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Collimation - calling software developers

  • NightCal
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17 years 1 month ago #40479 by NightCal
I've recently started collimating my LX200 using a webcam. It's miles easier to turn the alignment knobs whilst looking at a screen than through an eyepiece. However, it strikes me that a bit of computer assistance would make this job even easier.
1) You keep having to re-centre the out of focus image on the scope after each adjustment. Wouldn't it be great if an autoguiding algorithim did this for you.
2) Wouldn't it be great if the software indicated to you which knobs to adjust, and in what direction?
3) Wouldn't it be great if the software showed you how far out you were and when you had the collimation perfect?

Come on guy and gals, can someone write this or has it already been done?

Michael Morris
8" LX200 Classic
Orion 80ED
ETX 90EC (Grab 'n' Go scope)
Roll-off roof observatory almiraobservatory.awardspace.com/index.html
Co-author of NightCal Astronomical Calendar Software
www.nightcal.co.uk

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17 years 1 month ago #40480 by dmcdona
Replied by dmcdona on topic Re: Collimation - calling software developers
CCD Inspector seems to do at least some of what you're looking for. Price is $150


www.ccdware.com/products/ccdinspector/features.cfm

Dave

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17 years 1 month ago #40486 by dave_lillis
Replied by dave_lillis on topic Re: Collimation - calling software developers
Thats a bit expensive for this purpose don't you think.

Dave L. on facebook , See my images in flickr
Chairman. Shannonside Astronomy Club (Limerick)

Carrying around my 20" obsession is going to kill me,
but what a way to go. :)
+ 12"LX200, MK67, Meade2045, 4"refractor

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17 years 1 month ago #40488 by eansbro
Replied by eansbro on topic Re: Collimation - calling software developers
I have used CCD Inspector on occasions with excellent results in interpretation. It is a much longer process, taking about 10 minutes when you have to image each time and interpret and then image again. I still find using the old Chehire eyepiece method much quicker than CCD Inspector. In fact I can collimate very quick within 3 minutes. I have also used laser collimation, but it is not as accurate as the Cheshire method. I have also used video, this all depends on the seeing conditions to see the Airy Disc.

Eamonn A

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