[APML]: AP Goto mnt accuracy

["Ian Turner" <skyshooter@mindspring.com>]

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The refraction computation is built into the hand controller software. It
will allow a accuracy of 10 arc min from horizon to horizon. To make things
perfectly clear this is straight out on the horizon at 01 degree.

Above roughly 20 degrees the accuracy I am getting is between 4 and 2 min.
This is good enough to put every object on my ST7 CCD chip. This is without
updating the mounts position in the hand controller. If you would update
just one time the pointing accuracy goes to 30 seconds. It's that good. 

If I engage my T point program from Software Bisque the error is taken to 10
arc seconds. I don't think it's possible to get better than 10 seconds
pointing accuracy. Not from a portable setup anyway.

Traking accuracy without the PEC engaged is 2 arc seconds. This is the best
I have ever seen. I haven't even bothered to train the PEC to date. The
accuracy of the drive is superb. I have been able to take a 10 min unguided
CCD shot with perfect stars.

There have been some minor problems I won't deny that but all software
related. Playing this thing has been a joy.

Ian


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                Ian Turner              
     Astrophoto and CCD Imaging Tips
http://www.mindspring.com/~skyshooter/                                      
                                                         
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