Running FocusOffsets with FocusMax v5 problem

[Yves Laroche]

Hi all,

When trying to characterize a new camera with filter wheel in using FocusMax v5, all my narrowband filters are discarded. The FocusOffsets script is doing autofocus with all my filters (luminance, red, green, blue) but when using my Ha, OIII and SII filters, the script took only one image without doing an autofocus run.

I needed to use FocusMax v4 to get the script working as it should be.

Not sure if I'm still having logs but will do a test on request.

Any idea ?

Regards,
Yves

[Dick Berg]

HI Yves,

I can't help you right now, but I'm almost sure to be in the same situation soon. I have a new set of LRGB filters I will be installing today or tomorrow, and I will then be going through the process of finding focus offsets, and then collecting new flats. I'm using an H-alpha filter in the mix, too, which based on your experience I might expect to fail. I have FMx5 as well, set up for muiltistar focusing. It will be interesting to see what happens.

FocusOffsets() does not use the usual AutoFocus() routine in AcquireSupport (which is wired to support FMx5 multistar focusing). Instead, it does its own FIndBrightStar and then calls the straight-up, original asynchronous focusing in FocusMax which should work the same in FMx4 and FMx5. The one, first image is the pointing exposure. Was there no message of any kind in the log following taking the pointing image?

Did you make all the necessary changes to the filter names, positions and min/max magnitudes?

In any case, I'll report back when I've run FocusOffsets for my new filters.

[Yves Laroche]

Hi Dick,

I will have to test it from scratch and send logs when possible... It's why I created this thread because it will force me to put some effort in helping resolving that issue.

For now, I'm just using single-star instead of multistars.

I'm going to wait for your results...thanks!

Regards,
Yves

[Bob Denny]

OK thanks guys. I can't visualize what the problem is so I will need a more detailed report and logs.

[Dick Berg]

Yves,

Sorry, no results today - poor weather probably through the weekend. Similar to yours, I'm sure.

FocusOffsets() does create a log file every time it runs. You should find it in the default log directory, either

C:\Users\<you>\Documents\ACP Astronomy\Logs

or

C:\Users\Public\Documents\ACP Web Data\Doc Root\logs\daddy

depending on whether you were "in" the observatory or web connected. It will have a file name like "FocusOffsets-18-Jul-2022@HhNnSs. Can you find it?

[Yves Laroche]

Dick,

Sorry for the delay !

You will probably having more time to test it because on my side I'm on chemotherapy as a preventive measure. So astronomy is a bit difficult because I have to manage my health and weather condition at the same time. Besides, next Thursday I'm getting another surgery to fix a finger trigger problem... so will be less able to install my setup. But don't worry, my mental health is relatively good. :-)

Regards,
Yves

[Dick Berg]

Yves,

I'm so sorry to hear this news. I'll pray for improving your health and for your continued peace of mind. I've installed my new filters and am waiting for a good night to try out FocusOffsets.vbs. I'll keep you posted. Best of luck, Yves.

[Yves Laroche]

Thanks a lot for your kind words!

God bless you!!!

Regards,
Yves

[Steve Brady]

Hello Yves & Dick--

A quick look at ACP FocusOffset shows that it is calling FMx.FocusAsync as defined in 'Function SimpleAF' at line 439.
With FMx V5 this function will run with SingleStar or MultiStar depending on the focus process you have chosen in FMx Preferences.
I ran a simulation of FocusAsync with MultiStar focus and confirmed that the MulitStar is called and properly terminates when the run is completed passing a success status flag of 1 to the calling app.

I suspect that FMx5 MultiStar failed for your NB filters due a setting(s) for these filters. I would be happy to review the V4 & V5 FMx Logs and come back with any suggestions - please send me a Private message from the CCDWare forum or support@ccdware.com with the Logs attached and we can work together on this.

Wishing you the best!
Clear skies,
Steve Brady

[Yves Laroche]

Hi Steve,

On my side, FocusMax v5 is set for single-star.

I will try to test ACP FocusOffset Monday night if my health is better. Then I will send you all the logs to you and here.

Regards,
Yves