[Aavso-photometry] Bruce Gary's book and other material

[Jim Jones]

Russ

If you want to solve your images on line (while you are observing)  then
PinPoint will do the job.  You don't need a full license to do this
using MaxIm. Once you solve the image, then you can sync to the center
of the image from MaxIm telescope control.  MaxIm's Astrometric
Synchronization also makes like much easier for TS.  MaxIm uses PinPoint
to solve every Nth image (you specify N) and recenters the scope.

PinPoint needs a decent number of stars (say 7?) to get a good solution.
So if you have a small FOV, PinPoint may have problems solving the
image.  Also when the seeing gets bad (greater than 4" FWHM for my
setup) all bets are off with PinPoint.

I believe that there will be  MaxIm and ACP workshops the day before the
SAS conference starts.  You should be able to get lots of good info
regarding MaxIm and PinPoint at the workshop(s)

Meridian flips aren't really that bad, they just seem that way.  I have
two Losmandy C11's with two different goto systems on them (SkyWalker
and Gemini).  Both will let me establish the safety point at which I
want the mount to flip.  So I can go well beyond the Meridian so long as
I'm not beating the camera against the pier.

A Paramount will always make life easier if you are willing to write the
check ;>}...or maybe an AP.

Jim Jones



Russ Garrett wrote:
> I have read Bruce Gary's book and other books on variable stars, binaries,
> etc..  I have even been with Bruce Gary on 2 or 3 observing sessions and he
> makes it look so easy.
>
>  
>
> However, I still have trouble with the basics such as what stars am I really
> looking at and other things with my CCD camera. 
>
>  
>
> Is the best tool to help determine this Pinpoint? I am going to the SAS
> meeting next week and I will check with Bob Denny to make sure everything is
> licensed and working properly with MaximDL. The full version of pinpoint
> requires an upgrade.
>
>  
>
> I just hate spending time screwing around with the telescope to make sure
> everything is right. I have a CGE14 and sometimes wonder if a Paramount
> would make life easier or just create more complex problems. However, that
> reminds me that Bruce Gary says a GEM is not recommended for Exoplanet and
> other all night projects requiring a high degree of accuracy due to the
> meridian flip. He uses a Meade LX200 14" and has excellent results. I guess
> its not the equipment as much as knowing what you are doing. 
>
>  
>
> I am just frustrated. I feel like selling my scope and buying a boat a lot
> of times!
>
>  
>
>  
>
> Thanks
>
>  
>
>  
>
> Russ Garrett
>
>  
>
>  
>
> NOTICE: This e-mail message and any attachment transmitted with it contain
> confidential information that may be legally privileged.  This information
> is intended solely for the use of the party to whom it is addressed.  if you
> are not the intended recipient, you must not review, copy, use or
> disseminate the contents.  If you receive this e-mail in error, please
> immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail or by telephone and delete
> this message.  This notice is automatically attached to each e-mail message.
>
>
>  
>
>  
>
>  
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> Aavso-photometry mailing list
> Aavso-photometry at mira.aavso.org
> http://www.aavso.org/mailman/listinfo/aavso-photometry
>
>
>