How to determine CAA's Zero position and how to influence the limit

keramos

@Tech@ZWO

Well to say the least this is the first time I am using a Camera rotator, and it is confusing as hell.

I'd like to know how does ASIAIR determine zero mechanical position?

When I first installed CAA using 180deg limit option, the rotation limit seemed sensible i.e. Limit indicator was at 6 o'clock position. But then I removed the CAA, Camera to adjust back focus and after I fitted the devices the limit indicator on the dial moved and the resultant is shown in the image below.

How to I influence this limit indicator (see the arrows in image below), something I've done has affected it, and I should be able to influence it again, is it possible to manually rotate the device when removing adaptors or while fitting it back along with EFW, camera etc.

I still don't understand the 180deg limit when it can easily go beyond it if requested (I can explain this with screenshot I've taken), but I guess it is there for preventing rotation after meridian flip or some other reason.

Its a shame that none of the youtubers have done a video of how this thing actually works in ASIAIR...same spiel by all of them no deep dive.

Tech@ZWO

keramos 180deg limit is in case of damage your equipment.

Moontanner

Tech@ZWO
Why does it move around between multiple imaging sessions and result in a larger than 180 deg range of motion relative to the telescope then?

Cnq0d701

Tech@ZWO We understand this and your response seems to reinforce the concern for the behavior we are seeing.

If the 180deg limit is to prevent damage to our equipment, then why does the CAA change the 180deg limit randomly like this? It seems that the 180deg limit only suggests safety but is only suggestive as the ASIAIR or CAA will sometimes even invert the 180deg limit and then it chooses to only rotate in the direction that can cause damage. I have had that happen to me twice and I have only had the CAA for a month or two.

Moontanner

Cnq0d701 I run a wide-angle lens on an old ASI178MC for time-lapse near my rig and also have security cameras that captured this behaviour.
The terms "mechanical zero" and "180 deg range" don't really match what I've seen so far. They don't describe what I've seen between multiple sessions when I haven't shifted anything around.

Tech@ZWO

Cnq0d701 did you mean your CAA rotate to the opposite of the 180deg you set? like the red arrows show at picture.