Default orientation on power-up

talktogreg

Hi Zwo,

I've noticed my S30 defaults to pointing to centre of earth on power up. Correct. When I ask it to raise arm though, it assumes that it is facing North at about 90º elevation (azimuth). So, if I do a GoTo that is not the Sun or Moon (which use the compass location), SeeStar moves to the wrong part of sky, unless I have actually orientated it North.

I've used SYNC to correct this when/if I haven't orientated to North, but my thought is ... could SeeStar make use its compass to estimate the orientation?

This would mean that if I do a GoTo to an open part of sky, it would slew to approximately the correct spot (+/- Compass Calibration error) and then fine-tune with Plate Solve / Horizontal Calibration.

Thanks

ps: My little S30 "SeeCat" is partnering my ASIAIR rigs really well. I've just taken it on a family holiday, and now back home I use it as a spotting scope to move around the night sky to help pick targets for my ASIAIR rigs. Super useful, as I can turn filter on/off to help decide on what setup is best for big rigs !!!! :-) :-)

Support@Seestar

The Seestar S30 does have a compass, but by default it doesn't automatically adjust its orientation every time you turn it on. Therefore, if you GoTo directly without manually calibrating it, it may point incorrectly. It is recommended that you perform a compass calibration before observing, or use a manual alignment to a known target or GoTo Sun/Moon for direction correction. This way Seestar will be able to perform GoTo more accurately! 😊

talktogreg

Hi,

Thanks for the quick response. Yes I know 'how' to do it the right way, by doing Compass Cailibration and Gotos - was just seeing if there was a chance of a short-cut by having SeeStar take a "Best Guess" at the start, as I have very limited viewing angles from by roof-deck and have to operate 2 floors below - avoiding stairs due to sleeping baby LOL

I've actually found a cute way of doing Compass Calibration quickly. I'm using TC40 (from my travel rig) whilst at home, and if I leave the leg spreader off (not needed for 1.6kg), I can loosen the locking collar for adapter plate/ring, and spin S30 without actually removing it. Keeps previous level in place too as TC40 is super stable !!!

Support@Seestar

talktogreg
I understand your idea, but even with a "best guess," the accuracy cannot be guaranteed, and manual adjustments may still be needed.

talktogreg

Sorry if this sounds a bit pesky, but I don't need it to be accurate or guaranteed, as even just +/- 15º would help to ensure it doesn't go West instead of East should I have it started facing South instead of North (which is assumes).

:-) :-) :-)

Support@Seestar

talktogreg
It's like this. This will make it a bit more convenient for some users. However, you can also perform compass calibration on the terrace as long as there is no magnetic field interference around. Simple calibration can be completed. There is no need for a wide open space around.