Meade LPI installation & DirectX version

[asimov]

Hi.

I'm trying to install the meade LPI camera to my laptop. From what I've read on the net, one needs the latest version of DirectX to use the LPI.

I have the camera installed & recognized & the computer tells me it's working fine. But when I start autostar suite & hit LPI imaging it comes up with the 'meade LPI not found. Reconnect & try again.' (which I've done several times)

The red light is glowing on the camera telling me theres power to it.

The only thing I can think of to try is getting version 9 of directX & try that.

The laptop has version 7 on it.

keep in mind I also have the standard Philips software & toucam installed.

Anyone out there with experience in this?

Any help will be appreciated, thanks.:help3:

[33South]

I recall reading somewhere that message can be caused if you are using an old version of directX.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.aspx?url=/windows/directx/downloads/default.htm

Also I had problems when I left my webcam plugged in when trying to test the LPI.

[xstream]

I know i read somewhere you need to tell it what comm port to use.
Try that John and see if it works.

[asimov]

I wish I knew more about computers....I just got the LPI working in kodak imaging no worries, but that's no good to me..I need it in autostar suite to stack as I go etc etc.

So, If I can get it working in kodak imaging, is that telling me I don't need directX 9??

Because it's a USB device, it's working off the USB port not a comm port., Should I allocate the camera to a comm port? If I knew which port to allocate it to I would lol.

I'm downloading directX 9 as we speak...rotten dialup!! it's going to take 3 hours to download *sigh*

Thanks for the info so far guys, appreciate it.

[33South]

No, it depends how the software package 'talks' to the LPI


Its USB so the comm port has nothing to do with it.

[ballaratdragons]

Fed up with the Toucam John?

[asimov]

No Ken, not at all....The LPI was going cheap, plus I've always wanted to try the LPI for it's 'stack as you image' capabilities. Not to mention 15 sec. max. time exposure.

I figured it was just as cheap to buy this as opposed to modding the toucam. Anyway, If all else fails I'll re-sell the LPI.

[Wombat_In_Space]

Asi what version of the mead software have you go as some of the early versions had a glitch findin the LPI> to find the version go to >help and the> about. let me know and I will see if it is older than mine

[asimov]

Thanks 33south. I'll install ver. 9 of DirectX & see what happens.

[asimov]

Version 3.08 (2003) wombat..

[xstream]

John, D/load these and see if they help you.

http://www.meade.com/manuals/TelescopeManuals/LPI_Imager/ImageProcessingManual.pdf

http://www.meade.com/manuals/TelescopeManuals/LPI_Imager/AutostarSuiteManual.pdf

[asimov]

Cheers John.

[Wombat_In_Space]

same version as mine the only thing I can think of is the dotnet software didn't install correctly, try uninstalling the mead software and reinstalling it after a reeboot

[asimov]

I did read somewhere just recently that the computer will not 'remember' which camera to use once a toucam was installed........or was it the other way around!? I'll install directX 9 first (which has just finished downloading), if that don't work I'll then totally uninstall the toucam & software....one thing at a time. And yeah Darren, I'll try uninstalling the meade software & reinstalling it as well. (I guss that should be the first thing I do) Thanks all.

[Robert_T]

Hi Asi, I'm suprised the auto-star suite disk doesn't come with whatever version of Direct X you require to run the LPI. :confuse2: Can't help much on that though as it worked fine on my lappy. The stack as you go is neat and convenient, but I think you'll find it limiting in terms of result after using the Toucam. The best results I've got with the LPI was when using it to capture avis via K3CCD tools (instead of with autostar suite) and then processing with registax as you would with Toucam avis.

cheers,

[Wombat_In_Space]

One thing I did notice with my LPI is it need to be pluged in when you boot the computer up but after that you can unplug it and replug it as much as you want.

Buy the way what version of windows ar you running, WIN 98,ME,2000,XP ?

[ballaratdragons]

All sounds very complicated!

[asimov]

Thanks Rob. Yeah I've read all about the LPI & it's downfalls. I just figured it may have been a cheap way to get some of the brightest DSOs like M42/bright Globs.

I prolly should have just modded the toucam perhaps! Not to worry.

Darren, Windoze 2000 mate. I'll try that too...close down after total software installation: plug the thing in & startup again.

[asimov]

Update: Uninstalled the camera/software & reinstalled: No joy.

Installed directX version 9: Success!!

Thanks guys for helping me out! Special thanks to 33south for the crucial info.:prey2:

I think it's going to be clear here this evening, I'll be out there testing this LPI out, touch wood.

TY all again.

[Striker]

No worries asimov...always happy to help out a fellow forum member...lol

[asimov]

Lol!!

[asimov]

Well, I tested the LPI out on mars tonight.

Too much wind & the seeing totally nasty to do a successful testing really. Didn't even get one image lol. But even so, I got to have a bit of a play. Yep, the software is indeed a bit 'clunky'. Mars was smaller on the laptop visually than when using the toucam. Played around with a few sliders etc & got a bit of a feel for it.

All up, no shocking surprises: I fully expected the clunks & slightly smaller scale on the screen.

I had a quick squizz at the chip & it has a red colour to the cover over it, I assume this is a UV/IR cut filter?

[33South]

Only just got back to this thread glad to help and that all is ok now.:thumbsup: (http://misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=13#)

I only used my LX90/LPI a few times on Jupiter back in the days when we had clear skies last year.:sad: Looking fwd to trying on Saturn.

Being new to imaging I was quite pleased with my Jupiter - 2nd attemp.

As my teachers always said - could do better with a bit more application and hard work.:P

[asimov]

That is a very nice Jupiter! If I can get as good as that on my 2nd attempt with the LPI I'll be happy.

Clear skies? Ah yes...I vaguely remember that incident way back in.....:sad:

[acropolite]

Good work ASI, I've only tried my LPI once and the results I wouldn't post....:ashamed:

[33South]

Asi shows that you can get good planetary images with the 'humble' LPI once you get the hang of the software.
Understanding poor software is part of my business so I've got a head start there :lol:
Also pretty good night that day ( :) ) almost seemed a shame to waste it on the big J.

I have now updated to the drizzle version but yet to try it - one of my aims for Lostock. Dying to see how it handles the field rotation of the LX90