Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Utah
    Posts
    150

    Default Rotator angle changing with each filter change

    Hi all,

    Here is a log of a RGB run from a few nights ago, and I noticed during the run that the Pyxis rotator was moving alot. Looking at the images after, it's obvious that the PA after each fiter change was different. It looks like after a Plate Solve that ACP is determing a differnet PA and changing it back to the planned PA of 30. (It looks to me that the rotator would be turned to PA 30 but the mechanical position is different each time the rotator is moved)

    Thanks

    Larry
    Attached Files Attached Files

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Mesa, AZ
    Posts
    33,938

    Default

    Looking at your log I see this (excerpts only):

    02:09:45 Start rotate to PA 30.0 deg (raw rotator angle 317.7)
    (failed plate solutions)

    02:14:20 Start rotate to PA 30.0 deg (raw rotator angle 127.6)
    02:18:55 Imager sky position angle is 50.2 deg.
    02:18:55 Rotator mech. position angle is 127.6 deg.
    02:18:55 Start rotate to PA 30.0 deg (raw rotator angle 107.4)
    02:25:40 Imager sky position angle is 70.2 deg.
    02:25:40 Rotator mech. position angle is 107.4 deg.
    03:03:12 Start rotate to PA 30.0 deg (raw rotator angle 67.2)
    03:09:59 Imager sky position angle is 110.4 deg.
    03:09:59 Rotator mech. position angle is 67.2 deg.
    03:37:33 Start rotate to PA 30.0 deg (raw rotator angle 346.8)
    03:38:53 Message: The script was interrupted before completion. at line 1733 column 25.

    Every time it solves, the difference between the mechanical rotator position and the actual sky PA changes. The problem is that the rotator is slipping or its stepper motor is cogging. ACP keeps trying to achieve 30 degree PA and the rotator goes somewhere different.

    I also found two cosmetic errors in AcquireImages (dang it!!). The "0" being logged is supposed to be some plan state info. I'll pick that up in the next release.
    -- Bob

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Utah
    Posts
    150

    Default

    Thanks for the looksie Bob. I'll take a close look at the rotator next time out and how it's operating. There may be a problem with it because twice now the rotator has gone
    past what I think it's limits are. I also read in the rotator's documentation that you can reverse the rotator's orientation depending on your optics, ie to go CW you turn the
    rotator CCW (I think!) I changed that selection last night will try it during another run when I get a chance.

    Thanks! Larry

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Mesa, AZ
    Posts
    33,938

    Default

    Um, that may be it! It should turn counterclockwise with increasing angle.
    -- Bob

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Utah
    Posts
    150

    Default

    It is now with the new setting change!

    Larry

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Mesa, AZ
    Posts
    33,938

    Default Rotator angle changing with each filter change

    Ok, that should be right.
    -- Bob

 

 

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. New Planner does not set rotator angle
    By Larry Simpson in forum ACP Planner
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: Nov 5, 2009, 00:34

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •