Target Scheduler Instruction¶

The AstroManager Target Scheduler is a sequencer instruction that automatically selects and images targets from your AstroManager schedule.

What It Does¶

The Target Scheduler instruction:

1. Queries AstroManager for the best target to image
2. Slews and centers on the target
3. Configures filter and exposure settings
4. Captures the planned exposures
5. Reports progress back to AstroManager
6. Repeats for next target when appropriate

Adding to Sequence¶

Location in Instruction List¶

1. Open Advanced Sequencer
2. In the instruction list, find "AstroManager" category
3. Drag "AstroManager Target Scheduler" to your sequence

Recommended Sequence Structure¶

📁 Sequential Instruction Set
├── 🌙 Wait for Darkness
├── 🔓 Unpark Mount
├── ❄️ Cool Camera (target temp)
├── 📁 Loop While (AstroManager Loop Condition)
│   └── 🎯 AstroManager Target Scheduler
├── 🌡️ Warm Camera
└── 🔒 Park Mount

Instruction Settings¶

Basic Settings¶

Slew & Center¶

Focus¶

Dithering¶

How Target Selection Works¶

Selection Algorithm¶

When the instruction runs:

1. Query AstroManager for current best target
2. Apply Filters:
3. Above minimum altitude
4. Meets moon distance requirements
5. Not in meridian exclusion zone
6. Has incomplete imaging goals
7. Score Remaining Targets:
8. Priority weight
9. Current altitude bonus
10. Time remaining above horizon
11. Completion progress
12. Return Best Target with imaging parameters

What's Returned¶

Execution Flow¶

Normal Execution¶

┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 1. Query AstroManager for Target    │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 2. Slew to Target                   │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 3. Center via Plate Solve           │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 4. Rotate to Angle (if enabled)     │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 5. Set Filter                       │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 6. Autofocus (if needed)            │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 7. Capture Exposures                │
│    ├── Expose                       │
│    ├── Dither (if enabled)          │
│    └── Report to AstroManager       │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 8. Check for Target Switch          │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 9. Repeat or Exit                   │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘

Target Switching¶

The scheduler may switch targets when:

• Current target goal is complete
• Current target is setting below minimum altitude
• A higher-priority target becomes available
• Filter requirements change (e.g., moon rising)

Integration with N.I.N.A.¶

Triggers & Conditions¶

The instruction respects N.I.N.A. triggers and conditions:

• Meridian Flip Trigger: Handles flips automatically
• Safety Conditions: Responds to safety monitor
• Time Conditions: Works with time-based triggers

External Triggers¶

These triggers can affect the scheduler:

• Autofocus triggers (AF runs between exposures)
• Meridian flip triggers (flip handled gracefully)
• Weather triggers (may abort instruction)

Error Handling¶

Common Scenarios¶

Error Recovery¶

The scheduler is designed to recover gracefully:

1. Log the error
2. Attempt recovery action
3. If unrecoverable, report and continue to next target

Tips¶