Configure the profile

Open Options and establish the values that other tools use before connecting equipment.

1. In General, enter the observing latitude, longitude, elevation and time zone. These values drive altitude charts, twilight times, target visibility and FITS/XISF site metadata.
2. In Equipment, verify camera pixel size and telescope focal length. These values determine image scale and the framing rectangle. Most drivers provide camera bit depth automatically; native DSLR drivers may need the sensor value entered manually.
3. In Imaging, choose the image directory, file format and file-name pattern. Use the preview below the pattern to make sure a night's files will be unique and sortable.

Before an automated session, also configure:

• a primary and blind plate solver
• a guider, if the rig guides
• autofocus, if the rig has a motor focuser
• meridian flip timing for a German equatorial mount

Keep all of these settings in the same profile. Switching profiles changes the complete equipment and automation configuration, not just the device list.