Using Sequence Generator Pro and Friends: Imaging with SGP, PHD2, and Related Software

Description

This guide is specifically aimed at those who are using—or want to use—Sequence Generator Pro. SGP is a “session management” software package that controls the telescope, mount, camera, and ancillary equipment to target and secure images during a night of imaging astronomical objects. The book begins with a special tutorial to get up and running with SGP. With a comprehensive reference section, it takes the user in detail through the various aspects of user and equipment profiles, equipment definitions, the sequencer, and other essential elements of SGP. Finally, it focuses on how to get the most out of the ancillary programs—target databases, autoguiders, plate solvers, planetarium software, and other applications. Oftentimes, technical guides can end up being far denser than the processes they intend to explain. Many of the insights provided by SGP expert Alex McConahay are beyond what can be found in the official program documentation. In this book, the reader will find in-depth, yet straightforward practical advice on how to automate nightly astroimaging sessions with Sequence Generator Pro. Front Matter ....Pages i-xvii Why Do I Need Sequence Generator Pro? (Alex McConahay)....Pages 1-13 Can SGP Run My Equipment? (Alex McConahay)....Pages 15-29 How Do I Set Up My Equipment? (Alex McConahay)....Pages 31-41 How Do I Get Started with SGP? (Alex McConahay)....Pages 43-62 How Do I Communicate with SGP? (Alex McConahay)....Pages 63-79 How Do I Use Profiles? (Alex McConahay)....Pages 81-102 How Do I Squeeze the Most Out of Sequences? (Alex McConahay)....Pages 103-116 What Handy Tools Does SGP Have for Me? (Alex McConahay)....Pages 117-136 Wizards and Such (Alex McConahay)....Pages 137-156 SGP Administration and Help (Alex McConahay)....Pages 157-166 Target Data: What Do I Want to Shoot Tonight? (Alex McConahay)....Pages 167-181 Framing and Mosaic Wizard (Alex McConahay)....Pages 183-195 Bringing Things into Focus (Alex McConahay)....Pages 197-231 The Meridian Flip (Alex McConahay)....Pages 233-240 How Do I Get SGP to Take Over While I Sleep? (Alex McConahay)....Pages 241-267 Autoguiding Basics (Alex McConahay)....Pages 269-293 A Ph.D in PHD2 Guiding (Alex McConahay)....Pages 295-331 Plate Solving: Where Am I? (Alex McConahay)....Pages 333-346 How Does a Planetarium Program Help Me Image? (Alex McConahay)....Pages 347-364 Using AstroPlanner (Alex McConahay)....Pages 365-379 Using Deep-Sky Planner 7 (Alex McConahay)....Pages 381-395 Deep Sky Objects Browser/Telescopius (Alex McConahay)....Pages 397-407 Back Matter ....Pages 409-417