Red Barn Observatory MPC/IAU H68

Established 2006

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Software Used at the Red Barn Observatory

1.  MPO Connections - By Brian Warner - Minor Planet Observer - Palmer Divide Observatory: 

This program is used for telescope and CCD control by means of script and plate solving techniques to verify scope position.  MPO Connections will work as a "stand alone" program without the use of any other programs - it alone will control the scope and CCD.  MPO Connections also allows you to use a separate "scripting program" called SBScripter5 or SBScripter6.  The difference between SBScripter5 and 6, is version 5 was designed to work with TheSky5 and the same goes with SBScripter6 (TheSky6).  Here at H68, SBScripter6 is primarily used to work with TheSky6 and CCDSoft for telescope and CCD control.

Once the asteroids to image are determined, they are manually inserted in the script along with exposures, pauses, and any other information needed for the automated run. 

The program:

• will slew to the determined asteroids (or other object/position)

• take a short exposure for plate solving

• verify the position

• perform any scope adjustments that may me needed

• take the desired ccd exposure

• auto-save the image(s)

• slew to the next target

This program works very well and is worth the money for anyone interested in astrometry or light curve work.  The program is not limited to asteroid/comet work.  It can also be used for observing and imaging deep sky objects - DSO's.  Proper polar-alignment is necessary for this program (or any telescope control program) to work properly.

2.  TheSky6 - By Software Bisque:

TheSky6 is one of the best astronomical planetarium programs available.  It is designed to control a huge list of telescope mounts and focusers, and does an excellent job doing it!  When using SBScripter6 and TheSky6, you can monitor the scope position on your monitor (TheSky6) while SBScripter6 works in the background.

The program:

• allows a visual interface while SBScripter6 works in the background

• controls the telescope and focuser when a scripting program is not being used

• works with TPoint to map and correct errors in the telescope mount 

3.  TPoint - By Software Bisque:

TPoint is used to verify polar alignment as well as check errors in the telescope mount.  The Meade 0.30-meter SCT LX200GPS mount is accurate enough to work without TPoint running to correct errors.  TPoint was used to verify Polar alignment and initially check the Meade mount.  After a "mapping run" of at least 6 targets, TPoint will show any error in the Polar alignment.  The more mapping points that are marked, the more accurate the results will be.  Once adjustments are made to the mount, a new model must be created.

3.  CCDSoft - By Software Bisque:

When an SBIG camera is purchased, a copy of CCDSoft is often supplied with the camera.  This program will do just about anything, and when working in combination with TheSky6, the two are capable of performing automated asteroid searches, supernova detection, and many other tasks.

The Program:

• allows complete SBIG CCD control (temperature, exposures, etc...)

• auto-contrast images

• automatically subtract bias, flats, and darks

• combine folders of images to create master images, flats, or darks

• works with TheSky to perform many tasks

4.  Astrometrica By Herbert Raab:

Astrometrica is used in the Red Barn Observatory, as well as the AART Advanced Amateur Research Team, to perform data reductions/star matching on the images, and measure the asteroids in the field of view (astrometry).  It was developed by Herbert Raab and is an excellent program.  Other programs exist that allows astrometry to be done on your own images, but I'm more familiar with Astrometrica.

The Program:

• automatically downloads star data and automatically matches images

• will auto-search a set of images for potential asteroids or comets (moving object detection)

• automatically identify objects in the field of view

• works with any size fits format images

5.  Find_Orb By Project Pluto:

Find_Orb is a program that checks a set of images and determines orbital elements.  At H68 it is used to check the consistency of the asteroid positions and check the astrometry.  For example, if 6 positions are given for a particular object, Find_Orb will check those positions and show any that appear to be in error.  All positions are checked for any unacceptable errors in consistency before submitting to the Minor Planet Center.

6.  UltraVNC:

UltraVNC is a program that allows remote PC control.  Once everything is set-up in the observatory and ready to operate, UltraVNC is used to control the observatory computer from the home computer.  It works over the high-speed network and allows an image of the screen on the observatory computer to be placed on the home computer.  It's like being in front of the observatory computer, except I'm inside the house.  The observatory has a nice, climate controlled room for the computers, but it is still more comfortable working from inside the home.

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Copyright © 2006 The Cometary Space Web of Steve E. Farmer Jr.

Last modified 06/13/2007 07:30 PM -0400

This web site has been active since March 1, 2006

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