practiced setup

I did a practice run with Denis's occultation gear to make sure I understand how to connect and operate everything.

I reviewed the equipment provided.

• recording: Canon Elura 80 miniDV camcorder
• live image capture: AstroVid StellaCam³ camera
• time stamp insertion: Kiwi OSD video time insertor v41
• monitoring: Oslon LCD 7" TFT Color TV monitor
• accurate time date: Garmin 18 LVC GPS
• live viewing, alignment: Vixen flip mirror

I found a number of items were pre-configured and connected. So, assuming they are not mucked with, these items just need to be double-checked.

• camcorder battery is charged
• a tape is loaded into the camcorder
• Kiwi connected to 12v power, GPS, camera, camcorder
• monitor connected to 12v power, Kiwi
• monitor positioned at good viewing angle
• microphone is connected to 12v power, camcorder
  

Then in preparation, the following items need to be completed before an occultation.

1. connect gear to telescope
• attach flip mirror to telescope
• insert camera into flip mirror
• insert eyepiece into flip mirror
2. place GPS receiver with clear view of sky
3. connect cables to camera
   
• video output port (BNC) to video camera input cable (yellow)
• remote control keypad (black)
• power cable (red)
4. prepare camcorder
   
• connect camcorder video input port (1/8") to Kiwi video output
• set camera POWER to Play (VCR) * note: Play; not Camera (record)
  
• set camera menu VCR SETUP option AV->DV to ON
• open the LCD panel
• press the REC PAUSE button
5. power the entire rig
6. power the monitor
7. wait for...
   
• GPS to aquire a time signal
• camera COOLING to complete
8. press the PLAY button to begin recording

I'm still not sure how the flip mirror will come into play, exactly, with my gear. I don't understand yet how it will connect to my 'scope. Maybe it needs an adapter. Perhaps I'll not be able to use it.

§

The second sub-step of 4 is a gotcha. Normally, with a camcorder, to record, you activate Camera mode vs. Play (VCR). If in Camera recording mode, you will not be able to access AV->DV option.