BIG Dob PHD2 Alt Az Guide settings

[Wes Smith]

I have searched for PHD2 settings that would suit my SDM pimped 20" F5 Obsession Classic guided by Servocat however I have only found settings for an Alt Az Panther Mount

which is very different characteristics .I have previously applied their settings which gave L shaped stars. I presume that PEC is absent in my mount or eclipsed by  Stickion .  As the mount runs Teflon Pads on Glass board there is an initial high force (Stickion) required to get the mount moving .Once it is moving the force drops off dramatically.In lock mode tit will guide on a deep sky object  for hours! The motion is silky smooth when guided by hand but PHD2 has  obvious issues. So my question to the community is..Is there settings  or planned development  of the software to accommodate the unique criteria  of a small by growing sub community of Big dob imagers using Servocat (or similar)_ mounts for Astrophotography? I know it's not what the software was designed to do by aren't we an innovative lot? :) 😊👍 I sure would appreciate  it!

Cheers Wes

[Andy Galasso]

Wes,

Imaging with an alt-az mount is going to be very difficult due to field rotation.  See here for an explanation and some tips: https://calgary.rasc.ca/field_rotation.htm

If you are not deterred by that and are willing to limit your imaging to shooting to low to the horizon pointing East or West only, then PHD2 will work under those conditions.

Andy

[Wes Smith]

Thanks Andy .

 i continue to be undeterred until i find the right AP EQ platform  ( Southern Low latitude ).  With my current goal of matching  or better the visual experience! Here's on  of my better ... a standard candle.

https://astrob.in/5n19l3/0/

Cheers