CCDSoft

[cfranks]

Is there a vendor in Aus that sells this software. I'd rather not buy it directly from Bisque as I just bought TheSky from them, $299USD for a box with a CD in it and the only shipping available was UPS @ $94USD.

Charles

[turbo_pascale]

Try www.atscope.com.au (http://www.atscope.com.au)

[Dennis]

Hi Charles

You can download and use CCDOPS for free at:

http://www.sbig.com/sbwhtmls/softpage.htm

It is a DOS style interface but works very well and I know of some users who use it instead of CCDSoft.

Cheers

Dennis

[Bassnut]

CCDOPS has the best Guiding software (SBIG actually started just with guiding software apparently) but is very basic, CCD soft is nice too, but others, like DL maxim do the same and more. What are you going to do with it?.

[cfranks]

Thanks for the info guys, I hadn't seen that ATS are distributors for Bisque, I will give Peter a try since I bought my FLT132 from him.
I'm trying to set up for Imaging in my very light-polluted back-yard and CCDSoft seems to meet my requirements. Actually, to be honest, I think I am buying virtually every piece of software available! :sadeyes:

Charles

[netwolf]

Charles what CCD camera are you using. If it works with MaximDL you could try that. Also you could possibly also try Nebulosity which is by far the cheapest of the lot.

ATS as others have mentioned is probably your best bet locally.

Else I have heard the OPT will ship vis USPS if you ask them to.
http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=2284&kw=ccdsoft&st=2
Also you can call there Toll Free number for free with Skype. Any US Toll free number is free with Skype.

[dpastern]

I couldn't see a AU price at atscope.com.au for maxim dl...am I going blind?

Dave

[Peter Ward]

Nup. No price. To be blunt for the 1/2 dozen or calls ATS gets per anum for Astro software, the recommendation is to contact Cyanogen/Bisque/Brand X directly, as we *have to* charge GST, but...

Australian Customs has decreed postal imports under $A1000 are (mostly) GST free.....plus non-freeware Astro-software has very few users in Oz, gets updated too quickly to have on the shelf, the wholesale margins are less than the GST and you can download it and pay no shipping.

In short, most people in Oz don't want to pay $A200 for local support hence the "No soup for you!" approach.

[cfranks]

Thanks again for the info. I'm still waiting for my camera, QSI 540wsg, also from Optcorp, so I will contact them. Download from Bisque would be ideal as I have a fast link and still have a few Gb in my monthly allowance.

Charles

[dpastern]

That's OK, would have been nice to buy from a local business. I don't want to buy the software over the net as a download, as I want the user guide etc (which I believe the boxed version offers). Downloading the software would evade the GST (if the product is over $1000) anyways, how is the government to tell what I've downloaded ;-) Buying a boxed version will ensure that I get charged import duty & GST. So be it. I'm not quite ready to buy it anyways, probably a few more months, but it is on my shopping list (as well as ccdsoft, ccdinspector and sky 6).

Dave

[cfranks]

From my experience you won't get charged GST in a shipped/mailed item if the landed cost, including postage/freight, is less than $1000. Not 100% guaranteed but buying dozens of products over the years, I have only paid GST on $1K and up. Except, that is, when it comes via UPS. They charge everything they can including additional freight from Sydney to Adelaide. I hate 'em.:mad2: Waiting to see what they charge me on the current package, TheSky6.

Charles

[netwolf]

Charles, did you try asking the vendor to ship via USPS? Some of the US companies will do this.
It is a pitty if it cant be downloaded, that would be the better option. Most Astro products these days are fully downloadable. Starry Night for example. Any particular reason your going for the CCDSoft/TheSky combo?

There is Star Atlas pro which is locally made and a lot cheaper. And i would say it has got probably everthing that TheSky has. But it depends what your needs are.


Regards
Fahim

[cfranks]

No, the only option was UPS.
TheSky6 arrived today, one thin cardboard envelope, shrink wrapped with 4x CD's and 1x DVD. No manual of course but there was a Quick install guide!
I have queried Bisque about download but not received a reply yet. I'm not in a hurry though as Optcorp just told me my camera will be another 5-6 weeks. :(