Allow users to set limits for the AM5 meridian flip!!

tempus

ZWO should allow users to set limits for the AM5 meridian flip. When using NINA and doing 8 minutes long subs, I often lose up to 5 or 7 minutes of imaging time because I can't set limits to the AM5. NINA will stop imaging and wait for the flip to happen. In most cases there nothing wrong with doing a meridian flip 2-4 minutes after the meridian.

A lot of us are experienced imagers and understand how to set those limits. I NEVER had a problem with equipment hitting the tripod with 3 Sky Watchers mounts. Give us the option of setting those limits.

Jhaunton

tempus
Indeed allow tracking past meridian PLEASE and, while on the subject of features that are standard in other mounts please allow selection of slew limits. Thanks for a great mount ZWO - just need the control s'ware to catch up now...

gammerpc

I have mine set to 10 Minutes in the ASIAir Tool.
I do not see any settings in the ASI Mount Tool.

broscheanu

Currently the AM5 will stop tracking about 2 minutes after the meridian. This time window is too short. Please allow us using the mount app, or NINA keep tracking for at least 1 hour past meridian, at our own risk, before the mount stops.

ASIMount@ZWO

v1.2.2 will support tracking 60min after the meridian, the beta v1.2.2 is available here.
https://bbs.astronomy-imaging-camera.com/d/15540-am5-multi-star-alignment-firmware-beta-version-v122-is-released-for-test/35

broscheanu

ASIMount@ZWO
I've tried both 1.2.1 and 1.2.2 and neither extend tracking to 60 minutes. The mount still stops tracking 2-3 minutes after meridian crossing. I'm not using ASIAIR, but NINA and the android mount app v1.3.

MarzioBambini

ASIMount@ZWO
Hi, thank you for the support you are giving.
I downloaded and installed the v1.2.3 version and I can say that the passage to the meridian no longer stops, it continues, but only for 4 minutes (1°), and not for 1 hour (15°) as you stated. 1 hour would be optimal. In addition to NINA remaining this limitation also Voyager no longer be used. With 1 hour of tracking the problem is solved.
Thanks
Marzio

ASIMount@ZWO

broscheanu The ASCOM which will support keep tracking for 60min after MF will be released soon.

broscheanu

MarzioBambini
I confirm. The mount tracks up to 4 minutes after the meridian, after which the "tracking" checkbox and light get turned off in ASCOM server app (ver 6.5.9).

In this state, the mount is unresponsive to slew and center commands. You need to go Home first, to bypass this issue.

Tony10312h

Hello,
I am very happy with the mount but I am very concerned about setting up extensive imaging sessions without slew limits.
I have not found anything out there yet but I wanted to ask on here, what is the most up to date firmware and driver versions currently available?
Do we have the ability to set slew limits yet?
I too run N.I.N.A but I am not confident enough yet to let it run through the night without any stops.
Keep up the great work guys and thank you!

MarzioBambini

Hello,
is there any news?
Tks

ASIMount@ZWO

MarzioBambini
Hi MarzioBambini,
You can give a try with our newest firmware and ASCOM test version.

MarzioBambini

hi, I updated the AM5 firmware to 1.2.4 and ASCOM/Asi mount 6.5.11.0 as you suggested, but the results are not satisfactory, there are problems, the "advanced" map opens and then it "cuts" not allowing you to manage the new settings. I attach a video. Thanks for the support

2023-04-27-11-50-20-to-zwo.mp4

13MB

ASIMount@ZWO

MarzioBambini
Hi MarzioBambini,
It may be some misunderstanding between the ASCOM controller and your system settings.
Have you try to mannually enlarge the window?
If not working, we will ask our software team.

MarzioBambini

ASIMount@ZWO

Hi,

yes tried but without success.

Information about my system:

Hercules device name
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4790 CPU @ 3.60GHz 3.60 GHz
RAM installed 32.0 GB
Device ID A6616805-1B5D-4541-9B7D-CE7D0AF3E67E
Product ID 00330-80000-00000-AA966
System Type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
Pen and Touch No pen or touch is available for this screen

Windows 10 Pro edition
22H2 version
Installation date: ‎01/‎07/‎2020
OS Build 19045.2846
Windows Experience Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.4190.0

Of course I am available if you need further elements or if you want to do some tests

Thanks again

AstroBen60

Hello

There are so many contradictory informations, ZWO should really make it clear for everyone
We can read every where that the tracking is limited to 2minutes, 4 minutes.
I read also that there is a stall protection in case of crash into pier, but I was replied also that this stall protection in only available at R9 speed (1440x).

In my Cas, I was just playing with my mount, and forgot to switch it off.
The day after I found it crashed into the tripod. I didn't even Know it was Tracking. And it was way beyond 2 or 4 minutes past méridian

So, ZWO should really make it clear for these points:

first, what is the slew / tracking limit depending on every firmware
second, what is the stall protection

And by the way, with such a torque, slew limits, Tracking limits, stall protections, should not be a thing we have to investigate a lot before operating. It is mandatory for such mounts to have it clearly stated before first operation

astromat

What is the status of SLEW LIMITS in the AM5 currently? Still talk but no functionality? (10/02/23)

I don't want to upgrade my gear until it's available. Tonight I watched as my rig randomly slewed to an extreme angle and crashed into the tripod legs. I feel like it's a matter of time before the image train is wrecked. Last thing I want to do now is risk a more expensive scope or camera...

ipad / ASIAir issues may pop up, that's fine, but the AM5 should have slew limits to safeguard your investment. Absolutely essential for any mount... no? What am I missing?

tempus

astromat Hasn't this been implemented in their last driver? 1.3.7?
There are limits you can set. You have to expand the window that opens (when you select "advanced") towards the bottom to see those fields.

astromat

Thank you! Looking into the last driver...

astromat

I downloaded the 1.3.7 firmware through the ASIMount app. It is now fully up to date. However, I don't see any new / additional settings in the app to make changes. Again, I'm using the iOS apps on the ipad if that matters.

ASIMount@ZWO

astromat We release the limit function with ASCOM only. ASIAIR and ASIMount app will support later.