This may be beyond the mission of SGP, but I thought I would bring it up.
The quest: When I wish to image and measure a number of variables such as Mira-class long period variables in several filters (photometric BVI for example), I cannot predict the optimal integration time. For example, a Mira-class variable might be V = 10th magnitude but Ic = 6th magnitude. In the past, using SkyX, I simply slewed to the target, selected filters, did some preliminary exposures and then took my images, saving them to disk.
I am trying to figure out a way to do this in SGP. Using the focus star routine? Create a sequence with a single target that would allow me to slew to the target but not immediately begin imaging? Pause after slewing to allow me to explore integration times with fame and focus? (I can imagine a single 30 Second exposure, pausing and then using frame and focus to go through the filters before modifying the sequence.) Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I know that SGP is primarily for AP, I may be asking too much.
If I’ve understood you correctly, you can certainly do exactly what you are seeking. You don’t have to click ‘Run Sequence’ there are other options to centre your mount on a chosen target giving you time to do whatever you wish.
When you have created a target within a sequence, eg from the Framing & Mosaic wizard or from AstroBin, you simply select to slew to the target co-ordinates or slew and centre to the target co-ordinates (which will invoke the plate solving routine to within your specified tolerance). You do this by right cicking on the settings of the target within the sequence window and choosing from the options.
These options are all described in detail in the help files and manual.
I just take some test shots through the different filters to get the exposure times I want to take photometric observations. I usually just set up a sequence for a star with the different filters. Start an exposure and have it pause to see if I need to adjust the exposure up or down. Then take several at that exposure before proceeding to the next filter. Defeats using a lot of the automation built in to SQP, but I do also use it for deep sky images. I’m a relative newbie on variable stars, so if there is a better way…