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release-notes-v1.0.0.md

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Release Notes

Alpaca Benro Polaris Driver

Version: 1.0.0
Release Date: 29-September-2024
Availability: Download from https://github.com/ogecko/alpaca-benro-polaris
Win11 Install: Demonstration Video at https://youtu.be/ipbWT54afhY
MacOS Install: Demonstration Video at https://youtu.be/ZT91dpLObP8

New Features (enabled by StellariumPLUS)

  • [Telescope Control]: Provides comprehensive control over the telescope.
  • [Larger Catalog]: Includes an extensive catalog of celestial objects, surpassing the BP App.
  • [GOTO Coordinates]: Command the Benro Polaris to move to a selected target with a simple click.
  • [Move Axis]: Control the primary and secondary axes of the Benro Polaris for precise adjustments.
  • [Move Rate]: Adjust the movement speed across a continuous range from slow to fast.
  • [Slewing Status]: Monitor the Polaris movement status as it slews to a new target.
  • [Aligned Status]: Indicates the alignment status of the Polaris.
  • [Reticle Position]: Instantly recognize the telescope’s current pointing position.
  • [Reticle FOV]: Customize the reticle size to match your camera and lens setup for accurate framing.
  • [Sync Coordinates]: Improve aiming accuracy by syncing with a known celestial object.
  • [Sync Alignment]: Ensure Polaris alignment by syncing with a known celestial object.
  • [Sync Location]: Send Stellarium’s site altitude and azimuth to the driver for accurate positioning.
  • [Sync Time]: Check that Stellarium and Driver times are in sync for precise tracking.
  • [Network Comms]: Connects to the driver over the network using the SynScan protocol.
  • [OS Supported]: Supports IOS and Android.
  • [Hardware Supported]: Supports iPad, Tablets and Mobile Phones.

New Features (enabled by Stellarium Desktop)

  • [Telescope Control]: Provides comprehensive control over the telescope.
  • [Even Larger Catalog]: Includes an extensive catalog of celestial objects, surpassing the BP App.
  • [What’s Up Tonight]: A tool for planning the best celestial objects to observe.
  • [GOTO Coordinates]: Command the Benro Polaris to move to a selected target with a simple click.
  • [Slew Telescope To]: More flexible dialog to control Polaris target selection and syncing.
  • [Reticle Position]: Instantly recognize the telescope’s current pointing position.
  • [Reticle FOV]: Customize the reticle size to match your camera and lens setup for accurate framing.
  • [Sync Coordinates]: Improve aiming accuracy by syncing with a known celestial object.
  • [Sync Alignment]: Ensure Polaris alignment by syncing with a known celestial object.
  • [Full Customization]: Allows users to customize what is shown and how it is shown.
  • [App Extendability]: A library of plug-ins that add additional functionality to the application.
  • [Win11 Network]: Connects to the driver over the network using Alpaca protocol.
  • [MacOS Network]: Connects to the driver over the network using Binary protocol.
  • [OS Supported]: It supports MacOS, Linux and Windows.
  • [Hardware Supported]: It supports Laptops and Desktops.

New Features (enabled by Nina)

  • [Telescope Control]: Provides comprehensive control over the telescope.
  • [Larger Catalog]: Includes an extensive offline catalog of celestial objects, surpassing the BP App.
  • [GOTO Coordinates]: Command the Benro Polaris to slew to a selected target.
  • [Abort Slew]: Immediately stop the Benro Polaris movement during a slew operation.
  • [Park UnPark]: Reset the three Benro Polaris axes position.
  • [Tracking Control]: Enable or disable the Polaris sidereal tracking.
  • [Move Alt/Az Axis]: Control the azimuth and altitude axes for precise adjustments.
  • [Move Equatorial Axis]: Control the right ascension and declination axes for precise adjustments.
  • [Move Rate]: Adjust the movement speed across a continuous range from slow to fast.
  • [Equipment Setup]: Support discovering and connecting various astronomy equipment.
  • [Sky Atlas]: Enables offline searching and filtering of deep sky objects.
  • [Framing Images]: Helps visualize and plan shots offline, including panoramas.
  • [Flat Wizard]: Finds optimal exposure settings and captures flat images for stacking.
  • [Target Sequencing]: Plan target slewing, centering, syncing, and image capture.
  • [Image Capture]: Allows for live monitoring and control of image capture.
  • [Options Settings]: Allows customization of image directories and naming conventions.
  • [Autofocus Run]: Optimize the focusing of your lens, initiated manually or within a sequence.
  • [Star Detection]: Robust star detection algorithm with annotations, history, and customization.
  • [Plate Solving]: Identifies Polaris orientation by matching stars in an image to a database.
  • [Target Centering]: Iteratively aims the Polaris at a target using plate-solving until within tolerance.
  • [Sync Aligning]: Aligns the Polaris with a known celestial object by observation or plate solving.
  • [3 Point Alignment]: Accurately polar align a telescope using three reference points.
  • [N Point Alignment]: Accurately polar align a telescope using multiple reference points.
  • [Drift Correction]: Compensate for the telescope’s drift-off target.
  • [Tilt Analysis]: Allows review of SyncOffsets around the 360° Azimuth axis
  • [Simple Setup]: Allows Polaris compass and polar alignment with a single plate-solve.
  • [Network Comms]: Connects to the driver over the network using Alpaca protocol.
  • [OS Supported]: Supports Windows.
  • [Hardware Supported]: Supports Laptop, Desktop, MiniPC, SurfacePC
  • [Client Supported]: Supports Local UI, Remote Desktop, and Mobile Remote Desktop Apps.
  • [Cameras Supported]: Support additional camera models through the ASCOM platform.
  • [Sony Nina Plugin]: Supports Sony Cameras and Lens.

New Features (Alpaca Driver)

  • [ASCOM ConformU]: Passes standard validation tests for ITelescopeV3.
  • [Driver Discovery]: Provides Alpaca Discovery services.
  • [ASCOM Alpaca Protocol]: Supports the ASCOM Alpaca protocol.
  • [SynSCAN Protocol]: Supports the SynSCAN protocol (for StellariumPLUS).
  • [Stellarium Binary Protocol]: Supports the Binary Protocol (for MacOS Stellarium Desktop).
  • [Polaris Protocol]: Supports the Benro Polaris protocol.
  • [Refraction Correction]: Adjusts for atmospheric refraction to improve aiming accuracy.
  • [Aim Correction]: Adjusts for consistent Polaris inaccuracy on goto Alt/Az.
  • [Time Correction]: Adjusts for time delay caused by Polaris backlash removal.
  • [Pointing Model]: Support Alt/Az and RA/Dec Sync Offset pointing models.
  • [Goto Coordinates] Supports GOTO target, Alt/Az, Ra/Dec. Sync or aSync.
  • [Move Axis]: Controls the movement of primary, secondary and tertiary axes.
  • [Move Equatorial]: Controls the movement of RA, Dec axes.
  • [Park Unpark]: Allows reset of all axis positions.
  • [Sync Aligning]: Aligns the Polaris with a known celestial object by observation or plate solving.
  • [N Point Alignment]: Accurately polar align a telescope using multiple reference points.
  • [Drift Correction]: Compensate for the telescope’s drift-off target.
  • [Tilt Analysis]: Allows review of SyncOffsets around the 360° Azimuth axis
  • [Simple Setup]: Allows Polaris compass and polar alignment with a single plate-solve.
  • [Configurable Settings]: Allows tailoring of Driver behavior via config.toml
  • [Site Location]: Allows command line parameters, config.toml, Synscan, and Alpaca location sync.
  • [AHRS Data Logging]: Logs data from the Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS).
  • [Move Rate Data Logging]: Logs movement rates of the telescope’s axes.
  • [Diagnostics Logging]: Captures detailed logs of system operations and errors.
  • [Watchdog Timer]: Monitors the health of the Driver/Polaris, taking action when needed.
  • [Comms Recovery]: Automatically recovers communication with applications.
  • [Network Comms]: Connects to the Polaris over the WiFi network
  • [Nina Support]: Support the latest version of Nina
  • [Stellarium Desktop Support]: Support the latest version of Stellarium Desktop.
  • [StellariumPLUS Support]: Support the latest version of StellariumPLUS for mobile.
  • [Dark Site Support]: Allows operation, even without an internet connection.
  • [OS Supported]: Supports Windows, Linux, MacOS, RaspberryOS, Docker.
  • [Hardware Supported]: Supports Laptop, Desktop, MiniPC, SurfacePC, Raspberry Pi
  • [Client Supported]: Supports Local UI, Remote Desktop, and Mobile Remote Desktop Apps.
  • [Cameras Supported]: Support additional camera models through the ASCOM platform.
  • [Video Demonstrations]: Visual demonstrations of installation and operation.
  • [Full Documentation]: Hardware, Installation, Nina, Stellarium, Troubleshooting and FAQ Guides.

Untested New Features

Please let us know if you can try any of these features.

  • [Raspberry Pi]: Supports running on Raspberry Pi Zero2, Pi 4, and Pi 5.
  • [Docker Support]: Supports running in Docker containers.
  • [Lumix Nina Plugin]: Supports Panasonic Lumix Cameras and Lens. Untested.
  • [Pentax on ASCOM]: ASCOM Camera driver supports a range of cameras. Untested.

Bug Fixes (from Beta versions)

  • [BP Keepalive]: Implement Wifi Keepalive, reduce phone battery usage, by closing BP App.
  • [AHRS Keepalive]: Ensure AHRS continues to inform of position updates.
  • [Stelarium Lag]: Longevity testing of Stellarium introduced lag in position readout.
  • [Network Recovery]: Improved network communications recovery.
  • [Network Exceptions]: Handle more Win and MacOS network exceptions.
  • [Park Reliability]: Ensure tracking is disabled before Parking.
  • [Sync Function]: Correct Sync operation to pass ConformU tests.
  • [Sync To Polaris]: Implement alignment command for Polaris.
  • [Refraction Correction]: Adjusts for atmospheric refraction to improve the accuracy.
  • [StellariumPLUS coord]: Translate SynScan Epoch to J2000.
  • [Move Rate Continuity]: Improve Move Rate continuity from 5.01 to 6.00.
  • [Install Guide]: Improve MacOS and Win installation guide based on Beta feedback.
  • [Docs Improvement]: Numerous documentation improvements and better troubleshooting.

Tested Compatible Hardware and Software

Photography Equipment

  • Benro Polaris Hw 1.3.1.4, Firmware V6.0.0.40, Astro V1.0.2.11
  • Canon R5, RF 16mm, EF 35mm MkII, RF 135mm, RF 100-500mm, RF 800mm.
  • Canon R6 Mk II connected via USB3
  • Canon R, 16mm 2.8, 24-240mm f4-6.3
  • Canon 6D MkII, Canon EF 50mm f1.8
  • Canon 800D, Sigma DC 17-50mm f2.8, Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3
  • Nikon Z8 (z14-24mm F2.8)
  • Sony Alpha 7R IV
  • Pentax K1 150-450mm / Irix 45mm
  • ZWO ASI585MC camera, a Sigma 120-400mm and 1.4x extender.

Computing Equipment

  • MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Pro CPU (ABP Driver and CCDCiel)
  • MacBook Pro 14” 2021
  • MacBook Pro 13” 2013
  • Mele Quieter 4C, Intel N100 800Mhz (ABP Driver and Nina)
  • Minis Forum UM350 (ABP Driver and Nina)
  • ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X OLED K6604JV (ABP Driver and Nina)
  • Laptop Windows 10 Home (ABP Driver and Nina)
  • Desktop PC, AMD 7950X (Stellarium Desktop, Siril)
  • Desktop PC, AMD Ryzen 5 3600

Portable/Mobile Equipment

  • iPhone 13 Max (Stellarium Mobile PLUS)
  • iPad Pro 3rd Generation
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (Stellarium Mobile PLUS)
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop 2

Applications

  • Benro Polaris Android App v3.0.27, iOS App v1.4.4,
  • Stellarium Mobile PLUS v1.12.9 Android and iOS.
  • Stellarium Desktop v24.2.0 Windows
  • Nina v3.1.1.9001, HocusFocus v3.0.0.17, ASTAP 2024.08.11
  • Nina v3.1.2.9001, HocusFocus v3.0.0.18, LensAF v2.1.0.2, Scope Control v2.0.2.0
  • CCDciel Version beta 0.9.87-3346 Windows
  • Siril v1.2.3 de49749

Drivers and Utilities

  • Windows Remote Desktop v10.0.22621
  • ASCOM Platform 7 RC7
  • ASCOM Platform 6.6 SP2

Operating Systems

  • Windows 11 Pro v23H2,
  • Windows 10
  • MacOS Sonoma 14.6.1
  • MacOS Sequoia 15
  • iOS 17.6
  • iPadOS v17.6.1

Known Issues

  • [Sky Safari 7 Plus]: One Beta tester was unable to connect to Sky Safari 7 Plus.
  • [Stellarium 24.3]: Stellarium Desktop v24.3 has known issues with telescope control. See Troubleshooting S2.

Potential Future Enhancements

  • [Raspberry Pi] Official support and testing on Raspberry Pi
  • [Docker Support] Official support and testing on Docker.
  • [Sky Safari] Official support and testing on Sky Safari.
  • [CCDciel Support]: Official support and testing for CCDciel for MacOS.
  • [Stellarium MacOS]: Add position update support to the Stellarium Binary protocol.
  • [Software Delivery]: Deliver as an App rather than a zip file, eliminating the command line.
  • [WiFi Setup]: Eliminate the need for BP App to set up Polaris WiFi Hotspot.
  • [Astro Mode Setup]: Eliminate the need for the BP App to manually change mode to Astro and align.
  • [Setup GUI]: Deliver a Graphical UI to manage config.toml and provide a base UI.
  • [Control GUI]: Deliver a Graphical UI for Telescope Control, as a multi-platform web app.
  • [Drift Repport] Develop an automated test for drift over a movable range of Polaris.
  • [INDI support]: Add support for INDI protocol, enabling apps like KStars.
  • [Emedded Driver]: The driver should be embedded on the Benro Polaris Device. Benro Change.
  • [Pulse Guiding]: Allow micro-move axis commands while tracking without backlash. Benro Change.

Deprecations

  • [None Known]: No features deprecated as this is the first release.