TheSkySearchers

Hello All,

I'm getting a little tired of lying on my driveway and stretching my neck to align, so i'm diving into the world of platesolving.

I downloaded APT, PS2 and ASPS as well as the relevant catalogues. After taking an image with the 'shoot' button, selecting the star I want and clicking solve, I get 'Runtime error 11'. 'Division by zero'.

I can't find anything online to help, so I have come to the wizards.

Please let me know if you have had similar or know the cause.

Cheers

John

Hi John,

I have only been using APT for about six months, so hopefully someone with more experience will come along.

Usually, I start off by selecting Pointcraft and then I pick my target in the GOTO++ section (Objects). I then click the GOTO++ button. The scope moves to where it thinks the target is, snaps an exposure for the time/iso specified in the Pointcraft Settings (I use 3/3200 for my Nikon), then blind solves, adjusts the scope if off, then repeats exposure/solve until the target is centered.

When I load an image from the image tab (to display on the main window) or shoot an image the way you describe, I select Pointcraft, then click Blind. I always use blind because it works very well for me and is usually a >30 second solve.

If you are using Blind plate solving (asps) for a loaded or one you just shot, that should be all that you need to do.
If you are using near solving (ps2) then you must have an approximate RA/DEC position.

Sorry, if I am telling you what you already know. If all else fails, the APT forum is fantastic.

Thanks,
Jim

Cheers Jim,

I'm fairly certain I have all that happening, though I have been adding my object in the top box of the point craft screen, as per a tutorial I have watching. I'll try it in the GoTo++ box and see if that helps.

Cheers mate

And thanks for the tip on the APT forum. I'll check it out.

Cheers

Hi John,

Best of luck. APT platesolving is definitely worth any amount of time it takes to work it out. APT is great software with excellent technical support. Many of us on the forum use it.

Keep us posted!

Thanks,
Jim

Thanks Jim, I will do that.

I am certain it will be worth it.

Cheers

What is APT?

I use Astrotortilla. It's free and open source. I use my polemaster first to align the North Celestial Pole and then I plate solve with Astrotortilla every time I switch to a new object. Since I got the Polemaster, plate solving has had little to do... I'm mostly spot on or just a very minor bit of slewing to center the object of my desire - well ok, just some heavenly object, well... you know what I mean.

JeffBevan wrote: ↑Sat Dec 14, 2019 5:27 pmWhat is APT?

Astrophotography Tool - https://ideiki.com/astro/Default.aspx

APT is the least expensive image acquisition software (other than free!), thereby making it the best value for the dollar. The current price to purchase this powerhouse title is $20.80. That's less than a case of good beer!

Cheers,
JT

Thanks for the help Jim, but no luck this time.
I've added the topic to the APT forum, so hopefully a solution will arise.

Cheers
John

You will get help from the forum.

Once I got the exposure time worked out (3 seconds at iso 3200), blind solving works every time for me. I’m sure that you will get help and it will definitely be worth the time.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Jim

Hi Jim and all,

Sorry for the slow reply.

So I was provided the solution on the APT forum. I had a corrupt .ini file.
Deleted it and restarted PS2, entered my values again and it worked like a dream.
Very impressed!

I have however just purchased a ZWO ASI1600 and all the filters etc to go with.
Hopefully all will work well again.

Thanks for the help guys and hopefully this post will save someone a few strands of hair.

Cheers