, and appeared to more stable than version 2.6.3 and earlier.
Guide Star selection and guiding worked flawlessly except for when clouds began to cover the target

Report/Log data wasn't showing arc secs correctly since PHD2 settings hadn't been configured with Focal Length value.
The software uses 1.0 arc sec/pixel in this situation. Fortunately for my setup (2.4µm pixels (1x1 binning) and 480mm focal length) it just so happens that the image scale is 1.03 arc sec/pixels)

Lessons
- Ensure Telescope Focal Length is set in Advanced Setup/Guiding/Focal Length (mm)
  (For TP Photoline 80mm EPO scope the FL is 480mm)
- Ensure Camera's Pixel Size (unbinned pixel size in microns) is set in Advanced Setup/Camera/Pixel Size
  (For ZWO ASI178MC camera the pixel size is 2.4µm)
- Unless both fields are set,  arc secs on graphs/stats will be shown incorrectly as equal to pixels
  (i.e. it uses an image scale 1 arc sec/pixel)

PHD2 Guiding Calibration 2017-11-14

Basic PHD2 Guiding  ('Manual PHD2 Guiding') Imaging Queue in CCDApp2 (right) is paused and waiting on user to manually initiate guiding in PHD2 and then confirm when guiding is proceeding ok. (Green Bulb in bottom right of PHD2 status line indicates equipment is all connected. Green 'Cal' indicates that a Mount Calibration is being used and is being automatically adjusted to account for scope pointing position using an ASCOM connection. Green 'BPM' indicates a Bad Pixel Map is being used) White/Yellow 'SNR' field shows the current signal to noise ratio of the guide star.)

PHD2 Guiding Results, 2017-11-15 00:51 to 01:20h 0.5s exposure, good conditions (No wind, reasonable seeing). Stats for first 25 minutes of guiding show RMS Scatter of 1.07 arc sec (0.88" in RA, 0.61" in Dec) Towards the end of section the Guide Star is lost due to passing cloud. (original image produced in Phd Log Viewer, http://adgsoftware.com/phd2utils/ )

M1 (Crab Nebula) End Result of Above Guiding

CCD Image (Square Root scaling, 100% size, cropped) 15 x 60s exposure (average median combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2017-11-15 01:00h UT (#604006-20) 12" LX200R  (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME (Autoguided using TS 80mm APO + ZWO ASI178MC)

PHD2 Guiding Results, 2017-11-15 01:49 to 02:42h 1s exposure, good conditions (No wind, reasonable seeing). Stats for first 45 minutes of guiding show RMS Scatter of 1.00 arc sec (0.92" in RA, 0.41" in Dec) Towards the end of the section the Guide Star is affected by passing clouds (star mass & SNR both drop) (original image produced in Phd Log Viewer, http://adgsoftware.com/phd2utils/ )

More Advanced PHD2 Guiding  ('Automated PHD2 Guiding') Imaging Queue in CCDApp2 is executing. Commands are automatically sent to PHD2 to initiate looping, find a suitable guide star and start guiding. After imaging is complete, a command is sent to stop guiding and the telescope slews to the next target. Use of ASCOM POTH Hub is critical (as it allows access to the LX200 Mount by both PHD2 and TheSky6). At present the user is required to confirm that guiding is proceeding ok before Target Images are taken (this step may be made fully automated, by having the software to check and monitor the guide star SNR)

The principal requirement of autoguiding is to keep the Imaging Scope /Camera fixed onto a specific Target during imaging, to prevent star trails and non-circular stars that will impact image quality either directly or indirectly as poorest images will have to be thrown away prior to stacking.

Autoguiding through a sequence of frames will also help ensure that frames maintain near identical fields of view, which helps later frame stacking.

When doing automated guiding for each target CCDApp2 ('Automated PHD2 Guiding' checkbox) has the potential to automatically handle the schedule of target objects, commanding PHD2 to start guiding on a star upon arrival at each target and later on to stop guiding before slewing to the next target.

Manually control of guiding can be performed instead ('Manual PHD2 Guiding' checkbox). With this option the user is presented with a message after centering each target and before image set is taken requesting the guiding is manually initiated in PHD2 and waits until user confirms that Guiding is active.

On attempting to start up the Aurora Cloud Sensor, the program would seem to load, but the main application window didn't appear.
and the program's process had to be killed using Task Manager. Several further attempts to start the program also failed. Later investigation showed that the program's Display settings in the user configuration file had become corrupted with invalid X/Y coordinates.

C:\Program Files (x86)\Aurora Eurotech\Cloud Sensor\CloudSensorUser.cfg

[Display]
OffsetX=-32000
OffsetY=-32000
SizeX=480
SizeY=509

Resetting the Display parameters to sensible numbers fixed the issue (administration rights required)

[Display]
OffsetX=400
OffsetY=200
SizeX=500
SizeY=500

Automated operation with CCDApp2 program ('Take Frames') involves the program reading a list of target/frame details and then slewing to the first target on the list, taking a short (5-20s) exposure using CCDSoft5, linking the image using TheSky6  to figure out where the scope is actually point and then jogging the scope to where it should be pointing in order to centre the intended target in middle of CCD Image. If pointing error is more than 1 arc minute a second/third image is taken to adjust centering, before the main imaging starts.

At start of session the scope was already on M1 when Take Frames Job was begun. 
The scope 'slewed' to M1 (no distance as scope was already on M1), and took a 5 sec exposure which shows M1 within frame.
Linking showed that the scope was 0.7 arc min away from M1.
Instead of making a 0.7 arc min jog, the scope ended up making a 35.7 arc min jog
As the apparent error of 0.7 arc min was less than the 1.0 arc min tolerance, no further locate images were taken.
Three 60s images where then taken, but where of an adjacent starfield and not of M1 as planned.
(Subsequent image linking showed that they had pointing errors of 36.8 arc mins).

Report and Log Files below.  The show that the correct jog requests where made, but the scope jogged much further in E/W direction that requested (-35.7' W vs 0.7' W).   This might be a backlash issue, related to the fact that the original slew was made to the same spot that scope was at.   

Potential fixes (outwith any mechanical fixes to the scope or autostar software) are
- Replace Slew operation with a Take Image / Jog operation if scope RA/DEC is already close to the planned RA/Dec Target
- Take a second/third Locate Image if the apparent actual Jog distance (from comparing telescope coordinates, pre/post jog) is significantly more than the planned jog distance.

Report File

TAU / M1 (1/1)                          
  Slewing ...                  Ok        M1
  Checking position ...        Ok        4.0s
  Selecting Pointing Mode ...  Ok        Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
  Selecting N/W offset ...     Ok        N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
  Selecting Locate Exp ...     Ok        5s (Zone: 1-2, GPOffset 5.8, Alt 50.7)

  Checking position (1)
  Taking 5s image (C)...       Ok        [00604001] 00:31:45 (UT) Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)...  Ok        Stars 47, Scale 1.329, Angle 180.0°

  Reviewing position (1)...    Ok        Position error: 0.7 arc mins
  Jogging ...                  Ok        Correction:     35.7 arc mins
  Acceptance test ...          Passed    Pointing within 1.0 arc mins

  Taking 60s image (C)...      Ok        [00604002] 00:36:53 (UT) Full 3x3 60s C
  Taking 60s image (C)...      Ok        [00604003] 00:38:05 (UT) Full 3x3 60s C
  Taking 60s image (C)...      Ok        [00604004] 00:39:16 (UT) Full 3x3 60s C

Log File

M1 Try Target 1/1 | Target : M1
M1 Data LookupObjectAzAlt | Az = 143.8 Alt= 50.7 Airmass=1.29
M1 Info Slew | Attempting slew
M1 Data Obj Target (RaDec2000 | RA= 05 34 31.899 Dec= +22 00 51.99 | Epoch 2000
M1 Data Slew Target (RaDec2000 | RA= 05 34 31.899 Dec= +22 00 51.99 | Epoch 2000
M1 Ok Slew | Slew to RaDec started
M1 Ok Slew | Position Checked
M1 Ok Slew | Slew completed
M1 Data Pre-Slew (Scope) | RA= 05 35 38.000 Dec= +22 01 39.00 | Epoch Current
M1 Data Post-Slew (Scope) | RA= 05 35 40.000 Dec= +22 01 37.00 | Epoch Current
M1 Data Slew (Target | RA= 05 34 31.899 Dec= +22 00 51.99 | Epoch Current
M1 Data Slew Amount | 0.008 arc deg (0 deg 0 min)
M1 Data Slew Discrepency | 0.76 arc min (N=-0.21' W=0.73')

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M1 Ok TakeImage | [00604001] 3x3 5s |2017-11-15 00:31:45.563
M1 Data Obj RA | 05 34 31.899
M1 Data Obj Dec | +22 00 51.99
M1 Data Image File | [00604001] C:\DATA\CCD IMAGING\NEW\2017-11-14 S00604\00604001.M1.FIT
M1 Data CCDXBIN | 3 (will assume Image Scale of 1.326 arc sec/pixel)
M1 Data SmartCountStars | nObjects = 66, Stars=61
M1 Info Search | Scale = 1.326
M1 Info Search | ModRA = 6.4355
M1 Info Search | ModDec= 4.33160
M1 Data InsertWCS 0/0 | Active Stars= 47 / 47 | Rms=0.26" | Rotation=179.99 | RA= 05 34 36.442 Dec= +22 00 59.23
M1 Data Search Distance #0 | Best Match : 47 / 47 stars | RMS= 0.26" | Offset 0 / 0 | Rotation=179.99\  ImageScale=1.329
M1 Data Best Match | 47 / 47 stars | RMS= 0.26" | Offset 0 / 0 | Rotation=179.99 | ImageScale=1.329
M1 Data Image Check (Orig ) | RA= 05 34 36.442 Dec= +22 00 59.23 | Epoch 2000
M1 Data ImageLink (Image) | RA= 05 34 34.858 Dec= +22 00 34.44 | Epoch 2000
M1 Data Pointing Error | 0.6 arc mins (RA= 0.4 arc mins DEC= 0.4 arc mins)
M1 Info Pre-Link Check | Making Pre-Link Checks
M1 Data Pre-Link Check (Scope) | RA= 05 35 40.000 Dec= +22 01 38.00 | Current Epoch
M1 Data Pre-Link Check (Image) | RA= 05 35 39.791 Dec= +22 01 06.65 | Current Epoch
M1 Data Pre-Link Check (Delta) | 0.5 arc mins
M1 Data Analysis | saved object
M1 Data Analysis
M1 Data Object | RA= 05 34 31.899 Dec= +22 00 51.99 | Epoch 2000
M1 Data Offset | 0.75
M1 Data SepN | 0.293
M1 Data SepW | 0.686
M1 Data OffsetO | 0.75
M1 Data Slew Target (RaDec2000 | RA= 05 34 31.899 Dec= +22 00 51.99 | Epoch 2000
M1 Data Jog Method | Using NEW METHOD
M1 Info Pointing Check | Attempting Pointing Check
M1 Data Pointing Check (Target | RA= 05 34 31.899 Dec= +22 00 51.99 | Epoch 2000
M1 Data Pointing Check (Image) | RA= 05 34 34.858 Dec= +22 00 34.44 | Epoch 2000
M1 Data Pointing Check (Image) | Position Error = 0.75 arc mins [N: -0.29, W: -0.69]
M1 Data Pointing Check (Image) | Required Dec Correction = 0.29 arc mins (N)
M1 Data Pointing Check (Image) | Required Ra Correction = 0.74 arc mins (W)
M1 Data Jog | Net Jog N:0.29' | W: 0.74'
M1 Info Making Jog | 0.80 arc mins (N= 0.29' W= 0.74')
M1 Info Making N Jog | (N= 0.29')
M1 Info Jog | Sleeping for 8.5 secs
M1 Info Making W Jog | (W= 0.74')
M1 Info Jog | Sleeping for 8.5 secs
M1 Ok Jog | [N] [W] Jog Completed
M1 Data Pre-Jog (Scope) | RA= 05 35 40.000 Dec= +22 01 38.00 | Current Epoch
M1 Data Post-Jog (Scope) | RA= 05 38 14.000 Dec= +22 01 51.00 | Current Epoch
M1 Data Post-Jog (Delta) | 35.69 arc mins (N= 0.22' W= -35.69')
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This section summarises the current proposed procedure for setup and simultaneous operation of two scopes and two cameras
   Scope1:   Meade 12" LX200
   Scope2 :  TS Photoline 80mm APO

   Camera1:  SBIG ST-10XME
   Camera2:  ZWO ASI178MC

Normal Equipment Setup
   a) Polar aligned 12" LX200 scope, plus ST-10XME camera
   b) Piggybacked Photoline 80mm APO scope, plus ASI178MC camera

Prior Setup
TheSky6
  - Use Telescope/Setup to access the Telescope Setup dialog. Set telescope/control system name to 'Telescope API'
  - Click Settings to access the ASCOM Telescope Chooser dialog. Set Telescope to 'POTH Hub'
  -  Click Properties to access the POTH Setup dialog. Set Telescope to 'LX200GPS/R'
   (Note: previously the TheSky6 Telescope or control system name would be simply set to 'LX200 GPS')
   (see more complete description of the one time setup of POTH in TheSky6)

CCDSoft
  - Access Camera Setup
  - Set Camera to 'ST-10XME'  or 'SBIG with AO (ST-7/8/9/10 etc)'
  - Set Filter Wheel to 'SBIG CFW-10'
  - Set Focuser to 'Optec TCF-S'

SharpCap
  - Ensure that SharpCap is not set to automatically connect to camera when SharpCap starts

PHD2 Guiding
   Under a Equipment Profile called 'ZWO ASI178MC' ensure camera is set 'ZWO ASI Camera' and Mount is set to 'POTH Hub'

Startup
- Unlock Observatory and Prepare Laptop
- Attach laptop power lead, ethernet lead, USB Hub lead and USB Camera lead (ASI178MC) to laptop
- Start laptop. Start CCDSoft 5, TheSky 6 and CCDApp2 (AIS) software
- Check CCDSoft Camera, Filter Wheel and Focuser are set correctly
- Check TheSky6 Telescope/Control System is set correctly (i.e. to use Telescope API & POTH Hub)
- Ensure that 'Disable Park (Use POTH Hub)' checkbox is ticked in CCDApp2

- If Autoguiding using ASI178MC connect ST-4 cable to LX200 (may not be necessary),
  otherwise connect the ST-10's ST4 cable to LX200

 
- Turn on Optec TCF-S Focuser
- Turn on ST-10 camera (assuming that ST-10 camera is already attached to back of LX200 scope from last session)
- Connect to ST-10 camera (from CCDSoft 5 or CCDApp's Observatory tab). Commence Temperture Regulation

- Untie and Open Observatory Roof

- Turn on LX200 Scope. Allow it to find GPS Fix (This must be done before mounting the APO GuideScope)
 
- Connect ASI178MC camera to TS Photoline 80mm APO scope (may be already connected from last session).
- Mount TS Photoline 80mm APO scope on top of LX200 scope (using Dovetail bar)
  (APO GuideScope to be mounted after starting up the LX200 scope, otherwise the APO scope stops LX200 from getting a GPS Fix)
- Connect Dew Heater Band on APO Scope to Dew Heater Controller.
- Attach USB Camera Lead to ASI178MC camera, and check approximate orientation

- Connect to LX200 Scope (via Telescope API/POTH Hub)
  This is done by clicking 'Establish Link' from TheSky's Telescope Toolbar or Connect Scope from CCDApp2's Observatory tab
  Check to see the crosshairs indicating telescope's current position in TheSky6, and that telescope control works.
- Once active the POTH Status window automatically opens (DO NOT CLOSE THIS WINDOW)

- Slew to a known star and confirm telescope pointing (LX200 scope will normally be parked up at end of last session)
- Take Image using ST-10 camera.
- Check image for absence of 'frost slugs' or other indications of frost on the camera's CCD Sensor.
- Check image for good focus (refocus if necessary using autofocus facilities)
  (Once focus is set CCDApp2 program automatically adjusts focuser position according the specific filter being used and a pre-determined calibration that equates a specific temperature change with a specific focus change)

- Check Orientation of ST-10 camera, if necessary (camera will normally be already attached & orientated from last session)

- Start PHD2 Software. 
- Click on Connect Equipment Button and Select 'ZWO ASI178MC' Equipment Profile
- Ensure camera is set to 'ASI ZWO Camera' and mount is set to 'POTH Hub.  Click Connect All
- Take one or more images using ASI178MC camera
- Check image for good focus (manually refocus TS Photoline 80mm APO if required)
- Check image for orientation (adjust camera orientation if required)
- Check image centering vs that of ST-10 image (adjust camera's X/Y position if required using Orion XY Guidestar Finder )

- Perform a Guiding Calibration using PHD2 Guiding Software
- Review Guiding Calibration and test guiding on a suitable star/starfield.

 - Start SharpCap Software

Shutdown

- Close down ST-10 temperature regulation and disconnect from CCDSoft 5
- Use 'Park Scope' button on the POTH status window to park the LX200 scope. 
 (Note: Parking LX200 scope doesn't work in TheSky 6 when it is connected via ASCOM POTH Hub)
- Check that LX200 is at Park Position

- Shut-Down CCDApp2, TheSky6, CCDSoft 5 and other software (PHD2 Guiding, SharpCap etc)
- Turn off LX200
- Turn off ST-10 camera. 
- Turn off Optec TCF-S focuser
- Remove TS Photoline 80mm APO scope & ASI ZWO178MC camera from top of LX200 and store them carefully.
- Close & Tie Observatory Roof
- Turn of Laptop & disconnect various leads (Power, Ethernet, USB's)
- Lock Observatory