MAC's and Astro software?

prova · #1 27-05-2008, 08:22 AM

looking at getting a mac but after having a quick search on the net, there doesn't seem to be much support for software like deepskystacker, maxdslr, dslrfocus, etc?

does anyone here use a MAC for astro-related work?

dannat (Daniel) · #2 27-05-2008, 08:42 AM

Prova, you are right - there isn't a lot of mac apps out there. For stacking you could try Keith's image stacker - built by an aussie.
There is one focus program - depending on what type of camera you have - ie my olympus d-slr isn't supported. if you have a canon/nikon should be ok - bugger I can't find the reference for it. will get back to you
daniel

bindibadgi · #3 27-05-2008, 10:01 AM

I'm planning on doing the same (going Mac that is). I've basically resigned myself to installing Windoze as well so I can dual boot for those programs I can't get for MacOS.

Jazza (Jay) · #4 27-05-2008, 11:43 AM

Take a brief look at:
http://wiki.winehq.org/MacOSX

Though if you;re going to a mac anyway have a quick look at linux first

AstralTraveller (David) · #5 27-05-2008, 12:04 PM

Whether your going Mac or Linux you may want to run 'doze in an emulator. For Mac, Parallels seems to be the go. For Linux you could run Parallels or VM Ware or one of the freebies.

I've just installed the latest Ubuntu, which is supposed to run KVM 'out of the box' but it hasn't turned out that way. If there are any Linux gurus out there I may need to pick your brain.

Jazza (Jay) · #6 27-05-2008, 12:43 PM

I'm not a linux guru, but I am runnin linux so send me a pm/strt a new thread about what you;re trying to do and I can give it a look?
Jay

prova · #7 27-05-2008, 12:59 PM

damn, was trying to avoid dual-booting .. might give the little mac-mini a miss.

shame

bindibadgi · #8 27-05-2008, 02:36 PM

Well you don't need to dual boot, if you're willing to install VMWare or Parallels. That way (well at least with VMWare, not sure about Parallels)you can actually open Windoze apps from your MacOS interface. You can even have shortcuts on the desktop and they'll work just as if they're native to the OS. At least that's my understanding.

gbeal · #9 27-05-2008, 04:24 PM

I agree, the pluses of the Mac far outweigh the minuses of Windoze.
If you buy an Intel Mac (all the new ones) you can then run Windoze at the same time via VMWare. I use it like that, BUT turn off my internet connection while doing so.

snowyskiesau · #10 27-05-2008, 04:37 PM

I'm a Linux user and run VMware (the free version). So far, I've had no problems in running most WIndows astro software I've trialled. The only area that VMware may be an issue is with graphics programs as the emulated graphics card is not that flash.

As I'm running fairly old AMD 64 bit processors, I haven't been able to get KVM running but any assistance I can give regarding VMware, I'm happy to do.

Kirkus (Kirk) · #11 30-05-2008, 08:01 AM

Although I'm nowhere near experienced with with astro-related work, I am an experienced Mac user. I found a lot of useful information here:
http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1044

I use AstroIIDC for both video capture of solar system objects and tracking for long exposure DSLR work. AstroIIDC is compatible with many cameras, both high end and low end. It is only compatible with Firewire cameras. For auto tracking, this is from the website:

Quote:

Provides Auto Guiding on stars, planets, lunar craters and solar sunspots utilizing KeySpan's USB to Serial Port converter and Shoestring Astronomy's GPUSB ST4 converter for mount control. Supported mounts include Meade compatible (including LXD55, LXD75, ETX90, ETX125, LX200, RX400, SkySensor 2000 PC etc.), Losmady, Celestron, Meade, Temma, Vixen, SkyWatcher and other mounts that have a ST4 type Auto Guider port and hacked hand controllers (Orion EQ2/3, CGE5 etc.).

AstroIIDC is here:
http://www.outcastsoft.com/ASCASTROIIDC.html

For stacking I tried AstroStack, Keith's Image Stacker, and Lynkos. I've been using Lynkos. It automatically aligns and stacks any quicktime compatible video and 16-bit tiffs. It also applies Flats and Darks.

Links to these processing programs are provided on the CloudyNights page I linked above.

I hope this helps!!

Lee · #12 01-06-2008, 04:03 PM

Nebulosity is OSX native, and works nicely - drives some cameras too....

FarmerBen · #13 01-06-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bindibadgi

Well you don't need to dual boot, if you're willing to install VMWare or Parallels. That way (well at least with VMWare, not sure about Parallels)you can actually open Windoze apps from your MacOS interface. You can even have shortcuts on the desktop and they'll work just as if they're native to the OS. At least that's my understanding.

VirtualBox is also a good free virtualisation tool.

dannat (Daniel) · #14 01-06-2008, 09:08 PM

Prova, don't be put off by these hiccups - the joy of running mac's far outweigh any application shortfalls. I have both macbook,ibook & mac mini and would not trade them. Vmfusion has the edge on parallels, although I am just running bootcamp - have tested both & fusion better

I have also just purchased linux eeePC, am typing on it now - have cracked the start menu button, but am having trouble installing stellarium.

renormalised (Carl) · #15 04-06-2008, 11:47 AM

If you're using linux and running KDE, why try and run stellarium when you have a native planetarium program, KStars....which is just as good.

Get the Mac.....you won't regret it

fringe_dweller · #16 04-06-2008, 01:13 PM

wow, with the vista fiasco playing out, as a rusted on mac user of 10 years, i have never seen so many mac converts! altho it took the intel dual boots to do it, i read the new convert uptake is 4 times! that of vista lol, long way to go tho, altho earlier in the year 25% of all new laptops sold in US were new macs (or was that last year? lol). i like having a mac (3 yr old power PC dual 1.8 G5 tower) for uninterupted peace of mind no downtime and safe internet/email and a PC for the other stuff.
always enjoyed starrynight pro and all the versions of photoshop, theres two great mac astro apps right there!?

tnbk00 (Daniel) · #17 04-06-2008, 02:11 PM

I use a mac for my astro stuff.....

Apps I use:
Keiths Image Stacker
Equinox
Equinox image
BTV Carbon with IOExperts driver (for toucam)
Stellarium
Iastro photo (http://homepage.mac.com/stevepur/ast...y/iAstroPhoto/) as opposed to dslrfocus
cartes de ciel for mac
lynkeos
DSLR shutter

Basically I prefer mac's and im stubborn enough to not lower myself to running a dual boot

There is not much you cant achieve.

Daniel

fringe_dweller · #18 04-06-2008, 02:29 PM

altho i havent tried it, i would add Software Bisque's TheSkyX, dont think they've made a full blown scope control type one yet hmmm if uptake grows like it is, guess that becomes feasible in the future?

http://www.bisque.com/

and the propietry software that comes with cameras, like the new one for canons 450D remote app would be a nice controller?

telemarker (Keith) · #19 05-06-2008, 02:59 PM

If you have an intel mac, Crossover lets you run some windows apps from within OSX without windows at all. I have used this to run the freestanding windows freeware version of neatimage with no problems. It will also run the windows Mediachance HDR program. I'm still trialling Crossover to see what will work.

I can also vouch for Virtualbox, XP runs happily in virtual mode and its free (not XP but virtualbox).