During a normal imaging session what software do you have operating either alone or simultaneously. Also, what hardware are you using to run the software
During a normal imaging session what software do you have operating either alone or simultaneously. Also, what hardware are you using to run the software
Hardware:
Mini ITX PC (1.8Ghz) - sitting under the scope. Runs off 12V, so perfect for the off grid dark site. Don't need a powerful PC for image capture
MacBook Pro running Remote Desktop Client somewhere comfortable
Home network (or $20 secondhand wireless network at the dark site)
Software:
Maxim DL for capture & guiding
Pinpoint LE (within Maxim)
FocusMax
CCD Commander to tie it all together and hopefully let me sleep!
PolarAlignMax when setting up.
I use the catalogue in Maxim for initial pointing to the target, then nudge the scope around to get a pleasing composition. I'll then platesolve this and enter those coordinates into a script in CCDC. I also use Maxim to select a Mag 4-5 star within a short slew from the target and use that as a focus target in CCDC. Haven't found the need to use a full on planetarium package when I'm usually working with just one or two targets per night. I usually use AstroPlanner to work out local rise and set times for my local horizon limits.
DT
Last edited by DavidTrap; 29-06-2013 at 10:15 PM.
Reason: added a bit
Hans,
For spectroscopy....
An ol' ACER winXP running AstroArtV5/ AstroPlannerV2/PHD/ CdC/EQmod, controlling four cameras ATiK16ic, ATiK16icS, ATiK314L and the Lodestar.
Teamviewer LAN back to the "office" Dell Inspirion 6400, XPsp2.
2 computers as I run 2 scopes on the one mount.
The first is an old desktop running WinXP with TSXP- used for GOTO with Temma ASCOM driver and image capture with my ST10XME. Elbrus for platesolving. Open office for a log of what I've done.
The second is a very cheap notebook runnung Win7 with CCDSoft for image capture of spectra plus guiding and Isis to process spectra.
All the data gets saved onto an external hard drive and taken back to my house when I'm finished.
Win 7 PC (new, but low end AMD proc) -
Gemini.NET to drive the scope;
Sequence Generator Pro (and Elbrus) for target acquisition, focus and image capture;
PHD guiding;
Firefox to surf IIS/CN whilst imaging....
I'm using PoleAlignMax (for initial polar alignment), FocusMax, MaximDL, ACP and sometimes TheSkyX Pro or StarryNight Pro Plus. All running on a Lenovo X201 laptop with Win7 x64.
