Resolved STL autoguider issue

Hi Alan,
Sorry to hear this. Anyway, it might have been better to start a new thread, but let's get to it.
Let's start with the basics:

Give us a list of everything in your setup -
Software: e.g. MaxIm 6.20, PWI 4.02, ASCOM 6.4SP1, SBIG Driver Checker 4.05?
Hardware: e.g. STL-6303e with internal guide sensor, FW8-STL, AO-L, PW Rotator/Focuser, L-500 mount, CDK 20, ASCOM Direct Guide (not an ST-4 cable), latest firmware downloaded for the STL and guider (if a separate camera).
or whatever it is you have - eg separate guide camera, or remote guide head and a MOAG, etc.

Can you zip up your MaxIm Settings folder (under your Documents\) and use the Upload a File button to the lower right to attach them to your response?

Also, upload a copy of the Log Window - with Debug turned on
And the tracking log - from Options... Tracking Log

If you have an AO-L in the mix, have you tried Calibrating with the AO-L off ?
Because the STL is a USB1.1 camera, and a bit slow to digitize and download, am wondering if there is a cadence issue where the camera is busy.

 

Moved this to a new thread.

From http://www.diffractionlimited.com/help/maximdl/Camera-Specific_Error_Codes.htm

-11 - A camera with self-guiding capability (e.g. AO) is busy and cannot execute current command

Sounds like a configuration problem.

Make sure you have Dual Chip mode turned on in the Setup tab.

Please ZIP your settings (Documents\MaxIm DL 6\Settings) and upload it here.

 

You do not need to recalibrate the AO itself, just the drive (drive tab).

 

What version of MaxIm DL are you running?

 

I asked hin for the list of versions etc., , but he didn't respond.

 

Is it possible to remote into your system to do some testing? This could be on your desk; doesn't have to be on the telescope.

 

I think we just figured it out.

Make sure you aren't using the AO plug-in (SBIG w/AO) if you are doing "ordinary" autoguiding. It won't work. You need to use SBIG Universal for that.

 

Okay then, that's definitely the problem.

If you're using the Guide Tab, switch to SBIG Universal for now.

When you want to use the AO later on, switch back to SBIG w/AO.

I don't know about the PlaneWave stuff, but V6.18 is very close to current. I can't imagine there would be any incompatibility. The changes from V6.18 to V6.20 mostly relate to the Observing Conditions ASCOM interface.

 

If you don't rotate the camera in the eyepiece holder then you shouldn't need to recalibrate anything.

You never need to recalibrate the AO unless you unbolt it from the camera. If you rotate the camera assembly relative to the telescope then you have to recalibrate the AO drive bumps, but not the AO itself.