David's Astronomy Pages
Observatory Notes by Topic

List of observatory notes by theme & subject
 
(Information can also be accessed from a list of Session Notes ordered by date)

  Theme   Subject
Bullet Observatory   | General | Pulsar Dome | Dome RelayPower  |  Zigbee Network |
       
Bullet Equipment    Equipment associated with Observatory Computer
| General | LX200 | TS 80mm APO
(Telescopes)
| ST-10XME | ZWO 178MC |
(Cameras)
| CFW10 | Herschel Wedge | TCF-S | UPB | UPS |
        
        Equipment associated with AllSky/Weather Computer
| AllSky Camera | CloudSensorObsCam | UCH | WMR80 Weather Station |
        
Bullet Computers   | General | AllSky/Weather Computer | Observatory Computer | Development Computer |
        
Bullet Software   | General |
        
Bullet AstroSuite   | AstroMain | AstroGuard | AstroLaunch | AstroMove | AstroPlan | AstroShCap |
| AstroAllSky | AstroWeather | AstroObsCam | DomeLink |TeleLink |
        
Bullet 3rd Party   | ASCOM | ASPS | ASTAP | CCDSoft 5 | DeviceHub | Dimension4 | ImageMagicK |
| Meade Generic | PHD2 | POTH Hub | RSpec | SharpCap |
| Siril | StarNetTPoint | PemPro | TheSky6 | Visual Studio | VWS |
        
Bullet Observing   | General | Comets | ExoplanetGRBs | Weather |
        
Bullet Techniques   | General | Autoguiding | Centering | Collimation | Darks | Dual Scope/Cam Ops | Flats | Focusing | Optics | Periodic Error | Polar Alignment | RebalancingSolar | Spectroscopy | Tracking RateTPoint Mapping |
        
Bullet Unfiled    

Observatory Notes

General

  Observatory Notes
Bullet 2024-03-11 System Tests - Robustness of Observatory system to a mains power outage
Bullet 2023-02-22 Investigation - Response to deterioration in sky conditions with leading edge rain 
Bullet 2021-12-05 Observatory Maintainance
Bullet 2018-08-04 Automated Observatory Operation Testing
Bullet 2018-08-07 Automated Observatory Operation Testing
Bullet 2018-07-25 Automated Observatory Operation Testing
Bullet 2018-07-24 Automated Observatory Operation Testing
Bullet 2018-07-22 Automated Observatory Operation Testing (2018-07-18, 2018-07-22)
Bullet 2018-07-22 Observatory Commissioning, Stress Test  (2018-06-11, 2018-06-13, 2018-06-25)
       

Dome

  Pulsar Dome
Bullet 2024-03-15 Review - Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for the Pulsar Dome & Cloud Sensor
Bullet 2024-03-13 Investigation - Pulsar Dome Settings reset themselves after a power outage
Bullet 2024-02-29 Investigation - Shutter Issues (comms between Shutter & Controller frozen)
Bullet 2024-01-05   Pulsar Dome - Software Update (Firmware 1.52 & ASCOM Driver 6.4)
Bullet 2023-12-13   Observatory - Water Ingress during week of wet weather
Bullet

2023-12-07

  DomeLink 1.0 - Dome Driver
Bullet

2023-12-05

  Investigation - Dome Azimuth incorrect by 38° by end of session
Bullet 2023-12-02   Pulsar Dome - Shutter Software Reinstall (Shutter 1.25)
Bullet 2023-12-02   Pulsar Dome - ASCOM Conformance Tests
Bullet 2023-12-02   Pulsar Dome - Recalibration
Bullet 2023-11-30    Investigation - Pulsar Dome holding up at Az 168°
Bullet 2023-11-17   Pulsar Dome - Replacement Rotation Drive Wheel
Bullet 2023-11-15   Pulsar Dome - Software Update (Firmware 1.51 & ASCOM Driver 6.3.10)
Bullet 2023-11-09   New Zigbee Sensor for Dome's Shutter (Top)
Bullet 2023-11-09   Investigation - Dome failed to fully close during session suspension and safe-recovery attempts
Bullet 2023-11-07   Investigation - Dome failed to finish opening after 90s
Bullet 2023-10-27 Pulsar Dome - Loose Rotation Drive Wheel
Bullet 2023-10-27 Anti-Slip Tape for Improving Observatory Dome Rotation
Bullet 2023-10-25 Investigation - Hold-ups during Dome Slewing
Bullet 2023-10-22 Replay Dome Slews (new AstroMain feature)
Bullet 2023-08-17 Investigation - Dome Shutter failed to close when commanded
Bullet 2023-07-19 Pulsar Dome - Rotation Drive Tension Adjustment
Bullet 2022-07-13 Pulsar Dome - Home Magnet Tests
Bullet 2022-07-02 Pulsar Dome - ASCOM Driver Review
Bullet 2022-04-10 Investigation - Commands to open Observatory shutter failed
Bullet 2021-12-05 Attempted remediation of bulge in observatory roof panel
Bullet 2021-12-01 Review - Dome Shutter Operations
Bullet 2021-11-28 Investigation - Dome not reporting correct ShutterState
Bullet 2021-11-10 Investigation - Shutter failed to fully close
Bullet 2021-11-08 Observatory Dome - Wall Sealant
Bullet 2021-04-13 Investigation - Shutter didn't fully close at end of session
Bullet 2021-03-31 Pulsar Dome Software Update (Shutter 1.25)
Bullet 2021-03-18 Pulsar Dome Software Update (Shutter 1.24)
Bullet 2021-03-04 Pulsar Dome Software Update (Shutter 1.23 attempt)
Bullet 2021-02-26 Pulsar Dome Software Update (Rotation 1.41)
Bullet 2021-01-15 Pulsar Dome - Shutter Chain Adjustments
Bullet 2021-01-08 Investigation:  Shutter Opening failed with ShutterStatus=5 (Error)
       
Bullet 2020-12-30 ASCOM Conform Tests - Pulsar Dome Driver
Bullet 2020-12-26 Pulsar Dome - New Home Magnet
Bullet 2020-12-17 Investigation:  Dome Failed To Close (Mechanical Failure)
Bullet 2020-10-28 ASCOM Conform Tests - Pulsar Dome Driver
Bullet 2020-10-26 Investigation :  False 'Failed to Park' Alerts during Dome Parking - a timing gotcha
Bullet 2020-09-11 Dome Connection Issues
Bullet 2020-09-07 Investigation - Dome appears non-responsive or stuck (S805)
Bullet 2020-09-01 Pulsar Dome - Corroded Home Magnet
Bullet 2020-06-01 Investigation - Opening Dome Issue (S755 & S763)
Bullet 2020-05-31 POTH.Dome / Pulsar Driver Glitch (23:43 to 00:06)
Bullet 2020-03-27 Investigation - Dome Closing Issue 
Bullet 2020-03-27 Investigation - Telescope Parking Issue
Bullet 2020-01-19 Investigation: Telescope Slew Path Issue
       
Bullet 2019-12-17 Melt water from overnight frost
Bullet 2019-11-18 Drainage Holes for Condensation Puddles
Bullet 2019-11-17 Cable Conduit Fixing for Dome Controller Leads
Bullet 2019-11-17 Repair to Observatory Base Sealent
Bullet 2019-09-19 Pulsar Dome - Shutter Battery Not Charging
Bullet 2019-09-03 Observatory Exterior Cleaning and Tree Line Trimming
Bullet 2019-09-01 Investigation - Dome Drive Slippage, Slow Slewing & Park Dome Failures
Bullet 2019-02-13 Investigation - Shutter Drive Unit didn't detect that Shutter had finished opening
Bullet 2019-02-07 Investigation - Shutter unexpected closed during initial dome opening
Bullet 2019-01-23 Pulsar Dome - Temperature Monitoring
Bullet 2019-01-23 Pulsar Dome - Battery Monitoring
Bullet 2019-01-22 Investigation - Failure to Close Shutter and Park Scope at end of Session
Bullet 2019-01-18 Pulsar Dome - Loose Drive Motor Head
Bullet 2019-01-18 Pulsar Dome - Encoder Arm Spring Replacement
       
Bullet 2018-12-22 Pulsar Dome - Software & Driver Updates
Bullet 2018-12-20 Investigation - Dome Still Open after Session Finished
Bullet 2018-12-17 Dome Port Switching
Bullet 2018-12-14 Daytime Observatory Tests
Bullet 2018-12-05 Frost Patterns On Inside of Dome
Bullet 2018-12-05 Dome Port Switching Issue
Bullet 2018-11-28 POTH Dome Exception & COM Port Switching & Way Forward (2018-11-26 to 28)
Bullet 2018-08-21 Automated Observatory Operation Testing
Bullet 2018-08-21 Dropped Shutter Drive Chain
Bullet 2018-05-17 Observatory Commissioning, including TPoint Mapping
Bullet 2018-05-16 Observatory Commissioning, including Periodic Error Checks & Polar Alignment
      

Dome Relay

  Dome Relay
Bullet 2023-10-28 Investigation - Dome Relay Protection Stopped Working
Bullet 2023-08-17 Investigation - Dome Shutter failed to close when commanded and when Relay State changed to 'Unsafe'
Bullet 2020-05-19 Dome Relay Follow Up Testing
Bullet 2020-05-15 Dome Relay Repair
Bullet 2020-05-13 Dome Relay Testing
Bullet 2019-01-12 Dome Relay Project
      

Power Supply

  Power Supply
Bullet 2024-03-15 Review - Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for the Pulsar Dome & Cloud Sensor
Bullet 2024-03-11 System Tests - Robustness of Observatory system to a mains power outage
Bullet 2024-03-03 Eaton 3S 850B UPS - Off Line Uninterruptible Power Supply System
Bullet 2024-03-03 Review - Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for the Observatory Telescope
Bullet 2024-02-28 Review - Increasing observatory & session resistance to small power outages
Bullet 2024-02-26 Investigation - Effects of Short Power Outage (06:14)
Bullet 2018-04-21 Observatory Power Installation
Bullet 2018-02-18 Electrical and Connectivity Requirements
       
      

Zigbee Network

  Zigbee Network
Bullet 2024-03-18   Zigbee - Greenhouse's Temperature/Humidity Sensor not reconnecting to network
Bullet 2024-03-13   Investigation - Zigbee Shutter sensors not showing correct states after a power outage
Bullet 2023-12-13   Zigbee - AtPark Sensor for Observatory Dome
Bullet 2023-12-13   Zigbee - Open/Close Sensor for Greenhouse Door
Bullet 2023-12-03   Zigbee - Smart Plug for Greenhouse Heater
Bullet 2023-11-21   Additional Greenhouse Sensors
Bullet 2023-11-09   New Zigbee Sensor for Dome's Shutter (Top)
Bullet 2023-10-10 Greenhouse Temperature/Humidity Sensor
Bullet 2023-10-10 Zigbee / Rest API Notes
Bullet 2022-11-18 MoesGo Portable Remote Control
Bullet 2022-10-22 deCONZ - WebSocket Configuration
Bullet 2022-10-22 deCONZ - WebSocket Listener
Bullet 2022-10-21 Observatory Zigbee Network
Bullet 2022-10-21 Conbee II - Firmware reinstall
Bullet 2022-10-16 Zigbee Project
Bullet 2022-10-16 Conbee II
Bullet 2022-10-16 deCONZ
Bullet 2022-10-16 Phoscon App
Bullet 2022-10-16 deCONZ - REST API
Bullet 2022-10-16 deCONZ - WebSockets
       

Back to Top


Equipment Notes

General

  Equipment Notes
Bullet 2018-10-20   New Equipment Review - Dew Controller, Motor Focus &  Mount Hub
Bullet 2016-12-30 Plans for New Equipment in 2017
Bullet 2013-11-27 Systems Test
Bullet 2010-01-18 Temporary Setup - 8" LX200 Classic & ST-10XME
       

TS 80mm APO

  80mm f6 Triplet APO Telescope (TS Photoline)
Bullet 2023-01-23 Images taken with TS80 & ZWO 178MC (S1088, 2023-01-18)
Bullet 2019-12-11 2" Field Flattener (TSFLAT2, 2019-12-11)
Bullet 2017-12-22 Image Coma (TS 80mm APO + ASI178MC)
Bullet 2018-11-07 TS 80mm f/6 APO  Critical Focal Zone & Focusing
Bullet 2018-11-07 Installation of Motor Focus Unit on TS80 secondary scope
Bullet 2017-01-23 TS Photoline 80mm APO - Mounting (Parts 1 & 2)
Bullet 2017-01-23 Autoguiding with TS 80mm APO
Bullet 2017-01-18 Images taken with TS80 & ZWO 178MC (S600, 2017-01-18)
Bullet 2017-01-18 TS Photoline 80mm APO
Bullet 2016-12-30 Guide/Imaging Scope Selection (TS Photoline 80mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet APO)

 

 

AllSky Cam

  AllSky Camera (Starlight Oculus)
Bullet 2023-11-30 AllSky Camera  - Latest Modification to Control Dew
Bullet 2023-11-15 AllSky Camera - Ventilation holes (attempt to cure dew problem)
Bullet 2023-01-25 AllSky Camera - New O-Ring
Bullet 2019-10-16 AllSky Camera - Earwig Problem
Bullet 2019-09-03 AllSky Camera - Installation of a baffle to block glare from nuisance lighting
Bullet 2013-12-28 Guide Chip Image Scale, Pixel Size and Placement, Oculus All Sky Camera Installation & First Light

 

   

ZWO 178MC

  ASI 178MC Camera (ZWO)
Bullet 2023-01-23 Images taken with TS80 & ZWO 178MC (S1088, 2023-01-18)
Bullet 2020-10-25 New Chart - Cam2 Temperature (ZWO ASI 178MC)
Bullet 2018-10-30 ASI Camera Drivers (Native & ASCOM)
Bullet 2017-01-18 Images taken with TS80 & ZWO 178MC (S600, 2017-01-18)
Bullet 2017-01-18 ZWO ASI178MC Master Darks
Bullet 2017-01-16 ZWO ASI178MC Camera: Read Noise Tests
Bullet 2017-01-06 ZWO ASI178MC Camera: Installation,  Test Shots, First Light Image, AllSky Image, Software Notes
Bullet 2016-12-30 Planetary Camera Selection (ZWO ASI178MC)

 

 

CFW10

  CFW10 Filter Wheel (SBIG)
Bullet 2017-01-18 ZWO ASI178MC Master Darks
Bullet 2010-01-15 Filter Wheel changes

 

   
CloudSensor Cloud Sensor (Eurotech, Aurora)
Bullet

2021-01-12

  Cloud Sensor Anomaly - low clarity ("cloud") values from a clear sky
Bullet

2018-08-25

  Anomaly in Cloud Sensor Clarity readings 
Bullet 2018-01-03 Cloud Sensor in New Outside Location

 

 

Her. Wedge

  Herschel Wedge
Bullet 2017-11-26 Herschel Wedge
       

LX200 GPS

  LX200 (12" GPS/R, including Autostar II)
Bullet 2024-03-03 Review - Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for the Observatory Telescope
Bullet 2024-03-02 Recovery from Telescope Shut-Down in Unparked State
Bullet 2024-02-29 Investigation - Telescope Failed to Park and was turned off in 'unparked' state
Bullet 2023-12-16 Investigation - LX200 continued tracking even though tracking had been turned off
Bullet 2023-10-08 LX200 - Mirror Lock Fix
Bullet 2023-09-30 Investigation - Drift in Best Focus Position, LX200 Primary Mirror Focus Slipping / Mirror Lock Not Working
Bullet 2023-02-09 Lymax SCT Cooler
Bullet 2023-01-18 LX200 - Condensation inside Scope
Bullet 2023-01-16 Snow slid off Shutter onto Scope
Bullet 2022-11-11 Focusing - Temperature and Primary Mirror Slippage Effects
Bullet 2022-03-25 Investigation -  Slow Dome Slew / Slow Scope Slew to one particular target
Bullet 2021-12-12 Investigation - LX200 Tracking Rate Discrepency
Bullet 2021-12-05 Telescope Maintainance
Bullet 2021-11-23 Residual Dec Backlash Measurements
Bullet 2021-11-23 Polar Alignment Adjustment
Bullet 2021-11-22 Ra/Dec Drive Training
Bullet 2021-11-21 Dec Backlash Measurements
Bullet 2021-11-21 Improvement Plan
Bullet 2021-11-19 Dec Centering and Guiding Issues
Bullet 2021-11-10 Dec Guide Anomalies (SSE Sky)
Bullet 2021-10-31 Occasional Large RA spikes during guiding
Bullet 2021-10-25 Proposed Polar Alignment Change
Bullet 2021-10-12 New Dec Motor Unit
Bullet 2021-04-17 Investigation - Unable to Connect to LX200 Scope
Bullet 2021-03-16 Camera Cable Re-Routing Results
Bullet 2021-03-14 Camera Cable Rerouting
Bullet 2021-01-21 Investigation - Guiding Issues (West of Meridian)
Bullet 2020-11-05 Investigation - Slew Failure (Invalid RA)
Bullet 2019-12-16 Declination Backlash (anti-backlash re-tried)
Bullet 2019-12-16 Tracking Rate (reset to sidereal rate)
Bullet 2019-12-11 Declination Drive Checks
Bullet 2019-12-10 Declination Backlash - Measurements
Bullet 2019-10-15 Telescope.Jog testing
Bullet 2019-10-14 Telescope Jog testing
Bullet 2019-01-12 Measures to Prevent Cable Snags
Bullet 2019-01-08 Cabling Changes & Daytime Tests
Bullet 2019-01-02 Telescope Cabling Adjustements
Bullet 2018-12-05 Pierro Astro USB-RS232 Cable for LX200
Bullet 2018-12-03 Disconnecting Telescope from TheSky
Bullet 2018-09-03 'Wrong Tracking State'
Bullet 2018-09-01 Timed out waiting for received data' error
Bullet 2018-06-11 Telescope Communication Error (TheSky Error Code=213)
Bullet 2018-04-27 RA Motor Unit ReplacementDec Gear Regreasing
Bullet 2018-01-03 Condensation inside LX200 Tube
Bullet 2017-01-23 LX200 Problems (Dropped Connection/Unable to Get GPS Fix)
Bullet 2017-01-17 LX200 Periodic Error / PEC, TPoint Software Issue
Bullet 2016-12-27 LX200 Main Board Failure, RA Drive IssueRA Diagnostics & Tension Spring Adjustment, Autostar II Settings
Bullet 2013-11-27 LX200/Autostar II Firmware Update to 4.2G
Bullet 2010-02-17 12" LX200 ACF Return to Service
Bullet 2010-01-02 LX200R/Autostar II, System Failure, Fault Finding and Restore Attempts 
Bullet 2009-12-27 LX200R Autostar II / Handbox problems
Bullet 2009-06-07 LX200R Slewing
Bullet 2009-03-15 Restart from Park Position
Bullet 2009-03-09 First Light for 12" LX200R + ST10XME
       

LX200 8"

  LX200 (8", Classic)
Bullet 2009-03-09 Tracking Problem - Counter Weight Balancing
       

ST-10XME

  SBIG ST-10XME Camera
Bullet 2021-01-02 SBIG Camera Bias Level (Sky Brightness Issue & Fix)
Bullet 2020-04-25 CCD Desicator Recharge
Bullet 2019-08-08 Investigation - Camera Cooling
Bullet 2019-08-03 Investigation - Tube Temperature
Bullet 2019-01-20 Investigation - Unexpected Disconnection of SBIG Camera
Bullet 2018-10-28 Lost Connection to SBIG Camera
Bullet 2017-12-22 Image Problem (LX200 + ST-10XME,  Dew, Condensation or Frost)
       

ObsCam

  ObsCam
Bullet 2021-04-14 ObsCam - IR leakage onto CCD Images (tests and solution)
Bullet 2020-02-16 ObsCam - New Camera for monitoring Observatory/Telescope
Bullet 2020-02-16 AstroObsCam - New Application for capturing ObsCam pictures
       

TCF-S

  TCF-S Focuser
Bullet 2019-08-18 TCF-S Connection Failure
Bullet 2018-10-30 TCF-S Focuser - ASCOM Driver
Bullet 2018-10-28 Lost Connection to TCF-S Focuser   Optec TCF-S Focuser, Temp Coefficient  2008-07-23
       

UCH

  Pegasus USB Control Hub (AllSky/Weather Computer)
Bullet 2021-10-16 AllSky/Weather Computer - Installation of Pegasus Astro USB Control Hub
Bullet 2021-10-15 Pegasus Astro USB Control Hub
       

UPB

  Pegasus Ultimate PowerBox
Bullet 2024-03-03 Review - Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for the Observatory Telescope
Bullet 2021-10-07 Investigation - Connection to UPB Powerbox lost / Obs.Monitor freezing in 'Monitor Powerbox'
Bullet 2020-08-05 Pegasus UPB - ASCOM Driver Updates (Jun/2020)
Bullet 2020-05-24 Pegasus UPB - v1.6.0
Bullet 2020-05-15 Pegasus UPB - v1.5.0
Bullet 2019-04-22 Pegasus UPB - 16 AWG Extension Cable
Bullet 2019-10-02 Pegasus UPB - ASCOM Switch Driver (V2.0)
Bullet 2019-09-09 Pegasus UPB - Software Update (1.4.17)
Bullet 2019-08-28 Pegasus UPB - Software Update (1.4.16)
Bullet 2019-02-05 Pegasus UPB - Software & Firmware Updates (1.4.11 / 1.5)
Bullet 2019-01-29 Pegasus UPB - Replacement Humidity Sensor
Bullet 2019-01-20 Pegasus UPB - Voltage Supply Issue
Bullet 2019-01-12 Pegasus UPB - Humidity Sensor Failure
Bullet 2019-01-08 Pegasus UPB - Power Supply
Bullet 2018-12-04   Pegasus UPB - Disconnection & Port Switching caused by momentary Power Grid outage
Bullet 2018-11-01   Pegasus UPB - Pegasus Ultimate Power Box
Bullet 2018-10-20   New Equipment Review - Dew Controller, Motor Focus &  Mount Hub
       

UPS

  Uninterruptable Power Supply
Bullet 2024-03-15 Review - Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for the Pulsar Dome & Cloud Sensor
Bullet 2024-03-03 Eaton 3S 850B UPS - Off Line Uninterruptible Power Supply System
Bullet 2024-03-03 Review - Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for the Observatory Telescope
Bullet 2018-12-22 UPS Review
       

WMR80

  Weather Station
Bullet 2023-12-20 Future Weather Station - EcoWitt
Bullet 2022-07-02 Weather Station - Outside T/H Sensor (new batteries)  Future Weather Station - EcoWitt
Bullet 2022-02-24 Weather Station's base station moved to Observatory
Bullet 2020-09-25 Wind Data Problems
Bullet 2020-06-22 Wind Data Outage
Bullet 2020-04-26 Weather Station Batteries
Bullet 2019-09-07 New Wind Sensor (WMR800X)
       

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Computers

General

  General Computer Notes
Bullet None None
       

AllSky

  AllSky/Weather Computer Notes (Laptop7)
Bullet 2020-09-04 Replacement AllSky/Weather Computer - Goes Live
Bullet 2020-08-23 New AllSky Computer
Bullet 2020-08-18 AllSky Computer,  Potential Replacement
Bullet 2020-08-18 AllSky Computer Problems (BSOD & Failed Windows Startup)
Bullet 2019-11-25 AllSky/Weather Computer Outages
Bullet 2019-10-01 Investigation - Issue with Network & AllSky Computer
Bullet 2018-08-22 AllSky Computer Crash
Bullet 2018-08-09 AllSky Computer Problems
Bullet 2018-08-03 AllSky Computer Outage due to A/C Adapter Failure
Bullet 2018-06-11 AllSky Laptop Failure & Replacement (2018-06-11, 2018-06-13, 2018-06-25)
       

Observatory

  Observatory Computer Notes (Laptop9)
Bullet 2022-12-20 Investigation - Loss of Ethernet Connection
Bullet 2022-07-14 Investigation -  Unable to Connect Scope in TheSky6 (Blank TeleAPI Setting, following Windows Update)
Bullet 2022-06-23 Observatory Computer - Device Setup / Daytime Testing
Bullet 2022-06-21 Observatory Computer - Windows 10 Reinstall & Rebuild
Bullet 2022-06-16 Observatory Computer - Inaccessible Boot Device
Bullet 2021-12-10 First Session with new Observatory Computer
Bullet 2021-12-06 Observatory Computer Replacement
Bullet 2020-09-05 Development Computer - Windows 10 update (2004), CCDSoft & TeleAPI fixes
Bullet 2019-01-08 Observatory Computer - USB Port Repairs
Bullet 2018-12-04 Update on Computer Crash Issue
Bullet 2018-11-30 Unexpected Computer Restarts
Bullet 2018-11-09 COM Port Numbers Changing
Bullet 2018-11-06 Observatory Computer COM Ports
Bullet 2018-10-28 New USB Hub
Bullet 2017-11-17 CCDSoft Re-Install
Bullet 2013-11-27 USB Hub/COM Settings

 

 

Development

  Development / Desktop Computer Notes (Laptop 10)
Bullet 2023-02-24 New Development Computer, 2023
Bullet 2022-07-14 Windows 10 - Disable IE Retirement Notification
Bullet 2022-04-24 Migration to Visual Studio 2022
Bullet 2020-09-05 Development Computer - Windows 10 update (2004), CCDSoft & TeleAPI fixes
Bullet 2019-08-03 Windows 10 upgrade (1903) & CCDSoft DLLs
Bullet 2018-09-14 New Laptop - Software Installation
Bullet 2018-07-29 Desktop Computer Failure & Fix
Bullet 2017-11-02 Desktop Computer Upgrade to Windows 10
       

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Software Notes

General

  Software Notes
Bullet 2020-10-28 TS80/178MC - Software Review
Bullet 2016-12-30 Planetary Image Capture & Processing Software
Bullet 2009-06-07 Software Routine Testing
       

Aladin

  Aladin Notes
Bullet 2009-12-27 Aladin Software (IC 95, M101))

 

 

Ascom

  ASCOM Notes
Bullet 2022-11-27 Conform Universal 1.0.0
Bullet 2022-11-12 ASCOM 6.6 SP1
Bullet 2022-04-24 ASCOM 6.6
Bullet 2020-12-30 ASCOM 6.5 SP1
Bullet 2018-10-31 Programming access to ASCOM Drivers using NameSpaces
Bullet 2018-10-30 ASCOM 6.4 SP1

 

 

ASPS

  ASPS Notes
Bullet 2021-09-15 All Sky Plate Solver (ASPS)

 

   

ASTAP

  ASTAP Notes
Bullet 2021-03-14 ASTAP - Plate Solving Software
        

AstroSuite

  AstroSuite Notes 
Bullet

2018-11-23

  AstroSuite AstroSuite Program Development & Deloyment
Bullet

2018-11-23

  Program Version Numbers
Bullet

2017-12-13

  Communication Ports

 

 

AstroAllSky

  AstroAllSky Notes 
Bullet

2018-11-24

  AstroAllSky Refactoring

 

   

AstroMain

  AstroMain Notes 
Bullet 2023-04-02 Investigation - CcdCamera Loop freezing
Bullet 2023-03-30 Investigation - Target failed due to a 'RPC server is unavailable' exception
Bullet 2024-03-27 Investigation - CCD Monitor lowered Camera SetPoint Temperature to an unachievable level
Bullet 2024-03-27 Investigation - TheSky6 failing to Image Link and to Update Telescope Coordinates
Bullet 2024-03-05 AstroMain - Task Manager Assistant
Bullet 2024-02-29 Investigation - Telescope Failed to Park and was turned off in 'unparked' state
Bullet 2023-12-13   Zigbee - AtPark Sensor for Observatory Dome (FindPark)
Bullet 2023-11-15 Investigation - Target Circle mispositioned on real time JPG Pictures
Bullet 2023-11-02 Investigation - ObsManager freezing just after entering 'Session Running'
Bullet 2023-10-22 Replay Dome Slews  (new feature)
Bullet 2023-03-14 Investigation - Problem linking one particular image
Bullet 2023-02-22 Investigation - Response to deterioration in sky conditions with leading edge rain 
Bullet 2023-02-11 Investigation - Cross-Thread Problem & Non Responsive UI
Bullet 2022-12-18 Investigation - Job Queue/TheSky6 froze during Plate Solution
Bullet 2022-11-29 Investigation - Anomalous Centering Operation for Target AT2022sz (RA error)
Bullet 2022-11-25 Investigation - Incorrect Scope 2 Offset leading to Incorrect/Missing Cam1 FOV on JPG pictures
Bullet 2022-11-03 Investigation - Slewing Discrepency (Jupiter)
Bullet 2022-10-29 Investigation - CCDSoft, ObsMonitor & ObsManager freezing
Bullet 2022-09-21 Investigation - Auto-Centering Telescope on Jupiter
Bullet 2022-07-28 Investigation - PHD2 Client/Server Comms Issues
Bullet 2022-07-15 Investigation - CCDSoft and ObsMonitor ('Update Foc1 Fields') Hanging
Bullet 2022-06-06 Investigation -  Anomalous Dome Slew (HIP 87937, 01:40) - False-Alert
Bullet 2022-03-25 Investigation -  Slow Dome Slew / Slow Scope Slew to one particular target
Bullet 2021-12-01 Review - Dome Shutter Operations
Bullet 2021-10-07 Investigation - Connection to UPB Powerbox lost / Obs.Monitor freezing in 'Monitor Powerbox'
Bullet 2021-08-28 Investigation - Target Position Failure (2 Pallas)
Bullet 2021-05-06 Investigation - Abnormal Pointing Errors & Centering Failures
Bullet 2021-04-30 Investigation - JobQueue Freezing during Telescope.Jog
Bullet 2021-04-24 Investigation - Slewing Scope Path Resolution
Bullet 2021-04-20 Investigation - Jog Execution held up by "Unable to start the DirectSlew" dialog from TheSky6/ASCOM
Bullet 2021-04-20 Investigation - Straight Line ScopePaths when using Meade Generic Ascom Telescope Driver
Bullet 2021-04-20 Investigation - Scope appearing to slew across Due North Plane from Az 43.9° to Az 358.6°
Bullet 2021-03-31 Investigation - AstroMain stalls when importing Observing Plan
Bullet 2021-03-24 Investigation - Incorrect Reporting of Guiding Results
Bullet 2021-03-16 New Button Routine to Check/Reset Telescope Pointing
Bullet 2021-03-13 Investigation - Multiple Dome Closure Commands
Bullet 2021-03-08 Investigation - Hang-ups during Observatory Monitoring
Bullet 2021-02-26 Investigation - UI lock up during live sessions
Bullet 2021-01-11 Analysis: Protection from approaching showers
Bullet 2021-01-08 Investigation:  Job Queue stopped / Targets executed with closed dome shutter
Bullet 2020-11-28 Investigation - Impossibly Large Pointing Error (156P/Russell-LINEAR)
Bullet 2020-11-05 Investigation - Slew Failure (Invalid RA)
Bullet 2020-10-26 Investigation :  False 'Failed to Park' Alerts during Dome Parking - a timing gotcha
Bullet 2020-10-25 New Chart - Cam2 Temperature (ZWO ASI 178MC)
Bullet 2020-10-23 Investigation - Session unexpectedly moved to Suspended State (from Equilibration State)
Bullet 2020-09-29 Investigation - ToO Insertion Issue (S815)
Bullet 2020-09-29 Investigation - CCDSoft Images not getting saved to disk [0000 issue]
Bullet

2020-09-26

  Earliest Plan Start Time
Bullet

2020-09-07

  Investigation - Scope Slewing Chart shows telescope slew passing across North Celestrial Pole (Scope Path had only two points)
Bullet

2020-08-28

  Investigation - Ongoing Issues that prevent fully reliable operations
Bullet

2020-07-17

  Investigation - Obs.Manager freezing upon entering Closing State
Bullet

2020-07-06

  Investigation - Session not completed or shutdown (Job Queue froze whilst closing dome)
Bullet

2020-06-01

  Dew Heater Control
Bullet

2020-01-18

  Investigation - AstroMain Program Hung
Bullet

2019-11-18

  Investigation - Observatory Manager and GUI became frozen at 06:31
Bullet

2019-09-26

  ObsOverseer, ObsWorker and other new Processes (AstroMain)
Bullet

2019-09-26

  Investigation - Invalid Sun Altitude at session start (AstroMain)
Bullet

2019-09-03

  AdvMain - Multiple Critical Cloud Alert Messages
Bullet

2019-09-03

  Live Session Data Feed
Bullet

2019-09-01

  Investigation - Incorrect Mosaic Coordinates
Bullet

2019-09-01

  Investigation - Job Queue froze whilst attempting Mosaic Target
Bullet

2018-08-25

  Analysis of Temperature Plots, Dew Heating and Dew Point   
Bullet

2018-08-25

  Investigation - Frozen Job Queue (Waiting on Telescope Jog to finish)
Bullet 2019-08-22 Investigation -  Session Suspension Issues
Bullet

2018-08-13

  Job Queue Freezing
Bullet

2019-08-03

  Investigation - Premature End of Session (jobAbortTarget issue)
Bullet

2018-12-03

  GA Scheduling Convergence Plots
Bullet

2018-10-28

  Targets of Opportunity

 

   
Bullet

2018-06-09

  CCDApp2 Freezing - Investigation
Bullet

2017-01-02

  Observatory Software Issues/Fixes

 

   

AstroGuard

  AstroGuard & AstroProtect Notes 
Bullet

2019-04-22

  AstroProtect - Successful Observatory Shutdown
Bullet

2019-02-12

  AstroGuard Telescope Protection
Bullet

2019-02-06

  AstroProtect Telescope Protection
Bullet

2018-12-22

  AstroProtect

 

 

AstroLaunch

  AstroLaunch Notes
Bullet

2018-11-23

  AstroLaunch

 

 

AstroMove

  AstroMove Notes 
Bullet

2018-11-23

  AstroMove

 

   

AstroObsCam

  AstroObsCam Notes 
Bullet 2021-10-23 Daytime Tests - Examination of IR Leakage from Observatory WebCam
Bullet 2020-02-16 AstroObsCam - New Application for capturing ObsCam pictures

 

   

AstroPlan

  AstroPlan Notes 
Bullet

2022-07-14

  Investigation - Unsuccessful to rollback of Live Folder to previous session
Bullet

2021-10-14

  Investigation -  AstroPlan stopped uploading files to website
Bullet

2021-09-15

  Schedule Builder - Calibration Targets
Bullet

2021-03-29

  Investigation - AstroPlan's FTP Uploading Stalls
Bullet

2020-09-26

  Earliest Plan Start Time
Bullet

2019-09-17

  Slow Schedule Building in AstroPlan
Bullet

2018-06-06

  Computer Generated Observing Plan

 

 

AstroShCap

  AstroShCap Notes 
Bullet

2019-10-12

  AstroShCap Program
       

AstroSN

  AstroSN Notes 
Bullet

2020-10-21

  AstroSN - Data Source and Proof of Concept
         

AstroWeather

  AstroWeather Notes 
Bullet

2023-12-04

  Investigation - OpenWeather JSON Parsing Issue
Bullet

2021-11-02

  Weather Forecast - OpenWeatherMap.Org vs DarkSky.Net
Bullet

2019-08-21

  AstroWeather - Weather Forecast Chart (New)
Bullet

2018-01-03

  Sky Brightness Plot with Rain & Clarity data,
        

CCDSoft 5

  CCDSoft 5 Notes
Bullet 2023-04-02 Investigation - CcdCamera Loop freezing
Bullet 2023-03-14 Investigation - Problem linking one particular image
Bullet 2021-01-02 SBIG Camera Bias Level (Sky Brightness Issue & Fix)
Bullet 2020-09-29 Investigation - CCDSoft Images not getting saved to disk [0000 issue]
Bullet 2020-09-05 Windows 10 update (1909 to 2004), CCDSoft & TeleAPI fixes
Bullet 2018-11-09 ASCOM Plug-In for CCDSoft
Bullet 2018-10-30 ASCOM Focuser (FocusAPI) Plug-in for CCDSoft
Bullet 2017-11-17 CCDSoft Re-Install

 

   

DeviceHub

  Device Hub Notes
Bullet 2022-11-14 TeleLink 1.0 - Telescope Driver
Bullet 2022-11-12 DeviceHub 6.6.1.1
Bullet 2022-07-23 DeviceHub 6.6.0.16
Bullet 2022-06-29 DeviceHub 6.6.0.13
Bullet 2022-06-26 DeviceHub 6.6.0.12
Bullet 2022-06-09 DeviceHub 6.6.0.11
Bullet 2022-06-06 Investigation -  Anomalous Dome Slew (HIP 87937, 01:40) - False-Alert
Bullet 2022-06-02 DeviceHub 6.6.0.10
Bullet 2022-05-15 DeviceHub 6.6.0.8
Bullet 2022-05-12 Investigation -  Dome didn't appear to move during telescope slew
Bullet 2022-04-28 DeviceHub 6.6.0.6
Bullet 2022-04-27 DeviceHub 6.6.0.5
Bullet 2022-04-24 DeviceHub 6.6.0.4
Bullet 2021-12-14 DeviceHub 6.5.1.9
Bullet 2021-12-13 DeviceHub 6.5.1.8
Bullet 2021-12-10 Investigation - Guiding Runaway (SideOfPier Issue)
Bullet 2021-11-03 DeviceHub 6.5.1.7
Bullet 2021-05-11 DeviceHub 6.5.1.4
Bullet 2021-05-06 DeviceHub 6.5.1.3
Bullet 2020-10-26 Investigation :  False 'Failed to Park' Alerts during Dome Parking - a timing gotcha
Bullet 2020-10-15 DeviceHub 6.5.0.1
Bullet 2020-10-15 Stalled Dome Issue - Status
Bullet

2020-09-26

  Dome Data Stalled (S813)
Bullet

2020-09-18

  DeviceHub 6.4.1.11 - Fast Poll Rates
Bullet

2020-09-07

  Investigation - Scope Slewing Chart shows telescope slew passing across North Celestrial Pole (Scope Path had only two points)
Bullet 2020-09-07 Investigation - Dome appears non-responsive or stuck (S805)
Bullet 2020-06-01 ASCOM.DeviceHub

 

   

Dimension4

  Dimension4 Notes
Bullet 2022-04-24 Dimension 4, Version 5.31

 

 

DomeLink

  DomeLink Notes
Bullet

2023-12-07

  DomeLink 1.0 - Dome Driver

 

   

ImageMagicK

  ImageMagicK Notes
Bullet 2019-09-28  ImageMagick

 

   

MeadeGeneric

  Meade Generic Driver Notes
Bullet 2024-03-02 MeadeGeneric 1.3.9
Bullet 2022-05-30 MeadeGeneric 1.3.5.414
Bullet 2021-12-19 MeadeGeneric 1.3.3.375
Bullet 2021-12-16 MeadeGeneric 1.3.3.373
Bullet 2021-12-10 Investigation - Guiding Runaway (SideOfPier Issue)
Bullet 2021-09-28 MeadeGeneric Telescope Driver (1.3.2)
Bullet 2021-08-16 MeadeGeneric Telescope Driver (1.3.1)
Bullet 2021-07-18 MeadeGeneric Telescope Driver (1.2.0 & 1.3.0)
Bullet 2021-04-23 MeadeLX200GPS Driver Testing (2021-04-22 to 2021-04-25)
Bullet 2021-04-23 MeadeGeneric Driver Testing (2021-04-22 to 2021-04-28)
Bullet 2021-04-20 Meade Generic Telescope Driver
Bullet 2021-04-17 Investigation - Unable to Connect to LX200 Scope
       

PHD2

  PHD2 Guiding Notes  (See also Techniques - Autoguiding)
Bullet 2024-02-17  PHD2 Update 2.6.13 
Bullet 2023-01-29 PHD2 Update 2.6.11dev4
Bullet 2022-09-14 PHD2 Update 2.6.11dev2
Bullet 2022-08-28 Review - PHD2 AutoFind
Bullet 2022-07-28 Investigation - PHD2 Client/Server Comms Issues
Bullet 2022-06-27 PHD2 Calibration - TS80/178MC, S1020
Bullet 2021-12-10 Investigation - Guiding Runaway (SideOfPier Issue)
Bullet 2021-01-21 Investigation - Guiding Issues (West of Meridian)
Bullet 2021-08-09 PHD2 Update 2.6.10
Bullet 2021-06-02 PHD2 Update 2.6.9dev5
Bullet 2021-02-10 PHD2 Upgrade 2.6.9dev4
Bullet 2021-01-04 PHD2 Upgrade 2.6.9dev3
Bullet 2021-01-02 PHD2 Upgrade 2.6.9dev2 & Multi-Star Guiding
Bullet 2020-07-26 PHD2 Update to v2.6.9 
Bullet 2020-05-13 PHD2 Update to v2.6.8
Bullet 2020-03-27 PHD2 Update to v2.6.7
Bullet 2019-12-10 PHD2 Update to v2.6.6.dev3
Bullet 2019-09-28 PHD2 Update to V2.6.6 dev2
Bullet 2018-08-14 PHD2 Autoguiding
Bullet

2017-12-04

  PHD2 Calibration , ZWO Camera
Bullet

2017-11-17

  PHD2 Guiding, Automated Guiding
Bullet 2017-11-14 PHD2 Guiding, Automated Guiding
Bullet 2017-11-02 PHD2 (2.6.4)
Bullet 2017-02-07 PHD2 Connection & Control, Automated Guiding
Bullet 2017-01-17 Autoguiding attempt with PHD2
Bullet 2017-01-06 PHD2 Notes
Bullet 2017-01-02 PHD2 Guiding Software
       

POTH Hub

  POTH Hub Notes
Bullet 2020-05-31 POTH.Dome / Pulsar Driver Glitch (23:43 to 00:06)
Bullet 2017-01-25 POTH Hub & Telescope Parking (Follow-Up)
Bullet 2017-01-23 ASCOM POTH Hub
       

RSpec

  RSpec Notes
Bullet 2021-08-30 RSpec Update (2.0.0)
       

SharpCap

  SharpCap Image Acquistion & Control Notes
Bullet 2021-08-28 SharpCap 4.0
Bullet 2021-02-26 SharpCap Software Update - v3.2.6480
Bullet 2021-01-04 SharpCap Upgrade 3.2.6473.0
Bullet 2020-10-15 SharpCap Scripting- Notes
Bullet 2020-07-26 SharpCap Update to v3.2.6383.0
Bullet 2020-01-18 SharpCap Notes - Area Selection for FWHM Measurement
Bullet 2019-12-04 SharpCap Update to v3.2.6137.0
Bullet 2019-10-25 SharpCap Notes (2019-10-25)SharpCap Notes (2019-10-24)
Bullet 2019-10-22 SharpCap Notes (2019-10-22) SharpCap Notes (2019-10-21)
Bullet 2019-10-12 SharpCap Scripting Notes
Bullet 2019-10-12 SharpCap (3.2)
Bullet 2017-11-26 SharpCap Browser
Bullet 2017-11-02 SharpCap (3.10)
Bullet 2017-02-07 SharpCap Connection & Control
Bullet 2017-01-23 SharpCap - Live Stacking with FWHM Filter Enabled
Bullet 2017-01-06 SharpCap Notes
       

Siril

  Siril Notes
Bullet 2023-12-20 Siril (1.2.0)
Bullet 2023-01-18 Siril 1.0.6
Bullet 2020-11-07 Siril 0.99.6
       

StarNet

  StarNet Notes
Bullet 2023-01-29 StarNet V2 Software
        

TheSky6

  TheSky6 Notes (including TeleAPI)
Bullet 2024-03-27 Investigation - TheSky6 failing to Image Link and to Update Telescope Coordinates
Bullet 2022-12-18 Investigation - Job Queue/TheSky6 froze during Plate Solution
Bullet 2022-11-14 TeleLink 1.0 - Telescope Driver
Bullet 2022-07-14 Investigation -  Unable to Connect Scope in TheSky6 (Blank TeleAPI Setting, following Windows Update)
Bullet 2020-11-05 Investigation - Slew Failure (Invalid RA)
Bullet 2020-09-05 Windows 10 update (1909 to 2004), CCDSoft & TeleAPI fixes
Bullet 2018-10-30 TheSky TimeOut Waiting for Received Data Issue
       

TeleLink

  TeleLink Notes
Bullet 2022-11-14 TeleLink 1.0 - Telescope Driver
       

TPoint

  TPoint Notes (See also Techniques - TPoint Mapping)
Bullet 2017-01-17 TPoint Issues & Install
Bullet 2013-12-20 TPoint Mapping Run
       

Visual Studio

  Visual Studio Notes
Bullet 2021-03-02 Visual Studio 2019 Installation and AstroSuite Project Transfer

 

 

VWS

  Virtual Weather Station Notes
Bullet 2020-08-17  Virtual Weather Station - Database Glitch

 

 

PemPro

   
Bullet 2019-11-18 Investigation - Slew Failures (PemPro related)
       

Back to Top

 


Observing Notes

General

  Observing Notes
Bullet    
       

Comets

  Comet Notes
Bullet 2020-05-29 Problems imaging C/2020 F8 (SWAN)
Bullet 2019-10-04 Comet Tracking with PHD2

 

   

Exoplanet

  Exoplanet Notes
Bullet 2005-08-08 HD 209458 (Osiris) - Extra-Solar Planet Transit
Bullet 2007-05-24 Baseline Image Analysis - HAT-P-2 (Sessions 196-199)
Bullet 2009-11-08 XO-2b Exoplanet Transit
       

GRBs

  GRB Notes
Bullet 2020-10-14 GCN Monitoring - GRB Swift 1000255
Bullet 2020-10-13 GCN Monitoring - GRB Swift 999948
Bullet 2020-05-28 Observatory Reaction to GCN Alert, GRB Swift 974942 (GRB 200529A)
       

Weather

  Weather Notes
Bullet 2023-12-13   Observatory - Water Ingress during week of wet weather
Bullet 2023-11-13 Storm Debi (2023)
Bullet 2023-10-19 Storm Babet (2023)
Bullet 2022-07-27 Missing Observing Opportunity (2022-07-27)
Bullet 2021-01-21 Storm Christoph (2021)
       
       

Back to Top


Technique & Method Notes

General

  Software Notes
Bullet 2020-01-08 Updated Plate Scale
Bullet 2019-11-13  Imaging Improvement Plan (2019)
Bullet 2013-11-18 Imaging Improvement Plan (2013)
       

Automation

  Automation Notes
Bullet 2020-08-21 AutoStart ResultsAutoStart Results (2020-08-20), AutoStart Results (2020-08-24),
Bullet 2020-08-11 Observatory Alerts System (AstroAlarm)
Bullet 2020-08-08 AutoStart ResultsAutoStart Results (2020-08-09)
Bullet 2020-08-05 AutoStart Observatory Mode
Bullet 2019-10-26 Investigation - Soft Suspend
Bullet 2019-10-01 Investigation - Unexpected Dome Closure
Bullet 2019-09-30 Target Centering
Bullet 2019-09-11 Critical conditions alert with no obvious reason
Bullet 2019-08-22 Investigation -  Session Suspension Issues
Bullet 2018-08-19 Automated Observatory Operation Testing
Bullet 2011-01-20 Start-Up Gremlins
       

Autoguiding

  Autoguiding Notes
Bullet 2022-06-27 PHD2 Calibration - TS80/178MC, S1020
Bullet 2021-11-24 Investigation - Excessive Backlash Compensation ?
Bullet 2021-11-24 Guiding Issues
Bullet 2021-11-10 Dec Guide Anomalies (SSE Sky)
Bullet 2021-10-31 Occasional Large RA spikes during guiding
Bullet 2021-10-07 Autoguiding Review 
Bullet 2021-01-21 Investigation - Guiding Issues (West of Meridian)
Bullet 2021-01-11 Investigation - Autoguiding Issues (Uncorrected Dec drif)
Bullet 2020-01-08 Guiding Performance
Bullet 2019-12-31 Guiding Performance Issues - Declination Backlash
Bullet 2019-12-16 Guiding Calibration (update to 0.90 guiding rate)
Bullet 2018-08-14 PHD2 Autoguiding
Bullet 2019-01-02 Autoguiding Problem
Bullet 2018-10-30 Guidescope Autoguiding
Bullet 2017-01-23 Autoguiding with TS 80mm APO
Bullet 2013-12-28 Guide Chip Image Scale, Pixel Size and Placement
Bullet 2013-11-18 Setup with AO-8 (adaptive options system)
       

CCD Tests

  CCD Test Notes (including CCD Linearity)
Bullet 2009-04-30 Linearity Checks
Bullet 2008-11-16 CCD Tests, Gain, Read-Out Noise, Dark Current  (ST-7E camera)
       

Centering

  Centering Notes
Bullet 2022-09-21  Investigation - Auto-Centering Telescope on Jupiter
       

Collimation

  Collimation Notes
Bullet 2009-08-07 Collimation Checks
Bullet 2009-04-05 Collimation Checks
Bullet 2009-04-01 Collimation
Bullet 2009-03-15 Collimination
Bullet 2009-03-09 Collimation Issues
       

Darks

  Dark Frame Notes
Bullet 2020-11-04 178MC Dark Frames
Bullet 2020-10-28 178MC Dark Frames
Bullet 2018-07-25 Dark Frames -10cDark Frames -15c
Bullet 2019-02-07 Dark Frames -20 degC
Bullet 2019-01-20 Dark Frames -25 degC
Bullet 2013-11-18 Focusing, Imaging Improvement Plan
Bullet 2008-10-18 Dark Frame - Reducing Dark Current with CCD age  ???
       

Dual Scope Ops

  Dual Scope/Dual Camera Operation Notes
Bullet 2020-10-25 TS80/178MC - Improvement Plan
Bullet 2017-11-14 Dual Scope/Dual Camera Ops
       

Flats

  Flat Frame Notes
Bullet 2018-09-14 Sky Flats
Bullet 2018-09-09 Sky Flats RoutineSky Flats Reduction
Bullet 2018-09-08 Sky Flats Routine
Bullet 2018-09-04 Sky Flats Routine
Bullet 2017-12-22 Corrective Reduction Process
Bullet 2013-11-18 Flats ss
Bullet 2013-11-18 Flats
Bullet 2012-08-03 Impact of having an up-to-date flat field on final image (M101)
Bullet 2010-01-18 Filter Flats
Bullet 2009-04-05 Flat Frames
Bullet 2009-03-21 Flat Frames, Filter Flats
Bullet 2009-03-05 Flats History / 8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E
       

Focusing

  Focusing Notes
Bullet 2023-10-08 LX200 - Mirror Lock Fix
Bullet 2023-09-30 Investigation - Drift in Best Focus Position, LX200 Primary Mirror Focus Slipping / Mirror Lock Not Working
Bullet 2022-11-11 Focusing - Temperature and Primary Mirror Slippage Effects
Bullet 2020-12-02 Review - Anomalous points during autofocusing
Bullet 2020-11-21 Foc2 Wide Search Auto-Focusing Issue (S831)
Bullet 2020-09-28 Foc2 Focusing Problem (S813 & S814)
Bullet 2020-09-19 Temperature Effects on Foc1 Focusing (S811 & S812)
Bullet 2020-09-05 Foc1 AutoFocusing Error due to cosmic-ray (Profile 5),
Bullet 2020-08-30 Foc1 Auto-Focusing - Impact of Weather/Seasonal related focus changes
Bullet 2020-08-29 Foc2 Auto-Focusing Results (2020-08-29 to 2020-08-31)
Bullet 2020-08-24 Foc2 Auto-Focusing Result  Secondary Scope - Focusing 2019-11-18
Bullet 2020-05-24 TCF-S - Focus Temperature Compensation (12" LX200)
Bullet 2020-05-06 Best Focus Chart
Bullet 2020-05-02 Guidescope Focusing (V3)
Bullet 2020-04-27 Best Focus Chart
Bullet 2020-04-24 Zenith FWHM Chart
Bullet 2020-01-08 Refocusing
Bullet 2020-01-02 Investigation - Failed Focus Profile
       
Bullet 2019-11-18 Secondary Scope - Focusing
Bullet 2019-11-12  Focusing with New Backlash Compensation
Bullet 2019-11-11 Focusing using SharpCap Focus Measurements
Bullet 2019-11-11 Focusing Backlash
Bullet 2019-11-08 Secondary Scope - Focusing Issue
Bullet 2019-02-13 Autofocussing - FWHM Profile & HFD V-Slope Comparison
Bullet 2019-01-02 Autoguiding Problem
Bullet 2018-11-17 Code Review - Modifying Focusing Box Size & Position (2018-11-17)
Bullet 2018-10-30 Focusing & Camera 2 control
Bullet 2018-09-04 Critical Focus Zone
Bullet 2018-08-07 Autofocussing
Bullet 2013-11-18 Focusing
Bullet 2010-11-10 Spectral Image Focusing
Bullet 2010-09-26 Spectral Filter Focussing
Bullet 2010-02-17 Focus Offsets
Bullet 2010-01-18 Focus Offsets
Bullet 2010-01-18 Focuser Coefficients
Bullet 2009-08-07 Focuser Coefficients (12" LX200R operating at f/5.7)
Bullet 2009-04-05 Atmospheric Effects on Focus
Bullet 2009-04-01 Seeing/Atmospheric Refraction Effects
Bullet 2009-03-29 Automated Filter Adjusted Focusing
Bullet 2009-03-21 Real-Time Focus Graphs
Bullet 2009-03-15 Focus Offsets
Bullet 2009-03-15 Critical Focus Zone
Bullet 2008-09-22 Temperature Coefficient - LX200
Bullet 2008-07-23 Optec TCF-S Focuser, Temp Coefficient
       

Optics

  Optics Notes
Bullet 2020-01-08 Optical Cleaning
       

Periodic Error

  Periodic Error Notes
Bullet 2017-01-02 Periodic Error Assessment (S598.3)
Bullet 2009-12-10 PEC Refinement (S403)
Bullet 2009-05-28 PEC Refinement (S370)
Bullet 2009-03-29 PEC Training (S359)
Bullet 2009-03-21 PEC Training (S358)
       

Polar Alignment

  Polar Alignment Notes
Bullet 2021-10-25 Proposed Polar Alignment Change
Bullet 2019-12-10 Polar Alignment - Measurements and Adjustments
Bullet 2013-11-27 Polar Alignment Check
Bullet 2013-11-18 Polar Alignment Check
Bullet 2010-02-17 Polar Alignment Checks
Bullet 2010-01-18 Polar Alignment Adjustment
Bullet 2009-12-04 Polar Alignment Adjustment
Bullet 2009-03-29 Polar Alignment Checks
Bullet 2009-03-21 Polar Alignment Checks
       

Rebalancing

  Telescope Rebalancing Notes
Bullet 2021-04-23 Telescope Rebalancing
Bullet 2020-01-08 Re-Balancing
Bullet 2019-12-17 LX200 Re-Balancing (3)
Bullet 2019-12-11 LX200 Re-Balancing  Changes prior to session (Optical Cleaning, Rebalancing, Refocusing, Updated Plate Scale)Guiding Performance  (2020-01-08)
       

Solar

  Solar Notes
Bullet 2017-11-26 Solar Observing Procedure, Solar Tracking Rate
       

Spectroscopy

  Spectroscopy Notes
Bullet 2021-08-30 RSpec Update (2.0.0)
Bullet 2021-08-30 Review - Spectra Processing and Analysis
Bullet 2009-12-26 P Cyg Spectrography, Vega Spectroscopy revisited
       2005-12-18

TPoint Mapping

  TPoint Mapping Notes
Bullet 2021-10-19 TPoint Mapping Run
Bullet 2020-01-17 TPoint Mapping
Bullet 2018-05-17 TPoint Mapping (Dome Observatory Commissioning)
Bullet 2017-12-07 TPoint Mapping Run
Bullet 2009-04-30 TPoint Mapping Attempt
Bullet 2007-10-02 TPoint Mapping Run (8" LX200)
Bullet 2007-09-03 TPoint Mapping Run (8" LX200)
Bullet 2005-12-18 TPoint Mapping (8" LX200)
       

Tracking Rate

  Tracking Rate Notes
Bullet 2017-11-26 Solar Tracking Rate
Bullet 2013-11-27 Tracking Rate Check & Adjustment
Bullet 2009-04-01 Tracking Rate Adjustment Trial
Bullet 2009-03-29 Tracking Rate Adjustment Trial
Bullet 2009-03-21 Tracking Rate Issue
       

Weather

  Weather Notes
Bullet 2020-08-07 Potential Observing Session not utilised (2020-08-07)
Bullet 2020-08-03 Potential Observing Sessions not utilised (2020-07-29 & 2020-08-03)
Bullet 2020-01-19 Warm Front
       
       

Back to Top


Unfiled Notes (up to 2021-11-28)

Unfiled Notes (up to 2019-08-08)

Bullet 2018-06-06 Notes  (S00612) Session S612 (, Light Artifact, POTH/Scope Issues
Bullet 2018-05-17 Notes  (S00611) Session S611 (2018-05-17),  (2018-05-17, 2018-05-22)
Bullet 2018-05-16 Notes  (S00610) Session S610 (2018-05-06),  (2018-05-05 to 2018-05-16)
Bullet 2017-12-22 Notes  (S00608) -   Session S608 (2017-12-22), , Corrective Reduction Process,

 

  LINKS BELOW HERE HAVE NOT YET BEEN DEVIDED BY SUBJECT

 

 
Bullet 2017-11-14 Notes  (S00604) - Aims/Highlights, Operational Issue,
Bullet 2010-11-10 Notes  (S00435) - Spectra Filter Test for Zero Order Shift
Bullet 2009-09-19 Notes  (S00389) - Remnant CCD electron counts / images of M110
Bullet 2009-03-15 Notes  (S00357) - Collimination, Focus Offsets
Bullet 2009-03-09 Notes  (S00356) -  Star Blooming, Image Comparison
Bullet 2009-02-27 Notes  (S00351) - Ted Agos Universal Focal Reducer Adapter Tube
Bullet 2008-10-04 Notes  (S00310) - Automated Slew, Locate and Guide, Automated guiding performance (HD 209458)
Bullet 2008-09-27 Notes  (S00306) - Automated Slew, Locate and Guide, Automated guiding performance (SS Cyg)
Bullet 2008-09-25 Notes  (S00305) - Slew and Jog Analysis (S297-305)
Bullet 2008-09-11 Notes  (S00301) - Image Linking - Raw Images for Target Centering / Reduced Images DY Per
Bullet 2008-05-07 Notes  (S00286) - Stellar Spectra - Repeatability
Bullet 2008-05-02 Notes  (S00285) - Focusing - Star Analyser 100, Autofocusing, Temperature Monitoring
Bullet 2008-03-12 Notes  (S00276) - Focus Profiles, Temperature Coefficient
Bullet 2008-02-19 Notes  (S00266) - Optec TCF-S Focuser, Focal Ratio, Critical Focus Range, Collimation Check
Bullet 2008-01-11 Notes  (S00252) - Polar Alignment Adjustment, Periodic Error check
Bullet 2007-09-10 Notes  (S00211) - Polar Alignment 2007-09-10
Bullet 2007-08-27 Notes  (S00208) - CCD Assisted Polar Alignment 2007-08-27
Bullet 2007-05-24 Notes  (S00199) - Baseline Image Analysis - HAT-P-2 (Sessions 196-199), Autoguiding Between Frames
 & Re-Analysis of images of MPL 2006 VV2 taken 2007-04-01 (S187), Simulated Trace with Periodic Error)
Bullet 2007-05-19 Notes  (S00198) - Further Base Line Observations of HAT-P-2
Bullet 2007-05-14 Notes  (S00197) - Further Base Line Observations of HAT-P-2
Bullet 2007-05-07 Notes  (S00196) - Base Line Observations of XO-2 & HAT-P-2, Diffraction Spike Patterns
Bullet 2007-03-02 Notes  (S00179) - Sun - Mosaic Imaging & Construction
Bullet 2006-11-17 Notes  (S00153) - Example of Poor Seeing - Groombridge 34
Bullet 2006-05-12 Notes  (S00126) - Sky Conditions, RT Aug Analysis/Results
Bullet 2006-01-31 Notes  (S00112) - Sky Conditions, Frost Slugs
Bullet 2006-01-30 Notes  (S00111) - Sky Conditions, Frost Slugs & Ice Reflections
Bullet 2006-01-11 Notes  (S00110) - Sky Conditions, Impact of Light Wind on Dew Shield
Bullet 2006-01-03 Notes  (S00109) - Sky Conditions, 2x2 vs 1x1 binning compared
Bullet 2006-01-01 Notes  (S00108) - Sky Conditions, Impact of Light Dew/Condensation, Use of Log brightness scaling / False Colour
Bullet 2005-12-21 Notes  (S00107) - Sky Conditions, Sky Brightness Survey
Bullet 2005-11-05 Notes  (S00104) - Bright Star Tests
Bullet 2005-10-30 Notes  (S00102) - Sky Conditions, RR Lyrae Photometric Analysis, Sky Brightness Survey
Bullet 2005-10-13 Notes  (S00099) - Sky Conditions, RR Lyrae Photometric Analysis, Altair glare/focus, Star Elongation Analysis
Bullet 2005-10-08 Notes  (S00098) - Sky Conditions, RR Lyrae Photometric Analysis, Zero Point/Dew Condensation, Refocussing Issues
Bullet 2005-10-05 Notes  (S00097) - Sky Conditions, Delta Cepheid Magnitude Analysis
Bullet 2005-09-30 Notes  (S00095) - Sky Conditions, False Plate Solution Matches, M37 Mosaic Attempt
Bullet 2005-09-18 Notes  (S00094) - Sky Conditions, Positioning Error Analysis, Elongated Stars Analysis, Variable Star Patrol Tool
Bullet 2005-09-02 Notes  (S00093) - Sky Brightness Survey, Sky Conditions, S/N Data
Bullet 2005-08-05 Notes  (S00090) - Sky Conditions, Temporary Frost Effect in CCD Camera
Bullet 2005-06-10 Notes  (S00089) - Sky Brightness, Astronomical Sharpness / Seeing, Fine Focusing/Direct Read-Out of FWHM
Bullet 2005-06-06 Notes  (S00088) - Parfocal Test - B Filter / Image Linking
Bullet 2005-05-17 Notes  (S00087) - M27 Colour Image Construction, Master Flats)
Bullet 2005-01-15 Notes  (S00082b) - Dark Current Investigations
Bullet 2005-01-05  
 
Bullet 2004-12-28 Notes (S00081) - Flat Frame Components, M61 Image Processing 
Bullet 2004-12-07 Notes (S00078) - Wedge/Polar Axis Adjustments, PEC Training
Bullet 2004-09-07 Notes (S00071) - Albireo Star Field - Enhanced Image Display & Magnitude Limits
Bullet 2004-08-20 Notes (S00066) - HD 209458 Extra-Solar Planet Detection - Dry Run
 
Bullet 2003-11-21 Notes (S00054) - Frost Slugs on M33/M1 Images, Sky Brightness Survey
 
Bullet 2002-09-20 Notes (S00026) - Magnitude Reach, Uranian Moons, Double-Double in Lyra, M92 Glob. Cluster 
Bullet 2002-09-12 Notes (S00025) - Telescope collimation, Uranian Moons, Master Flats)
Bullet 2002-08-31 Notes (S00022) - Identification of Uranian Moons 
Bullet 2002-03-07 Notes (S00019) - Flat Fielding, Mosaic Construction, Aligning Planet Images, FWHM Analysis
Bullet 2002-02-16 Notes (S00017) - duplicate of S00019 
Bullet 2002-01-31 Notes - CCD Imaging Performance (2001-Oct to 2002-Jan)
Bullet 2002-01-17 Notes (S00016) - Drift Imaging, FWHM analysis, Betelguese, Autoguiding, Dew 
Bullet 2002-01-11 Notes (S00015) - Autoguiding Analysis, FWHM Analysis - Horsehead Nebula Images, Dew 
Bullet 2001-12-20 Notes (S00014) - FWHM Analysis - M36 Image) 
Bullet 2001-12-14 Notes (S00013) - FWHM Analysis, Autoguding Analysis) 
Bullet 2001-09-25 Notes (S00002) - FWHM Analysis, Deconvolution processing of Double-Double Image (Lyra) 

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LX200R - Electrical

- 12v  (8 x 1.5v Size C batteries)
- input jack requires connector with  5.5mm outer diameter, 2.5mm inner diameter
- center pin positive

Notes:
 The Power Supply that I use is a AC317 12V IC-Regulated AC Mains Power Supply Unit, 1200mA 
 The end of wire from the 12V DC Supply has two female holes which connect to two male pins at the end of conventional circular plug adapter.
 Whilst this allows the supply to deliver to both products needed center pin positive and center pin negative, it 
 is vital that LX200 GPS / R scope receives its input with center pin positive
 There is a danger of connecting the pins the 'wrong way' around, if taken apart.  In case of this the following
  information tells me which way the pins need to be inserted :

Arrow on Supply End of lead goes opposite the

+
 |
o
U
|

****  Take photo and place here ......

  The non-volatile memory is retained using a "coin" battery—a Sony CR2032 3v lithium

   LX200 Classic used 18v supply and should not be used with LX200GPS or LX200R/LX200ACF scopes. I assume that the Classic required center pin positive supply (Check)
  Battery power can not be used unless the power input jack is removed 

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Asteroid or residual periodic error

A series of images of the near earth passing minor planet MPL 2006 VV2 were taken on 2007-04-01. Stacked image and animated sequence of images are shown below. It was noted at the time that the minor planet's path appeared to wobble, yet it was clearly evident that this could not have been an actual wobble or rotation in the minor planet.  Although relatively close to Earth, the minor planet is still much too far distant for any wobble/rotation to be observed

Although the possibility of a periodic error effect was considered the true cause of the wobble effect remained a bit of a mystery until it was decided to make a simulated picture of minor planet's apparent path assuming a residual periodic error of +/-2.5 arc secs for the LX200 scope.  There is a very similar pattern of wobble between the simulation and actual images, proving beyond reasonable doubt that the observed wobble was due to residual periodic error in the scope's tracking.

See notes & pictures at Re-Analysis of images of MPL 2006 VV2 taken 2007-04-01 (S187) - Simulated Trace with Periodic Error

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