[JohnH]

If it makes you feel any better I chose last night to try out updated software for a new guide/imaging system I have on evaluation from OpticStar in the UK. This one:

http://www.opticstar.com/Run/Astronomy/Astro-Imagers-Opticstar.asp?s=d8e147f-3f81-4235-80a3-d39ad7c2591b&p=0_10_0_50_200

and

http://www.opticstar.com/Run/Astronomy/Astro-Imagers-Opticstar.asp?s=d8e147f-3f81-4235-80a3-d39ad7c2591b&p=0_10_0_50_70

Now I have used this gear previously but the software was unstable and the camera seemed to be in need of an IR cut filter as it gave bloated stars, also my old laptop's (IBM t40) USB system got fried (a common problem apparently when used with high current usb devices but one that requires a m'board swap to fix - out of warranty - natch), then I was busy, Christmas came then the clouds (Sydney) etc...so when it was finally clear again I wanted to image not test gear.

So first I thought to try fitting the newly supplied IR cut filter - but as it is a standard 1.25 thread it will not screw onto the camera - only into the 1.25 nosepiece, as I wanted to use the M42 connector I had to revert to changing the internal window again. Did that, found out it does not pass Ha, switched back to plain glass again and accepted I have to use the 1.25" connection.

Next I re-installed AA4 and the updated drivers - that went ok but when I went to install the camera driver I got an error message I could not work around.

"Setup unable to complete as the wizard was unable to find the required software" say Mr Gates. Thanks alot.

As a workaround I tried right clicking the .inf file and selecting INSTALL but that did work either. I did notice that when the camera is plugged in it is deteted correctly but the description displayed does not match the device name in the .inf file.

Oh well.

Tried on my old laptop with old drivers and a PCMCIA USB2 card (remember my main ports were fried)....it works but has the old problems of freezing up. Updated the software - it installs ok but connection to the camera fails. Grr.

OK maybe the 130 will work - well not on the old laptop it doesn't. It is now 00:30 am and I am ratty.

Last gasp install 130 on my newer T60 - success it works but only as a webcam at the moment.