Meridian flip failing with 10Micron mount

Sequence Generator Equipment Compatibility
1

I’m getting meridian flip failures as per this log extract. Any idea why? Can supply full log if needed.

[08/14/17 01:16:47.630][DEBUG] [Telescope Thread] Scope solve complete…
[08/14/17 01:16:47.630][DEBUG] [Telescope Thread] SGM_TELESCOPE_SOLVE message complete…
[08/14/17 01:16:47.648][DEBUG] [Pier Flip Thread] Meridian flip: Scope solve complete…
[08/14/17 01:16:47.648][DEBUG] [Pier Flip Thread] Meridian Flip: Solve was Successful
[08/14/17 01:16:47.648][DEBUG] [Pier Flip Thread] Meridian Flip: Stopping the Auto Guider
[08/14/17 01:16:47.649][DEBUG] [Pier Flip Thread] Meridian Flip: Sending Telescope command to execute meridian flip
[08/14/17 01:16:47.739][DEBUG] [Telescope Thread] ASCOM Telescope: Pier side is West
[08/14/17 01:16:47.739][DEBUG] [Telescope Thread] ASCOM Telescope: attempting pier flip using sideOfPier
[08/14/17 01:16:48.578][DEBUG] [Telescope Thread] Setting Pier East
[08/14/17 01:16:48.737][DEBUG] [Telescope Thread] Pier Flip failed when using side of pier: System.Exception: Flip requested but cannot be done at present position.
[08/14/17 01:17:19.477][DEBUG] [Telescope Thread] ASCOM Telescope: Failed to flip because starting pier side and ending pier side are the same!
[08/14/17 01:17:20.502][DEBUG] [Pier Flip Thread] Meridian Flip: Telescope command to meridian flip has completed
[08/14/17 01:17:20.502][DEBUG] [Pier Flip Thread] Meridian Flip: Telescope failed to perform meridian flip
[08/14/17 01:17:24.962][DEBUG] [Pier Flip Thread] Meridian Flip: Procedure complete
[08/14/17 01:17:36.172][DEBUG] [Sequence Thread] Blocking Pier Flip: Failed to meridian flip, aborting sequence (False)
[08/14/17 01:17:36.172][DEBUG] [Sequence Thread] Adding sequence level notification: Failed to meridian flip, aborting sequence.

2

link to full log Dropbox - File Deleted

3

Meridian flips are a combination of mount and SGP settings. If I recall, the 10 Micron has two sets of meridian flip points, preventing clashes from overruns or from flipping too early. You need to think about those carefully and ensure SGP is not trying to violate those conditions in its meridian flip settings.

For instance, on my Paramount, say I set the meridian flip points in TSX to +/-40 minutes (time) and if set SGP to 10 minutes, it should not run into problems: My longest exposure is 20 minutes - so it will never try to flip beyond the 40 minute boundary.

4

Hi Peter

There are two settings in the HC that you need to set Flip Slew Tolerance and Flip Slew Guidance, in the Alignment menu options I recall.

Then in SGP you need to tick the option to Wait for Meridian in Flip settings so that the mount will pause before the meridian and wait until it tracks into the ‘window’ you have set in the 10 Micron HC settings in the mount.

There is a thread some months ago on this very topic. I think the settings are 3 degrees in Flip Slew Tolerance and 5 degrees in Flip Slew Guidance.

I will check in my obs tomorrow - pm me and let me know if you find the thread on the forum.

HTH

Barry