Some, probably very basic /stupid questions from a noob:
I'm using a dslr (Fuji X-T2) and focusing with a Bahtinov mask. Is it possible to use the Ekos focus module to get an analysis of the focus while I adjust it manually by hand (I don't have a motorised focuser)? If so is there a guide /video /instructions on how to do this?
Related to the above, is it possible to use the video mode of a dslr to get a live stream? If so how?
I've got plate solving, mount control (LX200 Onstep), and SkySafari connection working with indi. It's our possible to configure so that I can select a goto target in SkySafari and have Ekos goto, plate solve, and slew to the target? If so, how? I can do this from within Kstars but its still a two step process - goto in Kstars and then switch to Ekos for solve and slew.
About the 3rd, I do not use SkySafari, but why you want to give those commands from there and not directly from Kstars? Isn't it an extra non-required step?
For question 1 - I have used the Bahtinov mask option in the focuser module and had the focuser module preview the images. As it showed me successive images, I tweaked the focus of my scope to show the best mask image.
question 2 - video mode hasn't worked well for me in the past (Nikon Z7) so I tend not to use it at the moment.
question 2 - I'd guess it's a 2 step process.
> I can do this from within Kstars but its still a two step process - goto in Kstars and then switch to Ekos for solve and slew.
From your description, it sounds as if you are using Skysafari on a phone and finding a target. And then you are trying to get to that object using laptop or RPi. If that is the scenario then consider using Stellarmate (www.stellarmate.com). Their website says you can use Skysafari as a client.
I simply use the Ekos scheduler which allows you to slew, align, track, capture, guide without any interaction from you. So thats what I use to automate my sessions. That way I can schedule multiple targets one after another and leave Ekos to do its thing.
Clear Skies,
Pramod
My kit: SW 130PDS on a HEQ5 Pro mount, ZWO ASI533mc Pro, 30mm guidescope with ASI120mm mini, managed using Kstars/Ekos, RPi with Stellarmate OS, ASI224mc, bits and bobs for visual observations.
Euripides - Thanks that's exactly what I was looking for. I hadn't noticed the tiny camera button next to the Stop.
Jerry / AstroMuni - Likewise, thanks for your pointers.
Generally I was looking to use SkySafari in a much more ad-hoc approach rather than during a sequence capture. It provides a nicely designed touch interface which I find much easier for basic navigation tasks than the WIMP GUI design of Kstars/Ekos - especially as I'm accessing my Pi via VNC on my phone. I have SS working as a connected client, I just wasn't clear (and am still not tbh) if this is meant to provide integration with solve & slew.
I just noticed the "On Set" property for the mount/telescope control - is this what I'm seeking for SS solve & slew integration? "On Set" seems to be a property of all mounts rather than in each driver but I can't find any documentation or reference to it other than an unanswered question at: indilib.org/forum/mounts/10328-what-does...n-mount-drivers.html
I think that property is simply to control the mount via the INDI controls. So when you attempt to do an align or slew from Kstars it would set that property appropriately and get the mount to do one of the 3 options.
If you keep both windows open side by side and (Align & INDI) and do capture and solve with Sync button selected you will see that it triggers the corresponding button in INDI panel.
Clear Skies,
Pramod
My kit: SW 130PDS on a HEQ5 Pro mount, ZWO ASI533mc Pro, 30mm guidescope with ASI120mm mini, managed using Kstars/Ekos, RPi with Stellarmate OS, ASI224mc, bits and bobs for visual observations.
A follow up on my original question 3. The 'got, solve and slew to target' works regardless of the source of the command issuing the goto. This works (for me) without any setting changes, so yes I can select and issue the goto in SkySafari, and alignment module knows the target when you then Capture & Solve. This is still the two step process.