AcquireStar will identify and acquire a target star for autofocus that meets user defined requirements. This feature requires the either:
TheSkyX Image Link with the latest 'All Sky Database' installed from Software Bisque
Full version of PinPoint - AcquireStar will not work with PinPoint LE bundled with MaxIm V4 or higher
Astronomers are using AcquireStar with automated telescopes to perform periodic focus to assure that images are perfectly focused during the night.
AcquireStar can be operated manually by a push of a button or through automation with a script.
Acquire star can be configured to:
take short exposure and plate solve current telescope position using PonPoint or TheSkyX Image Link technologies.
initiate a search in a star catalog to identify stars that meet the user defined magnitude range
identified stars will be screened for side of meridian to prevent telescope flip and min slew altitude
slew the telescope to the first target star in the list
take a short exposure and plate solve current telescope position
teak telescope pointing to center target star
initiate autofocus routine
perform a return slew to original position
take a short exposure and plate solve current telescope position
teak telescope pointing to met user defined allowable pointing error