David's Astronomy Pages Notes - Session 1261 Attempt (2024-10-28)

Notes (S1260)

Notes Main

Home Page

Notes (S1261)

	Session Aims & Highlights
	- Observing Result  - Night Summary Plot  - Session Event Log
	Operational Issues
	- Critical Issues (0),  Major Issues (3),  Minor Issues (6),  Small Defects (7),  Continuous Improvement (15)
	- Figures (3)
	Images from 2024-10-28 >>
	2024-10-31
	Notes: Experience, Issues and Adjustments to using DeviceHub 7.0

Session Aims & Highlights (2024-10-28)

Main aims

1. Targets.  Acquire images of a selection of variable stars, nearby stars, comets & deep sky targets as allowed by sky conditions.
2. AstroMain.  Check new 3.71.11 version of AstroMain
3. C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). Acquire images of comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)

 Equipment & Software

• 12" LX200 and ST-10XME
• 80mm APO and ZWO ASI 178MC
• TheSky6, CCDSoft5, DeviceHub 7.02 RC3, MeadeGeneric 1.3.9, UPB 1.5, ASCOM 7.0.1,  Pulsar Dome Firmware 1.51 & Driver 6.3.10
• Pegasus UPB & Motor Focus, TCF-S
• SharpCap 3.2, PHD2  2.6.13, Siril 1.0.6, deCONZ 1.18.2, ASCOM 6.6 SP1
• [ DomeLink 1.0 / 1.1 - not used ]
   
• AstroMain 3.71.11 / 3.71.11 Update,  AstroPlan 1.42.4  AstroShCap 1.3.15, AstroGuard 1.10.5   (any new items or versions in bold)
  AstroVOE 1.15.1,  AstroSN 1.14,  AstroProtect 1.7,  AstroMove 1.13   
  AstroWeather 1.25, AstroAllSky 3.20.6,  AstroObsCam 1.11.4 (not 1.11.5), AstroLaunch 1.11.3

Highlights

• Targets. 0/16  planned targets observations were image. Other targets failed due to Software & CCDCamera issues, or were cancelled when the session was ended earlier to the SBIG Camera Issue (SBIG Driver/Device Not Found).
• AstroMain. A serious bug in initial relase of 3.71.11 prevented Telescope Slews to Targets.  Issue quickly fixed and released as a 3.71.11 Update. Other changes in 3.71.11 seem to be largely working, however issue with CCDCamera /CCDSoft continues.
• C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). Planned image set for comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) couldn't be acquired due to cloud in first part of night
• CCDCamera. There were a number of CCDCamera issues / problems and finally the SBIG Camera couldn't be connected to due to 'SBIG Driver/Device Not Found' errors
• Dome. No issues opening/closing shutter during session. Dome closed and parked ok at end of session.

Notes

Summary Plots & Logs

Observing Plan

Observing Result

Night Sky Summary Plot Top axis: Sky Brightness at Zenith (in ADU/s) Lefthand axis: Local Time (hh LT). Righthand axis: Sun Altitude (degs) The black 'spots on the keogram image are created by baby spiders which hatched earlier in the day (see Fig 2 & Fig 3)

Session Event Log

Time     Event Detail 00:09:55 Session Monitoring AutoStart monitoring for Live Session opportunity between 00:09 & 05:07 00:09:57   AutoStart Delayed Session delayed due to cloud 00:23:53 Session AutoStarting Session autostarting (00:23) 00:24:06   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (to set AutoSave No.) 00:24:33   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (Set point -10°C) 00:24:35 Session Created Session Created (Live, 2024-10-28 S01261, ImageSaveNum: 1261001) 00:24:40   Scope Switched On Telescope Power has been switched on via UPB Powerbox. 00:26:38   Services Started Observatory Services started 00:26:46 Observatory (Auto) Observatory placed in Fully-Automated Mode 00:26:48   AutoStart Delayed Session delayed due to cloud 00:26:51 Session Pending Session pending (2024-10-28) 00:26:53 Session Initiating Session initiating (2024-10-28) 00:27:00   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (Set point -10°C) 00:27:07   Plan Requested Observing Plan requested from AstroPlan (1.42.4) 00:27:31   Plan Loaded Observing Plan loaded to queue (Plan ID: 1040) 00:28:14   Telescope Connected Telescope connected (TheSky6) 00:28:38 Session Equilibration Session ready to Open Dome 00:29:23   Dome Opened Dome opened (Opening time 45s, Zigbee 40s) 00:30:08 Session Running Session running 00:30:11   Queue Started Observing Queue started (18 targets selected) 00:30:14     Target Started (NrZen) Target started (Focus Field 3, HIP 14181) 00:30:30       Dome Unparked Dome unparked 00:34:12       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - unable to find a star (TCF-S) 00:34:38       Focusing Started-Foc2 Foc2 Focusing Started (Secondary Scope, using ShCap) 00:34:54     Target Completed (NrZen) Target completed (Focus Field 3, HIP 14181) 00:43:35     Target Started (1/18) Target started (1/18, GCVS UV Cet) 00:43:39     Target Failed (1/18) Target failed due to airmass limit (1/18, GCVS UV Cet) 00:54:47     Target Started (2/18) Target started (2/18, LEDA 2078778 w/SN2024xqe) 00:55:17     Target Failed (2/18) Target failed due to slew error (2/18, LEDA 2078778 w/SN2024xqe) 01:13:11 User Intervention User Intervention to abort job queue & switch back to Manual Mode 01:13:14   Queue Aborted Job Queue aborted 01:13:33   Services Stopped Observatory Services stopped 01:13:36 Session Closed Session closed by User 01:13:40 Program Closed Program closed by User 01:14:45 Program Opened Program Opened (AstroMain 3.71.11) 01:14:47 Session Resumed Session Resumed (Live, 2024-10-28 S01261, ImageSaveNum: 1261005) 01:14:52   Obs.Overseer Started Obs.Overseer started 01:15:01   Obs.Manager Started Obs.Manager started 01:15:10   Services Started Observatory Services started 01:15:32 Session Monitoring AutoStart monitoring for Live Session opportunity between 01:15 & 05:07 01:15:34 Observatory (AutoStart) Observatory placed in Auto-Start Mode 01:15:36   AutoStart Delayed Session delayed due to cloud 01:17:16   Dome Closed Dome closed (Closing time 47s, Zigbee 43s) 01:18:02   Services Started Observatory Services started 01:18:23 Observatory (Manual) Observatory placed in Manual Mode 01:20:38   Telescope Connected Telescope connected (TheSky6) 01:23:50   SBIG Camera Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 01:25:42   SBIG Camera Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset) 01:26:13   SBIG Camera Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 01:28:12   SBIG Camera Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset) 01:28:42   SBIG Camera Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 01:29:00 Session Monitoring AutoStart monitoring for Live Session opportunity between 01:28 & 05:07 01:29:02 Observatory (AutoStart) Observatory placed in Auto-Start Mode 01:29:05 Session AutoStarting Session autostarting (01:29) 01:29:14   Services Started Observatory Services started 01:29:20 Observatory (Auto) Observatory placed in Fully-Automated Mode 01:29:22 Session Pending Session pending (2024-10-28) 01:29:25 Session Initiating Session initiating (2024-10-28) 01:29:34   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (Set point -15°C) 01:29:37   Plan Loaded Observing Plan loaded to queue (Plan ID: 1040) 01:30:17   Telescope Connected Telescope connected (TheSky6) 01:30:42 Session Equilibration Session ready to Open Dome 01:31:27   Dome Opened Dome opened (Opening time 46s, Zigbee 40s) 01:31:30 Session Running Session running 01:31:33   Queue Started Observing Queue started (16 targets selected) 01:31:36     Target Started (NrZen) Target started (Focus Field 4, HIP 18637) 01:32:32   SBIG Camera Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset) 01:34:53       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 01:35:04   CcdCamera Frozen CcdCamera appears to be frozen at around 01:35 in section 'GetCameraProperties / FilterIndexZeroBased' 01:35:36   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (attempt to fix frozen CcdCamera) 01:35:43   SBIG Camera Reset SBIG Camera being power-cycled 01:36:37   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (Set point -15°C) 01:37:11   SBIG Camera Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 01:38:02   SBIG Camera Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset) 01:38:32   SBIG Camera Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 01:38:49   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (user action) 01:38:56   SBIG Camera Reset SBIG Camera being power-cycled 01:39:49   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (Set point -15°C) 01:39:52   SBIG Camera Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset) 01:40:24   SBIG Camera Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 01:40:43 User Intervention User Intervention to abort job queue & switch back to Manual Mode 01:41:17   SBIG Camera Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset) 01:41:23   CcdCamera Frozen CcdCamera appears to be frozen at around 01:41 in section 'GetCameraProperties / Disconnect/Direct' 01:41:30       Focusing Aborted Foc1 Focusing Aborted 01:41:32     Target Aborted (NrZen) Target aborted (Focus Field 4, HIP 18637) due to User Intervention 01:41:34   Queue Aborted Job Queue aborted 01:41:57   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (attempt to fix frozen CcdCamera) 01:42:04   SBIG Camera Reset SBIG Camera being power-cycled 01:42:17   Services Stopped Observatory Services stopped 01:42:20 Session Closed Session closed by User 01:42:23 Program Closed Program closed by User 01:44:48 Program Opened Program Opened (AstroMain 3.71.11) 01:44:50   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (to set AutoSave No.) 01:45:03 Session Resumed Session Resumed (Live, 2024-10-28 S01261, ImageSaveNum: 1261009) 01:45:09   Obs.Overseer Started Obs.Overseer started 01:45:19   Obs.Manager Started Obs.Manager started 01:45:27   Services Started Observatory Services started 01:45:48 Session Monitoring AutoStart monitoring for Live Session opportunity between 01:45 & 05:07 01:45:50 Observatory (AutoStart) Observatory placed in Auto-Start Mode 01:45:59 Session AutoStarting Session autostarting (01:45) 01:46:56   Services Started Observatory Services started 01:47:06 Observatory (Auto) Observatory placed in Fully-Automated Mode 01:47:09 Session Pending Session pending (2024-10-28) 01:47:11 Session Initiating Session initiating (2024-10-28) 01:47:21   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (Set point -15°C) 01:47:28   Plan Loaded Observing Plan loaded to queue (Plan ID: 1040) 01:47:39   Telescope Connected Telescope connected (TheSky6) 01:48:01 Session Running Session running 01:48:04   Queue Started Observing Queue started (14 targets selected) 01:48:07     Target Started (NrZen) Target started (Focus Field 4, HIP 18637) 01:54:58       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 01:55:10   CcdCamera Frozen CcdCamera appears to be frozen at around 01:55 in section 'GetCameraProperties / Temperature' 01:55:43   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (attempt to fix frozen CcdCamera) 01:55:50   SBIG Camera Reset SBIG Camera being power-cycled 01:56:43   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (Set point -15°C) 01:57:45   CcdCamera Frozen CcdCamera appears to be frozen at around 01:57 in section 'GetCameraProperties / FilterIndexZeroBased' 01:58:18   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (attempt to fix frozen CcdCamera) 01:58:25   SBIG Camera Reset SBIG Camera being power-cycled 01:59:22   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (user action) 01:59:29   SBIG Camera Reset SBIG Camera being power-cycled 02:02:16 User Intervention User Intervention to abort job queue & switch back to Manual Mode 02:02:35       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2, wide) 02:02:43       Focusing Aborted Foc1 Focusing Aborted 02:02:45     Target Aborted (NrZen) Target aborted (Focus Field 4, HIP 18637) due to User Intervention 02:02:47   Queue Aborted Job Queue aborted 02:03:23   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (user action) 02:03:27   SBIG Camera Reset SBIG Camera being power-cycled 02:06:28   Critical Cloud Alert Critical Cloud Alert (Obs.Manager will close the Dome) 02:07:18   Dome Closed Dome closed (Closing time 50s, Zigbee 43s) 02:15:08 Program Opened Program Opened (AstroMain 3.71.11) 02:15:10 Session Resumed Session Resumed (Live, 2024-10-28 S01261, ImageSaveNum: 1261013) 02:15:14   Obs.Overseer Started Obs.Overseer started 02:15:32   Obs.Manager Started Obs.Manager started 02:15:40   Services Started Observatory Services started 02:16:22 Obs.Monitor Frozen Obs.Monitor appears to be frozen at around 02:16 in section 'Refresh Dome Picture/Refresh panelDome' 02:18:35   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (user action) 02:18:39   SBIG Camera Reset SBIG Camera being power-cycled 02:19:45   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (user action) 02:19:52   SBIG Camera Reset SBIG Camera being power-cycled 02:20:46   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (Set point -15°C) 02:22:07   Services Started Observatory Services started 02:25:38   CcdCamera Frozen CcdCamera appears to be frozen at around 02:25 in section 'GetCameraProperties / Status' 02:26:09   SBIG Camera Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 02:26:12   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (attempt to fix frozen CcdCamera) 02:26:19   SBIG Camera Reset SBIG Camera being power-cycled 02:28:10   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (user action) 02:28:14   SBIG Camera Reset SBIG Camera being power-cycled 02:29:20   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (Set point -15°C) 02:34:32 Program Opened Program Opened (AstroMain 3.71.11) 02:34:34 Session Resumed Session Resumed (Live, 2024-10-28 S01261, ImageSaveNum: 1261013) 02:34:39   Obs.Overseer Started Obs.Overseer started 02:35:02   Obs.Manager Started Obs.Manager started 02:35:10   Services Started Observatory Services started 02:36:24   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (Set point -15°C) 02:36:36 Obs.Monitor Frozen Obs.Monitor appears to be frozen at around 02:36 in section 'Refresh Dome Picture/Refresh panelDome' 02:36:37   CcdCamera Frozen CcdCamera appears to be frozen at around 02:36 in section 'GetCameraProperties / Disconnect/Direct' 02:37:11   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (attempt to fix frozen CcdCamera) 02:37:18   SBIG Camera Reset SBIG Camera being power-cycled 02:39:02   Services Stopped Observatory Services stopped 02:39:08 Session Closed Session closed by User 02:39:11 Program Closed Program closed by User 02:41:36 Program Opened Program Opened (AstroMain 3.71.11) 02:41:38 Session Resumed Session Resumed (Live, 2024-10-28 S01261, ImageSaveNum: 1261013) 02:41:42   Obs.Overseer Started Obs.Overseer started 02:42:06   Obs.Manager Started Obs.Manager started 02:42:15   Services Started Observatory Services started 02:43:05   Services Started Observatory Services started 02:43:21   Telescope Connected Telescope connected (TheSky6) 02:43:52 User Intervention User request to close and finish session 02:43:54 Session Closing Session closing 02:43:56   Dome Closed Dome already closed (closed at 02:07, closing time 50s, zigbee 0s) 02:44:56   Dome Parked Dome parked (parking time 54s), Az: 90.0 deg 02:45:40   Telescope Parked Telescope parked (parking time 42s total) 02:45:55 Obs.Monitor Frozen Obs.Monitor appears to be frozen at around 02:45 in section 'Monitor ASCOM Scope' 02:46:15   Telescope State Handbox reads 'Scope parked Turn scope off.' 02:47:11   Telescope Switched Off Telescope Power has been switched off via UPB Switch. 02:49:36   Services Stopped Night Services stopped 02:49:41 Session Finishing Session Finishing started (Create Fits Summary, Transfer Files) 02:49:48     Dome (Find Park) Find Park started (Search Az 88.0 to 92.0°, Step 0.2°, Narrow) 02:50:32     Dome Find Park found (Best Park Az 90.0°) 02:52:21   Dome Charging Dome is parked and re-charging Ok (30mA) 02:52:23 Session Finished Session Finished

Session Alerts & Alarms

Time     Type       Name Detail 01:18:32 Red Alert Program Hung AstroMain UI appears to have stopped responding at 01:18 01:18:37 Green Clear Program Resumed AstroMain UI has resumed again after 15s 01:22:04 Yellow Alert Anomalous Dome Slew Dome slew resumed at Az 133.3° (T+12.4s) 01:23:50 Red Alert SBIG Camera Alert Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 01:25:42 Green Clear SBIG Camera Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset) 01:26:13 Red Alert SBIG Camera Alert Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 01:28:12 Green Clear SBIG Camera Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset) 01:28:42 Red Alert SBIG Camera Alert Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 01:32:10 Yellow Alert Anomalous Dome Slew Dome slew resumed at Az 152.0° (T+28.8s) 01:32:32 Green Clear SBIG Camera Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset) 01:35:34 Red Alert CcdCamera CcdCamera appears to be frozen (last cycle at 01:35:04) in section 'GetCameraProperties / FilterIndexZeroBased' 01:35:39 Green Clear CcdCamera CcdCamera has resumed again (01:35) after 35s 01:37:11 Red Alert SBIG Camera Alert Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 01:38:02 Green Clear SBIG Camera Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset) 01:38:32 Red Alert SBIG Camera Alert Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 01:39:50 Green Clear SBIG Camera Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset) 01:40:24 Red Alert SBIG Camera Alert Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 01:41:17 Green Clear SBIG Camera Take Image command accepted (bSbigDriverException flag is reset) 01:41:50 Red Alert Program Hung AstroMain UI appears to have stopped responding at 01:41 01:41:55 Red Alert CcdCamera CcdCamera appears to be frozen (last cycle at 01:41:23) in section 'GetCameraProperties / Disconnect/Direct' 01:42:00 Green Clear CcdCamera CcdCamera has resumed again (01:42) after 37s 01:42:05 Green Clear Program Resumed AstroMain UI has resumed again after 24s 01:55:41 Red Alert CcdCamera CcdCamera appears to be frozen (last cycle at 01:55:10) in section 'GetCameraProperties / Temperature' 01:55:46 Green Clear CcdCamera CcdCamera has resumed again (01:55) after 36s 01:58:16 Red Alert CcdCamera CcdCamera appears to be frozen (last cycle at 01:57:45) in section 'GetCameraProperties / FilterIndexZeroBased' 01:58:21 Green Clear CcdCamera CcdCamera has resumed again (01:58) after 36s 02:16:29 Red Alert Program Hung AstroMain UI appears to have stopped responding at 02:16 02:16:55 Red Alert Obs.Monitor Obs.Monitor appears to be frozen in section 'Refresh Dome Picture/Refresh panelDome' (last cycle at 02:16:22) 02:18:15 Green Clear Program Resumed AstroMain UI has resumed again after 113s 02:18:17 Green Clear Obs.Monitor Obs.Monitor has resumed again (02:18) after 1.8 mins 02:26:09 Red Alert SBIG Camera Alert Take Image failed (Command timed-out) 02:26:10 Red Alert CcdCamera CcdCamera appears to be frozen (last cycle at 02:25:38) in section 'GetCameraProperties / Status' 02:26:15 Green Clear CcdCamera CcdCamera has resumed again (02:26) after 38s 02:36:09 Red Alert Program Hung AstroMain UI appears to have stopped responding at 02:35 02:36:29 Green Clear Program Resumed AstroMain UI has resumed again after 30s 02:36:49 Red Alert Program Hung AstroMain UI appears to have stopped responding at 02:36 02:37:09 Red Alert Obs.Monitor Obs.Monitor appears to be frozen in section 'Refresh Dome Picture/Refresh panelDome' (last cycle at 02:36:36) 02:37:11 Red Alert CcdCamera CcdCamera appears to be frozen (last cycle at 02:36:37) in section 'GetCameraProperties / Disconnect/Direct' 02:37:14 Green Clear Obs.Monitor Obs.Monitor has resumed again (02:37) after 0.6 mins 02:37:16 Green Clear CcdCamera CcdCamera has resumed again (02:37) after 38s 02:37:19 Green Clear Program Resumed AstroMain UI has resumed again after 39s 02:46:28 Red Alert Obs.Monitor Obs.Monitor appears to be frozen in section 'Monitor ASCOM Scope' (last cycle at 02:45:55) 02:46:43 Green Clear Obs.Monitor Obs.Monitor has resumed again (02:46) after 0.8 mins 02:52:21 Green Clear Dome Charging Dome is parked and re-charging Ok (30mA)

Back to Top

Operational Issues (2024-10-28 S1261A)

• Critical Issues (0)
• Major Issues (3)
• Minor Issues (6)
• Small Defects (7)
• Continuous Improvement (15)
• Figures (3)
  

[ Prev | Next ]

Critical Issues

• None

Major Issues

• AstroMain's couldn't slew telescope to Targets at start of session (00:30). Telescope slews to Near Zenith Focus Field at 00:30 & LEDA 2078778 at 00:54,  failed, with messages like "Slew Timed Out    (63,865,758,627s overall)",   "(0.0° scope slew in 63,865,760,094s) ". Although Dome Slewed it produced messages , like (14.3° dome slew in 63,865,760,100s)".   This was due to a bug introduced into initial version of 3.71.11 (2024-10-11) when 'StartTime' assignments in SlewTheSkyScope() were moved closer to the actual calls in order to correct time reference for slew monitor (MI S1160).  It seems to lead to starttime have a null date/time when it is initially used.   Bug was fixed in-session and session restarted using 3.71.11 Update (2024-10-12) . StartTime was assisigned at the original point of assignment with new assignments providing final correct values.
  Fixed 2024-10-27 (AstroMain 3.71.11 Update)
   
• CCDCamera froze on multiple occasions through session, typically on 1st Frame of Foc1 Focus Profiles (01:34 onwards). It has been noted before that CCDCamera freezes / problems are most often seen when conducting performing auto-focussing (whilst taking a focus frame).  This session again a relationship between CCDCamera freezes and the 1st frame of the Foc1 Focus Profile.  It is noted that the 1/23 or 1/16 focus frame (1s) fails whilst the 1/1 focus frame (1s) succeeds ok.  Other problem cases seem to be occur when Restart CCDSoft operation produces "SBIG driver: Device not found." errors and the following Images fails until CCDSoft is Restarted.   The issue is ranked as Major in this session as it ultimately prevented imaging any targets and necessiated the early shutdown of the session, after several attempts to regain access to SBIG Camera all failed.  SBIG Camera has now been connected during day time work in the observatory (2024-10-29) which involved disconnecting and reconnecting the USB lead to the camera. Along with some improvements to AstroMain's CCDCamera routine, the camera was successfully used to perform take a Near Zenith Focus Profile during a nIght time test (2024-10-29).   Situation to be reviewed again after the next live session. Issues continued to varying degrees up to 2025-06-29. After protracted investigations/testing the nderlying issue has likely been fixed in AstroMain 3.75.11 (2025-07-03) after the eventual discovery that the issue was associated with calls to CCDCamera.State and CCDCamera.Status from the DrawObservatoryPicture() routine whilst an image was being taken.  AstroMain program (3.5.11) modified so that DrawObservatoryPicture() accesses two new properties CCDCamera.LastState and CCDCamera.LastStatus when an image is being taken which return the values of otherwise private (saved) variables _State and _Status, without accessing CCDSoft.Camera.
  Fixed 2025-07-03 (AstroMain 3.75.11, CCDSoft, SBIG Camera)
   
• Unable to connect CCDSoft to SBIG Camera. Unable to reconnect CCDSoft to ST-10XME SBIG Camera. Even after Restarting CCDSoft including SBIG Camera Restart, causes CCDSoft/AstroMain to freeze or produces "SBIG driver: Device not found." errors.  Still not working after software restarts and computer restart. Read through recommended fix at SBIG Camera - Device Not Found (Fix) (2022-06-12) the next day Didn't have to delete/reinstall drivers. It was sufficient to dsiconnect USB and reconnect again.   Resolved 2024-10-29. A separate Continuous Improvement ticket has been raised to consider means to enable the USB port to SBIG Camera to be restarted (i.e. usb port switched off / switched on) from a remote computer connection or automatically from AstroMain's ObsManager or ObsOverseer.
  Resolved 2024-10-29 (SBIG Camera, USB )

Minor Issues

• AstroMain Crashed whilst attempting to Switch Off SBIG Power (02:30). After problems with CCDCamera, CCDSoft & SBIG Camera user action was taken to click the Camera X (disconnect) button on AstroMain's Observatory Tab. Just-InTime debugger wasn't that helpful (VS in break mode and it wasn't possible to go directly to the code line involved), but did show that crash was due to an unhandled NullReferenceException  with message "Object reference not set to an instance of an object." originating from CCDCamera.Disconnect() routine in CcdCamera.vb:line 1959, called by btnSwitchOffSbigPower_Click in ObsConsole.vb:line 53538. Resolved in session by restarting observatory software.  Problem likely occurred because Camera couldn't be disconnected as it CCDSoft.Camera was not operational at the time. Relevant code should be protected by check on entry to the button facility and by addition of Try..Catch..EndTry block around the currently unprotected code.   Examining the code shows the exception is initially caught and logged as "Exception in CCDCamera.Disconnect/Direct" but is then intentionally re-thrown (with the code line  'throw'), so that calling routines have knowledge that Camera.Disconnect failed.  The problem is due to 1 of the 6 calling routines (btnSwitchOffSbigPower_Click() ) doesn't have any exception handling , and this is why the program crashed. Fixed in AstroMain 3.71.12, a Try..Catch..EndTry block  has been added to btnSwitchOffSbigPower_Click(0 routine.
  Fixed  2024-10-29 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• ObsMonitor held-up for periods of 5-6s during whilst taking image when CCDCamera is frozen ().  During Telescope Slewing (with Slaved Dome Slewing) the log file shows cases where ObsMonitor is held-up and is indicated to be Pending, but resumes again.  Examples
  During Slew to Near Zenith Focus Field  .
    01:35:10.31 | Focus Field 4 Focus Frame 1/23 | Start RunTakeQuickFocusShot()
  01:35:14.31 | CcdCamera is Pending (10s) '  in section 'GetCameraProperties / FilterIndexZeroBased
  01:35:19.33 | Obs.Monitor is Pending (5s) in section 'Refresh Dome Picture/Draw Camera State'
  01:35:19.33 | CcdCamera is Pending (15s) '  in section 'GetCameraProperties / FilterIndexZeroBased'
  01:35:20.10 | Obs.Monitor has resumed (cycle = 6.0s)

  01:35:24.34 | Obs.Monitor is Pending (4s) in section 'Refresh Dome Picture/Draw Camera State'
  01:35:24.34 | CcdCamera is Pending (20s) '  in section 'GetCameraProperties / FilterIndexZeroBased'
  01:35:25.78 | Obs.Monitor has resumed (cycle = 5.7s)

  01:35:29.35 | CcdCamera is Pending (25s) '  in section 'GetCameraProperties / FilterIndexZeroBased'
  01:35:34.36 | CcdCamera is Frozen (30s) in section 'GetCameraProperties / FilterIndexZeroBased'
  Fixed in AstroMain 3.71.12, the section 'Refresh Dome Picture/Draw Camera State'  checks status of bCcdCameraCycleIsPending flag before calls to Get CCDCamera.State & Get CCDCamera.Status.
  Fixed  2024-10-29 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• AllSky Camera became infested by batch of baby spiders. A spider has evidently got into the AllSky Camera at some point, and laid of a batch of eggs that have now hatched today (2024-10-28). Baby spiders are running around the inside & outside of the Camera's Perspex hemisphere and are visible on AllSky Images (see Fig 2). A happy family but they're not welcome !  Issue fixed 2024-10-29,  the camera was opened and spiders & funnel like spider web (see Fig 3) were cleared out. Camera & area sprayed with insect killer, taking care not to get spray onto optic surfaces. No spiders seen on images from night 2024-10-29/30.
  Fixed  2024-10-29 (AllSky Camera)
   
• ObsMonitor held-up for periods of 5-10s during Telescope/Dome Slew (01:31).  During Telescope Slewing (with Slaved Dome Slewing) the log file shows cases where ObsMonitor is held-up and is indicated to be Pending, but resumes again.  Examples
  During Slew to Near Zenith Focus Field 
    01:31:42.09 | Focus Field 4    Calling Telescope.SlewToRaDec   
  01:31:45.63 | Time:   4.1, Slewing: 1
  01:31:48.93 | Obs.Monitor is Pending (5s) in section 'Refresh Dome Picture/Draw Shutter Sensor'
  01:31:49.90 | Obs.Monitor has resumed (cycle = 5.6s)

  01:31:53.94 | Obs.Monitor is Pending (4s) in section 'Monitor ASCOM Scope'
  01:31:58.96 | Obs.Monitor is Pending (9s) in section 'Refresh Dome Picture/Draw Telescope Tracking & Slewing'
  01:31:59.55 | Obs.Monitor has resumed (cycle = 9.7s)

  01:32:03.97 | Obs.Monitor is Pending (4s) in section 'Monitor ASCOM Scope'
  01:32:08.03 | Obs.Monitor has resumed (cycle = 8.5s)
  01:32:11.83 |  Time:  30.3, Slewing: 0
 Other cases
  02:16:29.98 | Obs.Monitor is Pending (7s) in section 'Refresh Dome Picture/Refresh panelDome'
  Fixed  2024-10-29 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• SlewMonitor records anomalous DomePath, where it reverses direction twice in one slew (01:31). For Slew to Near Zenith Focus Field at 01:31, the scope moved from Az= 151.5, Alt=24.3 (T+4.1s) to Focus Field 4 at Az= 174.8, Alt=81.0 (T+26.7s). The Dome moved from Az 151.4 (T+1.2s) to Az 174.1 (T+11.6s) then reversed and moved to Az 152.0 (T+25.5s) where it temporarily stopped (slewing=0), then moved again to Az 175.1 (T+40.2s). DeviceHub logs.   It seems that Dome initially slews to Target Az (174.1), but then moves back to where the Scope originally was (Az 151.5-152.0) even though at 11.6s the scope had already moved to Az 177.0. The Dome then moves to Final Az (175.1) where the scope was stationary.   Problem might be due to scope initially showing Slewing = 0  for typical period of 0.8s period.  It is unclear if this is a general issue when using DH 7.0.1+ or it is a 'timing' edge case.  The issue may simply be a consequence of a AstroMain design feature which defers setting the Dome as Slaved until the first Telescope slew is called, in order to speed up an automated session. Issue eventually worked around on 2024-11-15 by enabling DeviceHub's Composite Slewing and making adjustments to how AstroMain's Slew Monitor operates.  Issue eventually fixed by telescope driver and DeviceHub updates. (see Dome Slaving - Anomalous Dome Slew Issue Finally Resolved, 2024-12-04).
  Fixed 2024-12-04 (AstroMain, MeadeGeneric 1.3.11, DeviceHub 7.0.3)
   
• CCDCamera froze just after taking initial 1/1 Focus Box frame leading to Focus Frame 1/23 failing (01:34).  This issue similar to pattern shown in recent sessions,  where the first Focus Profile Frame (usually the initial wide focus profile, frame 1/23) fails to be taken and ObsOverseer reports the warning that CCD Camera is frozen, and a RestartCCDSoft operation is automatically performed, which does resolve the issue. As per other occasions the issues occurs after preceeding Locate Frames, Focus Locate Frame and initial 1/1 Focus Frame all succeeded.  In this case the ObsOverseer warning message was "CcdCamera is frozen (01:35) in section 'GetCameraProperties / FilterIndexZeroBased' ".   As per previous cases of the issue, CCDCamera becomes frozen. It is clear that CCDCamera.TakeImage shouldn't be attempted if CCDCamera is frozen or pending, and it should first fix CCDSoft/CCDCamera.  Certain improvements / potential fixes added to AstroMain 3.71.12. Near Zenith Focusing was achieved without problem during night time tests on 2024-10-29.  Ultimately this fix wasn't successful, and it took protracted investigations before the issue was eventually fixed in AstroMain 3.75.11.
  Fixed 2025-07-03 (AstroMain 3.75.11)

Small Defects

• Dome SlewAngle values are incorrect in DomePath table when Parking Dome.  Dome SlewAngles have recently been corrected in DomePath table for Slaved (Scope directed) Slews,  but are still incorrect when Slew Dome alone, as in Parking the dome. The new correct equations need to be copied across from the Scope.SlewTheSkyScope() routine to the Dome.SlewToAzimuth() routine. Fixed in AstroMain 3.71.12.  Routine also extended to log the final slew point (with Slewing = 0).
  Fixed  2024-10-30 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• ObsMonitor frooze for 0.7 mins after Telescope is Parked ( 2024-10-30 Tests, 21:57).  After Telescope was reported as parked with message 'Scope is parked (30s total)", and whilst Park Status was being checked on Autostar II Handbox ,  the Obs.Overseer gave a warning "Obs.Monitor is frozen (21:57) in section 'Monitor ASCOM Scope' ".   After the Handbox had confirmed that the scope was parked with the handbox display "Scope parked  Turn scope off." and the ObsManager confirmed that Park Status is confirmed with message "Scope is parked (Confirmed)" and whilst Telescope was in process of being disconnected, the Obs.Overseer reported "Obs.Monitor has resumed again (21:57) after 0.7 mins", which was quickly followed by the report line "**Disconnect Scope...  Ok   Disconnected"...  A log message at 21:57:19 with message "Obs.Monitor is Pending (6s) in section 'Monitor ASCOM Scope'" implies that Obs.Monitor became frozen at around 21:57:13. This would roughly correspond to the moment that the objScope.Park command was called (21:57:11 ) or that the scope became AtPark (21:57:12).  Log files records at line at 21:57:51 with the message "Monitor ASCOM Scope took 39085ms" which indicates the moment that the freeze was released.  Fixed in AstroMain 3.71.12, a bRunningScopeParking flag is set / reset in Scope.ParkScope2 to inform ObsMonitor when it should & shouldn't enter the 'Monitor ASCOM Scope' code section .
  Fixed  2024-10-30 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• 'Slew &Centre' button facility shouldn't proceed unless TheSky6 Telescope is connected.  Fixed in AstroMain 3.71.12.
  Fixed  2024-10-29 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• Connect TheSky Telescope section reveals a potential 'Side Of Pier' / PHD2 Issue when using DH 7.0.1.   Previously 'Side Of Pier' is reported as "Ok    N/A (SideOfPier = Not implemented) ", but running with DH 7.0.2 RC3 'Side Of Pier' is reported as "Warning    pierUnknown (SideOfPier will give guiding issue in PHD2) ".   This happens as objScope.SideOfPier returns the value PierSide.pierUnknown (-1), whilst previously with DH 6.6.1.1 accessing objScope.SideOfPier throws an exception with message containing 'not implemented'.  A test needs to be performed guiding on a star using DH 7.0.1+ (the sideUnknown probably won't cause a problem, the test nevertheless still needs to be performed..   I posted a query regarding SideOfPier to the 'ASCOM Talk' Forum and received a reply from Peter Simpson
  This looks like another manifestation of Device Hub's dual nature as both a modest application and as a hub. I've now found that the methods that go straight to the device do so through an intermediate method that returns a default value whenever an exception occurs, the exception is stored for later use.   I didn't spot this when I implemented the fix to remove caching for hub activities. I've had to provide an additional access path to the hosted device that doesn't use the "return a default value on exception" mechanic. I'm building an updated Platform now and will test and post it tomorrow (2024-11-01).
  Issue has been fixed by ASCOM 7 Update2 RC4.  A separate continuous improvement ticket is raised to test PHD2 autoguiding in the DH 7.0 environment.
  Resolved 2024-10-29 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• AstroMain not reporting the return of CloudSensor, AllSky Star & Synopsis data following a data outage (2024-11-02 16:25).  Following the closing of programs on the AllSky/Weather in preparation for Computer Restart to install Windows Updates on 2024-11-02, the AstroMain program running on the Observatory Computer correcly reported alerts at 16:11 with messages "Cloud Sensor data has been inactive for more than 5 min" and "AllSky Star & Synopsis data has been inactive for more than 5 mins".  But when the all sky/weather monitoring programs were restarted on the AllSky/Weather Computer and data again flowing to the Observatory Computer as shown on AstroMain's Observatory and Manager tabs, the return of Cloud Sensor, AllSky Star & Synopsis data at 16:23-16:25 was not reported, although green 'all-clear' alerts were recorded in the Session Alerts table.
  Fixed  2024-11-02 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• AstroMain's ImageBuilder is not saving settings with incorrect name "sqrootscale.rot..dat"  Whilst creating a 500px wide picture of a rotated spectral image with base name  "NGC_4216.20240117.im1183069-73.av5x180s.S" , with options  Sq.root (checked), Rot (checked), a settings with name "sqrootscale.rot..dat" instead of "sqrootscale.rot.an.dat".
  Fixed  2024-11-02 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• AstroMain's ImageBuilder is putting scale bar in Angstom for .Rot image.  Whilst creating a 500px wide picture of a rotated spectral image with base name  "NGC_4216.20240117.im1183069-73.av5x180s.S" , with options  Sq.root (checked), Rot (checked), an annotated image was created with scale bar in arc min instead of expected scale bar in angstrom.  Investigating qucikly showed that the problem was Spectra option wasn't checked and the proposed Image name didn't contain the necessary ".spectra' which is used to drive the scale bar type.  Resolved by reimporting image including the Spectra flag (checked).
  Fixed  2024-11-02 (AstroMain ImageBuilder, User Awareness)
   
• ObsOverseer gave an alert that ObsManager was frozen (2024-10-30 Tests, 21:57). At 21:57:29 , the ObsOverseer raised an alert with the message "Obs.Manager is pending (13s) in 'Resolve CloseShutter Issue'".  and at 21:57:34 with message "Obs.Manager is pending (18s) in 'Resolve CloseShutter Issue'" This would imply that ObsManager stopped at 21:57:16 . This would roughly correspond to the moment that the ObsMonitor froze ?  A log message at 21:57:36 perportedly from (ObsManger) with message "ObsManager setting ScopeMode=Waiting and bFollowScope=True" suggest that the ObsManager resumed again.
  It was certainly running again at 21:58:47 with log show Obs.Manager's Closing Stage had advanced to ClosingStage 12. There was no specific log message to say that ObsManager had resumed again, possibly because 'Pending'  hadn't progressed to 'Frozen'.   Unclear what the precise cause of the problem was and being unable to replicate the the problem the issue was closed after review 2024-12-10.
  Closed after review 2024-12-10 (Session, AstroMain)

Continuous Improvement

• Change 'Ruling out Focus Field' log message into trace messages. The .htm log file can be shorterned by 23 lines in Near Zenith Focusing Section by changing 'Ruling out Focus Field' messages  to trace messages (trace). 
  Done  2024-10-29 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• Speed up the return of CCD Properties when CCDCamera is frozen or pending. Add the following code to Get CCDCamera Properties
      If bCcdCameraCycleIsPending <> True Then
      Do
      Loop
   End If
   Return _Property
  Implemented in AstroMain 3.71.12.  This prevents the Get CCDCamera property taking up 2s per property call.
  Done  2024-10-29 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• When Slewing show the changing Az/Alt of Scope in VM.CurrentFrame  field. With each new Az/Alt point update the console with the new position by displaying in the VM.CurrentFrame field. 
  Done 2024-10-29 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• Make Improvements to 'Slew To' and Slew & Centre' button operations from AstroMain's  Observing/On-The-Fly Tab. Implemented in AstroMain 3.71.12.  Improved pre-action checks in btnObsSlewToObject_Click() and btnSlewToAndCentreTarget_Click() routines.  Improved Reporting and Styling in RunSlewToObject2() & RunCentreObject2() routines.
  Done 2024-10-30 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• Use a 'Active TimePoint' within the RunObsMonitor() routine to record the time that routine was definately last active. This new varaible placed at the start of each gObsMonitorSection and can be used to determine if ObsMonitor is 'held-up' in a section of is running behind because of earlier hold-up in a different section.
  Implemented in AstroMain 3.71.12 using new global variable 'ObsMonitorActiveTimePoint (date)'.
  Done 2024-10-29 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• Improve ObsMonitor performance by letting the slew monitor in Scope.SlewTheSkyScope to take on ObsMonitor's 'Monitor ASCOM Scope' task whilst Telescope is slewing. With the new changes in DeviceHub 7.0.1+ access to telescope property changes from being a near instantaneous access to DeviceHub's cache of telescope propertis (updated according to DH's polling rate) to a significant longer time to access properties direct from the Telescope Driver/Telescope.  for example reading the telescope scope RightAscension takes an average of 260ms through DH 7.0.1 compared to only 1ms with DH 6.6.1. Whilst telescope scope is slewing there is additional load on the driver from DeviceHub's fast (1s) polling and AstroMain's SlewMonitor in the Scope.SlewTheSkyScope() routine.  This causes AstroMain's ObsMonitor routine that runs every 2.5s to slow down and taking more than 3s to complete with the 'Monitor ASCOM Scope' part of the loop taking 1900-2300ms alone. Since SlewMonitor accesses much of the same data and at a faster polling rate it would make sense to bypass ObsMonitor's 'Monitor Ascom Scope' section when the telescope is slewing and perform the equivalent tasks in the 'slew monitor'.  Implemented in AstroMain 3.71.12, a new Scope variable
  Scope.LastTracking used to 'handover' the LastTracking flag between ObsMonitor and Scope.SlewTheSkyScope.
  Done  2024-10-30 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
    
• In situations where CCD Camera is not connected during Closing Stage, the 'closedown camera' routine with warm-up can be skipped or otherwise quickly passed through.  Implemented in AstroMain 3.71.12 with update to TurnOffCcdCooling() routine.
  Done  2024-10-31 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• Investigate if there are any ways to speed up the initial entry into AstroMain's Observatory Modue after launch of AstroMain. The Observatory Module is launched from AstroMain's Main Form (Development Computer) or automatically after starting AstroMain (Observatory Computer). The time taken for the Observatory Module to appear (obsConsole/Observatory) takes a noticeable long time. Tracing show that it takes 6.20s, of which PrepareObservatoryMode() routine consumes 6.03s. Log file shows that during the time that LoadVMAfields() is running (a routine that does do much itself) there are 3 calls to CCDCamera properties (2 Get  FilterIndexZeroBased and 1 Set FilterIndexZeroBased), each of which times out after 2s as the camera isn't connected,  which could explain the unwelcome consumption of 6.0s.   Without these delays launching Observatory module should take only 0.20s.   Commenting out the code line 'ChangeFilter(gDefaultFilter)'  prevents these calls to CCDCamera and the Observatory module launches in only 0.10 to 0.26s.  Fixed in AstroMain 3.71.
  Done  2024-11-01  (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• Purchase a new weather station system to resolve issues with current system, specifically the robustness of wind speed data and broken wind direction capabiliy.  After a couple of years thinking that a new weather station was required and having previously looked at Ecowitt models but putting it on hold, and with further issues with intermittent data from Wind Sensor  even after installing new batteries I decided today (2024-11-02) to purchase an EcoWitt GW2001 Wittboy with GW2000 Gateway. The integrated outdoor weather sensor collects atemperature, humidity, wind direction and speed, light and UV levels as well as rainfall data (Haptic Rain Sensor) and transmits them to the gateway hub  The details of how to get data to AstroWeather program will be worked out later, but it will most-likely involve using Cumulus  (free software for retrieving, storing and displaying data from an electronic Automatic Weather Station (AWS). )   See Notes - Ecowitt Wittboy Weather Station (GW2001), 2024-11-02 ).
  Done  2024-10-29 (Weather Station)
   
• Extend AstroMain's ExtractSpectra routine to be able to take the X/Y coordinates of Zero Order Star from Text Boxes on the Spectra Box.  The Observatory can taken spectra images of an object using a SA200 (a Spectral Grating with 200 lines/inch set withing a 1.1/4" filter cell, named 'S' Filter in the Observatory's CCDSoft/AstroMain system). AstroMain ExtractSpectra routines currently depend on the image having either been linked (so as to determine the X/Y position of target object of known Ra/Dec2000 coordinate) or set to use the centroid position of the bright object. Spectra images of NGC 4216 with SN 2024gy taken in session S1183 ( 2024-01-17) are unable to be image linked due to insufficient stars and the target object, SN 2024gy, is not the brightest object in the image.  A thrid option is required for ExtractSpectra to use of X/Y coordinates based on those manually entered in to Text Boxes on the ImageSets/Spectra Tab. The option could be taken from the manually entered X/Y coordinates explicity or prehaps with greater accuracy find nearest star to the entered coordinates from the Images' Inventory.
  Done  2024-11-02 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• Extend AstroMain's ExtractSpectra routine to plot an object name on Spectra Chart that is different the Image's Object Name.  In creating a spectra chart for SN 2024gy, a Type IA Supernova in NGC 4216, the Spectra Chart was titled "NGC 4216 - Spectra". Whilst this is the host galaxy and the name of the ImageSet, it is more appropriate to title the chart as "SN 2024gy - Spectra".
  Done  2024-11-02 (AstroMain 3.71.12)
   
• Test autoguiding with PHD2 in the DH 7.0 environment . This is check whether there are any issues with PHD2 receiving SideOfPier= pierUnknown and whether there are any issues caused by the added delay in getting telescope properties. PHD2 Guiding operation and performance was successfully tested whilst running under new DeviceHub  (DH 7.0.2 RC4)
  Done  2024-11-02 (AstroMain, DeviceHub,  PHD2)
   
• Consider means to enable the USB Connection to SBIG Camera to restarted from a remote computer or automatically from AstroMain's ObsManager. In situations where CCDSoft  produces "SBIG driver: Device not found." errors, which can't be resolved by restarting CCDSoft including SBIG Camera unplugged the USB Cable to the Camera and re-plugging it in again can resolve the problem. This is USB cable passing from SBIG Camera (ST-10XME) to the V1 Pegasus PowerBox mounted on the telescope's right-hand fork arm.  Using Pegasus Ultimate Powerbox Software it is possible to reset all USB ports on the PowerBox with a singe button, but it is not possible to reset individual USB ports. Resetting all the ports is likely to have a negative impact on the Observatory's LX200 Telescope & on TCF-S Focuser which are also served by the Powerbox, but it might be feasible with some work to stop & later restart telescope & TCF-S services.in controlled way,  including AstroPlan, AstroGuard & AstroVoe.   The ideal solution is to change out the existing V1 Powerbox for the V3 Powerbox Model (size 12.7 x 11.6 cm), however the cost of new powerbox is rather high (£540) and hardly justifies the expense based on a single / rarely used benefit.  A V3 Powerbox would have the advantage however  that it could take the USB3 communications from ZWO Camera through the powerbox's USB Port / Cable to Observatory Computer's USB Hub reducing the number of cables coming off the back end of the telescope by one, thus leaving just the single power cable for the SBIG Camera.  A V3 Powerbox has eventually been ordered (2025-07-04), but for other reasons, which will able to deliver the functionality to turn off/turn on a specific USB Port.
  Closed 2025-07-04 (SBIG Camera, USB,  UPB)
   
• Investigate if there are any ways to speed up the opening/re-opening of an Observatory Session. The launching of an Observatory Sessions takes a noticeably long time. Tracing show that it takes 25.7s, of which AssignObservatorySessio()  routine consumes 6.8s, ContinueSession() consumes 18.3s &, ending tasks consumes 0.7s..  Opening a second time takes 21.3s of which ContinueSession consumes 16s , the majority of which (15s) is taken by the StartObservatoryMonitoring() routine
  Of the various tasks performed by StartObservatoryMonitoring()  the most time time consuming ones are PowerBox.Connect(0.3s),  Zigbee.StartService(1.8s),   ListComPorts (2.1s),  ReportZigbeeNetwork (3.4s) , adding up to 7.6s. A further 2s are associated with a 2s timeout in call to CCDCamera.Temperature.
  To do  2024-10-30 (AstroMain 3.71.12+)
   
• When slewing to target the Az/Alt of scope should be shown in the error messages associated with Slewing with Connection in TheSky6 needing improved. Messages vary from "Telescope.GetRaDec failed - is telescope connected ?" under Target Checks and  "Fail    (No connection)" under slewing.
  To do  2024-10-29 (AstroMain 3.71.12+)

[ Prev | Next ]

Back to Top Issue,  Back to Top

---

Fig 1.   TimeLine associated with CCDCamera Issue at 01:34

01:34:48.47   Called CCDCamera.TakeImage (1s)
01:34:52.37   Finished Camera.TakeImage

01:34:53.71   Starting Foc1 FocusProfile, wide
     ....     Prepare Focus Profile (Foc1, wide) 

01:34:53.93   Calling DrawFocusChange, MoveSteps = 2479
     ....     Get   CCDCamera.FilterIndexZeroBased
                       
     ....     Foc1 Focuser Moving

01:35:04.12   Get FilterIndexZeroBased call ( inferred time , CCDCamera is frozen)
01:35:06.12   Get FilterIndexZeroBased   timed out after 2s
01:35:06.96   Calling DrawFocusChange, MoveSteps = 500

01:35:10.31   Start FocusFrame 1/23   |  Start RunTakeQuickFocusShot()
01:35:14.31   CcdCamera is Pending (10s) ' in section 'GetCameraProperties / FilterIndexZeroBased'

Fig 2.   AllSky Image showing baby spider infestation (2024-10-28)



Fig 3.   AllSky Camera showing baby spiders & funnel-like spiders web (2024-10-29)
.

[ Prev | Next ]

Back to Top Issue,  Back to Top

2024-10-31

Notes: Experience, Issues and Adjustments to using DeviceHub 7.0 (2024-10-31)

Back to Top