How To Set Up Automeridian Flip in ASIAir

 

V1.5.3

With the introduction of ASIAir version 1.4, a new feature is available called Automeridian Flip often referred to as AMF.  During an imaging sequence using autorun, the mount will now automatically flip the telescope to the other side of the mount once the target has crossed the meridian. In addition this function is available even when using SkySafari to goto and frame the target image.

Under mount settings there is a setting to control the Center Exposure TIme (1s-10s). For most setups the exposure time can be set from 1s-3s. However, if you are using narrow band filters you should set this to 10s to ensure enough stars are recorded to allow the system to plate solve the image before and after the flip.

Automeridian Flip is currently only available when imaging a sequence using Autorun. The autorun page now displays how long it will be before the meridian flip will take effect. When the target reaches the meridian, autorun will pause imaging and tracking will stop. The amount of time it waits for this to happen is based on a couple of settings and the programmed autorun exposure currently being executed.

The first setting is “Stop tracking x min before Meridian”.  This is useful to stop everything to prevent your scope or camera from hitting your pier or tripod.  The second option, “Do AMF x min after Meridian”, is similar but controls the time to do the AMF after the target crosses the meridian.  Again, this is to prevent the equipment from hitting the pier or tripod on the other side.

The last option, “Recalibrate Guiding after AMF”, will clear the guide calibration data and start the guide calibration sequence.  This is sometimes needed for mounts with backlash that differs after AMF.  The recalibration ensures backlash is measured and added to the correction pulses to improve guide response.

Once the flip has completed, the goto will be plate solved and adjusted to recenter the target precisely to where it was prior to the flip. The image will however be inverted. At this point guiding will autoselect a guide star, flip the guide calibration data or recalibrate if selected, and begin guiding. The imaging sequence will then resume.

Automeridian flip further enhances the ASIAir to minimize the interaction needed to complete an imaging sequence.