I’m a potential buyer. I have previously had Rainbow and Pegasus mounts. In both cases, they use a common guide rate for both axes and, in both cases, the RMS DEC tracking error is often higher than the RA’s. In both cases too, lowering the guide rate improves the DEC tracking error significantly, but the RA error increases. The ideal situation is to use a medium/high rate on RA and a low rate on DEC.
I notice from the lazy geek YouTube videos’ shared PHD screenshots that the WD20 also has similar or larger DEC tracking error.
So - my question is - can you set independent guide rates (as permitted by ASCOM standard) or, if not, is it on the roadmap?
thanks!!
Hi Buzz,
Technically, it’s not currently available for setting independent guiding rate for both axis.
As normally DEC axis not working in most times of operation. most DEC error caused by calibration issues. so this should not be a significantly error. maybe better to double check the calibration.
Thanks.
WarpAstron Support
Thanks for the reply. I’m an experienced imager. This is not a calibration issue, as one can simply improve the performance with a change in guide rate and re-calibrate.
Consider the mechanical dynamics. The RA is always moving in the same direction but the DEC, with the high torque of the motor, is kicked from stationary or back and forth, imparting high forces to the system. The more energy you impart to a mechanical system, the more it will vibrate or oscillate.
A low aggression setting and avoid switching help, but the best course of action is to minimise changes in DEC momentum.
Regards
Chris
www.digitalastrophotography.co.uk
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