dslr focus l/exp

[little col]

is it possible to run long exposures using dslr focus without a serial cable:shrug:
i have the infra red remote but no serial cable

[JohnG]

Hi

Not that I am aware of.

I use DSLRFocus with a 350D and the following parts from Shoestring Astronomy:

DSUSB and cables, DSCBL-01 and 03.

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

You can also get a longer cable for the standard interface as well.

C-USB15 from Hap Griffin.

http://www.hapg.org/astrocables.htm near the bottom of the page.

Cheers

[[1ponders]]

Isn't the IR remote simply a trigger? If so you will be limited to 30 Sec exposures. If you want to go longer you will need either a manual cable release for Bulb setting, http://shop.centre.net.au/index.html?cat=00063U0006Q00007RP&prid=0011DM&it=product

If you want automated in this style of product you will need to get the one for the 20D and an adapter.

It would be much cheaper to get the serial cable and operate from a laptop with DSLR Focus or similar

[little col]

think i will end up getting the serial cable , seems easier and more viable:thumbsup:

[Merlin66]

I use the Keyspan ( excellent!!) usb to serial adaptor on my laptop for control of the HEQ5Pro Goto and the Canon 350D shutter. Works a charm.

[little col]

never heard of this before does it plug into the usb port and convert it to serial?

[Merlin66]

Sure does!!!
I've got two of them running The Sky/ AstroPlanner for GOTO on a LX200 and HEQ5Pro as well as controlling the long exposure on my Canon.
check out www.streetwise.com.au (http://www.streetwise.com.au) they supplied mine in two days.

[little col]

wow that looks expensive !! or maybee i am a bit tight :lol:

[mostschaedel]

Yes, the Canon TC-80N3 timer does this nicely and without the Notebook.
Means, after focusing via USB with DSLRFocus you run the AUTOMATIC exposure series
with the TC-80N3 timer and pack your notebook away.
Saves battery, your nerves because not all serial adapters work with your notebook,
You dont have to fight the Windows attitudes during night and you save the life of your notebook
as you dont have to use it to often in the dust and in the cold!

For using the TC-80N3 timer with all Canon DSLR`s without modification of the timer
there is also an adapter available.

Gerald

[Merlin66]

I don't think anyone has ever said astronomy was a cheap hobby!!!
The $65 for the Keyspan I think is very cost effective; just think what the computer manufacturer "saved" in costs by NOT including a serial connection in th first place!
I've also got the TC-80... It certainly works as advertised and does allow control of the camera for long exposures without a computer, BUT it will cost you over $160 (plus additional for the adaptor for the 350D- the 20D etc are OK)
Bang per buck??

[mostschaedel]

Hi!
Using the notebook during the whole night for running automated
exposures is in my opinion not very cost effective for DSLR imaging,
As long as you can use a timer which runs 2 years with the same battery and
withstands all extreme low and high temperatures.
You have to add to the 65$ the cost for extra notebook battery, cost for the
notebook shorter life, etc...
I think if you calculate ALL cost including the noteboook troubles during the night, the TC-80N3
with its easy of use is by far the cheapest solution!
Saving money on a timer gets often very expensive after your notebook died at -15 Celsius...
Its my experience so far...

[[1ponders]]

While on the USB to serial adapter, had anyone used one of these by Keyspan?
http://www.streetwise.com.au/product_info.php?products_id=4660

I'm interested in running multiple serial connections and don't want to have to buy a USB to serial converter and then hogging all my USB ports

[Merlin66]

Looked seriously at this option, but only needed 2 serials and it was cheaper (!!) to buy them separately.
I can honestly recommend the KeySpan; works with every system I've tried and can be quickly configured/ re-configured and has ability to self test the serial connection to ensure it's talking to the "right" device. Great stuff!!!!

[[1ponders]]

Very tempting. Problem is I'm looking to spend the money on "something else" ;)