// kstars · simulation workflow
My simulation workflow
A full Ekos session run entirely on the INDI Simulators profile — no hardware required. Once the stack is installed, this is the same align → focus → guide → capture loop you'd use under real skies, demonstrated end-to-end in the video below. Ideal for learning Ekos or rehearsing a sequence before a clear night.
// video coming soon
The walkthrough is being added. Follow along with the written steps below in the meantime.
The simulated session, step by step
- Launch & connect the Simulators profile. KStars → Ekos → pick the built-in Simulators profile → Connect. The telescope, CCD, guide, focuser and filter simulators all come up green.
- Set the scene. In the CCD Simulator options, enable it to render the sky at the mount's coordinates so captures show a realistic star field, and set the simulated site time and location.
- Slew to a target. Pick an object in the KStars sky map and slew — the mount simulator tracks to it.
- Plate-solve & centre. Run Align → Capture & Solve; the internal solver reads the synthetic field and syncs/centres the mount on target.
- Autofocus. Run the Focus module — the focuser simulator drives a V-curve on the simulated HFR and parks at best focus.
- Calibrate & guide. Start the internal guider on the guide simulator, calibrate, and watch the (simulated) RMS settle.
- Build & run a capture sequence. Set exposures, filters and counts in the Capture module, enable dithering, and run — synthetic subs roll in just like the real thing.
- Automate with the Scheduler (optional). Queue the target so meridian flip, re-focus and re-centring fire automatically — perfect for rehearsing an unattended night with zero hardware.
New here? Start with the Ubuntu setup guide to get KStars/Ekos installed.