Asking Guidance on Sequence Generator Pro Optimisation for Astrophotography

General
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Hello Everyone :hugs:,

I have recently begun utilising Sequence Generators Pro (SGPro) during my imaging sessions, as I am somewhat new to astrophotography. Although its features and capabilities have amazed me, I believe I still have a lot to learn in order to completely optimise my setup. I’m contacting you to ask for tips from seasoned users on how to make the most out of SGPro in order to improve the quality of my astrophotography.

I would like some advice in the following specific areas and with the following questions:

Setup and Integration of Equipment: I am now using a ZWO ASI1600MM Pro camera mounted on the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro mount. Are there any SGPro integrations or settings that I ought to be vigilant about in order to guarantee this equipment operates smoothly?

Auto-Focusing: I’ve read about the auto-focusing features of SGPro, but I’m not sure how to use it properly. How should auto-focus be configured, as well as how can I make sure it takes consistently sharp pictures all night long?

Imaging sequence planning & execution: The capability of planning and automating imaging sequences is one of the characteristics that appeals to me the most. Is there a way to efficiently organise a sequence of events such as choosing a target, framing it, and timing the exposures?

Dithering & Guiding: I guide with PHD2, and I’ve learnt that dithering can greatly enhance the quality of the image. What settings complement PHD2 the best in terms of dithering configuration in SGPro?

Plate Solving: Plate solving has presented some difficulties for me, especially when it comes to coming up with a workable solution the first time. Do you have any recommendations for any particular plate-solving tool or setting that yield dependable and quick results?

Finally, any guidance on image calibrating (dark frames, bias structures, power bi career opportunities, and flat frames) and the first stages of SGPro processing would be much valued.

I’m excited to learn more and hone my astrophotography abilities, and I think this community’s combined knowledge will be quite helpful.

I appreciate you providing any materials, advise, or ideas in advance!

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As you have noted, SGPro is an extremely powerful tool, but it may take some time to tune it to your rig.

I highly recommend that you take a look at two resources before diving straight in:

Are you using EQMOD? That can have some complexity to it.

You’ll need to do two things to use AutoFocus:

  1. Tune autofocus for your rig (including backlash compensation).
  2. Establish a set of “triggers” that define when AF should run

Lots of info here: Understanding Auto Focus

There are a lot of options here and there is likely one that will be preferrable to your preferred workflow.

For choosing a Target:

  • Figure out “what’s up”. Lots of resources for this (not in SGPro)
  • For a target, find an image you like in Telescopius, Astrobin or Flickr and import it directly into SGPro, set your image events and start.
  • Use the Mosaic and Framing wizard (even for single frame images) to search for a target, see it rendered, see how your specific field of view overlays it and then rotate to your specification. Click a button to export it as a sequence, define your events and start.
  • Several others too

For exposure timing, I’m afraid there is no magic formula here. It will depend on:

  • The target itself (type of DSO)
  • Broadband / narrowband filter
  • Camera sensitivity (gain and offset)
  • Ambient light present
  • Sometimes geographical and target altitude.

It’s a hard question to answer in generalities, but if you have specific follow-ups, we’re happy to help.

This is difficult to answer. Your PHD2 settings are highly custom and will vary wildly depending on gear and I’m not wholly sure of what you are trying to answer. Are you able to be more specific here? Are you concerned with anything specifically?

In terms of general advice:

  • Choose a plate solvers that fit your needs (it is often best to use multiple solvers for the best resilience during a sequence):
    • The best paid solver and the one we recommend is Pinpoint by DC3.
    • The best free plate solvers are ASTAP and PlateSolve3
    • Download catalogs for these solvers
    • Choose to set up at least one blind solver (as the last line of defense for recovering a sequence… often required after an automated meridian flip).
    • We recommend setting up ANSVR local on your machine and, if you have an internet connection, check the Astrometry.NET box.

Setting up multiple solvers accompanied by at least one blind solver will yield extremely reliable results.

In terms of specific advice, what is it that is giving you difficulty?