Hi,

I currently image with the following setup:

MaximDL
Focusmax with Starizona microtouch
Celestron CGE
C14, C11, or C8 with hyperstar depending on focal length
Starlight Xpress SVXF-M25C
Starlight Xpress Guide camera attached to the M25C on a Celestron Short 80mm

I don't mind spending money if its going to make my imaging easier and better. Would CCDAP3 work OK with hyperstar imaging (wide field)? Is pinpoint needed with such a wide FOV? What are the advantages of buying PinPoint instead of using TheSky6 for Plate Solving? The reason I'm asking, is that in order to even evaluate CCDAP3, I need to buy TheSky6 as Starry Nights doesn't work, and the ASCOM setup locks my mount up often in Windows.

Thanks for the presales help.

-Chris

Hello Chris,

I assume your rig works ok with FocusMax and Maxim, i.e. focusing, guiding, exposing, filter changing etc. are all functional with FocusMax. Is the CGE a goto mount? This is a requirement for automated imaging.

ASCOM shouldn't lock up your system as some imagers use it exclusively. I think that lock-up needs to be resolved since it indicates a potential software system issue that will prevent reliable unattended imaging.

Assuming you have a GOTO mount and TheSky6 (Professional Edition) can effectively control that mount for slewing, parking etc. (check with Software Bisque if necessary), then the remaining need is for plater solving. To plate solve with TheSky6, you would also need CCDSoft as the combination is needed for plate solving. (You can still use Maxim for camera control.) The wide field is not an issue as CCDAP supports sub-framing to keep the plate solve FOV under 1 square degree, the current limit of TheSky6/CCDSoft. (This will be dramatically changed when TheSkyX is released.)

IIRC, there is a trial period for PinPoint.

What I would do is the following:

1. Resolve the ASCOM issue via the ASCOM Yahoo group.
2. Download the PinPoint trial.
3. Download the CCDAP3 trial.
4. Verify your mount can be slewed and parked by CCDAP3 using ASCOM.
5. If so, you can select targets in Starry Night and use its export feature, along with CCDAP's import Starry Night target list.
6. Use the trial PinPoint with the trial CCDAP3 to confirm successful operation.

If that approach is unsuccessful, you could try the following.

1. Check with Software Bisque on their web site/support forum to verify your mount can be controlled by TheSky6.
2. (Optional) Beta version drivers exist for some Starlight Xpress cameras for CCDSoft. You can optionally verify your camera models are included in that beta driver so that CCDSoft is also usable as a camera control program.
3. Obtain a copy of CCDSoft and TheSky6, Professional Edition.
4. Be sure to use sub-framing to keep the plate solve FOV below 1 square degree.

Perhaps a CCDAP3 user with similar equipment can comment on what will or will not work.

Thanks for the reply. The CGE mount is GoTo. I think the reason ASCOM is locking up isn't because of ASCOM actually. I think it is because of Starry Nights. It feels like a java hang or something else wrong with SN when trying to interface with the CGE via ASCOM. I can use my focuser in focusmax via ASCOM all night long. I can also control my mount perfectly using the NexRemote software without any issues. I ordered TheSky6 today from OptCorp. It was on sale for $189 for the pro version. I'd prefer to not have to buy CCDSoft and save that money to purchase a few other programs from CCDWare. If that requires me purchasing PinPoint instead, that is a cheaper option. Is PinPoint the "right way" to do plate solving?

I'll wait for that to arrive and then activate the trials. Now if the clouds would just go away! I moved to AZ for no clouds! =p

Thanks

-Chris
Webmaster Starizona.com

Hi Chris,

At present, PinPoint is indeed the right way to go. It does plate solving very well. You will need to download the Guide Star Catalog (free) for plate solving. This catalog should work fine with your setup. It can be downloaded from http://gsc.dc3.com/ -approx. 600 MB. Be sure to check the readme.txt.

Sounds like you are in or near Tucson. This winter, the AZ weather pattern seems to be cloudy for new moon time and clear for full moon time - exactly backwards

I'm looking at owning a similar set up as Chris and have Starry Night. Though you can export your target list from SN to import to CCDAP3, its a static list right? Not like TheSky6 where you can go back to it from CCDAP3 and easily adjust your FOV around your target or pick a new tracking star if need be.

So, by using Starry Night as your target selector, you'd loose this integrate/on the fly adjustment functionality with CCDAP3?

If that is true, is there any plans to have CCDAPX integrate to StarryNight the same way as it does with TheSky? UPDATE: I just read another thread that says that Starry Night is the limitation and can't be integrated as nicely.

I am still researching and choosing my software suite and after reading some more (just getting started with this hobby), it seems to me that I would be better off with a software set up of:

CCDSoft, TheSky6 and CCDAP3 Pro, with MaximDL as my camera control(SXVF-H9C), and FocusMax. Is that a good/complete setup of software?

Now you mentioned that with the HyperStar Wide FOV system, it would be better to use PinPoint for plate solving due to the current limitation of 1sq. degree in TheSky6/CCDSoft. Though this is going to change? When?

I'd hate to purchase Pinpoint now, and then find out later that TheSky6/CCDSoft got an update that can handle the Hyperstar systems FOV for Plate solving, and negating the need for Pinpoint.

Thanks for the guidance.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Tommy,

Tommy,

No I don't. Starry Night doesn't offer the same external automation facility that TheSky does. Apparently Imaginova chose to make it pretty much self-contained. That being said, you should be able to create a suitable set og target coordinates in RA, Dec and PA to import into CCDAP.