Which program do you use for controlling your astrophotography equipment?

Topic starter

Apr 15, 2022

That's the question (no I'm not Shakespeare :happy-1

. Let's do a poll to know more or less how you mates control your astrophotography equipment. Me first (I'm not model of anything). I use N.I.N.A (Nighttime Imaging 'N' Astronomy) since the very first uses of my EQ6-R Pro mount. I think I used the handcontroler once or twice but no more. Then step by step I used it with the DSLR and guiding camera…

I love the solving plate centering in the point you want, the atlas, the framing assistant, the sequencer…

I'm still a learner and maybe the most annoying for mi was to configure it the first time, especially ASCOM but nothing insurmountable.

And what about you?

Thanks for participate ;)

Engaging

Wim van Berlo

Apr 16, 2022

Other: Ekos/Kstars on a Raspbery Pi

Ruediger

Apr 16, 2022

Hi Daniel,

I think it is not so easy to answer your poll. You ask only for one program, but many of use not only one. E.g. I use 6 programs simultaneously to control the gear. NINA is one part of it, but some more needed: e.g. MountWizard, UPB, environment sensors, focuser tools, PWI, ASTAP, …

CS
Rüdiger

Concise

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Apr 16, 2022

I use none on mine main rig. NINA on the 2nd rig and APT on the 3rd rig but only to control the DSLR. I'd happier if I didn't have to use any. Plastesolving is a kludge and it doesn't even work that well.

Daniel Arenas

Topic starter

Apr 16, 2022

Ruediger:
Hi Daniel,

I think it is not so easy to answer your poll. You ask only for one program, but many of use not only one. E.g. I use 6 programs simultaneously to control the gear. NINA is one part of it, but some more needed: e.g. MountWizard, UPB, environment sensors, focuser tools, PWI, ASTAP, …

CS
Rüdiger

Hi @Ruediger

But all of those programs (or almost all) are integrated with NINA. For example solving plates are done with ASTAP, guiding is done with PTGui, the focusers are controllerd directly with NINA… (you shoul have installed ASTAP and PD2Guiding previously).

I don’t know what Mountwizard is. I suppose it’s a mount controller and NINA controls my mount directly. And i’ve no idea of what PWI is

Kind regards 😉

Daniel

Ruediger

Apr 16, 2022 · Edited: Apr 16, 2022

andrea tasselli:

I have made complete different experience. I cannot not complain about ASTAP. The last couple of years I had only a handful images from any of my scopes not solving. If it fails, it is either wrong settings in ASTAP itself or too poor image quality. E.g. Star elongation is such a „killer“ since stars get interpreted as galaxies. But again: not ASTAP‘s fault.

Stefano Ciapetti

Apr 16, 2022

Other: Astroart

Ruediger

Apr 16, 2022 · Edited: Apr 16, 2022

Daniel Arenas:
Ruediger:
Hi Daniel,

I think it is not so easy to answer your poll. You ask only for one program, but many of use not only one. E.g. I use 6 programs simultaneously to control the gear. NINA is one part of it, but some more needed: e.g. MountWizard, UPB, environment sensors, focuser tools, PWI, ASTAP, …

CS
Rüdiger

Hi @Ruediger

But all of those programs (or almost all) are integrated with NINA. For example solving plates are done with ASTAP, guiding is done with PTGui, the focusers are controllerd directly with NINA… (you shoul have installed ASTAP and PD2Guiding previously).

I don’t know what Mountwizard is. I suppose it’s a mount controller and NINA controls my mount directly. And i’ve no idea of what PWI is

Kind regards 😉

Daniel

Hi Daniel,

Let me explain:

ASTAP ist not part of NINA. NINA makes use of its command line option. So ASTAP is a separate tool.
PWI: these are tools from PlaneWave to control heating, fans and focusing.
Focuser: NINA can control focus moves, but not more. E.g. the SW from Baader has much more functions, than only moving the focuser. E.g. temperature compensation and heating.
UPB: NINA can control switches and USB ports, but not log data.
MountWizard: used for satellite tracking, updating important mount parameters e.g. nutation. Control basic functions of the mount. E.g. model
Environment: measure and log temp, humidity and air pressure which are continuously transferred to mount for internal refraction calculation.

NINA can do a lot, but only basics. Moreover some tools have to be started so that NINA can use them. The work as an ASCOM server for example PWI, Baader SW.

BTW: I have forgotten to list Stellarium and SkySafari to control scope.

Helpful

Lamplighter05

Apr 16, 2022

Indigo/Indi Mac based PC or via mobile apps Skysafari Pro linked through Synscan Pro.

Daniel Arenas

Topic starter

Apr 16, 2022

Ruediger:
Hi Daniel,

Let me explain:

ASTAP ist not part of NINA. NINA makes use of its command line option. So ASTAP is a separate tool.
PWI: these are tools from PlaneWave to control heating, fans and focusing.
Focuser: NINA can control focus moves, but not more. E.g. the SW from Baader has much more functions, than only moving the focuser. E.g. temperature compensation and heating.
UPB: NINA can control switches and USB ports, but not log data.
MountWizard: used for satellite tracking, updating important mount parameters e.g. nutation. Control basic functions of the mount. E.g. model
Environment: measure and log temp, humidity and air pressure which are continuously transferred to mount for internal refraction calculation.

NINA can do a lot, but only basics. Moreover some tools have to be started so that NINA can use them. The work as an ASCOM server for example PWI, Baader SW.

BTW: I have forgotten to list Stellarium and SkySafari to control scope.

Hi @Ruediger I totally agree with you.

NINA is just an interface no to use every single program on it's own but need to have those programs opened (NINA doesn't open them for you, that a big issue to solve in my opinion).
My knowledge about NINA is in a basic level. I just control de movement of the mount and use ASTAP and PHD2 to plate solving and do a good guiding. No heat controller, not autofocuser yet, not dedicated camera till june or july (I have the ASI 2600 MC Pro in mind).

I don't know if other programs like ASIAIR plus or SGPro do better than NINA. I think that ASIAIR is more limited than NINA ( I haven't proof it) and SGPro is a payment subscription program.

Maybe anyone ho uses ASIAIR and SGPro can tell their experience with them.

So @Ruediger if I'm not wrong you control your equipement with all those programs in a separate way (each one with its own interface).

Many thanks for sharing your knowledge

Fritz

Apr 16, 2022

I am using mainly KStars/Ekos on Astroberry. I do my AP mobile, so the low power consumption of the Raspberry is a real advantage for me.

CS
Fritz

Ruediger

Apr 16, 2022

Daniel Arenas:
Ruediger:
Hi Daniel,

Let me explain:

ASTAP ist not part of NINA. NINA makes use of its command line option. So ASTAP is a separate tool.
PWI: these are tools from PlaneWave to control heating, fans and focusing.
Focuser: NINA can control focus moves, but not more. E.g. the SW from Baader has much more functions, than only moving the focuser. E.g. temperature compensation and heating.
UPB: NINA can control switches and USB ports, but not log data.
MountWizard: used for satellite tracking, updating important mount parameters e.g. nutation. Control basic functions of the mount. E.g. model
Environment: measure and log temp, humidity and air pressure which are continuously transferred to mount for internal refraction calculation.

NINA can do a lot, but only basics. Moreover some tools have to be started so that NINA can use them. The work as an ASCOM server for example PWI, Baader SW.

BTW: I have forgotten to list Stellarium and SkySafari to control scope.

Hi @Ruediger I totally agree with you.

NINA is just an interface no to use every single program on it's own but need to have those programs opened (NINA doesn't open them for you, that a big issue to solve in my opinion).
My knowledge about NINA is in a basic level. I just control de movement of the mount and use ASTAP and PHD2 to plate solving and do a good guiding. No heat controller, not autofocuser yet, not dedicated camera till june or july (I have the ASI 2600 MC Pro in mind).

I don't know if other programs like ASIAIR plus or SGPro do better than NINA. I think that ASIAIR is more limited than NINA ( I haven't proof it) and SGPro is a payment subscription program.

Maybe anyone ho uses ASIAIR and SGPro can tell their experience with them.

So @Ruediger if I'm not wrong you control your equipement with all those programs in a separate way (each one with its own interface).

Many thanks for sharing your knowledge

Hi Daniel,

it is not so easy just opening them. There is some adjustments to be done for each imaging session.

There are plugins in NINA which do start PWI automatically or handle the 10Micron mount, but they are very basic. Beyond starting them it needs some fine adjustments for every night. When everything is adjusted and swung in, I can leave NINA alone to manage the imaging session. I have these programs open on a dedicated virtual desktop. I have added a small screenshot to make clear how it looks like.

Since you were asking what programs "are you using to control you equipment" I gave this answer. If you were asking what imaging software you use: its NINA.

But also keep in mind: This will vary from setup to setup. For a fast mobile setup AISAIR, or NINA alone are completely sufficient. For visual you need the hand pad only. For a stationary setup with a large scope it is much different again. Also keep in mind that APs who use a dome may have again additional tools in place. So your question is very unique to every AP and setup.

I do this like in my tool box: I have dedicated tools for every dedicated purpose. A one-fits-all tool is smart and needs only little space, but often does not fit perfectly. But this is also a personal preference.

CS
Rüdiger

Helpful

Ernst Hanninger

Apr 16, 2022

Others: I'm using Lacerta Mgen 2 Guider
CS Ernst

AirBourn

Apr 16, 2022

I use KStars/Ekos on an onboard Ubuntu 20.04 mini computer.

Eddie Bagwell

Apr 16, 2022

I use Stellarium for mount control, ASTAP for plate solving and SharpCap Pro for acquisition.

Well Written

Benny Colyn

Apr 16, 2022

I'd have to click SGP, it's what I still use every session (v 3.1) but I really want to switch to NINA.

Just a couple more minor issues that I need to work out and/or NINA needs to offer and then I can ditch SGP.

jjpoole741

Apr 16, 2022

I am new to the hobby and use N.I.N.A, PHD2, and CPWI. I tried KSTARs on my mac while my Win10 PC was in the shop, and I thought it was terrible - especially after having used N.I.N.A. from the start. N.I.N.A. just works so well, is extremely intuitive, and all of the programs easily integrate with it.

Well Written

Kevin Morefield

IOTD Staff

Apr 16, 2022

Voyager

vercastro

Apr 16, 2022 · Edited: Apr 16, 2022

Ruediger:
Hi Daniel,

Let me explain:

ASTAP ist not part of NINA. NINA makes use of its command line option. So ASTAP is a separate tool.
PWI: these are tools from PlaneWave to control heating, fans and focusing.
Focuser: NINA can control focus moves, but not more. E.g. the SW from Baader has much more functions, than only moving the focuser. E.g. temperature compensation and heating.
UPB: NINA can control switches and USB ports, but not log data.
MountWizard: used for satellite tracking, updating important mount parameters e.g. nutation. Control basic functions of the mount. E.g. model
Environment: measure and log temp, humidity and air pressure which are continuously transferred to mount for internal refraction calculation.

NINA can do a lot, but only basics. Moreover some tools have to be started so that NINA can use them. The work as an ASCOM server for example PWI, Baader SW.

BTW: I have forgotten to list Stellarium and SkySafari to control scope.

This is pedantic. For the vast majority of people NINA controls all of these things for you (and more everyday). We understand practically that what OP means isn't "name every program you could possibly use" but instead which is used as the main control panel.

For most of those with at least semi permanent setups, all that's required is to open NINA, click the button to connect all your devices, and start your sequence. NINA opens all the mount control software, PHD2, etc. in the background for you.

Well Written Insightful Concise

Scott Lockwood

Apr 16, 2022

For me-MAXIM DL
Does it all

Ruediger

Apr 16, 2022 · Edited: Apr 16, 2022

Ruediger:
Hi Daniel,

Let me explain:

ASTAP ist not part of NINA. NINA makes use of its command line option. So ASTAP is a separate tool.
PWI: these are tools from PlaneWave to control heating, fans and focusing.
Focuser: NINA can control focus moves, but not more. E.g. the SW from Baader has much more functions, than only moving the focuser. E.g. temperature compensation and heating.
UPB: NINA can control switches and USB ports, but not log data.
MountWizard: used for satellite tracking, updating important mount parameters e.g. nutation. Control basic functions of the mount. E.g. model
Environment: measure and log temp, humidity and air pressure which are continuously transferred to mount for internal refraction calculation.

NINA can do a lot, but only basics. Moreover some tools have to be started so that NINA can use them. The work as an ASCOM server for example PWI, Baader SW.

BTW: I have forgotten to list Stellarium and SkySafari to control scope.

This is pedantic. For the vast majority of people NINA controls all of these things for you (and more everyday). We understand practically that what OP means isn't "name every program you could possibly use" but instead which is used as the main control panel.

For most of those with at least semi permanent setups, all that's required is to open NINA, click the button to connect all your devices, and start your sequence. NINA opens all the mount control software, PHD2, etc. in the background for you.

Hello vercastro,

Hm, it seams I have missed some crucial NINA functions you have found: Can you help me please? Can you please show me how to read the main mirror temperature from a Planewave and based on the value run a fan or heating curve?

For all these operation you need either the PA UPB SW or the PWI software. There is no function in NINA doing that. There is even not a API for all required functions.

Also it looks to me, your are not very familiar with big reflectors. For the PWI CDKs 2,5 degree of the M1 over air temp causes so much turbulences that all stars are distorted and the images are useless. The other way round, when it is too cold you collect water in the back cell. Already had a service case since water was collecting behind the mirror.
We have multiple CDK 14 in use here and all need the same procedures. This is not pedantic, this is vital to get any images. You may also compare similar setups here and many use multiple programs to control all their hardware.

Moreover the OP poster did neither specify the target group for the poll, nor the use case. So why do your restrict it? I have already differentiated that point in one of my posts above. I also the different preferences and needs of different setups. Hence this might look pedantic from your point of view and your use case(s), but more complex and sophisticated setups need are a more complex SW environment too. Things get much quicker complex than you expect when the toys get bigger.

CS
Rüdiger

Insightful

Andy Wray

Apr 16, 2022

andrea tasselli:
Plastesolving is a kludge and it doesn't even work that well.

Why do you say this? Platesolving is a great way of aligning your scope to previous sessions so that you can capture more data from a particular target. What problems do you have with it as I can see no downsides?

Engaging

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Apr 16, 2022

First and foremost: where is the fun of it if the computers do everything for you? And what it fails? Happened a couple of times to me personally, of about 10 times I've used NINA where the target wasn't framed properly. Now, imagine that unattended. And if you think profesional-grade hardware and software wouldn't miss then you'd be wrong. So far it happened 3 times.

vercastro

Apr 16, 2022 · Edited: Apr 16, 2022

andrea tasselli:
First and foremost: where is the fun of it if the computers do everything for you? And what it fails? Happened a couple of times to me personally, of about 10 times I've used NINA where the target wasn't framed properly. Now, imagine that unattended. And if you think profesional-grade hardware and software wouldn't miss then you'd be wrong. So far it happened 3 times.

There are likely other factors at play here. I run NINA all night well I'm sleeping. I know dozens of others that do the same. The only time it fails plate solve is if there are clouds, and it has a feature to try again when the clouds pass.

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Apr 16, 2022

It is not that it failed to plate-solve. It framed the subject incorrectly, half in half out. Twice. I still have to discover how to avoid it start imaging immediately after acquiring the target but there you go…

Which program do you use in order to control your astrophotography equipment?