David's Astronomy Pages Notes - Session 1415 (2026-04-01)

Notes (S1414)

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Notes (S1416)

	Session Aims & Highlights
	- Observing Result  - Night Summary Plot  - Session Event Log
	Operational Issues
	- Critical Issues (0),  Major Issues (0),  Minor Issues (1),  Small Defects (1),  Continuous Improvement (2)
	- Figures (0)
	Images from 2026-04-01  >>

Session Aims & Highlights (2026-04-01)

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. Continue to confirm that refactoring of T.StartTime/ T.EndTimeSlot to use DateKind.UTC internally hasn't introduced any bugs or anomalous behaviour in AstroMain 3.81.

 Equipment & Software

• 12" LX200 and ST-10XME
• 80mm APO and ZWO ASI 178MC
• TheSky6 6.0.0.65, CCDSoft 5.00.201 (Reinstall), DeviceHub 7.1.0.4707, MeadeGeneric 1.3.12.522, UPB 3,  Pulsar Dome Firmware 1.51 & Driver 6.3.10
• Pegasus-UI 2.10, Peg-Focuser 2.10, Peg-Switch 2.10, TCF-LSI 3.3.5
• SharpCap 3.2, PHD2  2.6.13, Siril 1.4.1, deCONZ 1.18.2, ASCOM 7.1.0.4707
   
• AstroMain 3.81.3  AstroPlan 1.46.2, AstroShCap 1.3.23, AstroGuard 1.13.2  (any new items or versions in bold)
  AstroMag 1.5.12, AstroVOE 1.16,  AstroSN 1.16,  AstroProtect 1.10.6,  AstroMove 1.18.1
  AstroAllSky 3.27.7, AstroWeather 1.30.2,   AstroObsCam 1.13.1, AstroNorthCam 1.8.1, AstroLaunch 1.14.9

Highlights

• Targets. 20/20 planned targets were completed.
• AstroMain. There were issues with new 3.81.3 version, now that the bugs in 3.81& 3.81.1 have been resolved.
•  Dome. No issues open/closing shutter. Dome was successfully parked at the end of the session.

Notes

• .

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) Note:  The NorthCam Star Count line is unreliable and should be ignored (The AstroNorthCam 'Find' Star method is producing many false positives from clouds)

Actual Weather vs Pre-Session Weather Forecast

Session Event Log

Time     Event Detail 23:09:21 Session Monitoring AutoStart monitoring for Live Session opportunity between 23:09 & 04:44 23:09:22 Session AutoStarting Session autostarting (23:09) 23:09:27 Session Created Session Created (Live, 2026-04-01 S01415) 23:09:30   CCDSoft Restarting CCDSoft being restarted (to set AutoSave No.) 23:09:49   Scope Switched On Telescope Power has been switched on via UPB Switch 23:11:36   Services Started Observatory Services started 23:11:46 Observatory (Auto) Observatory placed in Fully-Automated Mode 23:11:49 Session Pending Session pending (2026-04-01) 23:11:51 Session Initiating Session initiating (2026-04-01) 23:12:06   Camera1 Connected SBIG Camera connected (Set point -20°C) 23:12:11   Plan Requested Observing Plan requested from AstroPlan (1.46.2) 23:12:46   Plan Loaded Observing Plan loaded to queue (PlanID: 1214) 23:13:28   Telescope Connected Telescope connected (TheSky6) 23:13:40 Session Equilibration Session ready to Open Dome 23:14:26   Dome Opened Dome opened (Opening time 45s, Zigbee 41s) 23:14:29 Session Running Session running 23:14:31   Queue Started Observing Queue started (20 targets selected) 23:14:32     Target Started (NrZen) Target started (Focus Field 11, HIP 53798) 23:14:41       Dome Unparked Dome unparked 23:18:29       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 23:20:54       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 1, wide) 23:22:52       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 1) 23:23:19       Focusing Started-Foc2 Foc2 Focusing Started (Secondary Scope, using ShCap) 23:24:59       Focusing Completed Foc2 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2, wide) 23:26:45       Focusing Completed Foc2 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 2) 23:27:06     Target Completed (NrZen) Target completed (Focus Field 11, HIP 53798) 23:28:36     Target Started (1/20) Target started (1/20, C/2022 N2 (PANSTARRS)) 23:32:35       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - unable to find a star (TCF-LSI) 23:41:23     Target Completed Target completed (1/20, C/2022 N2 (PANSTARRS)) 23:43:07     Target Started (2/20) Target started (2/20, 240P/NEAT) 23:46:50       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 23:49:14       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 3) 00:00:38     Target Completed Target completed (2/20, 240P/NEAT) 00:00:40     Target Started (3/20) Target started (3/20, GCVS RR Tau) 00:03:59       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 00:06:02       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 4) 00:11:39     Target Completed Target completed (3/20, GCVS RR Tau) 00:12:35     Target Started (4/20) Target started (4/20, AT2026hix) 00:18:46       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 00:21:22       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 5) 00:37:41     Target Completed Target completed (4/20, AT2026hix) 00:37:43     Target Started (5/20) Target started (5/20, UGC 5381 w/SN2025ahep) 00:41:52       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 00:44:26       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 6) 01:00:27     Target Completed Target completed (5/20, UGC 5381 w/SN2025ahep) 01:00:29     Target Started (6/20) Target started (6/20, 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann) 01:16:18     Target Completed Target completed (6/20, 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann) 01:16:20     Target Started (7/20) Target started (7/20, GCVS RR Leo) 01:19:41       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 01:21:45       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 7) 01:27:14     Target Completed Target completed (7/20, GCVS RR Leo) 01:27:16     Target Started (8/20) Target started (8/20, GCVS RZ LMi) 01:30:24       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 01:32:28       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 8) 01:37:41     Target Completed Target completed (8/20, GCVS RZ LMi) 01:38:46     Target Started (9/20) Target started (9/20, UGC 9533 w/AT2026hvo) 01:42:24       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 01:44:30       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 9) 02:01:05     Target Completed Target completed (9/20, UGC 9533 w/AT2026hvo) 02:01:07     Target Started (10/20) Target started (10/20, NGC 6070 w/SN2026ejy) 02:04:51       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is lost (TCF-LSI) 02:20:58     Target Completed Target completed (10/20, NGC 6070 w/SN2026ejy) 02:23:06     Target Started (11/20) Target started (11/20, T CrB) 02:26:30       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 02:28:38       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 10) 02:32:46     Target Completed Target completed (11/20, T CrB) 02:34:02     Target Started (12/20) Target started (12/20, GCVS SS Cyg) 02:37:54       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 02:39:59       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 11) 02:43:10     Target Completed Target completed (12/20, GCVS SS Cyg) 02:44:25     Target Started (13/20) Target started (13/20, GCVS BL Lac) 02:47:45       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 02:49:59       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 12) 02:53:48     Target Completed Target completed (13/20, GCVS BL Lac) 02:54:44     Target Started (14/20) Target started (14/20, AT2026hur) 02:59:06       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 03:01:21       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 13) 03:17:38     Target Completed Target completed (14/20, AT2026hur) 03:17:40     Target Started (15/20) Target started (15/20, UGC 11058 w/SN2026ewd) 03:21:01       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 03:23:00       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 14) 03:39:34     Target Completed Target completed (15/20, UGC 11058 w/SN2026ewd) 03:39:36     Target Started (16/20) Target started (16/20, AT2026fkw (CV)) 03:44:37       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is lost (TCF-LSI) 03:50:49     Target Completed Target completed (16/20, AT2026fkw (CV)) 03:51:03     Target Started (17/20) Target started (17/20, 10P/Tempel) 03:56:10       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-LSI) 04:06:07     Target Completed Target completed (17/20, 10P/Tempel) 04:07:11     Target Started (18/20) Target started (18/20, KIC 8462852) 04:10:11       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 04:12:27       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 15) 04:16:14     Target Completed Target completed (18/20, KIC 8462852) 04:17:30     Target Started (19/20) Target started (19/20, NGC 7292 w/SN2026fov) 04:21:00       Focusing Started-Foc1 Foc1 Focusing Started (TCF-S) 04:23:29       Focusing Completed Foc1 AutoFocus Completed (Profile No 16) 04:40:01     Target Completed Target completed (19/20, NGC 7292 w/SN2026fov) 04:40:04     Target Started (20/20) Target started (20/20, C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS)) 04:43:32       Focusing Skipped Foc1 focusing skipped - star is too dim (TCF-LSI) 04:53:17     Target Completed Target completed (20/20, C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS)) 04:53:19   Queue Completed Job Queue completed 04:53:22 Session Closing Session closing 04:54:12   Dome Closed Dome closed (Closing time 49s, Zigbee 44s) 04:54:30   Dome Parked Dome parked (parking time 10s), Az: 90.0 deg 04:55:16   Telescope Parked Telescope parked (parking time 43s total) 04:55:40   Telescope State Handbox reads 'Scope parked Turn scope off.' 04:56:19   Telescope Switched Off Telescope Power has been switched off via UPB Switch. 04:57:44   Services Stopped Night Services stopped 04:57:47 Session Finishing Session Finishing started (Create Fits Summary, Transfer Files) 04:58:29     Dome (Find Park) Find Park started (Search Az 88.0 to 92.0°, Step 0.2°, Narrow) 04:59:13     Dome Find Park found (Best Park Az 90.6°) 04:59:18     Dome Dome has been synced at park position (Az 90.0°, Adjustment: -0.6°) 04:59:20   Dome Parked Dome parked 05:02:23   Dome Charging Dome is parked and well charged (96%, 15.0v) 05:02:25 Session Finished Session Finished

Session Alerts & Alarms

Time     Type       Name Detail 05:02:23 Yellow Alert Dome Charging Dome is parked and well charged (96%, 15.0v)

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Operational Issues (2026-04-01 S1415)

• Critical Issues (0)
• Major Issues (0)
• Minor Issues (1)
• Small Defects (1)
• Continuous Improvement (2)
• Figures (0)
  

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Critical Issues

• None

Major Issues

• None

Minor Issues

• Follow-up on secondary issues related to  lost  of 'UPB Connection' when 'PegasusAstro ASCOM Drivers Hub' dialog is accidentally closed.  Previously a fix was added to AstroMain 3.81.3 so that  red 'UPB Connection' events and UPB Service restarts would be endlessly repeated.  During daytime testing of the bug fix on 206-04-01,  initial conclusion was that the fix had worked and had resolved the issue of repeated UPB red events and Service restarts.   Looking again at the test, there were infact 3 restarts made before the disconnected UPB services were successfully restarted.   In addition it was evident that the closing the 'PegasusAstro ASCOM Drivers Hub'  didn't immediately lead to recovery.  What happened was that ObsMonitor (and ObsWorker) threads froze and remained frozen until a vbjitdebugger dialog was dismissed by the user. Only the was the ObsMonitor released and exposed the exception/tiggered the 'Powerbox has problem' flag leading to UPB Connection Recovery operation.  The Overseer upon seeing that ObsMonitor is frozen in the 'PowerBox' section should check for presence of vbjitdebugger process and kill it if it is present.
  Fixed 2026-04-02 (AstroMain 3.81.4, Pegasus Unity)

Small Defects

• An Arithmetric Overflow exception occurred in ConvertFitsToJpg for one particular image file.  During FocusNearZenith operation at the start of session an exception occured in ConvertFitsToJpg() routine when creating '0001.oid001.FocusFrame1.Loc.png' with the message "Arithmetric operation resulted in an overflow".
  Image was replayed on Development/Analysis Computer but couldn't replicate the exception (however there were differences in the plate solution which proved signifcanct.  . Investigation of the logs showed the exception was produced by this code line which assigns the result of a calculation to an integer variable.
     TX (integer) = LocateInfo.x (double) + ShiftX (double) + MovementX (double)
  After eliminating ShiftX and MovementX (both 0) it means that LocateInfo.x must have had a value that can't be converted to a integer. From examination of logs it is inferred that the problems was due to a combination of factors ( making it rare) but most importantly due to LocateInfo.PlateScale not being assigned but left with initialised value of 0.0, leading to a divide by zero error and a bad double value propograting through to LocateInfo.x.  This had happened because the first image whilst being plate-solved it didn't have a full WCS entry (not one where WCS matched) and led to assignments being made on a different code branch to normal fully successful plate solves. A guard needs to be added to replace platescale of 0.0 by the platescale typical of the binning, employed by the image
    If CamId = 1 And LocateInfo.ImageScale = 0 Then
    LocateInfo.ImageScale = GetImageScale(LocateInfo.Binning)
  End If
  Fixed in AstroMain 3.81.4. Guard added to ConvertFitsToJpg() and upstream in SaveLocateImageToJpg() and most importantly in SavePlateWithTheSky().
  Fixed 2026-04-02 (AstroMain 3.81.4, ConvertFitsToJpg)

Continuous Improvement

• Create a VBA routine / process to insert a new record in 'CCD_Session-Summary.xls' based on the currrently open  '0xxxx_FitsSummary.xls file and copy in session details.  Currently it is a manual process to copy last record in CCD_Session-Summary.xls, and insert copied row below it, change the the Session No,  Session Date, Link to Summary File and reset all issue counts to 0 It is a further manual operation to copy details (Num of images, session length, total imaging time, and average CCD Cooling power and paste sprecial values into particular working cells in CCD_Session-Summary.xls, and then write rounded values in to the record that was setup earlier.  Implemented 2026-04-02.
  Done 2026-04-02 (Excel/ FitsSummary)
   
• Modify ConvertZwoPngFileToJpg to create a Detail (Cropped) JPG and copy to live folder. ConvertFitsToJpg already creates a Detail JPG and copies it to live folder for upload to website.  The same functionality is required for ConvertZwoPngFileToJpg().  The basic implementation has been added to AstroMain 3.81.4 in terms of creating a 'Detail' file and copying it to Live folder with the right name structure to be uploaded to WebSite by AstroPlan and displayed in correct place on LatestSession Images page.  For time being the image is created in the same way as the regular JPG image (500x337) as cropping and labelling requires careful implementation and testing due to posible differences due to the large size of the source ShCap image vs that Fits image used in FitsToJpg conversion.  A basic centre based cropping with no rescaling has been implemeted in AstroMain 3.81.5 - after making the crop the "+repage" command is used so that subsequent annotation positions can be referenced to the cropped image and not back to the original source image - this is much easier then the method employed by ConvertFitToJpg() routine.
  Done 2026-04-04 (AstroMain 3.81.5)

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