Using Protrack; Minimum Requirements For Protrack; Getting Started With Protrack - Software Bisque Paramount ME User Manual

Paramount ME User's Guide

Using ProTrack™

The Paramount ME incorporates the world-renowned TPoint "pointing kernel." This
technology (which is used on the 8-meter Gemini telescopes) gives Paramount ME owners
the ability to perform professional-quality tracking. That is, TPoint uses the telescope
modeling data that makes the telescope point better to also make the mount track better.

Minimum Requirements for ProTrack

ProTrack requires the following minimum hardware and software to improve tracking:
1. A Paramount ME, Paramount GT-1100S or other telescope that employs the MKS
controller firmware version 1.1.45 or later (the firmware update is supplied with the
TheSky6 Professional Edition update).
2. TheSky6 Professional Edition version 6.0.0.27 or later.
3. TPoint for Windows version 1.00.505 or later (
4. A fixed telescope mirror. Mirror flop makes high-accuracy tracking nearly
impossible.
5. A "good" set of TPoint modeling data (200 stars or more recommended).

Getting Started with ProTrack

Superb modeled telescope pointing is required for superb modeled telescope tracking.
That is, you must first generate a TPoint model with a sufficient number of modeling data
points prior to engaging ProTrack.
Here are the keys to getting good ProTrack results:

Use a high-density TPoint model.

Obtain an accurate and precise mapping data set.

Make sure to cleanup and discard bad points in the TPoint model.

Verify the selection of TPoint modeling terms (correct terms; terms that add real
improvements; study the TPoint documentation and meaning of each term).

Evaluate the TPoint terms based on your actual pointing results.
Here are some general guidelines for getting the most out of TPoint, the Paramount ME,
and ProTrack:

Once you have your desired accuracy in polar alignment, make a high-density
TPoint model. Experience suggests that about 250 points is the baseline for high
accuracy with ProTrack. The weight, lever arm, off-center components, mirror
movement, and other factors in your system will dictate what you can actually
achieve. The points for the model need to be set with the highest accuracy you
can muster. Use your regular camera, not a video camera, for high-density,
high-precision modeling.

Next step is to add terms to your model. TPoint automatically adds the first six
terms for you. Unless you have a demonstrated reason to remove them, keep
them. Here is a list of the automatic terms:

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IH - Index error in RA
ID - Index error in Dec
NP - Non-perpendicularity in RA/Dec
CH - Non-perpendicularity of the OTA in Dec
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