TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016
ISS capture plan
A reminder checklist for steps to take to capture video of an International
Space Station flyover using the C14 at the CAO with a Canon DSLR.
Refined the steps a bit since the
first use 1 Aug 2015.
- consider where to pick up the ISS, before or after the meridian
- ensure the camera has continuous power
- prepare the mount & focuser control computer
- ensure TheSky 6 is connected to the Paramount
- get satellite ephemeris data update for TS6
- connect the Optec temperature-controlled focuser
- launch the focuser app
- prepare capture computer
- reboot
- close all unnecessary apps
- ensure computer connected to camera
- launch Backyard EOS
- consider cable wrap issues...
- access Frame & Focus mode in BYE
- focus
- crude focus, primary mirror
- lock mirror!
- fine focus, with TCF-S and Frame & Focus FWHM
- set TCF-S to Auto
- access Planetary mode in BYE
- set exposure settings in BYE
- still image a similar magnitude star to get exposure
- if the ISS will be -3.5, choose brightest star or planet
- suggestion: 1/30th second; ISO 800
- set Target Name of the capture plan, e.g. "ISSpass1-CAO-C14"
- turn on 5x in BYE
- slew near the starting position in TS6
- select ISS in TS6
- carefully click ISS point in sky chart; or,
- perform Find command for SAT ISS ZARYA (under non-stellar)
- access Telescope tab
- as flyover starts, hit Record in BYE!
- track the ISS in TS6
- click Track Satellite button
- prepare to press the Slew button multiple times to catch up
Will be handy in the future.
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