Folks,?
The latest beta of the Gemini ASCOM driver includes a feature to automatically retrieve an object (comet, planet, satellite, etc.) ephemeris and to be able to find the object with a Goto, and then track it using both, RA and DEC axis tracking with speeds that are constantly adjusted. This was first developed for L6 using variable axis rates feature in that version, but I've just published a version that will use L5 comet tracking rates when L5 is detected. If you're watching the comet or trying to image it, give this a try (beta v1.1.16):
Basic instructions:
1. Start the driver, connect to the mount as usual. You'll need internet connection for the initial object location/ephemeris download, but not after that
2. From driver Hand Controller Func menu select Small & Solar System objects...
3. In the window that pops up, enter the name of the comet (C/2022 E3). You'll see a bunch of comet information populate below -- this means the internet portion is completed.
4. Click on the Goto button (that'll slew to the comet's current position). If you already have it centered, then no need to do a Goto. You can reposition the comet in the FOV, as desired.
5. Press Start Track -- this will use JPL/Horizons ephemeris for the comet to constantly update the DEC and RA tracking rates to match comet movement
6. You can close the Small Objects window now, it'll continue to track the comet for as long as you're connected to the mount.?
7. To stop tracking and return to Sidereal rate, just press Stop button in the Small objects window
8. Don't check 'Auto-correct' option -- it'll interfere with any guiding commands, if you're autoguiding. If doing visual or video, then give it a try if the comet drifts without it. Again, shouldn't be needed.
Please report any issues/problems, and I may need to get your ASCOM log file if you do.
Regards,
? ?-Paul
