Specifications

Section 5 - Hints and Tips
Page 28
Q. Can I write my own software for the camera? A. Appendix B describes the file format used to
save images. You can also request an Application Note from the manufacturer telling how to
interface and program to the camera.
Q. Is there other software available for the camera? A. You can upgrade your camera with the Color
Filter Wheel and CCDCOLOR software. Also there are several third party software packages
for image processing, camera control and various printer output.
Q. Can I run the software under Windows,? A. While we don't recommend running the CCDOPS
software under Windows you should be able to do it. Also Software Bisque's SkyPro software
supports the camera under Windows and is fully integrated with their excellent The Sky
software. Contact Software Bisque at [phone].
Q. What do I do if my images have elongated stars? A. If using Track and Accumulate you are
probably using a snapshot time that is too long. If the snapshot time is longer than the amount
of time your drive can track unguided with acceptable guiding errors, you will see elongated
stars in your final images. If your snapshot times are getting down to 30 seconds or less you
should improve your drive.
If you are using your camera as an autoguider for film photography and are noticing
unacceptable guiding errors, please check the following:
1. Can you move the telescope using the Move command? This is an indicator
as to whether or not you are properly connected to your drive system via the
relay cable from the CPU.
2. Be sure that your calibration time gives at least 10 to 50 pixels of movement
for each step of the Calibrate command.
3. Check for flexure between the CCD camera head and your system. Check for
flexure between the guide scope or off-axis guider and your telescope system.
This is a very common source of guiding errors. A very small movement of
the CCD head with respect to the guide scope during an exposure can cause
unacceptable streaking.
4. If your mount is stable, try longer exposure times while tracking to average
out the atmospheric effects.
Q. What do I do if my CCD frosts? A. If your camera starts to frost after a year of use it's time to
replace the desiccant as described in Appendix C.
Q. The moon is too bright, what do I do? A. Try a full aperture solar filter. Try a variable rotating
neutral density filter. Don't use off-axis apertures smaller than 4" or you give up resolution.
Q. What exposure is best for planets? A. Use the crosshairs mode to measure the disk's intensity.
Make sure that the pixels are about 75% saturated. This should give a good range of brightness.
Sometimes moons can also be imaged at the long end of the exposure range.
Q. Which laptop is best for CCD use? A. Nearly any laptop will work; however, you should take a
copy of CCDOPS with images and run it from any units you are considering. Color LCD isn't
necessary unless it is your only computer.
Q. Why are my images grainy looking and not smooth? A. The grainy look is from low signal to
noise. A longer integration time will increase signal and reduce graininess. Try doubling
exposure times. This works up to a point where you begin picking up sky background (light
pollution) which limits maximum practical integration times. Also make sure your cooler is
running at 75% capacity or more.
Q. What are the advantages of shorter focal lengths and faster F# telescopes? A. Shorter focal lengths
increase the field of view, allowing you to image larger objects. Faster F# telescopes increase