Advice, please..Long Exp s/ware 350D

[Shawn]

What do you use, ? ...would love some feedback..:help:

[Merlin66]

I use AstroArt V3 and DSLRfocus with serial cable to control the 350D.
No issues so far!.

[JohnG]

Like Mr Merlin, I use DSLRFocus to set and automate my exposures with the 350D. I also use ImagesPlus 2.75, this software also has camera control for the 350D although not, in my opinion, as good as DSLRFocus. That said, the new Beta versions of ImagesPlus now have live focusing similar to DSLRFocus and will be implimented in the upcoming Version 2.80 release.

If you have USB 2.0 ports on your computer/laptop you might want to have a look at this site:

http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/products_ds.htm

I use the DSUSB and cables, DSCBL-01 and 03, or, I believe, you can use the standard Canon Timer. I also got a longer USB cable from Hap Grifin, I found the cable that came with the camera too short.

http://www.hapg.org/astrocables.htm

All in all, DSLRFocus is an excellent tool, I have had no problems using it. The next version of ImagesPlus may yet prove to be it's equal and, if that is the case, will eliminate an extra program.

Cheers

JohnG

[rogerg]

I use DSLRFocus. It's great, I can easily take a series of long exposure photo's.

However if starting a fresh, I'd consider ImagePlus and AstroArt. I'm not sure on their exact capabilities, but if they have good registering/aligning and stacking capabilities that would remove the need to purchase an extra piece of software such as RegiStar then they may end up cheaper and more effective in the long run.

Roger.

[Striker]

I am using the identical set up to JohnG...works very well for me.

[Shawn]

Hey Thanks a lot guys for your feedbak,,,Looks like Ill be digging into my pockets again for DSLR focus,,,had hoped there was something free out there that did the job as good as,,,never mind...

Thanks all

Shawn

[Shawn]

I built my own serial cable for the 350 d,,,the opto-isolated version,,,a bit of a trick getting all those bits into the serial clamshell, plus two LED,s. because you cant get two lead bi-colours out here in the boonies,,,LOL