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INDI Library v2.0.6 is Released (02 Feb 2024)

Bi-monthly release with minor bug fixes and improvements

Re:New Polar Alignment Scheme and Features

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Thank you Hy,

currently I can only test the ui in the simulator.

There is a discrepancy between your explanation and the information label.

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The following user(s) said Thank You: Hy Murveit
3 years 2 months ago #65795
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Heiko (@cerro torre): Good catch. That line in the running system should say "moving along green line".
I'll send in an MR.

BTW, I'm impressed you got it working with the simulator. It took me quite a while to figure out how to do that.
Here is what I wound up doing:
  • Start Ekos, connect to Indi
  • In the Indi Control Panel, Telescope Simulator Tab, Simulation sub-tab, set Pole Azm to some error (e.g. 0.3 degrees) and Pole elev to some error (e.g. 0.5). Those numbers are in degrees, and I'm not sure what the MA and ME stand for. Hit set. Save configuration in the options sub tab.
  • In the Ekos window, unpark your mount if it is parked.
  • In the KStars Skymap, Move the telescope's position away from the pole. Even if you want to simulate PAA near the pole, move it 1-degree away at least. The simulator seems to have an issue when it is very close to the pole.
  • Back in the Ekos window, Align tab, you can now start polar alignment.
3 years 2 months ago #65797
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Bart,

Your suggestion of auto-calculating the distance and reporting it is something Jasem and I have discussed and hope to implement. It wasn't part of the initial release of this, as it adds complication. In one sense it really is not too complex, but it might require StellarSolver to run again and often, e.g. every second to know where the stars have moved (I would rather not re-introduce some cheap star detection). I think it is possible to solve very very quickly if we strongly constrain StellarSolver, e.g. the solution must be < 1-degree from the previous solution, and the scale should be almost identical to the last scale. Not sure if it would require a StellarSolver change. Getting "quick nearby solving" is the trick to getting that to work. Anyway, after getting feedback and fixing issues on the current basic implementation, I plan to add that.

On your second suggestion, I'm not 100% sure I understand. When the alignment was done, If you switched the direction (e.g. if you were slewing East, change to West) and hit 'Start', would that do what you wanted? I suppose there could be a shortcut for that, but checking that that is what you mean.

Hy
3 years 2 months ago #65800
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Ed (@Avocette), If you initially slewed 60°, e.g. using the software mount control, and then polar-aligned back, would that do what you want?
3 years 2 months ago #65801
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Argg, I knew it: gremlins at the tripod!! :angry:


This was the missing part: how to misalign a "perfectly aligned" system ;-)

What is the purpose of the Flip Vector check mark?
Setting the mark puts the crosshair on the star that should be moved and at the end of the yellow line there is no purple line.

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3 years 2 months ago #65802
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Heiko (@Cerro Torre): I honestly don't know what the purpose of the "flip vector" is. It's on my list to ask Jasem.

Re: "how to misalign...": Did something go wrong? Please explain further.
3 years 2 months ago #65803
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Nothing to worry about. Because -in the absence of gremlins- the simulator is perfectly polar aligned the result of my first try was not a triangle but a short green line. So you are right: to work with the simulator you have to misalign the simulator.
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3 years 2 months ago #65804
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I think so, although I haven't used the software mount control before to execute a precise angular movement. I suppose if the 60° could be activated automatically when you click on the start button that woulld be ideal!
3 years 2 months ago #65805
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How do I get this? My view of the SCP is blocked by 2 enormous trees.
3 years 2 months ago #65822
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Rene,

I want to make sure you understand that this is experimental software that is not yet released. I've tested best I can, and the next step moving towards a release is getting volunteers to use/test the software and (gently) feed back bugs and suggestions for improvements. You can be a tester if you like--in fact I'd love to have southern hemisphere testers.

Given that disclaimer, here are two possible ways to get the program (do one or the other):

1) Compile KStars from source. Many people who test early software on the forum have the capability to compile KStars. If that is you too, great! If you're not used to compiling software, probably best to try approach #2. To compile and install, follow the instructions in: indilib.org/forum/general/210-howto-buil...st-libindi-ekos.html (probably you just need the KStars part).
In those instructions, I'd replace -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Debug with -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=RelWithDebInfo

2) Download the "nightly build". See the "Nightly Builds" section in: indilib.org/download.html. These instructions apply to Linux. I don't know how to get Mac or Windows nightly builds, but it may be possible--if someone knows, please reply. I just checked and this new polar-align code is included in the current nightly build for the Ubuntu 20.04 linux system I have. After you've installed, make sure that when you run kstars, in the KStars --> Help --> About KStars menu it says "Version 3.5.2 Beta".

Again, note that you'll be getting the latest experimental KStars and Indi code, not the more tested releases. You may get other changes besides this one.
You should be able to go back to the standard release following the instructions also on indilib.org/download.html.

Feel free to follow-up if you have further questions,
Hy
3 years 2 months ago #65823
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Thanks Hy. As it happens I'm a software tester by trade so this is in my wheel-house.

I'll install the nightly build and give it a try. How would you like any bugs to be reported?

Rene
3 years 2 months ago #65824
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Rene--you're perfect! Thanks.

Reporting bugs and suggestions on this thread is fine.
Most of the details you need should be in my original posting above, but, of course, feel free to post questions.
Also, as I mentioned, I've only tested with the simulator for southern hemisphere, so I'm looking forward to live tests from the south.

Thanks again,
Hy
The following user(s) said Thank You: ouioui01
3 years 2 months ago #65826
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