installed driver

Manuel was having some trouble with his new focusing software. Something about a driver for nFOCUS hand control for his moonlite focuser. He received the USB adapter, but had not been able to connect it with FocusMax. All the ASCOM drivers are installed, and FocusMax recognized the nFOCUS, but was not able to find the port. I wondered if it was simply the COM port assignment to the USB device. We set aside a night to get together.

The event grew a little. He also invited Kiron, which was cool, of course. And after getting the focusing tool working, Manuel wanted me to check the collimation of his 8" telescope. Finally, when that was done, he wanted to try some imaging. Unannounced to both Kiron and myself, Manuel also intended to coach Kiron on how to use his 'scope. Very nice. But it was going to make a full evening!

Kiron and I were not able to sync up beforehand. Difficult to plan things with him when he doesn't have a cell phone and doesn't call in. I didn't want to be late. We drove separately.

After chitchatting in the man-cave, an aperitif, and some pleasantries with Ida, I took the con. I looked through the installation procedures on Manuel's laptop. He had told me he had skipped a step, which I think he had been told was not necessary. He had the impression that he didn't need the zip file required. Nope. Necessary. I followed the instructions to the letter and everything worked. We tested the focuser action by computer control. Manuel was very happy.

Sadly, the 8" SCT had not been sitting outside, cooling, so I was a little worried about the effect it might have on the collimation process...