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Computer Software for controlling the observatory

There seems to be a variety of ASCOM compliant software out there. Which one do you use to remotely control your observatory? I have seen NINA referred to as well as Stellarium, etc. Which software has given you the fewest headaches?

7 comments

7 Comments

Karine Tokina

May 23, 2023

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Rob Fennell

Mar 16, 2023

I am using NINA currently. I have been using the Beaver software to control the dome however I want to install a cloud sensor and automate some actions from this and the NINA software would seem to have the tools I need. I am just starting testing.

William Johnson

Apr 13, 2023

Replying to

Thank you very much. That’s the route that i will go.

Rob Fennell

Apr 14, 2023

Replying to

Hi William. I use Stellarium and NINA together. Stellarium helps me to locate and frame up my targets. It has an extensive database. When I get what I like I open NINA and import the coordinates from Stellarium. NINA lets you pull from Stellarium or other night sky apps. I can pull in weather. I have my telescope mount open in ASCOM device manager and slave my NexDome to the Telescope mount. I then configure both NINA and Stellarium to connect to the telescope mount and don't worry about controlling the dome in NINA because it's done for me with ASCOM. I do connect to it however but ony to open and close the shutter. When my weather station comes I will want more control of events using NINA. NINA has the abilitiy to coordinate everything. You cameras and gear including the dome. Stallarium is more purposed for the night sky but I do connect it to my telescope and slew to targets from it. Both tools work together to make your experience very pleasant.

All the best!

William Johnson

Apr 15, 2023

Replying to

I do have Stellarium and it is a phenomenal program. Looks like I need to do a lot of experimenting with NINA and Stellarium. Thanks for the suggestion.