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CHDK AstroKam Support

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Offline Davo

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CHDK AstroKam Support
« on: 14 / October / 2013, 06:45:11 »
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Hi,

I am currently working on an astronomical programme for CHDK cameras and hope to release it soon. It is described here

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK_AstroKam

I have started this thread so I can link to it from the app's help button.

Dave

Re: CHDK AstroKam Support
« Reply #1 on: 14 / October / 2013, 06:57:03 »
Many developers rely on the Microsoft .NET framework even for quite trivial programmes where the massive download does not justify it.

Is this your requirement or is forced upon you by other code you are using ?


EDIT:

Well, it seems that it is required by M.Weerden's programme AND ASCOM.
However, ASCOM says there is some confusion over their requirement and insist only 3.5 SP1 is installed :-

http://ascom-standards.org/FAQs/Plat6OnXP.htm

David
« Last Edit: 14 / October / 2013, 07:22:44 by Microfunguy »

Re: CHDK AstroKam Support
« Reply #2 on: 14 / October / 2013, 07:34:23 »
I am currently working on an astronomical programme for CHDK cameras and hope to release it soon. It is described here

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK_AstroKam

I have started this thread so I can link to it from the app's help button.
Nice to see someone putting documentation together prior to releasing a program. 

I took a look at the page the other day and took the liberty of making a couple of small format tweaks.  There are some wiki tricks that aren't exactly documented well anywhere. Hope you like the changes - feel free to roll them back if not.

I also noticed the page was missing a link to the actual AstroKam program.  Now I know why.
Ported :   A1200    SD940   G10    Powershot N    G16

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Offline Davo

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Re: CHDK AstroKam Support
« Reply #3 on: 14 / October / 2013, 11:34:56 »
Many developers rely on the Microsoft .NET framework even for quite trivial programmes where the massive download does not justify it.

Is this your requirement or is forced upon you by other code you are using ?


EDIT:

Well, it seems that it is required by M.Weerden's programme AND ASCOM.
However, ASCOM says there is some confusion over their requirement and insist only 3.5 SP1 is installed :-

http://ascom-standards.org/FAQs/Plat6OnXP.htm

David

It also uses libusbdotnet which requires .NET to be installed. The AstroKam package itself is only 100KB but I guess that is one of the advantages of .NET - you only distribute your own code and not the engine that makes it work.

ASCOM works fine with XP SP3 on .NET 4 client.

Dave


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Offline Davo

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Re: CHDK AstroKam Support
« Reply #4 on: 14 / October / 2013, 11:38:57 »
I took a look at the page the other day and took the liberty of making a couple of small format tweaks.  There are some wiki tricks that aren't exactly documented well anywhere. Hope you like the changes - feel free to roll them back if not.

I also noticed the page was missing a link to the actual AstroKam program.  Now I know why.

I did notice your edits and I really appreciate the help. You can probably see by the history that Wiki editing is not my forte.

Anyhoos, I just uploaded version 1 to the Wiki page if anyone is feeling brave.

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK_AstroKam

Dave

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Offline Davo

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Re: CHDK AstroKam Support
« Reply #5 on: 29 / October / 2013, 07:39:44 »
I have just released v2 of AstroKam here

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK_AstroKam

Ivo of Star Tools helped me by processing some early tests and here is a single image and a processed stack of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). Not bad for a £50 camera.
« Last Edit: 29 / October / 2013, 07:48:48 by Davo »

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Offline Davo

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Re: CHDK AstroKam Support
« Reply #6 on: 29 / October / 2013, 07:44:22 »
And here is Ivo's take on the Pleiades star cluster. Lots of star colors and even a hint of the blue nebulosity. Again, taken with an A810 at 5x zoom.

I should say that both shots were taken from the centre of a light polluted city when the moon was out. Deep Sky Stacker and Star Tools have removed all of the sky glow in the original images.

Re: CHDK AstroKam Support
« Reply #7 on: 29 / October / 2013, 10:55:17 »
Great pictures!  Thanks for returning here and posting.  It makes me want to buy a telescope.

I assume you are still using an A810 (per your other threads) ?    If so, its probably the least expensive component in your system.  That in itself is amazing.
Ported :   A1200    SD940   G10    Powershot N    G16


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Offline Davo

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Re: CHDK AstroKam Support
« Reply #8 on: 29 / October / 2013, 11:59:16 »
Great pictures!  Thanks for returning here and posting.  It makes me want to buy a telescope.

I assume you are still using an A810 (per your other threads) ?    If so, its probably the least expensive component in your system.  That in itself is amazing.

Thanks, but I didn't use a telescope for these pictures. They were all taken just using the A810 lens at 5x optical zoom focussed at infinity. The A810 was mounted on a motorised mount but a simple barndoor would do just as well.

I am also going to try a static camera because Star Tools has a module that can eliminate short star trails. This removes the need for a tracking mount altogether.  Also, I really need to take a shot with the A810 thru a scope.

Re: CHDK AstroKam Support
« Reply #9 on: 29 / October / 2013, 12:20:54 »
Thanks, but I didn't use a telescope for these pictures. They were all taken just using the A810 lens at 5x optical zoom focussed at infinity. The A810 was mounted on a motorised mount but a simple barndoor would do just as well.
Even better!  I assumed a telescope based on the first line in your linked web page :
Quote
AstroKam is a Windows application that lets you control your camera and ASCOM telescope via USB remote control.
Ported :   A1200    SD940   G10    Powershot N    G16

 

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