MaxPoint V T-Point?

[el_draco]

Hi folks, looking for a short cut here.

Currently using The Sky X and am contemplating getting Maxim DL. Each has their version of mount modelling S.W., T-Point and MaxPoint respectively

Question is: disregarding the $50 difference in price is there any benefit in getting one over the other in respect to effectiveness and integration with The Sky and Maxim DL?

Ta,

Rom

[bert]

I use tpoint for the skyx and sky 6. I dont know if maxpoint has an automapping feature.

If you are using tpoint you can use aag tpoint automapping software when combined with pinpoint plate solving software. Using this mode I can get around 100 points in an hour unattended, and that is really handy.

Brett

[frolinmod]

Tpoint Add On for TheSkyX has its own built-in automated calibration that doesn't require any extra software. You might need to install ASCOM 6, the X2 to ASCOM plug-in (both available from the ascom-standards.com website) and the ASCOM driver for your camera if your camera requires one. The speed of data collection during automated calibration depends mainly on the slew speed of your mount and the download speed of your camera. Once you've collected some data the Supermodel button makes modeling into a total no-brainer. It does all the work for you.

If your mount homes, you don't have to do anything on subsequent nights. If it doesn't home, then 1) sync into existing model or 2) sync and re-calibrate functions make it possible to retain the existing model on subsequent evenings. The first one syncs while retaining both your existing model and data. The second one syncs while retaining your model, but not the data and then you do a short run to collect some new data for the existing model to work with.

Be sure to update TheSkyX to the latest update and the latest build, especially if you're in the Southern hemisphere!

The Tpoint Add On is actually built into TheSkyX. You already have it. It just needs a serial number to be entered in order to enable it. TheSkyX comes with an initial Tpoint Add On trial period where you can use it without a serial number, but I think the trial starts from the date you installed TheSkyX and I don't recall how long it lasts before it expires. The Tpoint Add On doesn't have any subscription fee of its own.

[el_draco]

I've been fiddling with T-Point and have found it pretty strait forward to use and after reading a half dozen reviews, I purchased it today. Thanks for the advice.

Rom

[frolinmod]

If you have any questions or run into any trouble, please don't hesitate to post them on the Software Bisque support website. Depending on where you're located the time difference may be a bit much, but the responsiveness to questions is still very good.