I have yet to incorporate auto-focus into my rig so I can focus quickly and consistently. Currently what I do is get as tight a star image as I can on the screen and then use NINA's HFD numbers to fine tune. This works and doesn't take very long but I wonder if there's a better software based solution? I should say, I'm really not a fan of batinov masks. Looking for something that's less of a judgement call.
manual focus software
Hi Tony.
if your very fussy with a Bhatnov mask you can actually get pretty dam close. Close enough to get good results.
using HFD is worth a go, but the HFD numbers will vary with seeing, so you might not get the greatest accuracy with that method.
for the tightest accuracy I believe that you HAVE to use an autofocus routine, on whatever software you like to use.
I use EKOS because I am imaging with MAC control, and it works very well. Autofocusers are not too expensive.
I have a $200 ZWO focus motor on my Takahashi FSQ 106 and it works very well.
I would suggest you just move forward into an Autofocus system and be done with it.
if your very fussy with a Bhatnov mask you can actually get pretty dam close. Close enough to get good results.
using HFD is worth a go, but the HFD numbers will vary with seeing, so you might not get the greatest accuracy with that method.
for the tightest accuracy I believe that you HAVE to use an autofocus routine, on whatever software you like to use.
I use EKOS because I am imaging with MAC control, and it works very well. Autofocusers are not too expensive.
I have a $200 ZWO focus motor on my Takahashi FSQ 106 and it works very well.
I would suggest you just move forward into an Autofocus system and be done with it.
Tony Gondola:
I have yet to incorporate auto-focus … but I wonder if there's a better software based solution?
Yes - install an EAF. Works like magic and achieves smaller FWHM than I ever could manually with masks.
I use one on both of my scopes now, controlled by ASIAir.
you can use NINA if you’re wedded to PC software and want to tinker.
Agree with above. But, if you really want to try a stand alone software solution you can look at CCD inspector (CCDware.com) which features a "fwhm monitor". With that you can manually focus, take images and see the results in real time. The software is ancient, like 20 years old, but it still works. Not sure if you still have to pay for it or not but you can trial it for free.
You can find it here: https://ccdware.com/ccdinspector_overview/
HTH
Dave
You can find it here: https://ccdware.com/ccdinspector_overview/
HTH
Dave
Thanks all for the responses. I'm convinced, I have an EAF on the way.