initial autofocus step size is way too large

[Oaklandish]

When I focus I usually start with a looped image and use the bahtinov mask to get it close. After this looks really good I move to the auto focus tab and hit start. The initial step size is way too far out from where I was almost in perfect focus. For example, my focus position is 19550 with the B mask and then the the autofocus routine jumps way out to 26500 and takes extra unneeded time to bring the stars back into where I had it. I had set the initial step size in the focus configuration to 12. How can it jump 7000 steps. I am using the B mask to ensure that while I am still trying out the software I can be sure that I can trust the AF routine. Once the AF routine is complete it usually looks great, but it can take a long time, like 3-5 mins to complete.

[Stefan B]

Hey Ezra,

there are two settings that affect the initial jump. "auto focus step size" and "auto focus initial offset steps". Setting the steps to 12 seems a bit hight to me. When the auto focus routine starts, N.I.N.A. will move the focuser by
- "auto focus step size" * "auto focus initial offset steps"
outwards. usually an initial offset step value of "4" is enough for a good autofocus.

[Oaklandish]

Ok. I will give it a try. Thanks! I agree that my initial step size of 12 is very small, but I believe that was actually already input there when I loaded the program. I left it that low because I was trying to isolate the reason for the huge jump.

[Stefan B]

Alright. I can highly recommend to hop on our discord server. We have a nice community there, that can help you set everything up and give you input or help you troubleshoot quickly!

[Oaklandish]

I am on the discord but it will not allow me to send messages. It says I do not have permission.

[Stefan B]

You might be inside the wrong channel. On the left side you can see all channels and switch to one under the Chat category

[Stefan B]

closing due to inactivity