Two issues I've run into:
1.? In Astro Photo Tool, I have the session craft tool do the Automatic Meridian Flip. APT starts the process, but when it comes to the step of moving the scope it gets an error and stops. Mount never moves. I've try using APT to force a manual flip and I get the same error. One note: My limits are currently set about 20 minutes past the meridian. I've used APT to do flips before with my other mount, and it has worked in the past. Here's part of the APT Log File:
2020/10/16 19:25:29 (UT 2020/10/17 02:25:29)? DBG?? Make a pause
2020/10/16 19:25:33 (UT 2020/10/17 02:25:33)? Op??? PointCraft: Image solved in 1s.
2020/10/16 19:25:33 (UT 2020/10/17 02:25:33)? Op??? PointCraft: Detected FOV size (arc-minutes) - 85.12 x 64.35; focal length - 714.52mm
2020/10/16 19:25:33 (UT 2020/10/17 02:25:33)? DBG?? PointCraft: Found Ra 20.7622509003, Dec 30.7234134674
2020/10/16 19:25:33 (UT 2020/10/17 02:25:33)? Op??? Target locked before flip. RA=20:45:44.10, Dec=30:43:24.29.
2020/10/16 19:25:33 (UT 2020/10/17 02:25:33)? Op??? Stopping PHD2 Guiding.
2020/10/16 19:25:35 (UT 2020/10/17 02:25:35)? Op??? Tracking disabled.
2020/10/16 19:25:35 (UT 2020/10/17 02:25:35)? DBG?? PHD2 Guiding Stopped.
2020/10/16 19:25:46 (UT 2020/10/17 02:25:46)? Op??? Changing the telescope side of pier from West to East
2020/10/16 19:25:46 (UT 2020/10/17 02:25:46)? Op??? Flip move finished.
2020/10/16 19:25:46 (UT 2020/10/17 02:25:46)? OpErr Flip move finished for 11s, it is faster than the defined safety limit of 30s.
2020/10/16 19:25:46 (UT 2020/10/17 02:25:46)? OpErr Can't complete an Automated Meridian Flip! Stopping all actions...
2. I set up in the Gemini computer interface to "Slew to CWD before Parking". At the end of the imaging session, I set up a script in APT to park the scope. Everytime I have tried this the park gets scoped at 90 degrees off from CWD. When I find the scope like this in the morning, I do a manual command to park at CWD, and it goes straight to it. So it's not like it doesn't know where CWD is.
3. This is a gear question. If i got one of? the Losmandy Pier extensions (4 inch...12 inch), would it allow me to image even further past the Meridian? Would I need to ever flip?? (hint to Brian: this, along with setting limits, might make a good youtube video!)
Any help, most appreciated.
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Rick Paul
Tucson, AZ
Richard Paul