Hi guys!
I wonder if someone could help with this issue. I am trying to set up MEO satellite tracking via a custom script for ACP DC3. The script uses ASCOM to set RightAscensionRate and DeclinationRate for the mount, similarly to other objects that need orbital tracking:
Util.ScriptTelescope.RightAscensionRate = RightAscensionRate * SIDRATE ' ASCOM needs sec/sidereal-sec
Util.ScriptTelescope.DeclinationRate = DeclinationRate ' ASCOM declination rate
I can see the command is passed to the ASCOM fine from the script:
23:56:25.114 RightAscensionRate Set - 2.88870217351206
23:56:30.585 DeclinationRate Set - 23.1105076884148
The mount begins to track the satellite in RA fine, but not along the Declination. The Dec Value counter in Bisque TCS does not change at all, while the RA Value counter begins to spin. The images result in perfect RA tracking, but smeared Dec, with trail length equal to the expected smear due to zero tracking, and precisely parallel to the Dec axis.
I have tried to track the same satellite using "Track Satellite" feature in TheSkyX, and it tracks fine, with both RA and Dec Value counters spinning properly, and the resulting image with the satellite as a perfect round dot, so it's not a problem with the mount itself - looks like it's a software/driver issue. For some reason the DeclinationRate change is ignored by the mount.
I know it's likely unrelated to the ACP itself, but I would sincerely appreciate any help, as I am pulling my hair out at this point. Tried sending the DeclinationRate change to mount three times - didn't help. Maybe someone had something similar?
Details of my setup are as following:
ASCOM Platform 6.5 SP1 – 6.5.1.3234
Software Bisque MKS4000 USB Driver 2.2
Motor firmware version 2.6.8, I/O version is not reported in the Bisque TCS
Thank you!
Max