Quote:
Originally Posted by g__day
What does that tell me - given their register software option asks for name, e-mail, license and license expiry date? I had figured they just issue a new licence that expires in 30 days - no they say they can't!
It tells me they use hidden registery fields to map the 30 days - probably in a bogey fashion, and uninstall doesn't clear this stuff from the register. I don't like the practice of leaving hidden keys and other garbage in my registery file - it slows things down over time significantly and leads to instability. Given its a 30 day trial from a set date well it wouldn't be too hard to find and erase this key - but I just can't be bothered - folk should learn better programming practices!
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Correct. Cyanogen/Diffraction Limited use your name and license expiry date which is hashed to provide a unique activation key.
Uninstall does not clear the activation key. This is normal behaviour as users would simply get around purchasing the software by uninstalling, then reinstalling. PEMPro does the same. If you use a program like tripwire, it will monitor your system for changes (both file and registry). Then when installing Maxpoint, you will know exactly what changes have been made to your system. Once you have this, you can successfully circumvent the activation key. Tripwire is typically used to detect hacking activities and produce audit trails. I would like to state that I don't recommend or endorse such activities. If you like the software, support the developer - buy it. Seriously for $150US its worth its weight in gold.
Having stated all this and as a user of Maxpoint - its a very easy system to use. Though, I've started researching alternatives (of the non-bisque kind). Don't get me wrong, I like their software and am a regular user of TheSky6 Pro, however its disappointing to see a company not endorse ASCOM. As an ASCOM aficionado, I'm looking at heading down the
pinpoint avenue perhaps standalone or integrated with ACP or CCDAutoPilot. Not certain yet.
Keep in mind you need to ask yourself what you want to achieve. Improving the mount modelling will assist in accuracy, however if you are doing basic plate solving the mount can easily adjust itself to center objects on a chip
without an excellent pointing model (though it will assist).