Using Sequence Generator Pro and Friends: Imaging with SGP, PHD2, and Related Software

by Alex McConahay

Overview

This guide is specifically aimed at those who are using—or want to use—Sequence Generator Pro. SGP is a “session management” software package that controls the telescope, mount, camera, and ancillary equipment to target and secure images during a night of imaging astronomical objects.

The book begins with a special tutorial to get up and running with SGP. With a comprehensive reference section, it takes the user in detail through the various aspects of user and equipment profiles, equipment definitions, the sequencer, and other essential elements of SGP. Finally, it focuses on how to get the most out of the ancillary programs—target databases, autoguiders, plate solvers, planetarium software, and other applications.

Oftentimes, technical guides can end up being far denser than the processes they intend to explain. Many of the insights provided by SGP expert Alex McConahay are beyond what can be found in the official program documentation. In this book, the reader will find in-depth, yet straightforward practical advice on how to automate nightly astroimaging sessions with Sequence Generator Pro.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783030197186
Publisher:	Springer International Publishing
Publication date:	09/11/2019
Series:	The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series
Edition description:	1st ed. 2019
Pages:	417
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Alex McConahay grew up as America was preparing to send a man to the moon. However, he did not take up astronomy as a hobby in earnest until 1995. He joined the Riverside Astronomical Society and over the course of many years served in various capacities, including president. He is also very active in outreach with the club. He helped establish the Riverside Astro Imaging Group, the Riverside AstroImaging Workshop, and the Nightfall Imaging Workshop and is an active member of the Astro Imaging Channel on YouTube. He has built several telescopes and earned an RTMC Merit Award. For many years, he was a member of the Board of Trustees and is still an active volunteer of RTMC, a large conference of astronomers held annually in Big Bear, California. He has presented at various clubs, workshops, star parties, and in the national parks. He is recognized by the Astronomical League as a “Master Observer.”

Alex holds a Masters in Education, with majors or minors in Business, History, English, and Administration. He was a high school English teacher for six years or so around 1980, moved into school administration in 1985, became principal of a high school for nine years, and then served as district-wide director of student services until his retirement in 2000. He likes to travel and has been to all 50 states and more than 100 countries. He has two grown sons and lives with his wife Judy in Moreno Valley, California. A

Table of Contents

Preface.- Chapter 1: Why Do I Need Sequence Generator Pro?.- Chapter 2: Can SGP Run My Equipment?.- Chapter 3: How Do I Set up My Equipment?.- Chapter 4: How do I Get Started with SGP?.- Chapter 5: How Do I Communicate With SGP?.- Chapter 6: How Do I Use Profiles?.- Chapter 7: How Do I Squeeze the Most out of Sequences?.- Chapter 8: What Handy Tools Does SGP Have for Me?.- Chapter 9: Wizards and Such.- Chapter 10: SGP Administration and Help.- Chapter 11: Target Data: What Do I Want To Shoot Tonight?.- Chapter 12: Framing and Mosaic Wizard.- Chapter 13: Bringing Things into Focus.- Chapter 14: The Meridian Flip.- Chapter 15: How Do I Get SGP to Take Over While I Sleep?.- Chapter 16: AutoGuiding Basics.- Chapter 17: A Ph.D in PHD2 Guiding.- Chapter 18: Plate Solving: Where Am I?.- Chapter 19: How Does a Planetarium Program Help Me Image?.- Chapter 20: Using AstroPlanner.- Chapter 21: Deep-Sky Planner 7.- Chapter 22: Deep Sky Object Browser.- Index.

Editorial Reviews

The author has written a great deal of on-line material about sgp and he clearly has a lot of experience with the program and what can go wrong. There is much here which will help new and experienced users alike.” (Nick James, The Observatory, Vol. 141 (1280), February, 2021)

From the Publisher