Getting Started with Sequence Generator Pro: From Setup to First Image

Getting Started with Sequence Generator Pro: From Setup to First Image

Sequence Generator Pro (SGP) is a powerful automation software for astrophotography. It coordinates your camera, mount, focuser, and filter wheel to capture deep-sky images while you sleep. Transitioning to automation can feel overwhelming, but breaking the process down makes it manageable. Here is how to configure SGP and capture your very first automated image. 1. Prerequisites and Installation

Before launching SGP, you must install the foundational software that allows your hardware to communicate with your computer.

Install ASCOM Platform: Download and install the latest ASCOM platform. This is the universal language for astronomy hardware.

Install Drivers: Download the specific ASCOM drivers for your camera, mount, guide camera, and focuser.

Install SGP: Download the software from the Main Sequence Software website and activate your license. 2. Hardware Connection and Profile Creation

Creating an Equipment Profile saves your hardware settings so you do not have to enter them every time you shoot.

Open Profile Manager: Go to Tools > Equipment Profile Manager.

Select Equipment: Under the Camera tab, select your camera type from the drop-down menu. Repeat this step for your Mount, Focuser, and Filter Wheel under their respective tabs.

Configure Settings: Click the settings icon next to each device to input specific values, such as your camera’s pixel size and sensor resolution.

Save Profile: Give your profile a descriptive name (e.g., “Mono Refractor Setup”) and save it. 3. Creating Your First Sequence

A sequence is the step-by-step instruction list that SGP executes during the night.

New Sequence: Go to File > New Sequence From Profile and choose the profile you just created.

Connect Hardware: Click the link icons next to each piece of equipment in the sequencing window to connect them.

Add a Target: In the target list, rename “Target 1” to the object you want to image (e.g., “M42”).

Set Up Exposures: In the target events table, define your light frames. Select your Filter (e.g., Luminance or Light). Set the Suffix (e.g., L). Input the Exposure Time (e.g., 120 seconds). Enter the Repeat Count (e.g., 30 frames). 4. Frame and Focus

Accurate focus is critical for sharp stars. SGP offers robust manual and automated focusing routines.

Frame Your Object: Use the Frame and Focus docking module to take quick, looping exposures (e.g., 2 seconds, binned 2×2).

Rough Focus: Manually adjust your focuser until bright stars appear small and sharp on screen.

Auto-Focus Setup: If you have a motorized focuser, configure the auto-focus routine. SGP will automatically build a V-curve to find the point of perfect focus based on Star HFR (Half Flux Radius) values. 5. Plate Solving and Centering

Plate solving is the magic that ensures your target is perfectly centered in the frame by matching the stars in your image to a database map.

Configure Plate Solver: SGP integrates with solvers like ASTAP or local ANSVR. Ensure your camera’s field of view (FOV) is correctly calculated in the settings.

Center Target: Right-click your target name in the sequence window and select Center on Target.

Automation: SGP will take an image, solve the coordinates, sync your mount, and slew until the target is centered within a few pixels of accuracy. 6. Capturing Your First Image

With your target framed, focused, and centered, you are ready to begin execution.

Set File Directory: Choose where SGP will save your image files on your hard drive.

Start Sequence: Click the Run Sequence button at the top of the main window.

Monitor Progress: Watch the Image Information and Sequence Progress windows. SGP will now cool your camera, initiate autoguiding, take your specified exposures, and save them automatically.

To help you get the most out of your software, please let me know: What specific model of camera and mount are you using?

Do you have an electronic focuser, or are you focusing manually? Which plate solver (like ASTAP) do you plan to use?

I can provide tailored instructions for your exact astrophotography equipment.