Thought I might open up an open conversation on automated sequencing programs. The best and the worst, pros and cons.
Thought I would start with some prices:
ACP:
- Basic $695
- Personal Expert $1495
CCD Commander: $99
CCD AutoPilot: $95-295
Sequence Generator Pro: $99-157
At first glance there is a HUGE difference between ACP and the other three, is it worth the 6x price hike?
I guess now I should mention what I already have software wise.
MaxIm DL 6
The Sky X, TPoint & Camera Add-on
PinPoint Full
MaxFocus (buying in the coming days)
PHD2
So far, virtually all of my experience has been with using MaxIm DL, manually controlling everything through my LX200 10" with a DSLR. Needless to say, nothing automated! Finally got a new mount some two months ago to which I want to do automated processes in my backyard.
Recently started playing around with MaxIm DL, not sure if it's just me but it seems needlessly complicated to set up imaging sequences so branching out. Haven't even bothered trying to use TSX in the field for this work
From reading numerous threads and reviews all over the inter-webs, ACP although far more expensive sounds like it is the best. Followed by CCD Commander and then I hit a wall between CCDAP and SGP. SGP has done a lot of catching up in the last 18 months, CCDAP sounds like it can be a bit crashy/glitchy at times.
At the moment I am trying to decide between CCD Commander, SGP or if it is that much better, taking the far more expensive plunge into ACP. Taking the plunge into the black pit that is astrophotography
Cheers all!