Flat panel

[Kaban]

Hello.

I recently acquired a RB focus flat panel:
https://www.rbfocus.net/product-page/rb ... -pre-orden

I wanted to use it with my scripts. Interestingly, there are several scrip instructions to use it, for example, "CoverCalibrator.Open".
But when i open Camera Control --> Set Up --> Others, there are just options for weather, dome and switches.

So the manual says i can connect to a flat panel but I cannot find the option.

Is this implemented in version 9?

Thanks.

David.

[fabdev]

Hello,
a window for flat panels has been added in Astroart 9 SP1 this year. Before that, flat panels could be controlled only by scripts. To connect use (for example):

Code: Select all

driverName = "ASCOM.Simulator.CoverCalibrator"
CoverCalibrator.Connect(driverName)
print CoverCalibrator.Name
pause(1)
CoverCalibrator.Disconnect

So the "Connect" method needs the ASCOM name of the driver, this could be found from the ASCOM utilities or using this script:

Code: Select all

CoverCalibrator.Connect("ASCOM.Chooser")
print CoverCalibrator.Name
pause(1)
CoverCalibrator.Disconnect

(just use this script the very first time)
Fabio.

[Kaban]

Hello.

Thanks for your answer.
In that case i will upgrade to version 9.

One more question before i procceed with that upgrade.
I usually launch AstroArt scripts from Python scripts, using the AAremote.dll

This is an example that just opens AstroArt.

import ctypes
my_dll = ctypes.CDLL("C:/Program Files (x86)/Astroart8/AARemote.dll")
my_dll.AASendCommand.restype = ctypes.c_int
TERMINATE=1
EXECUTE=0
#Start AstroArt
my_dll.AASendCommand(0,None)

Will i need a new dll with version 9? I cannot remember where i got that dll. Did it arrive with the download?


I also tried the other suggested approach with AstroArt8 but it did not work.
When using "CoverCalibrator.Connect("ASCOM.Chooser")" the chooser opens but the optiopn's list is blank and a
window opens stating "There are no ASCOM Covers installed.".
But the RB focus cover is installed and works with other software (NINA, SharpCap) and anyway at least the simulators should show up!

So i tried the other way, using the ASCOM profile explorer and copying the ASCOM name:

driverName = "ASCOM.RBFocus.CoverCalibrator"
CoverCalibrator.Connect(driverName)
CoverCalibrator.Open

This way it works fine!

Thanks.

David Cejudo.

[fabdev]

Hello, the AARemote.dll can be downloaded from the Astroart web site / Download / Plugins / SDK / Remote control.
The DLL is the same for AA7, 8, 9, so you probably have the latest version.
Fabio.