SKOTIQ 8.1 · GUIDE
Troubleshooting
Help with connections, plate solving, sequences and Darkroom.
On this page
A camera or accessory is missing
Check power and cabling, then the selected protocol and driver. Native mode needs the correct vendor library; installing Skotiq alone does not install every vendor SDK. Another application may have an exclusive connection open. On Linux, check USB/serial permissions.
The mount connects but will not move
Read the mount’s park, tracking and limit state and the driver’s error. Check the driver’s own status and the event log before repeatedly retrying a slew.
PHD2 does not connect or settle
Confirm PHD2 is running with its server enabled, its equipment connected, and the expected host/port selected (usually 4400). Separate a command-connection failure from a guide-star or settle problem. Include the relevant PHD2 log as well as Skotiq’s log when reporting it.
A frame will not solve
Check that it contains focused, untrailed stars. Verify exposure, focal length, pixel size, solver path and catalog availability.
A sequence stops or ends immediately
Check the saved run state, target window, stop time, pre-flight messages and last completed step. Read the recovery banner and event log. Record the local time and time zone of the event, plus the plan you expected to run.
A master flat will not build
Read the requested calibration settings. Match gain, offset, binning and the appropriate bias/dark-flat requirements to the actual flat files. Check that your new flat batch is selected rather than an older similarly named master. Calibration guide.
Darkroom is waiting or looks unfinished
Check the active job and each filter’s result. Framing review may be waiting for you to accept a crop or exclude a bad frame. Missing calibration, a changed source or insufficient working disk space may also prevent integration. Resume the existing build when appropriate instead of starting duplicates.
The master looks dark or uneven
Linear masters often need a display stretch. Check the individual filter masters for remaining sky gradients. RGB composites may also need background extraction and color calibration. To check flat correction, compare a calibrated light with the original frame.
Report a problem
Open Settings → File Paths to locate the logs. Include the version, platform, device/driver names, target, approximate event time and the relevant error. Attach the log entries around the error and a screenshot if it helps show the problem.
Review logs for private paths, location, network details and tokens before sharing. The support report builder helps organize these details; it does not read or upload your logs.