We are using ScopeDome Arduino v10f13 software with driver 5.5.24. The telescope with the EQ8-Pro mount is controlled by N.I.N.A.
We have tried everything possible. Most recently, we tried to use the “DomMapPoints” dialog to ensure that the dome follows the telescope correctly. We defined four map points at intervals of approximately 90 degrees. But so far, the telescope always looks at the edge of the shutter instead of through the center. What are we doing wrong?
In the “DomMapPoints” dialog, the telescope could not be addressed with “slew to”; we always had to use Stellarium or N.I.N.A. for this.
We entered the offsets in the Config-> Dome dialog. We measured the values directly in the dome.
We also experimented with the SideOfPier parameter, but have not yet found a suitable solution.
It appears to us that there is some kind of offset that we have not yet been able to enter correctly. On the main dialog with the graphic for the telescope and shutter position (dome radar), the telescope always looks at the edge of the shutter, regardless of which position in the sky we have moved to. There were also hits in the north and south in exceptional cases, for example, when we entered a negative value for “Scope Position X (+S/-N)” instead of a positive one. However, according to the instructions and our checks at the observatory, this would be exactly the wrong way around. With this setting, targets in the east and west were still missed, i.e., the telescope looked at the edge of the shutter.
Thanks for help!
Have you set the Home Sensor position correctly?
One more thing—I would recommend installing the latest driver version (5.5.30).
Thanks for the tips!
Where can we find the home sensor? What value should we set for the position of the home sensor? For example, 0 = north and 180 = south?
On Home Sensor position encoder must have value 0.
Home sensor is part of scopedome card mounted close to dome motor.
automatyka eng – ScopeDome
Thanks for your reply! One more question: We have updated the driver (5.5.30). Now we also need to update the firmware, right? We have a corresponding note in the Card About dialog.
Yes, if the driver asks for it.
After updating the driver, we have now noticed that the dome can no longer be moved. An error message appears. 😶 We hope that everything will work again after the firmware update. Can you reassure us about this? Please bear with us a little longer!
Can you show me this error?
Error messages:
One more question: you say,
“On Home Sensor position encoder must have value 0.”
How do I get the dome into this position? And how does the dome then know where north is, for example?
I don’t think you’ve ever read the driver manual. There is a link to it in the Help menu of the program.
When you start the program, it informs you that you have an outdated version of the card’s firmware and that you need to install a new version. I recommend that you read the firmware upgrade instructions.
The card finds the home sensor itself after command: GoTo: Finde Home.
The position of the home sensor is defined in the Config>Dome window.
Thanks for the quick reply, dear Admin. Yes, we really should read the instructions more thoroughly. But your help is still indispensable to us at the moment. It just makes us feel more confident that we’re not doing anything wrong. We’ll be at the dome today. We want to install the firmware there. And then check or set the home position. We’ll let you know how it goes…
Will all settings be retained during a firmware update?
Firmware update do not change configuration values. After install new firmware please click on „Send Config To Card” button in Config window.