Night Filters

[drjerry@calldrjerry.com]

Brand new beginner here with no experience with SkyTools. When I click the Night Filters box, the object list disappears. I've tried changing all the filters, but nothing brings back any objects.

[theskyhound]

Hello,

Something is definitely broken, most likely with your imaging system. I mean... the image sizes are all zero. I've never seen that one before.

The first thing to do is to replace the "No Filter" filter. There has been problems with that filter from the beginning, and its proven very difficult to eradicate in later versions. Its fixed for most people, but it can still sometimes cause trouble. So please go into your imaging system, remove the "No Filter" filter and replace it with the "Clear Filter" instead. You may have to delete any imaging projects you created first.

After doing this, open the Target Selection tool and re-select your imaging system. Close SkyTools. Restart and on the Target Selection tool, change the date for good measure. We want to be absolutely certain no effects of the bad filter persist.

You should see the filter listed at the top in the menu that is now blank. The sizes of the objects should also now be non-zero. If not, let me know.

[drjerry@calldrjerry.com]

When I go to the Imaging System, the camera is missing. When I add it in, including the Clear filter, save the configuration and return to the main screen, the filter section just says Auto Filter. Upon returning to the Imaging System page, the camera is missing again.

---

I tried reinstalling and reconfiguring the program. The filter issue is fixed, but I can't change my location. I created my location and it shows in the setup menu, but on the main screen the bar is not selectable, so I can't change it from Mesa Redonda. Also, even on Mesa Redonda when I tick the Night Filters box, I get zero results.

[drjerry@calldrjerry.com]

Fixed the location issue. The Night Filters issue is still there.
When I don't have the Night Filters box ticked and I double click on any object, it says never rises, too bright or lack right filters. In the filters box, Auto is the default. The only thing in the drop-down is Gain HCG. That is similar to the Gain settings I put in for my camera.

[drjerry@calldrjerry.com]

Okay. I wiped the computer of all things SkyTools and reinstalled everything. I now have Image Sizes. But . . . the Night filter still returns no objects. On the main screen with the Night Filter box unchecked, all objects show 0 sec for exposure. I hope these clues help.

---

FYI if I leave the Night Filter box unchecked and tick the Prime Time of Year filter box, it also returns no objects.

---

I'm still getting the Gain HCG in the filter section of the Smart Project Builder.

[theskyhound]

You jumped way ahead there. I can't tell what the sate of things is anymore.

We need to go back to basics. Please tell me the version of SkyTools you are running. I need to know if its been updated. Please also tell me what anti-virus you are using. There have been some case where anti-virus software completely broke SkyTools by blocking its access to necessary files.

Unfortunately I can't say much of anything about why objects may or may not appear without knowing the specifics. I need a screen capture to be able to say anything. I mean, it could be just full moon, right? Or a million other things.

[drjerry@calldrjerry.com]

You jumped way ahead there. I can't tell what the sate of things is anymore.

We need to go back to basics. Please tell me the version of SkyTools you are running. I need to know if its been updated. Please also tell me what anti-virus you are using. There have been some case where anti-virus software completely broke SkyTools by blocking its access to necessary files.

Unfortunately I can't say much of anything about why objects may or may not appear without knowing the specifics. I need a screen capture to be able to say anything. I mean, it could be just full moon, right? Or a million other things.

Sorry about that. I'm using Version 4.0.11.14. I'm using Windows anti-virus.

[PMSchu]

Hi drjerry,

What happens if you select one of the telescopes that comes with SkyTools and use the MesaRedonda location? How does that behave? How about using a Target List with some brighter objects? Do you have the Messier list in the Default List folder or maybe the Sun, Moon, Planets List?

As a new user it might be better to start with a list with easier objects rather than the Arp Galaxy List to get a feel for how the software works.

Hope this helps,

Phil S.

[theskyhound]

Hello,

Assuming that the No Filter filter is no longer installed on this imaging system, then we can proceed to discover the problem. It could be your OTA, but I suspect the camera. Your location appears to be ok.

Please select your imaging system and click the Report button. Send that screen capture. I also would like to see screen captures for your OTA and camera. I think I should be able to spot the issue right away.

[drjerry@calldrjerry.com]

               

Hello,

Assuming that the No Filter filter is no longer installed on this imaging system, then we can proceed to discover the problem. It could be your OTA, but I suspect the camera. Your location appears to be ok.

Please select your imaging system and click the Report button. Send that screen capture. I also would like to see screen captures for your OTA and camera. I think I should be able to spot the issue right away.

It works fine when I choose one of the built in observatories. I've attached screen captures of OTA, camera and imaging system report.