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Beginner Automation Help

I'm now getting seriously started with automating my dome. I have some basic questions about how it's really done.

My dome and mount are now talking to each other and working pretty well, still have a few small tweaks on my geometry but getting closer every adjustment.

I'm currently using:

A Windows 10 Home version 64bit ACER notebook which support both USB2 & 3.

I have a powered USB3 hub which works for everything except my Celestron CGEM DX Mount, it only works when connected directly to the PC

I'm using TeamViewer free access on the PC & my Mac with ASCOM 6.5SP1 Beaver version for the dome and scope. Unfortunately, I keep getting a dialogue box on TeamViewer saying I'm using the free version which freezes the PC required an OK and if I miss it I have to manually restart the PC or manually click OK in the dome.

I'm currently figuring out SGP but have a desire to start using the TheSkyX but not ready to spend the $$$.

I'm using the rotator kit with a rain sensor and know I need to get a cloud sensor too.

I will also be getting an auto focuser specific for my Feather Touch® Micro Focuser for Celestron C11 Edge HD.

I know everyone has their special/preferred choices for software and equipment. I'm good on OAG, camera, scope, mount, power supply which are all compatible with ASCOM. Assume, for the time being, I'm going forward with ASCOM as my integrating hub.

What remote control software should I use that is either free or cheap?

When planning a session, what other equipment do I need?

Will I need two versions of software for both my PC, in the Dome, and my Mac at my desktop?

If you can think of any other questions I need to ask, please add your thoughts.

Thanks,

Steven

18 comments

18 Comments

David Perry

Mar 04, 2023

In case anyone reads this topic please note Remote Desktop requires thePro version of windows 10/11 on the PC in the observatory/remote location. The normal windows version is fine for the home pc. That is how I run it. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-use-remote-desktop-5fe128d5-8fb1-7a23-3b8a-41e636865e8c

Charles Felder

Jan 26, 2022

I've been using Teamviewer with much success for about 4 years now. Mini PC in the dome. Laptop in the house. Both running Windows 10. It's free for private use.

Steven Green

Dec 24, 2021

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I switched to AnyDesk and it works very well. Weather has been crazy here, so no time to spend operating the dome remotely, but looking forward to getting back under the stars for visual.

Steven

palaback

Dec 23, 2021

I have never gotten windows Remote Desktop to work even though I got the pro version of windows specifically for that. But AnyDesk has worked great for me. I especially love using it with a 2 monitor system. (One screen for my Mac, the other for the windows computer). Then the screen is big enough its easy to manage things on my observatory computer. I use the sky x since it came with my mount. NINA is a free but well supported and fairly easy to use program for controlling everything. Once I get all the bugs out of my rotator calibration I plan on using NINA as my main control program. NINA also works together with the skyx so you can get best of both worlds.

David Perry

Oct 24, 2021

Nothing ever is!😂

David Perry

Oct 21, 2021

I have read elsewhere that Windows 10 Pro is only needed for Remote Desktop at the observatory end of the connection. It should work if you have windows 10 home on the other end.

Steven Green

Oct 22, 2021

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Replying to

I read that too, unfortunately my astro computer runs Win 10 64 Home edition.

David Perry

Oct 23, 2021

Replying to

@Steven Green Mine too, but I am still carrying the PC from house to observatory. Plan is a mini PC with windows 10 pro, at the base of my pier connected via ethernet (wifi problematic for me). Will be so much better being able to monitor progress without th 400 yard walk every hour.

Steven Green

Oct 23, 2021

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Replying to

@David Perry Remote is better but don't expect it to be trouble free.

Steven

Steven Green

Oct 04, 2021

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So while I was on the SGP site, a few folks recommended AnyDesk. I've tried it and like. File transfer can be a little clunky, but it does work without any fuss.

Steven

Paul Hitchcock

Sep 10, 2021

PS depending on where your dome is located, you may want to consider a security camera system with internal/external viewing with cloud based storage.

Steven Green

Sep 10, 2021

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Replying to

@Paul Hitchcock, thanks for the summary of what I'm planning. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my query.

I do have a Ring camera inside the dome, so I can check in on the goings-on when operating it. My dome is in my backyard and I have other Ring camera looking out for mischievous folks.

I'm finding that TeamViewer isn't as reliable as I need it to be, it keeps changing the password on my PC which means I have to go out to the dome and get the new one.

I'm going to check out UltraVNC for file transfer and/or Google remote desktop.

Steven

Paul Hitchcock

Sep 10, 2021

Hi Steven

Before I got a MyT, I used a CGEM-DX with Sequence Generator also. I also found it only worked when directly connected to PC. My ZWO 1600 camera would not transfer at USB 3.1 speed thru a hub, it had to be directly on PC port. The SkyX is nice but unless you have a Paramount, you do not need it. SGP will handle everything, camera, filter, focusing, mount, rotator, meridian flips, and dome. The only issue would be the CGEM's calibration. If the mount is powered off without being sent to "Home" it will not know where it is after a power cycle. I ended up leaving the mount on 24x7. After the learning curve SGP does everything. The ASCOM interface allows everything to be controlled using a single piece of software. My only problems were "pilot error".

Unless your running another setup, your remote PC will do all the control and operating at the dome and your desktop will control the remote PC.

For remote operation over internet, I used TeamViewer for a bit but I think there was a file transfer limit with the free version. Windows Remote Desktop works well but it needs a Pro version on both ends. I have a slow upload speed at my dome and I don't think Windows RD likes the slow connection. UltraVNC for file transfer and/or Google remote desktop for operating the remote windows PC is my choice.

I like your rain sensor, you should be able to automate starting and dome closing if rain. I've been using an allsky camera at the dome to check for clouds and monitor the weather before starting observations. So far, the setup has been (knock on wood) running relativity well for the past 7 months 24x7.

Good luck with your setup

Steven Green

Sep 11, 2021

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Replying to

@Paul Hitchcock Thanks for the screenshot.

RA and DEC coordinates, really. I thought it had a pick and choose list or search function, entering coordinates open way too many options for error since I'm dyslectic.

I was reading that it integrated with most common planetarium programs where I keep my lists of objects I use to observe and would think I could use them for AP.

I read about Voyager and was thinking it might be more intuitive, but you never know until you try.

I'm starting my AP with a color astro camera, so no filters to begin with. I also read that SGP uses plate solving and can track using itself, but then said it is compatible with PHD2.

I guess I need to bite the bullet and use the free version for a while longer, then buy it in the near future.

Thanks,

Steven

Paul Hitchcock

Sep 11, 2021

Replying to

@Steven Green It does import observing lists. With Telescopis, each observing list gets imported into a single sequence. If you have big observing lists you could end up with a lot of targets in one sequence unless you make smaller lists.

SGP can use the platesolver to center your telescope on your targets RA and DEC at sequence start, and meridian flip or just center the target based on your telescope's pointing accuracy if you prefer. Once centered it can use PHD to autoguide during your imaging.

Try them out, as they are versatile and powerful it may take a few days to get a full feel on how best to use them.

Steven Green

Sep 11, 2021

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Replying to

@Paul Hitchcock Thanks again for your help.

I've gotten into the equipment profile and help menu, pretty good so far, and have configured the telescope and dome using the current drivers. Once I figured out the equipment profile settings, I entered the geometric parameters for the dome, but keep getting a dome radius error even though I entered 1025. At this point, still using the free version of SGP, I'm just working on using SPG to control the dome and scope.

I've also done some research on screen sharing and I may stick with TeamViewer, free version, for now. I really like Firefox because I can sync across platforms to keep my bookmarks consistent. Adding Chrome will work across platforms, but requires more work at this time. I will give it a try once I figure out the dome/scope connection issue noted above.

Now I need to figure out how to get to the slave settings again, even though I know I've got the geometric data the same as in ASCOM setting for Beaver.

Steven