Learn Temp Coefficients

Under the Setup menu, the user can perform a "Learn" operation to determine new temperature coefficients. Begin by selecting Setup - Learn Temperature Coefficients. The Learn Temperature Coefficient dialog box appears.

Learn Temperature Coefficients dialog allows the user to calculate new temperature coefficients easily and without interrupting a night's observing session. The user is free to initiate a Learn session, disconnect from the TCF-S Control program to run second program such as FocusMax to obtain optimal focus, allow for a sufficient temperature differential, and then return to the program to complete the Learn session. Newly calculated temperature coefficients can be saved to either Auto A or Auto B modes or discarded altogether.
Start - clicking the Start button grabs the current temperature and position values from the TCF-S focuser. First find an optimal focus, then click the Start button. This initiates the Learn sequence.

Next, leave the Learn Temperature Coefficients dialog box open and select File - Disconnect from the main TCF-S Control program window.

Tip: you can minimize the two windows to make more room available on your desktop.

Now, use FocusMax or any other focus optimizing software throughout your observing session and wait for a 5-degree (Celsius) or greater temperature drop before retuning to the TCF-S Control program.

NOTE: FocusMax is freeware developed by Larry Weber and Steve Brady. Visit the FocusMax website at http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/~larryweber/
to download the latest version and full documentation.

NOTE: These procedures work equally well with Software Bisque's @Focus algorithm included in TheSky software. Visit the Software Bisque website at: http://www.bisque.com/.

End - Once a sufficient temperature differential has been acheived (typically at least 5-degrees C), the second data point can be obtained by re-connecting to the TCF-S focuser (File - Connect). Click the End button to record the new temperature and position values.

Tip: You will receive a prompt warning you if the temperature differential is less than 5-degrees. You may choose to accept these values or continue until the temperature changes sufficient and re-click the End button with more favorable temperature and position values.

Calculate - Finally, click the Calculate button to determine the new temperature coefficient.

Click File - Save TC to Mode A or Mode B to save the new temperature coefficient to the focuser EEPROM. You will see the following dialog box confirming the save operation.

Tip: You can always check the currently saved values by selecting Setup - Edit Temperature and Delay Values in the main TCF-S Control program window.