David's Astronomy - Notes 2022-11-20 (S1059)

David's Astronomy Pages
Notes - Session 1059 (2022-11-20)

Notes
(S1058)

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Notes
(S1060)


	Session Aims & Highlights
	- Observing Result - Night Summary Plot - Session Event Log

	Operational Issues
	- Critical Issues (0), Major Issues (1), Minor Issues (2), Small Defects (8), Continuous Improvement (11)

	Images from 2022-11-20 >> [ Local Files >> ]

	Notes on the occurance of CCDSoft crashes during AstroMain processing & analysis
	Week of wet stormy weather
	ASCOM Library 1.0.52
	Conform Universal 1.0.0 RC1
	AstroPlan - Must-Include Form

Session Aims & Highlights (2022-11-20)

Main aims

Targets. Acquire images of a selection of variable stars, nearby stars, comets & deep sky targets as allowed by sky conditions.
AstroMain. Check new AstroMain version (3.58) for any issues introduced by several recent changes, bug fixes and additions.
TeleLink. Check out new TeleLink 1.0 Telescope Driver for any issues. TeleLink is a custom telescope 'driver' that sits between TheSky/TeleApi and DeviceHub and is deisgned to workaround bug in TheSky6/TPoint when target coordinates are very close to RA 0 or RA 24.

Equipment & Software

12" LX200 and ST-10XME
80mm APO and ZWO ASI 178MC
CCDApp2, TheSky6, CCDSoft5, DeviceHub 6.6.1.1, MeadeGeneric 1.3.5.414, UPB 1.5, ASCOM 6.6
Pegasus UPB & Motor Focus, TCF-S
SharpCap 3.2, PHD2 2.6.11dev2, deCONZ 1.18.2, ASCOM 6.6 SP1
AstroMain 3.58, AstroPlan 1.34, AstroShCap 1.3.12, AstroGuard 1.10.1
AstroVOE 1.12.1 AstroSN 1.8.6, AstroProtect 1.7, AstroMove 1.9.7
(AstroWeather 1.19.6, AstroAllSky 3.17.2, AstroObsCam 1.11, AstroLaunch 1.10.3

Highlights

Targets. 41 out of 41 planned were successfully acquired. Conditions were clear and calm throught the night.
AstroMain. AstroMain 3.58 worked without any significant problem or issue. This was quite an achievement given the number of changes that were made moving from the previous version.
TeleLink. No issues, failures or exceptions from the new TeleLink driver/app.
Dome Slews. Dome slews were again affected by hold-ups (7/43 slews effected, 16%, 9.9 mins total hold-up time).

Notes:

Aurora recorded from the Observatory (see Aurora Images/Video from 2022-11-20 (2022-11-04 am) )

Summary Plots & Logs

Observing Plan

Observing Result

Dome & Scope Slewing Performance

Slew/Centering Performance

Guiding Performance

Sky Conditions (Locate Frames)

Night Sky Summary Plot
Top axis: Sky Brightness at Zenith (in ADU/s)
Lefthand axis: Local Time (hh LT). Righthand axis: Sun Altitude (degs)

Actual Weather vs Pre-Session Weather Forecast

Session Event Log

Time	Event	Detail
16:50:04	Session Monitoring	AutoStart monitoring for Live Session opportunity between 16:50 & 05:53
16:50:09	AutoStart Delayed	Session delayed due to too few stars
17:15:46	Session AutoStarting	Session autostarting (17:15)
17:16:07	CCDSoft Restarting	CCDSoft being restarted (to set AutoSave No.)
17:16:33	Camera1 Connected	SBIG Camera connected (set point -15°C)
17:16:35	Session Created	Session Created (Live, 2022-11-20 S01059, ImageSaveNum: 1059001)
17:16:54	Scope Switched On	Telescope Power has been switched on via UPB Powerbox.
17:18:38	Services Started	Observatory Services started
17:18:45	Observatory (Auto)	Observatory placed in Fully-Automated Mode
17:18:47	Session Pending	Session pending (2022-11-20)
17:18:49	Session Initiating	Session initiating (2022-11-20)
17:18:51	Plan Requested	Observing Plan requested from AstroPlan (1.34)
17:19:42	Plan Loaded	Observing Plan loaded to queue (Plan ID: 821)
17:19:58	Camera1 Connected	SBIG Camera connected (set point -20°C)
17:20:24	Telescope Connected	Telescope connected (TheSky6)
17:20:48	Session Equilibration	Session ready to Open Dome
17:21:33	Dome Opened	Dome opened (opening time 45s)
17:21:53	Session Running	Session running
17:21:55	Queue Started	Observing Queue started (41 targets selected)
17:21:58	Target Started (NrZen)	Target started (Focus Field 21, HIP 103850)
17:22:11	Dome Unparked	Dome unparked
17:26:11	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
17:28:33	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 1, wide)
17:30:29	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 1)
17:30:32	Focusing Started-Foc2	Foc2 Focusing Started (Secondary Scope, using ShCap)
17:32:38	Focusing Completed	Foc2 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2, wide)
17:34:21	Focusing Completed	Foc2 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2)
17:34:38	Target Completed (NrZen)	Target completed (Focus Field 21, HIP 103850)
17:35:19	Target Started (1/41)	Target started (1/41, AT2022zkp (CV))
17:40:17	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
17:42:28	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 3)
17:48:40	Target Completed	Target completed (1/41, AT2022zkp (CV))
17:48:44	Target Started (2/41)	Target started (2/41, C/2022 E3 (ZTF))
17:53:44	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
17:55:55	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 4)
18:07:25	Target Completed	Target completed (2/41, C/2022 E3 (ZTF))
18:07:29	Target Started (3/41)	Target started (3/41, NGC 5894 w/SN2022pgf)
18:11:39	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
18:14:00	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 5)
18:30:37	Target Completed	Target completed (3/41, NGC 5894 w/SN2022pgf)
18:30:41	Target Started (4/41)	Target started (4/41, NGC 6745 w/SN2022prr)
18:32:30	Dome Slew	Dome slew held up at Az. 291.2, 268.2, 267.5, 266.6° (Total delay 73s)
18:50:47	Target Completed	Target completed (4/41, NGC 6745 w/SN2022prr)
18:50:51	Target Started (5/41)	Target started (5/41, M31 w/AT2022zzj)
18:53:53	Dome Slew	Dome slew held up at Az. 246.7, 222.2, 221.7° (Total delay 99s)
18:56:19	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
18:58:06	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 6)
19:13:55	Target Completed	Target completed (5/41, M31 w/AT2022zzj)
19:13:59	Target Started (6/41)	Target started (6/41, GCVS SS Cyg)
19:17:11	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
19:19:09	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 7)
19:23:20	Target Completed	Target completed (6/41, GCVS SS Cyg)
19:27:08	Target Started (7/41)	Target started (7/41, NGC 7495 w/SN2022ubb)
19:28:39	Dome Slew	Dome slew held up at Az. 222.1, 221.8° (Total delay 54s)
19:31:39	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
19:33:35	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 8)
19:50:14	Target Completed	Target completed (7/41, NGC 7495 w/SN2022ubb)
19:50:18	Target Started (8/41)	Target started (8/41, Jupiter)
19:52:08	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is lost (TCF-S)
19:56:11	Target Completed	Target completed (8/41, Jupiter)
20:00:34	Target Started (9/41)	Target started (9/41, GCVS BL Lac)
20:03:25	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
20:05:35	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 9)
20:09:28	Target Completed	Target completed (9/41, GCVS BL Lac)
20:10:40	Target Started (10/41)	Target started (10/41, GCVS Z And)
20:12:06	Dome Slew	Dome slew held up at Az. 222.4, 221.7° (Total delay 56s)
20:14:11	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
20:16:22	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 10)
20:20:43	Target Completed	Target completed (10/41, GCVS Z And)
20:20:48	Target Started (11/41)	Target started (11/41, AT2022yeu (CV))
20:24:00	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
20:26:15	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 11)
20:42:50	Target Completed	Target completed (11/41, AT2022yeu (CV))
20:42:54	Target Started (12/41)	Target started (12/41, MPL 532 Herculina)
20:54:05	Target Completed	Target completed (12/41, MPL 532 Herculina)
20:54:09	Target Started (13/41)	Target started (13/41, GCVS EV Lac)
20:56:55	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
20:59:09	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 12)
21:01:46	Target Completed	Target completed (13/41, GCVS EV Lac)
21:01:50	Target Started (14/41)	Target started (14/41, NGC 7814)
21:03:31	Dome Slew	Dome slew held up at Az. 223.1, 222.7, 221.6° (Total delay 65s)
21:06:05	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
21:08:14	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 13)
21:24:24	Target Completed	Target completed (14/41, NGC 7814)
21:24:28	Target Started (15/41)	Target started (15/41, NGC 7448 w/SN2022wsp)
21:27:48	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
21:30:13	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 14)
21:46:16	Target Completed	Target completed (15/41, NGC 7448 w/SN2022wsp)
21:46:20	Target Started (16/41)	Target started (16/41, NGC 157 w/SN2022jli)
21:48:01	Dome Slew	Dome slew held up at Az. 223.1, 222.7, 221.6° (Total delay 69s)
21:50:40	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - unable to find a star (TCF-S)
22:06:43	Target Completed	Target completed (16/41, NGC 157 w/SN2022jli)
22:06:47	Target Started (17/41)	Target started (17/41, M31 w/AT2022zyr)
22:09:11	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S)
22:25:07	Target Completed	Target completed (17/41, M31 w/AT2022zyr)
22:28:41	Target Started (18/41)	Target started (18/41, AT2022wgv (CV))
22:32:15	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
22:34:47	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 15)
22:40:46	Target Completed	Target completed (18/41, AT2022wgv (CV))
22:40:50	Target Started (19/41)	Target started (19/41, ARP 228)
22:43:56	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S)
22:59:48	Target Completed	Target completed (19/41, ARP 228)
23:02:42	Target Started (20/41)	Target started (20/41, NGC 946 w/SN2022yid)
23:05:18	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
23:07:37	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 16)
23:24:38	Target Completed	Target completed (20/41, NGC 946 w/SN2022yid)
23:24:42	Target Started (21/41)	Target started (21/41, AT2022gye)
23:27:12	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
23:29:27	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 17)
23:45:47	Target Completed	Target completed (21/41, AT2022gye)
23:46:41	Target Started (22/41)	Target started (22/41, UGC 3702 w/AT2022ktk)
23:50:00	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
23:52:26	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 18)
00:08:37	Target Completed	Target completed (22/41, UGC 3702 w/AT2022ktk)
00:08:41	Target Started (23/41)	Target started (23/41, NGC 3938 w/SN2022xlp)
00:12:49	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S)
00:28:40	Target Completed	Target completed (23/41, NGC 3938 w/SN2022xlp)
00:30:41	Target Started (24/41)	Target started (24/41, AT2022dcp)
00:34:07	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
00:36:16	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 19)
00:52:15	Target Completed	Target completed (24/41, AT2022dcp)
00:52:41	Target Started (25/41)	Target started (25/41, NGC 873 w/SN2022xjk)
00:56:39	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S)
01:13:07	Target Completed	Target completed (25/41, NGC 873 w/SN2022xjk)
01:14:42	Target Started (26/41)	Target started (26/41, AT2021agrm)
01:18:21	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
01:20:46	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 20)
01:36:48	Target Completed	Target completed (26/41, AT2021agrm)
01:36:52	Target Started (27/41)	Target started (27/41, AT2022weo)
01:40:53	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S)
01:46:46	Target Completed	Target completed (27/41, AT2022weo)
01:48:41	Target Started (28/41)	Target started (28/41, AT2022wus)
01:51:02	Dome Slew	Dome slew held up at Az. 222.2, 221.8° (Total delay 108s)
01:53:25	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
01:55:35	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 21)
02:11:21	Target Completed	Target completed (28/41, AT2022wus)
02:11:25	Target Started (29/41)	Target started (29/41, AT2022zkn (CV))
02:15:34	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
02:17:40	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 22)
02:23:31	Target Completed	Target completed (29/41, AT2022zkn (CV))
02:23:35	Target Started (30/41)	Target started (30/41, NGC 4340 w/AT2022zzz)
02:28:52	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is lost (TCF-S)
02:46:02	Target Completed	Target completed (30/41, NGC 4340 w/AT2022zzz)
02:46:06	Target Started (31/41)	Target started (31/41, UGC 8046 w/AT2022zxr)
02:49:32	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S)
03:06:13	Target Completed	Target completed (31/41, UGC 8046 w/AT2022zxr)
03:06:42	Target Started (32/41)	Target started (32/41, UGC 6983 w/SN2022pru)
03:09:57	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S)
03:26:19	Target Completed	Target completed (32/41, UGC 6983 w/SN2022pru)
03:28:41	Target Started (33/41)	Target started (33/41, UGC 8040)
03:32:16	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is lost (TCF-S)
03:48:08	Target Completed	Target completed (33/41, UGC 8040)
03:50:41	Target Started (34/41)	Target started (34/41, NGC 3810 w/SN2022zut)
03:51:07	Dome Unparked	Dome unparked
03:55:49	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is lost (TCF-S)
04:11:57	Target Completed	Target completed (34/41, NGC 3810 w/SN2022zut)
04:12:41	Target Started (35/41)	Target started (35/41, NGC 4257 w/AT2022zzk)
04:17:30	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S)
04:33:24	Target Completed	Target completed (35/41, NGC 4257 w/AT2022zzk)
04:34:41	Target Started (36/41)	Target started (36/41, NGC 3705 w/SN2022xxf)
04:39:01	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
04:41:25	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 23)
04:57:12	Target Completed	Target completed (36/41, NGC 3705 w/SN2022xxf)
04:57:16	Target Started (37/41)	Target started (37/41, UGC 8379 w/AT2022qza)
05:01:08	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-S)
05:17:00	Target Completed	Target completed (37/41, UGC 8379 w/AT2022qza)
05:18:41	Target Started (38/41)	Target started (38/41, C/2019 U5 (PANSTARRS))
05:22:29	Focusing Skipped	Foc1 focusing skipped - star is lost (TCF-S)
05:32:50	Target Completed	Target completed (38/41, C/2019 U5 (PANSTARRS))
05:34:49	Target Started (39/41)	Target started (39/41, 81P/Wild)
05:37:50	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
05:40:14	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 24)
05:51:41	Target Completed	Target completed (39/41, 81P/Wild)
05:52:23	Target Started (40/41)	Target started (40/41, UGC 6608 w/SN2022zvr)
05:55:36	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
05:57:51	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 25)
06:14:14	Target Completed	Target completed (40/41, UGC 6608 w/SN2022zvr)
06:14:18	Target Started (41/41)	Target started (41/41, NGC 3859 w/AT2022zia)
06:18:16	Focusing Started-Foc1	Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S)
06:20:30	Focusing Completed	Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 26)
06:36:17	Target Completed	Target completed (41/41, NGC 3859 w/AT2022zia)
06:36:20	Queue Completed	Job Queue completed
06:36:23	Session Closing	Session closing
06:37:16	Dome Closed	Dome closed (closing time 50s)
06:38:03	Dome Parked	Dome parked (parking time 40s), Az: 90.0 deg
06:39:19	Telescope Parked	Telescope parked (parking time 71s)
06:39:34	Telescope State	Handbox reads 'Scope parked Turn scope off.'
06:39:56	Telescope Switched Off	Telescope Power has been switched off via UPB Switch.
06:42:27	Services Stopped	Night Services stopped
06:42:29	Session Housekeeping	Session Housekeeping started (Create Fits Summary, Transfer Files)
06:43:12	Session Finished	Session Finished

Session Alerts & Alarms

Time		Type			Name	Detail
22:07:07		Yellow	Alert		Anomalous Dome Slew	Dome slew resumed at Az 219.5° (T+14.7s)

Operational Issues (2022-11-20, S1059)

Critical Issues (0)
Major Issues (1)
Minor Issues (2)
Small Defects (8)
Continuous Improvement (11)

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Critical Issues

None

Major Issues

CCDSoft crashes whilst executing AstroMain processing & analysis operation of Development Computer (post-session, ongoing. Previously reported as an ongoing issue, is CCDSoft program is prone to crashing whilst conducting post-session Analysis workflow activities on Development Computer. AstroMain uses CCDSoft.Image COM object and send key operations to the CCDSoft Program. Crashes don't occur during Reduction stages on Development Computer or during live operations on the Observatory Computer. What triggers the crash and can it be worked around. Idea is to try to log the occurance of crashes relative to the operation being carried out and see it that sheds some light on the issue and how it might be best resolved. Issue would mostlikely seem to relate to some triggering from AstroMain's StartAnalysisOperations() routine. Notes on occurance of these crashes is detailed below (see Notes). Issue is still ongoing 2022-12-15 and is getting tedious. Review on 2023-10-08 indicates that the issue is no longer occuring in 2H 2023 and the issue is deemed to be resolved/closed.
Closed after review 2023-10-08 (AstroMain / CCDSoft)

Minor Issues

Floor of observatory below rubber tiles has become wet following week of very wet weather. Conditions aren't as bad as in previous 'flood' events. Tiles will be lifted and floor allowed to dry during next spell of drier weather. Waiting on a nice sunny day. Tiles lifted 2022-12-13 on a cold sunny day. There wasn't a great amount of water below the tiles and most of it was in form of ice stuck to the bottom of the tiles (which was a handy way to remove the water !). Tiles have now dried and will be returned to Observatory when the floor has completely dried. Tiles relaid 2023-01-02.
Done 2023-01-02 (Observatory)
There were delays during slewing to certain targets due to holdup in the Dome Rotation (18:30 - 03:28) . Holdups occurred at Az 66° (28s), Az 222°(29s), Az 222° (54s), Az 222° (56s), Az 222° (108s) Az 223° (65s), Az 223° (69s), Az 222 & 247° (99s) and Az 267/268° & 291° (73s). Problem was again fairly this session. (7/43 slews effected, 16%, 9.9 mins total holdup)
Known issue (Pulsar Dome).
'Link Image' is failing on combined/saved image for target AT2021agrm (session analysis). 'Link Image' on image created from image set 'AT2021agrm 3x3 180s C' is failing to link.
(UCA/USNO)... Failed Unsolved in 19.8s, (UCA/USNO*)...Failed Unsolved in 0.7s , (GSC*)... Failed Unsolved in 0.6s (No Match Found)
'Link Image (GSC) ' button on the Analysis tab successfully links however. Tried linking using AstroMain 3.67.1 on 2024-03-29 but again it wouldn't link. Managed to get one of the subframes to link ok.
To investigate further 2022-11-21 (Observatory)

Small Defects

Near Zenith focus point ("Focus Field 21") not added to new AzAlt Result Chart. Focus Field 21 should have been added to AzAltResultChart.png chart as point 1., but wasn t. This is a small teething issue. Overall the creation of AzAlt Result Chart and addition of executed observing targets worked well.
Fixed 2022-11-21 (AstroMain 3.58.1)
AstroWeather isnt recognising AllSkyHeater field and is writing vcNull to it's local ObsEnv file. Issue had thought to have been fixed in AstroWeather 1.19.6 but the issue continues. Investigating showed the problem lay in AstroMains ObsEnv.BuildRecord() routine, which wasnt writing AllSkyHeater.On to the record sent across to AllSkyWeather computer and read by AstroWeather)
Fixed 2022-11-21 (AstroMain 3.58.1)
Annotation on ObsCam Pictures is difficult to read when Observatory's Aux Light is on. AstroObsCam should go over to use darker blue text when Aux Light is on.
Fixed 2022-11-21 (AstroObsCam 1.11.1)
AstroMain crashing with unhandled System.StackOverflowException (2022-11-21). AstroMain 3.58.1 beta running on Observatory Computer crashed with unhandled System.StackOverflowException: 'Exception of type 'System.StackOverflowException' in Zigbee.QueryAllDevices() routine at the newly added code line 'TimePoint = DateTime.UtcNow'. This line shouldnt lead to this error. Running on development computer in VS debugger didn't generate exception at this line, but a System.StackOverflowException was generated and went to a No Symbols Loaded tab, with messages "Symbol loading for mscorlib.dll was skipped because it is not specified in the included modules list". Try one of the following options: 'Microsoft Symbol Servers' (ticked), 'NuGet.org Symbol Server'. Investigating the code in debugger show that the QueryAllDevices() routine was calling itself from inside the routine resulting in a runaway condition and presumable causing the stack to fillup.
Bug fixed (erronous code line removed).
Fixed 2022-11-21 (AstroMain 3.58.1)
Whilst analysing images from session, AstroMain's ImageSets fields indicated that last stored pictures of ARP 228 were from S847, when in fact there were images from the later session S850. To get the latest previous session the program code searches the 'ARP 228' store folder for the latest previous images in the folder and found that these were from session S847. The images from S850 were stored in 'IC 162' store folder which is an name of ARP 228's main galaxy and couldn't be found by algorithum. In theory the program could use the target's Alias field to get this alternate folder path to search in, but may be complicated and could lead to false flags. Issue closed after investigation.
Issue understood 2022-11-22 (AstroMain 3.58.1)
AstroMain logs showing two successive 'write line' rows. Log files shows two successive 'write line' rows between the new 'ReportZigbeeNetwork' and 'Starting Observatory Services' sections. AstroMain WriteLogFile routines modified to suppress the output of two successive write line rows.
Fixed 2022-11-21 (AstroMain 3.58.1)
AstroObsCam's Aux Light on/off flag does not change when the Aux Light is turned on/off via a different source. The flag is currently only changed when Aux Light is toggled on/off from within the AstroObsCam program. However with further development the Aux Light can now also be switched on/off from AstroMain under either user control or as part of automated operations, or via User control using the MoesGo Remote Control User, or indeed theoretically by physically turning the light on/off at the Smart Plug switch.. In order to respond to changes in the on/off state of the Aux Light the AstroObsCam program will need to use a websocket link to deCONZ on the Observatory Computer. A separate continuous improvement ticket has bee raised for the addition of this feature (see below).
Issue understood 2022-11-22 (AstroObsCam / deCONZ)
AstroMain's 'Report Zigbee Network' routine is reporting an incorrect 'Last Seen' time for MoesGo Remote Control. ReportZigbeeNetwork() is reporting that Remote Control was last seen '16,378 hour ago'. This is incorrect and contradicts the 'lastseen' time given by REST API query of the device which would give a time of only '2 hour ago.' At the time that 'last seen' feature was added to AstroMain 3.58.1 beta. Problem is repeatable. Resolved (unclear what the problem was, but forcing QueryAllDevice(True) seems to have solved the issue).
Fixed 2022-11-23 (AstroMain 3.58.1)
After setting a target as completed (and typically put into an inactive program) it will still appear as a target on the Must-Include Form. When marking a previously Tier II supernova target as 'Completed' and setting its program as 'Supernovae (Inactive)' and then saving it, it was noticed that the target will still appear as a row on the Must-Include form. Whilst such targets won't actually get on to a new Observing Plan they do clog up the Must-Include Form and lead to possible user confusion. When saving such a target the Save routine should say that target's Must-Include status will be reset. Where there are historic saved completed but still Must Include targets there must-include status should be reset via an SQL update to the database. AstroMain should also be modified to be set .MustInclude = 0 when saving a 'Completed' target. Fixed AstroPlan and AstroMain 2022-11-23. The database correction revealed there were 5 completed targets that still had a Must-Include <> 0. AstroMain's UpdateTargetState(T, NewState) routine was effectively already setting Must-Include = 0 as it was only being called with new state = TargetState.Completed. Routine was made more general to allow it to be called with new state = TargetState.PartiallyCompleted which would set Must-Include = 3 (Tier3) where it was previously a Tier 1 or Tier2 must-include target.
Fixed 2022-11-23 (AstroPlan 1.34.1 / Database, (AstroMain 3.58.1) )

Continuous Improvement

When taking Mosaic Points Cam2 Reference Image Picture name should include Mosaic Number. Whilst reviewing JPG pictures from NGC 6888 (Mosaic) from session S1024, it was noted that Cam2 reference picture from Mosaic Point 1 and Point 2 were both suffixed "...Cam2Ref.jpg". They should be named "...Cam2Ref_01.jpg" and "...Cam2Ref_02.jpg" The Cam2 Guide pictures already include the mosaic point number in their names. This will allow Mosaic Point subtitles to be added to session's Local Pictures page. TakeCam2Reference is already coded to include Mosaic Point No (as SlewPointID) into FrameID and passed to ConvertsFitsToJpg as JpgName when it comes to setting the FileName for ImageType = imType.Reference the code doesn't use JpgName but uses the hardcoded value "Cam2Ref". Fixed in AstroMain 3.58.1
Done 2022-11-21 (AstroMain 3.58.1)
Raise Alert when Dome Slew held up for >30s, and relax Event level for Dome hold-ups < 120s. For Dome Slew Hold-ups 30-120s raise a yellow (2) Alert (raise red alert (3) for hold-ups < 120s. For hold-ups < 120s relax Event level from Red (3) to Yellow (2).
Done 2022-11-21 (AstroMain 3.58.1)
When Zigbee Network is determined to be working ok, the last seen time ago should appear on same report line rather than on a new line. Modiffy ReportZigbeeNewtork() routine.
Done 2022-11-21 (AstroMain 3.58.1)
Add Throttle Reporting before recently added Report Sections (e.g ReportZigbeeNetwork).
Done 2022-11-21 (AstroMain 3.58.1)
An Observatory Camera section to be added to Session's Local File page. New section in 'session_pictures.htm page should be created to show 'ObsCam.....SessionFinished.jpg', 'ObsCam.....SessionSuspended*.jpg', 'ObsCam.....SessionFinished.jpg' pictures from the session.
Done 2022-11-21 (AstroMain 3.58.1)
When starting TheSky6 Telescope connection the information from AstroMain's report file should also be written to the log file. Newly included information like 'TeleLink isset' should be written to log file.
Done 2022-11-23 (AstroMain 3.58.1)
Re-position the 'Dome Power is on/off' flag & text in AstroMain's ObsViewer picture. A further small tweak.
Done 2022-11-23 (AstroMain 3.58.1)
Download, install and try out Nebulosity. Nebulosity from Stark Labs (http://www.stark-labs.com/) is apparently now free and might have some features that would complement or improve processing/analysis workflows. Version 4.4.4a version of Nebulosity downloaded and installed 2022-11-23 (using the unlock code from Stark Labs). Nebulosity being used 2022-12-01 for aligning images frames for Jupiter and Mars. Side-effects of using Nebulosity (suffixes for each operation, lost Fits Keywords) mitigated by 'Process' step workarounds in AstroMain 3.58.8.
Done 2022-12-01 (Nebulosity 4)
Titles drawn at top of Main JPG Pictures should include a Mosaic Point No when taking Mosaic frames. Whilst reviewing JPG pictures from NGC 6888 (Mosaic) from session S1024 (2022-08-04), the idea arose to add mosaic point number (Point 1, Point 2) to the title drawn at the top of the Target's JPG pictures. Implemented in late Nov 2023, probably with AstroMain 3.64.9 or a version shortly before this. Successfully tested with Tr 37 mosaic target in session S1170 (2023-12-01)
Done 2023-12-01 (AstroMain 3.64.9)
Add WebSocket link from AstroObsCam to deCONZ on Observatory Computer to be aware of the Aux Light's on/off state. At the moment the Aux Light flag on the AstroObsCam's form only changes when the light is toggled on/off from within the AstroObsCam program. However given that the Aux Light can now also be switched on/off from AstroMain under either user control or as part of automated operations, or via User control using the MoesGo Remote Control User, or indeed theoretically by physically turning the light on/off at the Smart Plug switch, AstroObsCam should be updated to know of changes to the state of the Aux Light made from external sources and change the light flag accordingly. This requires the inclusion of a websocket link to deCONZ on the Observatory Computer. This would be based on the Zigbee websocket code that has been recently built into AstroMain program.
To do 2022-11-22+ (AstroObsCam 1.11.2+)
Query : Will a locally running session_alarms page reading local event.dat, alert.dat & alarm.dat files work ? It is probable that browser scripts won't be able to access local files. 'sessions_alarms.htm copied to sessions_alarms_local.htm for test development. Initial problem is that XMLHttpRequests don't work, so in the code

var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); xhr.open('HEAD', urlToFile, false); xhr.send();

The xhr.send produces the error. Would FetchAPI provide a solution for this ?
To investigate 2022-11-20+ (Website / sessions_alarms_local.htm)

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Notes on the occurance of CCDSoft crashes during AstroMain processing & analysis

1) After deleting 2/5 aligned images and immediately before combine Frames 2022-11-22 17:14
(is the code at start of combine images operation attempting to 'touch' the deleted images through CCDSoft Images ?)

2) After manually aligning 5 images of Comet 81/P Wild and immediately before combine Frames 2022-11-22 17:30

3) After Creating store folder and going into Link Images 2022-12-01 15:10

4) After creating Fix.FIT gradient correction in AstroTool, and clicking on 'X' to Close AstroTool & Close Fix.FIT (does X also close fix.fit image/window in CCDSoft ?

5) Clicking on 'X' to Close AstroTool & Close Fix.FIT, when the Fix.FIT file has already been manually close within CCDSoft. The exception/CCDSoft crash is Repeatable. The existing Try Catch End Try around the FixImage.Close() statement in btnCloseFixImage_Click() routine doesn't trap the exception that causes CCDSoft to crash, but does trap the consequence of the failure in CCDSoft which is an exception like {"The remote procedure call failed. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x800706BE)"}. How can AstroMain tell if an image opened by AstroMain is still open in CCDSoft or not.
Trying to access FixImage.Path() after Fix.FIT file has already been manually close within CCDSoft causes the same crash in unhandled exception/CCDSoft crash.
Trying to wrap the FixImage.Close() within an 'if IsNothing(FixImage)' does solve the issue. FixImage is still an object in AstroMain even if the Image is closed in CCDSoft. Using FixImage.SetActive() doesn't cause a crash, but it doesn't resolve the issue - the following call to FixImage.Close() still crashes CCDSoft.

6) CCDSoft crashed for no apparent reason, at least 5-10s after performing previous operation. Does this correspond to time taken for Garbage collector to get round to 'disposing' an object that was made redundant following a routine or thread closing that had created a CCDSoft.Image object ? 2022-12-06 20:30

7) After running 'Med-Strong' repair operation 2022-12-06 20:35

8) After running Align Frames and about to start Combine Frames 2022-12-06 20:50

9) After going to Mars 1x1 BRv, Creating Bad Folder, clicking on Copy To Aligned (Mars) and whilst at User Confirm 2022-12-06 21:00,
(Copy To Aligned just uses windows/net based routines to count files in Aligned and Reduced Folder which doesn't touch CCDSoft, Create Bad folder is also windowsnet based. When the ImageSet was changed to Mars 1x1 BRV in listboxObjectFolders_SelectedIndexChanged() ) the GetObjectTargetDetails() routine is called to Get Object Target Details. This gets the 1st FITS image in the folder and uses the global 'image' variable with the command

Image = CreateObject("CCDSoft.Image") Image.Path = Fitfile.FullName Image.Open()

and proceeds to read various keyword values from the Image File. After finishing the Image file is closed and set to nothing.

Image.Close() Image = Nothing

Week of wet stormy weather

The past week (particularly the last 5 days) has been wet and stormy, and there has been no opportunities for observing since 2022-11-12.

AllSky Camera hemisphere has developed some internal condensation/dew again despite packing 3 desicator sachets around/below the fish eye lens.

Water has also encroached into the observatory from leakage under the observatory walls and sits below some of the rubber tiles, but situation is a lot better than some previous 'flood' events. Tiles will be lifted and floor allowed to dry during next spell of drier weather.

Run of bad Weather has finally broken this evening (2022-11-20); conditions are clear & calm and a new observing session is underway.

ASCOM Library 1.0.52

The first production release (1.0.52) of the new ASCOM Library is now available on NuGet (just need to search for "ASCOM"). The library is a set of cross platform components that make it easier to develop Alpaca / COM applications and to access Alpaca devices and COM drivers. A full description of the library, including code examples, is available here: ASCOM Library ( https://ascom-standards.org/library ). The ASCOM Team consider the library to be stable, having been extensively tested and used in development of application on platforms including Windows.

Action: Look into how the new library can be usefully used in the ongoing development of AstroSuite (VB.Net) Programs.

Conform Universal 1.0.0 RC1

Conform Universal 1.0.0 RC1 for the Windows, MacOS, Linux and Arm platforms became available at https://github.com/ASCOMInitiative/ConformU/releases

This contains quite a lot of improvements and fixes to the original Conform program.

Action:
- Look to try out the new Conform tool if and when needed to run Conform next.
- Look out for announchments of the first production release of Conform Universal.

Update 2022-11-27
Conform Universal 1.0.0 (first production release) is now available at https://github.com/ASCOMInitiative/ConformU/releases

See Conform Universal 1.0.0 Notes

AstroPlan - Must-Include Form

AstroPlan's Must-Include Form and Target Database has been improved to show Must-Include targets for the Observing Plan by Tier. This change was made a few weeks ago.

Tier 1 - Targets must be put on the Observing plan (subject to usual constraints)
Tier 2 - Best endeavour to include targets on the Observing Plan (subject to usual contraints). Tier 1 takes perference.

Tier 3 - Don't force target to be included in the current observing plan. Hold on the side for potential easy access/inclusion in a future plan.

Following picture show the form & must include targets as at 2022-11-22.

This Web Page:	Notes - Session 1059 (2022-11-20)
Last Updated :	2024-09-25
Site Owner :	David Richards
Home Page :	David's Astronomy Web Site

David's Astronomy Pages Notes - Session 1059 (2022-11-20)