[Yoddha]

The site is updated and now you can download the beta version with number 1.15. It contains all functions that will be included in the official version 1.20.

If you want to take a look on the upcoming features or to help to clean problems, please visit the Download page of the site. There you will find a link to the new Beta Versions page, where you can download the Full or Demo version of the 1.15.

Here is the list of the new things and short instructions how to use them:

- Exif Temperature readings. Some cameras (check the EOS Matrix page in the site) has built in sensor that measure the temperature of the CMOS on every exposure. The Demo version will show this reading in the info panel after every exposure that is taken in a plan. Full version has more control using the Settings dialog. You can enable/disable the readings showing and to use them as part of the file name.

- LV++. This is method to intensify the Live View images to help to see fainter objects. This can be enabled/disable from Image Effects panel (click on “Yin-Yang” button). Set the ISO to 1600 and exposure greater than 2” for best results.

- LV Stack. It stacks a sets of LV images to help the framing of brighter objects and can be enabled/disable from Image Effects panel (click on “Yin-Yang” button). Set the ISO to 1600 and exposure greater than 2” for best results.

- Focus Score. It is an aid to evaluate if the focus is near to the perfect one. The algorithm is based on counting of the bright pixels and is planned to be used as first step before the FWHM method that will come in 1.30 or 1.40. Lower values are better. Focus Score works in both Live View and taken images, to enabled/disable it use the button with the Star icon. Special thanks to Robin for allowing to use his idea. He developed it in his application SharpCap (http://sites.google.com/site/rwgastro/sharpcap).

- Histogram (in Full version only). Use the little button with the graph icon to show/hide the histogram panel. The data is drawn after image is taken.

- Now you can use 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.3, 1.6, 2.5, and 3.2 exposures in a plan.

- White balance control. Use the drop down list box in the Camera Control panel to select the needed value.

- The full version keeps the Image prefix between APT restarts.

- In minimized mode Ctrl+S is equal to click on Shoot button. Click on the minimized window once then press Ctrl+S

- The camera state monitor will seconds counter when Shoot button is used.

- There is help button that opens the User’s Guide (it is not update yet).

- The button “F” which places a focus temperature mark is with replaced icon – thermometer.

- Fixed is a bug when the cross is used during the LiveView.

- Some UI optimizations.

I’ll be very thankful to hear you opinions and any problems that you find in this beta. Please note that Friday till Monday will be out of the town and will respond slower than usual.

Also if you plan to use 1.15 during a night session take with you the installation of 1.10 in case that there is serious bug (it is not expected, but who knows). Definitely don’t want to ruin your time under the stars!

Next week will be spent in testing and fixing, but by November 5th we will have the official version 1.20.