Hello during this full moon :)

Since I have a permanent setup I thought that I would try to build a real accurate model in Gemini 2 and continue to add new targets as the year progresses from this time forward using Plate solving so need help with the steps

First good polar align
Using Gemini.net in Windows PC or HC? on G11 after startup GOTO star lower western hemisphere imaging in SharpCap
Align and Sync ( in both HC and Gemini.net ? either OK ?)
Then PlateSolve Align and Sync . Im using SharpCap? and frequently with the first Platesolve the resync is often is quite off in location so what to do next ?
Do I then re center the star manually and then Align again in Gemini?
Then move to next western target
Minimum #10 each side enough ??
is there a maximum number of targets of Gemini ?as would prefer to add future new targets to model as the year progresses
I Park and then shutdown power
Powerup, slew to CWD, warm restart, GOTO , Platesolve then reposition and sync ?
Im confused with the order

How do I PlateSolve and Align in order to build my model?

thanks
Ron

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Hi Ron,
I don't do plate solving, but I really should give it another go now that I have much better cameras than before.
So my routine is a bit different, I think, than most. Maybe call it caveman astronomy.

My mount (811) is in a stable setting, and level (plumb). I never move the mount anymore unless a hellacious storm is coming. So it starts off very close to where it left off the night before.
My mount is oriented to Polaris. And I use Sharpcap (Thanks Brian) to polar align my telescope every night, first thing. And generally it is very, very close to Polar Aligned each time.
But I'm a perfectionist and try to remove any human error that I can. So I tweak it in towards 00.00 each time. It can never be perfect, it bounces around some due to normal ground vibrations.
As soon as I'm satisficed with my PA, I close Sharpcap and move on to my Hand Control to do my Modeling for the evening.

Between the Hand Control and the computer with my cameras open, I'll build my model with 5 or more Western Stars, and 5 or more Eastern stars.
I do my best to get each stars alignment dead center in the crosshairs of my main telescope/camera. Then choose align in the Hand controller to teach it where the Alignment stars are for tonight.
Once I'm happy my stars are centering up good, I consider my model built and go on with target acquisition in Stellarium which I use as my Planetarium Program to find my victims. Then I center up with a few test images, set PHD2 guiding, and start a sequence.

A bit cruder, but a successful method.

If after running through this, or during it, if my Alignment stars act wonky, I'll do a simple factory reset, and begin again.
In my experience, a Factory Reset really blows the cobwebs out and gets things back to ground zero. Then run through the Hand Controller Modeling and really good to go.

I don't expect absolute bullseye accuracy using my mount. But it is so close the objects are almost always easily centered up, lock on, and ready to roll for hours on end.
My longest record is a total of 18,000 seconds of exposures on a single object. Some 1300 images.
When Scott was talking with me, he mentioned he like Long exposure AP. Long Exposure is how I had to cut my teeth in AP. Because I started off with real crap equipment. But I learned how to make it work for me, the hard way.

I really need to try and get back to Plate solving and hopefully group my poop with it.

But for now:
1. Polar Align on a semi-fixed mount.
2. Model building with the Hand Controller and computer.
3. Acquisition in Stellarium.
4. PHD2 guiding.
5. Image acquiring in my cameras program running through 8 different filter settings.

I'm still baffled about the processing end. LOL! LMAO! But I sure can generate files!

Perseverance Ron. Perseverance.
And always use the smallest hammer for adjustments.

Hi Sonny
Thanks for your feedback of this concept
Brian is our guru and points the way - modeling is just to " get to the object ". So because platesolving defines where everything is, the idea of? achieving a more accurate model not gonna add improvement as? it is way easier and less time consuming to?
GOTO object, platesolve and sync.??? ( re:? model doesnt improve tracking error, just gets you there)
The ultimate goal is imaging and getting round stars with long exposures.? Your model has been stored so you only need to? GOTO first object, center, then plate solve , recenter,sync and bada-bing!! youre at your object so start PHD and image away
Ron
BTW Im a silent lurker, lousy typer, slow responder and learn from your comments,
thanks again
:)

Hi Ron,
Basically giving you a different perspective, and a method I have found works with different mounts.
Brian and I are friends beyond our preferred mounts. (Which my 811 was bought against his advice. But it is more than enough mount for my desired objects and optics. Nebula does not require monster telescopes. ;^) )
Brian personally worked with me when getting started, and we tested plate solving with successes. But at the time my main camera was not getting images that could plate solve.
Our tests were done with an image of his.?
So you see, not everything is lollie pops and roses. Some of us came up from some pretty bad equipment experience's.
I have to literally see my object, center and compose it myself, then I go full auto on it.
Me and Frank Sinatra, I did it my.... way.... LOL!

But being of open mind, I'd like to revisit Plate Solving now that I have cameras capable (I believe) of actually working.
I'm probably one of the few who actually checks my Polar Alignment every time, even though my mount is not moved from day to day, week to week. I use Sharpcap for that.
But find my mount is more stable than Sharpcap gives it credit for. Re-running Sharpcap does not yield repeat accuracies one would expect.
So I've come to just do it once and go on to what Scott and Rene' built into the software to build a Model for the specific night.
Most want a one star and done alignment. Rene' posted 10 stars is good, more even better. So when you poo-poo modeling, is it based on a proper model building? Or on impatience?
Lots of ways to skin a cat. We all use different equipment in different ways to achieve our results.
Mine are just a bit more "Old School" I'd suppose.

I really Love my 811. I have it configured into a heavy duty semi-pier configuration. And Scott told me, don't mess with it, just use it. Sage advice.
But our Losmandy Mounts are the only ones I've seen that allow personal configuring to a specific goal. Big Plus! One I've utilized to make mine ideal for my imaging.
Nothing short of Pure Genius.