On 2/1/2021 6:25 AM, Bryn Evans via groups.io wrote:
This is basically what the AAP does for me. 15-20 mins after looking up and seeing clear skies, my mount is out of the garage, the telescope attached, Polar Aligned, target selected and centred and the imaging run started and back in the house doing other things (your other things could be looking up!)
without a permanent set up, I think this is as fast as you can get!
Just FWIW..... I also have a portable setup that I carry from the garage to the driveway to image. I use a $200 quad core mini-PC (from Amazon) at the scope and operate the scope and cameras remotely over WiFi, same as the AAP. The mini-PC runs off the same 12V 5A supply that powers the scope and cameras. Like you, I can be set up and imaging in 10-15 minutes. Usually more like 10 unless I have to wait for full dark after setting up and polar aligning.
I considered the AAP.... it seemed like a cool idea. But it was more expensive than a mini-PC and far less flexible. The mini-PC plus PHD2 and image acquisition software (I use NINA) will do everything the AAP can do and a lot more because it can run any Windows program.
I run the mini-PC headless, and velcroed to the underside of the Gemini 2 controller on my GM811 (it is about the same footprint). When I need local display (like when polar aligning with Polemaster) I just bring my laptop out to the scope and open a remote desktop instance. Works great. The mini-PC handles everything.... polar alignment, guiding, image acquisition and temporary storage, ethernet (or USB if desired) to the mount, Stellarium (with scope control if needed). Because remote comms are over WiFi, the only cable I have is a 120V extension cord to the scope. But since everything runs off 12VDC, it could easily be battery operated. Works great.
Paul
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Paul Goelz
Rochester Hills, MI USA
pgoelz@...
www.pgoelz.com
