Astro photography tool

[allan gould]

Free program from
http://www.ideiki.com/astro/Download.aspx
for control of DSLRs.
Thought it may be of interest.

[DavidTrap]

Looks very interesting and would certainly help my workflow - if only they supported proper cameras (ie Nikon)...

DT

[Octane]

lol @ "proper cameras".

H

[troypiggo]

I'm an astrophotography tool.

[bojan]

Ditto.
With the little help from Aputure timer.

[troypiggo]

It does look interesting. Wondering if it does anything Nebulosity 2 doesn't do.

[JD2439975]

Very interesting, thanks for the link Allan. :thumbsup:

The exposure planner is a novelty for me.

[Yoddha]

Hello to everyone!

I'm the author of this program and am happy to inform you that there is new version on the site. There are fixes and new features included (take a look on history page for details).

[h0ughy]

thanks - will have a look

[wasyoungonce]

Hi Ivo.

Love this program. Very easy to use.:thumbsup:

[danielsun]

I really like the way it operates the mirror lock up on the 500D (Same as the 350D system )with your nominated pause and without the use of live view.:thumbsup:
But I can't work out how to direct the image transfer:shrug: it will not send my images anywhere and gives me no options of where to send them.:shrug: It also won't run my 350D at all. It says it is conected but will not fire the mirror or shutter.

[wasyoungonce]

Daniel have a look at the help guide (http://www.ideiki.com/astro/UserGuide.aspx). Images are saved to C:\windows\program files\astrophotographytool\Camera.. .then in a date file it creates.

The paid version has ability to change the location of saved files otherwise they are saved as above location.

Once you "connect" you then bring up your file list of images & ISOs you want with the exposures tab. The press start.

Hope this helps.

[danielsun]

Thanks Wasy,:thumbsup:
I had a look in the defalt destination and when I get intoC:\ program files\astrophotography tool but nothing further (Just drivers and stuff) so still not sure where they are going. I dont see\ camera .:shrug:.It also will not let me make any manual adjustments to the camera until I disconect shut it down and restart.
Never mind, It may be because it is only the trial version.

Cheers Daniel.

[wasyoungonce]

Attached is a screen grab of my install file locations for APT.

As you can see from the attached it creates a fiolder "Camera_1". Inside this folder it creates another date format folder to hold images you take.

Are you sure another program like the canon EOS utility is not running or auto starting when you switch on your camera. I have found this interferes with the APT software.

[astrospotter]

Did anyone try to use the alignment mode? I did not find much on the website on that. Did he have crosshairs that can be placed over a star to assist doing drift alignment or is that some other alignment mode?

I think I am going to try it but it would be a big plus if he also had some assist to track star drift built into the program. The ideal thing would be have large crosshair that sits on liveview screen and a mouse click sets the center (like on the star at some start time). Then after the star has moved with the mount drive off be able to rotate the grid with a second mouse click on the new position of the drifted star.

[wasyoungonce]

Hi Mark. I do not think the alignment cross hairs are moveable. You have to rotate the camera to align with the star drift for drift alignment routine.

But a software inbuilt rotatable cross-hair would be handy.:D

Of course you could overlay this utility with a 3rd party cross-hair that can be rotated aka JAC virtual cross-hair. (http://users3.jabry.com/JCAAstro/Articles.html#My_Virtual_Crosshair_ utility_v1.3):thumbsup:

[astrospotter]

I also know of a rotating grid app and thought about that later but I think I'll take a look at the one you mention as well, thanks.

Im going to check out this software and the price is nice so I Ill buy it as well but was a little confused on Canon 40D specifics in terms of USB drive and mirror lockup delay. For those things, the free download will answer all that even in my living room on a full moon I think. I like the live-view preview for mask-focus and framing so I don't have to kink my neck to see focus on the tiny screen. Nice.

I really don't want anything but usb between the camera and my field laptop and if that really happens, including mirror lockup delay, I'll be sending in my moo-lah cause it looks like it is simple yet does so much of the workflow. Easy to remember how to use in the dark is a HUGE Plus.

Mark

[JohnG]

If you want to Drift Align in these programs, get yourself a copy of StarTarg, open it up and you can drag it all over the screen and set it at various orientations. :thumbsup:

http://www.andysshotglass.com/StarTarg.html

Cheers

[Yoddha]

Hello to everybody!

Excuse me, I had forgotten to make a subscription to this thread and didn't receive notification that there are new post here :(

danielsun, to use APT with 350D a serial cable is needed to control the shutter and mirror. Only the models after 2006 can be controlled only with USB.

As for the cross, the original idea for it was to help me with "High precision" feature of my LXD-75 mount. It works quite well in combination with LiveView :). But I suppose that the cross will be handy for drift alignment too. If there is something that can be handy for doing it, let me know and I'll try to add it in the next version.

wasyoungonce, thanks for the help!

[astrospotter]

I await a field test or two to see if anything comes up then.
Paid for the version today.

Intuitive, easy to understand, well laid out with a pro look, does what it says it will do.

As with any program there will be little things but this is one nice tool at a fair price. This seems to have full USB control with my Canon 40D with 1.0.8 firmware.

I will upgrade firmware at some time because I think there is a 1.1.1 that people like and a 1.1.2 that may have issues around some focus feature. But that has nothing to do with this APT and may be on some other thread here in Ice.

Mark

[danielsun]

Hi yoddha, I am using a bulb capture cable but it may be a windows 7 issue.
I am about to purchase APT and hopefully it may solve the image transfer problem.

Cheers Daniel.

[Yoddha]

Mark, thank you for supporting APT!

Daniel, there is no limitation in demo version related to the transfer. If you select PC or Cam+PC then in your installation folder a new one will be created "Camera_1" and in it you will find your images sorted by date. Try the latest demo version. In the full version you can select the folder where the images to be saved, in demo the path is fixed.

As for 500D you can control it only with USB (Digic4 cameras has this nice feature). For 350D check if "Connection" option in your camera menu is set to "PC connection"

[adman]

Hi Yoddha,

I downloaded the trial version a few weeks back - but only had my Shoestring DSUSB box and cables delivered yesterday.

The USB control of the camera for exposures up to 30" works really well, but I am having a few issues with using the DSUSB to control longer exposures.

Is it correct that the only way to take exposures over 30" is to use the Exposures box in the bottom right? I have never been able to get the 'Test' plan to operate the shutter. I have been able to create my own plans that have worked - but they don't work every time - they usually only work when first starting the program. I get the feeling that it is when I try to change the selected plan that the program loses either the DSUSB or camera USB connectivity. When this happens, the log says "Starting xxx plan", the status indicator at the bottom right says "Busy", and thats the way it stays until I manually shut the program down.

I am running Windows XP Pro, and using a Canon 10D with a USB cable and shutter controlled through Shoestring DSUSB.

Any help would be appreciated. It looks like a nice piece of software, that has great potential.

Thanks
Adam

[Yoddha]

Hi Adam,

You are right that the only way to make exposures over 30" is the box in the lower right corner where exposures from the selected plan are loaded. I just made some tests with 350D and DSUSB and it works, but your camera is with other processor and there are differences.

The DSUSB connection is not closing when the plan is changed, so there should be other problem. Can you check the plans you defined if they are with ISO that is supported by your camera? Do you use preview function and what is Image destination?

[astrospotter]

Just a beware to APT users so you can workaround an issue I am seeing.
I run APT on a very recent Toshiba 205 NetBook on Windows 7.
If APT is running and for any reason the standard windows pop-up
happens for when usb is just plugged into the camera or camera is
just turned on you MUST close this window or APT can crash.
This window will be BEHIND APT so you may not notice it.

So if your system does 'Autoplay' type windows feature for when you
plug in the Canon you will hit this. A more advanced way to fix this
would be to disable autoplay OR select a default behavior for your
Canon for autoplay and the window I bet will not be an issue then.

Hope this helps. And I of course still LOVE this tool!!!
This tool does so many of the things I want in my work-flow and
has live view and shutter delay for mirror lock and so much!!! Thanks.

[Yoddha]

Hi Mark,

APT and Canon EOS utility shares same library to access the camera. This library has limitation that only one connection can be made in a time.

You are right that the only solution is to close EOS utility before you attempt to make a connection to the camera in APT. On XP there is no crash, but connection can't be made.

So my advice to everybody is same, close EOS utility before using APT (take a look on "Camera Preparation" in User's guide)

P.S. Take a look on the homepage for a list of the new things that are coming :)

[astrospotter]

The pop-up I am talking about is when canon is plugged into USB
windows itself comes up with a window that is associated with the
auto-play windows feature. If I do not close this windows
pop-up that is asking what I would like to do with my Canon it is
this that causes APT to crash.

Again, workaround is to just know that when a system gets the canon
plugged in you must close that window even though it will be behind APT.

The other workaround I suggest is to disable autoplay for the canon device.
I know this can be done on XP but this system is windows 7 so I assume
it can be turned off but have not looked into it yet.
I will post to this board after I find the correct menu in windows 7
to disable the autoplay on my canon from happening.

[Yoddha]

A lot of thanks for the help Mark!

[wasyoungonce]

Yeah good point. I've seen APT & the canon utility conflict ...all the time. I've already done this, disabled the Cannon utility.

[astrospotter]

DOH! I see that you (youngonce) had already mentioned the autoplay thing. There are so many new things for me that I am in overload and wish
I had picked up on young once's comment before.

I am a fairly accomplished visual guy but a real noob at astrophotography.
So between all the stuff I am trying to sort out in taking photos from allignment through taking the shots through processing, guess I completely missed that hint.

Well, a belated thanks for the tip (even though I was too daft to pick it up 1st time) :P

[h0ughy]

Well I am not sure how you guys have tested this software but I have found it not to work. I have loaded it on several computers – one brand new formatted system with no other software loaded, windows 7 ultimate 32 bit, XP pro, XP home, Vista ultimate 32bit, and I still cant get the software to work and function as it should.

I can connect to the camera, set functions and shoot one shot then that is it – it locks up. The scripting doesn’t work either – it will do the first two or three shots then kark it. So to all those who have this working – I say how the heck did you do that? I have downloaded and loaded the latest version – 1.07 and tried it with 350D, 400D , 40D, 20D, 30D and I use a DSUSB with all.

Sorry but to me the software offers a lot but fails to deliver. To be that consistent over a variety of platforms with that many different cameras I either must be doing something really wrong, or it just doesn’t work? The gear does work with other software such as IP, nebulosity etc.

[RB]

I found the same difficulty using my 20Da.
APT will only take the first shot on the list and then stay busy.
I'll give it another go later and see what I'm doing wrong.

The software looks good though, would love to be able to use it.

[Octane]

I could be totally wrong, but, isn't there some communications setting in the camera menu that may need to be switched over to a different setting? I don't have a camera in front of me so can't check, sorry.

Disregard if already tried.

H

[h0ughy]

I tried nearly everything including wiring the kitchen sink with USB connectivity.

[wasyoungonce]

I used the canon USB interface (not DSUSB) with my 450D...no problems.

I guess that's of little help & comfort.

Do you have something like mirror lock-up set to enable in the camera menu?

[DavidTrap]

I tried and failed too.

DT

[h0ughy]

no mirror lockup set

[Yoddha]

Hi to all,

You had written a lot during I was sleeping...

The general advise that I can give is to install the latest EOS utilities, this will give the latest drivers. Then be sure that the camera is using JPG or Raw+JPG quality. Only RAW is not supported. If you use lens, turn off the auto-focus. Define a plan with exposures >1s (some users reported a problem with exposures under 1s which will resolve in the next version)

I think that these steps (and Camera Preparation steps from User's guide) will resolve the problems which David and RB observed.

For 20Da, the bad news is that LiveView can not be used through PC :( But the rest functions was verified from a user...

I'll be happy to help with what I can :)

[Visionoz]

Hello Yoddha

From reading off your website and the compatibility/features table I gather that for a Canon 5D model (not MkII) one needs to use either a direct serial port remote device or the DSUSB from Shoestring to achieve exposures greater than 30secs - is this correct?

Cheers
Bill

[Yoddha]

Hi Bill,

I didn't have chance to test with 5D, and have no information from users, but I expect that it will behave like the other Digic2 cameras (I mean from controlling point of view :)). You are right that there is need of DSUSB or serial cable in order to get exposure longer than 30s.

I'll be thankful if you share your experience how APT behaves with your 5D!

[RB]

Thank you Ivo, I'll try your advice when I get a chance.

[wasyoungonce]

Pretty much what Yodda says below but check:

Anti vibration pause is 0s (I have trouble unless it's on 0);

Camera set to RAW+jpg (APT need the jpg to display it cannot display RAW). This has cause me grief;

[Yoddha]

I'll re-read the user's guide, may be it was not written well (sorry, English is not my native language and I'll appreciate any corrections :))

So one more clarification. If Anti vibration pause is 0s then mirror lock has to be Off. If Anti vibration pause is >0s then mirror lock has to be On.

[wasyoungonce]

Thank Yoddha.

You really are putting in a good effort on this.

[Yoddha]

It is pleasure to find so many friends around this program and to see it becoming popular!

[allan gould]

Talent is quickly realised - especially in a group like this

[Yoddha]

Thank you!

[Yoddha]

The new version is fact :) Here is changes log:

2010/5/27 - v.1.0.8 New features and bug fixes
-Added: Delayed plan start (in FULL version only)
-Added: Messier catalog browser for object size selection (in FULL version only)
-Added: Automatic image name prefix and suffix - now ISO, Exposure, Date and Time can be part of the image name (in FULL version only)
-Added: Image quality selection help focusing without Live View.
-Added: Better integration of Plan Editor
-Added: Support for ISO 2000 and 2500
-Added: "N of M images" info in the floating status window.
-Updated: User's Guide document (the new things are in green)
-Fixed: Bug when EOS 50D is used.
-Fixed: Bug on COM cable with exposures <1s and anti-vibration=0.
-Fixed: Longer text for the Image Prefix.
-Fixed: Image Prefix is used when Shoot button is clicked.
-Fixed: Other small bugs.

[RB]

Thanks Ivo, I'll download and check it out.

:)

[Yoddha]

Hi to all,

I don't want to pressure the things, but is there any feedback from the new version? I think that it is the most stable version so far, but for me is more valuable to hear what is your opinion!

Also now is the time to tell what you want to see in the next version :) Some are listed on the site, other are not... The plans are to start working on the new features by the end of the week ;)

[wasyoungonce]

Hi Yoddha...sorry haven't had a chance to use it yet...clouds:cloudy:

[Visionoz]

Yoddha

I have tried the latest version of APT with EOS 40D connected via USB cable direct, (both mirror lock-up and none) and it worked alright with no issues at all with everything going as it should be

However I still haven't tried with the EOS 5D yet as I have been too busy to make the serial cable for long BULB exposure, will definitely get back to you when I have done so

Cheers
Bill

[Yoddha]

Hi Bill,

A lot of thanks for the feedback! Will look forward for your 5D experience. Let me know if I can be in help!

[adman]

Yes, the plans I have defined are with 10D supported ISO's. I have the image destination set to camera + PC.

Is the preview function you mention Live View? If so the 10D does not have this...

Adam

[astrospotter]

Nicely done. Did a real good field test last night and it performed quite well the whole night. Has a real 'Pro' look and is very well thought out. My camera is the 40D and I connect with USB only.

I am a registered user and highly recommend this tool to others. :)

I use a prime focus 200mm a lot and it would be very handy and avoid possible exposure mistakes if a user were able to include f/3.5 type of setting right in the plan. Even if it was only allowed for all lines in the plan it still would help. Setting the exposure manually while not on USB then going back into USB mode is awkward but worth it for the other great features. (Hopefully I have not just missed how it is set somehow). :question:

Clear Skies,
Mark

[Yoddha]

Hi Adam,

I the right side of the screan there is list box named "Image preview", can you try to set it to "On"? I would suggest you to give a try of the latest version. Excuse me that I can't give more ideas, but so far I didn't have chance to try Digic1 camera.

[Yoddha]

Hi Mark,

Thank you for the news and for the kind words!

I'll investigate your suggestion and if there is way to control the aperture from the program will include it in the next version or two.

[Yoddha]

There is a new page named "Suggest" on the site, where everybody can make suggestions, propose new objects for the catalog, give feedback or thoughts related to APT. This is one more way for contact :)

[adman]

I tried this out again this week - still no go with my 10D.

The 'Image Preview' was set to on, and I have the latest version of APT installed.....

I have tried another piece of software (DSLR Remote) and it also has problems with the 10D - so I think in this case it is probably the camera :sadeyes:. Time for an upgrade...

Thanks
Adam

[Yoddha]

Hi Adam,

The latest version has feature to change the image quality. Can you check if your camera supports RAW+L? If there is no such mode, you can try to edit the plans use "L" only.

[adman]

No - it doesn't have R+L (it is hard pressed just providing me with L....:P)

I will give that a try.

Thanks,
Adam

[Yoddha]

Hi Adam,

I think that the problem is located with the help of one 300D owner. It is that 300D (I suppose that with 10D the case is same) can't be set in Bulb mode from the PC. The research that made shows that both cameras have almost identical firmwares in addition to the well known same processor.

So I'm not sure if a version of APT that can work only on XP, only in L quality and that can't switch exposure times is attractive at all? If it is I will make it...

[adman]

Does that mean that if I am using the DSUSB to control the shutter, and I manually set the exposure to bulb, then it will work??

Adam

[adman]

I have just had another go at this....

My settings:


APT
Anti-Vibration Pause: 0 sec
Long Exp. Control: DSUSB
Image Preview: On
Image Dest. : PC + Camera
Camera: 10D

Canon 10D
Camera Mode :Manual - Bulb
File format : JPEG - Large
Connected via USB and DSUSB
Had a 28mm lens in place set to manual focus

An interesting thing happened. I started the plan (which for testing was 2 x 120s exposures, at ISO 400 with a 5 sec pause between, L format), and the usual thing happened, which was for the indicator to show "BUSY" and nothing else happening. THEN, I checked the camera info screen and noticed that the aperture was set to f5.6 - so without stopping the running plan in APT, I spun the wheel to open the aperture a little more, and the instant that I spun the wheel, the shutter opened and the plan started. It took 2 x 120 sec exposures with 5 sec pause, and completed without a problem - including showing me the image preview.

Any ideas??

Adam

[adman]

OK - I have been doing some more testing, and have worked out most of this behaviour.

As I said above, once you click the start button on the screen to begin the plan, the normal behaviour for my 10D is that the status indicator to show BUSY, and for nothing else to happen until I manually shut down the software. I have discovered that the workaround for this is to manually 'activate' the camera by doing one of the following things:

- spin the wheel for either shutter speed (wheel on top of camera) or aperture (wheel on back of camera) 1 click
- press any of the following buttons (see camera images attached) TWICE: DRIVE-ISO, AF-WB, Metering method, Menu, Play Images, AF Point selection
- the following buttons DO NOT WORK: shutter button (half or full press), Info, Jump, *, Button with movement arrows.

Once the plan has been activated manually as above, the plan will proceed without any issues.

Some additional behaviours I have found:

1. if the Stop button is pressed mid-plan, then it seems to disconnect the DSUSB. When Start is pressed to begin the plan again, it first says Connecting to DSUSB, then the plan proceeds normally after that, without the need to manually activate.
2. If the plan completes ok, you will be able to start it again without the above workaround as long as the plan is not edited - see below.
3. If you edit the plan and change either the ISO or the Quality setting, you will have to do the manual activation again. Editing any of the other plan parameters has no effect.
4. You can switch to another plan without any problem as long as the ISO/Quality are the same.
5. You cannot change ISO/Quality settings within a plan (ie from one line of the plan to the next) - if you do, you will have to use one of the manual activation methods above.

Hope that helps anyone with the same issues. It looks like I can now use this tool, albeit with some workarounds.

Yoddha - it seems to me that if you could find the right command to send to the DIGIC I cameras after the start button is pressed, it would remove the need to press a button on the camera manually??

Adam

[Yoddha]

Hi Adam,

A lot of thanks for the stunning investigation you made! I still can't find 10D sample to test myself. Your findings are very interesting! Mine showed that Digic 1 doesn't accept command to set Bulb speed, but obviously with your interaction with camera you somehow confirm Bulb and this allows plan to be executed.

During my attempts to make APT working with 300D I put a new quality option in plans, named "custom" which doesn't attempt to change the camera quality and uses directly the manually set value (but it still has to be JPEG quality :()

Interesting finding is that ISO change is making also problems :confused2:. If you want I can send you a version in which exposure change is skipped for Digic 1 cameras. In cooperation with the "Custom" quality, it will be able to track down if ISO change is working correctly or not.

The idea is to make a version that allow Quality and Exposure to be set manually from the camera (or with other words to avoid the limitations of Digic 1) and then to execute a plan.

Please send me as PM an e-mail where I can send you the test version.

[adman]

Thinking about it, it seems to me that APT is waiting for some reponse from the camera after the start button is clicked, but the camera either isn't giving a response at all, or is giving a different response to what APT is expecting? Then pressing one of the buttons/turning the wheels forces some kind of refresh which gets things moving....

If it is any help to you I have some programming experience in VB.net. I am not sure what you have used to write APT?

I will send you a PM with my email address. I would like to help you get to the bottom of this issue.

Thanks
Adam

[Yoddha]

The logic on every plan's line is: Check current ISO (if there is need - change it), Check current Quality (if there is need - change it), Check current Exposure (if there is need - change it). On every change APT needs confirmation from the camera that the operation is finished before continue with the next step. So your actions with camera buttons send the needed confirmation and allow APT to continue.

The test version will isolate Exposure and Quality as problems and we will know if ISO is problematic too...

I'll send it to your mail later today or tomorrow morning (EU time :))

APT is written on C++, it is my favorite :) But the main reason to use it is that Canon's library is written on the same language and it is easier to be used from C++ than from C# or VB.NET

[mswhin63]

I have just downloaded and connected to my Windows 7 Professional (64bit) laptop. I think there maybe some issue to resolve with Windows 7 as most here are now using it. In priciple it is work well for me as I would like it to work, it operates my 450D correctly but occasionally the program crashes which may cause some field issues although as I do not have tracking I am not expected to do long exposures for a little while yet. One other thing I have noticed is that it does not create the camera 1 or camera 2 folder as mentioned. I have seen this with other programs I have used in the past mainly due to Windows 7 file creation is different to XP or VISTA, in the meantime it works by sending pictures to Camera so it is good enough to use for moon and planetary at this stage but i want to look at long exposure widefield soon and i would be hesitant to purchace it with these current bugs.

I am assuming the developer is watching these threads as they are mentioned in the manual. Nice program but bit buggy on Windows 7.

[mswhin63]

One issue solved, trying to remember back to the other program and found the Camera_1 and 2 folders are created in the User directory not the program directory. Found them.
I will continue to test the program crashing as I have not yet found the condition/s causing it yet. I noticed the preview image is not reliable either, originally after installation the preview image worked showing the image for about 10 seconds as per camera setting, on the second and subsequent times round the preview occured for the time of the capture, very quick.

[Yoddha]

Hi Malcolm,

I had chance to play few times with Win7 but it was 32bits. Also there was one other problem which was again visible only on 64bits. So it looks that 64bits platform needs special care, but unluckily all the PCs that are accessible to me are 32bits. If you manage to locate the situation I'll try to resolve the problem remotely, like it was made with the other 64bits problem of a user in Canada :)

Also can you give me the exact path where Camera_1 is created? I'll include this info in the user's guide. Thanks in advance!

[mswhin63]

Hi Ivo,

Firstly the path is "C:\Users\Malcolm\AppData\Local\Virt ualStore\Program Files (x86)\Astro Photography Tool - APT\Camera_1"

I will have a look at the rest later.

[mswhin63]

I had a go setting up APT running a typical operation. During my normal image taking it did not fail at all and did a lot of image using the record live view. Bit like a webcam feature but using the responce of the DSLR.

I have some images taken - http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=62956 and managed a whole lot more with ease so it is a great program. It also allowed me to focus a lot better on a larger screen although still need a motorised focuser.

Now the only time the program crashed was at the end. I had the camera in "Live View" mode and I think although not sure in "x5" view. I clicked "Disconnect" and the program crashed. I believe some operations need to be off before disconnecting. I also noticed I accidentally switched off the camera half way without disconnecting. I had to shut down the program and restart it to get the camera working again (minor detail).

Great program.

[Yoddha]

Hi Malcom,

It is great to see beautiful images and for me it is very pleasing to know that APT helped in data gathering :)

I put significant amount of time to struggle with disconnection. Canon's library is not friendly at all in this case. As you know EOS utility doesn't have such button at all. Will try to reproduce the problem on 32bits Win7... BTW looking at my habits I see that don't use this button too much. I simply close APT and then stop the camera. Anyway will try to fix it for the next version...

[Yoddha]

Forgot to mention that white balance can be tuned while the LiveView is on (currently only manually for camera). Light level can be adjusted by changing Exposure and ISO values from the drop-down list in left of LV On/Off button. Change is visible almost immediately :)

[Yoddha]

The new 1.0.9 version is finally ready and is on the site. I want to apologize for the long delay, and really hope that then next version will come sooner than this one :)

Here is the list of the changes:

2010/8/17 - v.1.0.9 New features and bug fixes
-Added: Rotatable/Movable cross
-Added: Scrolling in Preview mode 1:1
-Added: Plan cloning in the Plan Editor
-Added: Lens control (Digic III and latter)
-Added: Automatic mirror lock enable/disable (Digic III and latter)
-Updated: User's Guide document (the new things are in green)
-Fixed: Plan name can’t contains < or >.

After few days I will start the work on the new version 1.1. There are interesting features planned for it:

-Support for TEMPer (http://pcsensor.com/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=15)
and TEMPerHUM (http://pcsensor.com/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=31) sensors (can be found in eBay too)
-Displaying the current temperature
-Displaying the current dew point (needs TEMPerHUM sensor)
-Notification for refocusing when the temperature drops (FULL Version Only)
-Notification for closing dew point. No more unneeded heating (FULL Version Only)
-Image suffix with the current temperature (FULL Version Only)
-Bulb mode for "Shoot" button
-RAW Only shooting
-Small preview in the floating window to cooperate better with guiding software

[Octane]

Wow, Ivo, this sounds like some serious new functionality. Well done!

H

[Omaroo]

Is the site down for anyone else? I can't get to it at all... :question:

[troypiggo]

Worked for me yesterday, but seems to be playing up now.

[Yoddha]

The hosting company is total crap :( Do not host on webhost4life.com unless you want to shorten your life significantly... Trying to resolve the problem with them and meanwhile am preparing a new hosting to move the site by the end of the week.

I apologize for the inconvenience!

[Yoddha]

The site was moved on new a hosting. I hope that it will be faster and most importantly more relayable! The new address must be accessible worldwide in few hours.

I'll be happy to hear you experience with the new server!

BTW after more than 24h webhost4life.com place is still broken?!?! Can't believe that I had paid for this so called "service"...

[wasyoungonce]

They must be an Australian business then...;)

[Yoddha]

Some news from the kitchen. I have success with Temper and TemperHUM sensors :D Both are fully supported by APT now. v1.10 shows temperature, humidity and dew point (last two needs TemperHum sensor)

The registered version has more goodies - refocusing notifications and notification for closing and passed dew point. In the settings dialog you can set the temperature change that forces refocusing, and how many degrees before dew point to notify.

81515

You can see an animation that shows how refocusing alert works. First you set Focus Mark (with simple click on the F button). When the temperature pass half of the limit then T: becomes flashing to show that soon you have to refocus. When the limit is passed then T: becomes bright red :)

If the work continue with this rate we will have new version before the end of September :)

[Yoddha]

I'm sorry to say it, but just found that the new automatic mirror lock enabling/disabling feature is provoking problems especially with Digic 4 cameras :( (500D and 550D for sure)

While the new version 1.10 is done, a fix for the unregistered version can be found here. http://www.ideiki.com/astro/Beta.zip

All registered users can contact me at any time and will send them the fix for the registered version.

A lot of apologies for the inconvenience!!!

[Yoddha]

News around APT! The new version is closing more and more... :) And I just created a Yahoo group that can be used as additional way to get support, to get news, to give suggestions, to share thoughts and images taken with APT.

Everybody is welcome!

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/astroplace/

[g__day]

Very interesting software - will give it a go once the clouds dissappear!

One thing I might suggest, fairly advanced. If a user has queued a long group of shots - it would be great if the software could detect if clouds have rolled in - making the shots pretty much all white - and halting the stream of shots until the clouds pass (say doing a loop of 1 minute shots) until after a maxium user set time the clouds go away or you alert the user all is not well and abort the imaging run.

I envisage a control stream during a imaging run like:

after each shot check for a cloud filled shot. If nothing - go on with the run. But if clouds are detected:

1. Warn the user (in case like me they aren't in the astro lab nor even near the remote control PC) with a loud bleep

2. Loop a seires of 1-2 minute shots for a user defined period of time to see if the clouds quickly pass. If so - resume the imaging run. If not - abort the run and execute a user define function - like signaling the user - here comes rain - put away your gear!

I often image remotely, even an alert - a loud bleep or something that the shot was all coulds would call me back to the PC. It would be nice if the imaging control software could pause a series of shots when it detected clouds.

Matthew

[Yoddha]

Hi Matthew,

This interesting and challenging :) (at least for me) idea. Definitely I like it and will include it in my requests list, which means that somewhere in time it will be implemented :)

[mswhin63]

Just managed some live view recordings from APT, am quite pleased with the results.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=637237#post637237

[Yoddha]

Great images, Malcolm! It is real satisfaction to see that APT can be in help :)

[mswhin63]

I believe with the right gear I should be able to acheive some really large shots. Once my mount is complete I will change from a 3 x Barlow to a 5 x Powermate but first thing is to improve the smoothness of the EQ platform. Waiting for the right parts.

I also managed to test my light weight improved shroud which was the major cause of all my eronious glare.

One thing I noticed though is the power consumtion is really high on live view so unable to take long sequence of images. I am even using a double canon battery pack too. Fortunately I am in the plan of modifying the accessory battery pack to take a 12V input from my gear.

[Yoddha]

Good news! The development of the new features is done! Now it is time to test,
fix the bugs, change the doc, site and etc. :)

Next week we will have a new version!

Did I mention the new yahoo group ;) http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/astroplace/

[mswhin63]

Cool Banana :)

[Yoddha]

As usual I’m happy to announce the new version of APT :) Here is what took a place in it:

2010/9/30 - v.1.10 New features and bug fixes
-Added: Support for Temper and TemperHUM sensors
-Added: Dew point closing and passing notifications (in FULL version only)
-Added: Need to refocus notification (in FULL version only)
-Added: selection between Celsius and Fahrenheit (in FULL version only)
-Added: Automatic image suffixes can include the current temperature (in FULL version only)
-Added: RAW only mode - no image preview yet
-Added: Stop exposure in plan greater than 1s with the Stop button
-Added: "PC only" mode save the images with base names 0001, 0002...
-Added: Image preview in minimized mode to cooperate with guiding software
-Added: Default focal length (in FULL version only)
-Added: Corrected image (right orientation) in Preview and LiveView by
flipping the image horizontally and vertically
-Added: Sharpening and Negative effects in Preview and LiveView (in FULL version only)
-Updated: User's Guide document (the new things are in green)
-Removed: Automatic mirror lock custom function enabling/disabling is removed for all cameras except 1000D
-Removed: Custom image quality option.
-Fixed: Other small bugs.

Since this version there is small change in the version numbering – 1.10, 1.20 and any version with last digit “0” will mark the current stable version. Numbers like 1.11, 1.12 where the last digit is not “0” will mark the beta versions. The site will be updated to allow downloading registered and unregistered beta versions. I hope that there will be interest to try the new features and to help to test APT with more EOS models and to make it better. I want to say big “Thank you!” to everybody that were and are helping so far!

On the home page are listed some of the planned features for v1.20. There will be a focus on polishing the things we already have, but there will be some new things too ;) On first place the extraction of the EXIF temperature data.

Please let me post this link again. It is the Yahoo group related to APT - http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/astroplace/

And last, this Saturday I’ll be out of the town so will be slow on responses. Sorry for the inconvenience.

[wasyoungonce]

Thanks Ivo.

Looks like lots of new features:thumbsup:. I'll be trying some hopefully tonight (insert optimistic grin here;))!

[mswhin63]

Nice features, have some more images to post later. cool

[Yoddha]

:thanx: Have fun with it! :)

[Yoddha]

Some APT news :)

The next version is closing and will be loaded with more features ;) RAW Exif Temperature reading, Histogram, White Balance control and several things that have to test under the sky before I announce them :)

[mswhin63]

White balance, beautiful can't wait for that.

[wasyoungonce]

Thanks Yoddah.

Just ordered a TEMPerHum. Hopefully to tell me when to re-focus.

Looking forward to using this feature.:thumbsup:

[Yoddha]

Malcolm, the plans are next week to put a beta version on the site and then to release the official one in the first week of November.

Wasyoungonce, the sensor gives very handy possibilities :) definitely don't regret for buying it and implementing the support in APT. I don't think that we can get other solution that offers refocusing and closing dew point notifications at even close price :D

[Visionoz]

Ivo

Unfortunately I cannot report on the use of APT for EOS 5D because I sold the camera and got a EOS 5D MkII instead - and it worked alright; A++ for astro-imaging purposes

I use a non-GoTo Losmandy G11 setup (only PushTo with ArgoNavis) and used the laptop with APT & PHD guidng only

Only issue I have is that both my EOSes - 5D MkII & 40D) shows "Busy" when I connect either cameras via the USB cable - I know about quitting the EOS Utility after connecting the USB cable - but that did not get rid of the "Busy" on my control screen. However the good news is that irregardless of the "Busy" message I just ignore it and press "Connect" button of APT and everything works as it should

I must clarify that I use Windows 7 Pro as well as XP on other laptop

Look forward to perhaps getting "Focus" via FWHM feature built-in for future and that would do the trick for me because I can then get rid of Nebulosity or MaximDL when I go to dark site or portable!!

Thanks for a good product

HTH
Cheers
Bill

[Yoddha]

Thank you Bill!

I'll try to reproduce the "BUSY" problem under Win7. What is the version of EOS Utility that you have on your machine? Latest EOS Utilities install the newest drivers and this resolves many problems :)

FWHM is definitely in the top 5 requested features. Even more I put a kind focusing aid in the v1.20 to be in help till FWHM is done, but have to check how good is it and if there is sence to make it public.

[Visionoz]

Ivo

The EOS Utililty version is 2.8.1.0 - I use this version for both the 5D MkII & 40D on the same laptop

Well if you need a beta-tester, I'm sure many here are willing to put their hands up including me!!:D

Cheers
Bill

[Yoddha]

Bill, next week will put a beta on the site and will ask you to take a look on this issue. Thanks in advance!

[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.

[mswhin63]

Great, I have tested focus score feature on SharpCap and it is a beauty. Great stuff and very handy.

I may give LiveView capture a go, although I am a little busy learning processing at the moment. Once that is finsihed I will be happy to test the Beta.

[Yoddha]

Thanks Malcolm!

[wasyoungonce]

Lots of good feature Ivo..Keep it up.

Any chance of "dither" between frames feature with PHD?:D:D:D

I'm finding that with lots of subs I really need to dither and quite frankly I'm poor at manually doing it.:(

[Yoddha]

I'm ashamed but am still on the very beginning of the guiding route and don't know what exactly is dithering? :confused2:

Can you explain in short? Then will research what is needed to implement :)

Thank in advance!

[adman]

is this the temperature sensor (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/USB-hygrometer-and-thermometer-Hid-TEMPerHUM-/220678729133?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33617a2dad) you are talking about?

Adam

[Yoddha]

Hi Adam,

Yes, this is the sensor :) I bought mine from eBay too, but on the www.astroplace.net (http://www.astroplace.net) there is also a link to the vendor's site.

[wasyoungonce]

Hi Ivo.

Dithering (http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/4120090/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all)is basically taking a sub (while guiding in PHD)...stopping guiding for a few seconds (or so)..moving the image frame a pixel or so (in Alt/Az) (by moving the scope drive system..this can be done thru PHD), re-engaging guiding and take the next sub.

And repeating the process every few subs till the APT plan is done.

Why do this! The CCD sensors exhibit noise, hot/dead pixels and dithering helps software stacker's (Like DSS) recognise these improving the image S/N ratios..quite a bit.

The image quality improvement result...with dithering is quite pronounced.

I must admit I'm only a novice at dithering and have only used it a few times..but I'm already sold on it. Bert (user Avandonk) (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/member.php?u=428) mentioned it in a post (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=611767&postcount=5)ages ago....and it's really only now that I have started to try it.

Trying to manually dither subs is a real pain. I have seen software that can do 'auto dither'....like dithermaster (http://www.skymonsters.net/docs/Software.html).

Buy I got to hand it to you Ivo you have gone from win to win with your APT tool. I would love to see a dither option...and I think it would complete APT.:D:thumbsup:


edit:
The TEMPHum sensor I purchased has only just left HK/CN...they probably batch post so if anyone is wondering why their item is slow in arriving....don't worry it's just the way of it.

[Yoddha]

A lot of thanks for the hints! Few days ago I dig about this a bit and understood that PHD has interface to control the guiding, but was not sure what exactly is dithering :)

The links that you give lead to the needed info! So only the time is the limit. FWHM is the main focus for 1.30, and there is only one (but the biggest) problem left to resolve for this feature, so with little bit luck ;) will be able to include and a dithering option :)

[wasyoungonce]

Thank Ivo.

FWHM focusing with APT ...."Excellent".

"Dithering" will probably take a fair bit of time & effort to get up and running but if you do include it...it will make APT a top notch piece of software.:thumbsup:

Anyway. Thanks for listening. A a big thumbs up to you and your efforts...yet again!:thumbsup:

[Yoddha]

Thanks for the kind words!

And also many thanks for the ideas and support! Without them APT will not survive :)

[Yoddha]

:D There is new version on the site - v.1.20. The list of the changes is:

2010/11/3 - v.1.20 New features and bug fixes
-Added: Exif Temperature readings - Show it after exposure is taken
-Added: Exif Temperature readings - use as part of the file name (in FULL version only)
-Added: LV++ - LiveView image intensification in real time
-Added: LV Stack - Stacks the LiveView images in real time
-Added: Focus Score - evaluates if the focus is near to the perfect one
-Added: Histogram - R, G, B and L Histogram of taken image (in FULL version only)
-Added: Use of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.3, 1.6, 2.5, and 3.2 exposures in a plan
-Added: White balance control
-Added: In minimized mode Ctrl+S is equal to click on Shoot button
-Added: The camera state monitor will show the seconds counter
when Shoot button is used
-Added: Help button to show the User's guide
-Added: "Quick Start" section in the User's guide
-Added: Keeps the Image prefix between APT restarts (in FULL version only)
-Added: Some optimizations in the User's Interface
-Updated: The button “F” which places a focus temperature mark
is with replaced icon – thermometer.
-Updated: User's Guide document (the new things are in green)
-Fixed: Fixed is a bug when the cross is used during the LiveView.
Next version will come around the middle of December and will include:
-FWHM Focusing method (both HFWHM and VFWHM)
-Integration with PHD guiding program to support Auto-Dithering
-More User Interface optimizations
-More performance optimizations
-Better installer
-Preview Zoom
-Splash screen
-Bulb mode for "Shoot" button
-Limited support for 300D and 10D
-Few more things...
Don't forget that you can also use the APT Yahoo group to get support - Astroplace : APT - Astro Photography Tool (http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/astroplace/)

Clear skies!

[wasyoungonce]

Yes...there is a God after all!:D

Many thanks Ivo.:thumbsup:

[mswhin63]

Just downladed it hope to test it soon, hopefully Saturday

[Yoddha]

:) Next week will start the real work on the next version...

[adman]

Hi Ivo,

I am trying to install the Canon EOS utilities on a netbook with Windows 7 Starter edition - but it won't let me. I read somewhere that this is due to insufficient screen resolution - and that there was a registry hack that allowed you to set the screen to a higher resolution so it would install.

I tried the regisrty hack - set the resolution higher, but still no luck.

As I understand, I am unable to run APT on this machine unless I can install the canon utilities??

Do you (or anyone else...) have any suggestions how to install the Canon utilities on this machine?

Regards
Adam

[mswhin63]

Hi All,

Without APT i ouldn't have been able to take some reasonable happy snaps. great software.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=657353#post657353

[Yoddha]

Adam, EOS utilities are needed to install the correct drivers. If your camera is recognized by Win7 then you can try to use APT, it contains the needed libraries. Please let me know what happened.

Malcolm, it is very beautiful M42!

[adman]

Thanks Ivo - I will give it a try...

[adman]

Well - it all seems to be ok...

I hooked up the 550D to the netbook, and it recognised it without any problems. I then installed the latest (1.20) version of APT, and it connected to the camera without any issues. All without installing any of the canon utilities.

Only 1 small problem that I have found - I can't get the EXIF temperature to appear in the filename. Any suggestions Ivo?

Regards
Adam

[wasyoungonce]

Just something I found. APT tends to overshoot subs by "1" second thus auto matching darks can be a little difficult. Indeed what are the "darks temperature", apart from reading the EXIF.

I found a piece of software, "Dark Library" (http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=3958102&page=3&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=all&fpart=all&vc=1) written by Steve on CN.

With this you can auto match and insert darks & lights into DSS or search for darks allowing for difference in exposure range time and temp range.

Obviously it's reading Exif temp and this in itself may not be the sensor temp but it's probably as close as one can get and the ability to user select a range of dark temps really helps.

Well worth a look at for DSLR'ers and maybe deserves a thread on it's own.:shrug:

As you can see from the screen grab I had subs I thought to be 10 degrees C (measured by digital thermometer air temp) but this is showing they actually vary from 15 to 17 degrees C!

[adman]

Yes. I have noticed that the EXIF temp is several degrees above ambient. I was playing around the other day with it, air temp would have been 23-25, EXIF gave me 31. Must be camera generated heat??

[mswhin63]

This look like an interesting piece of software but i am having trouble accessing CN. Do you have a direct link or is it on the site only?

[Yoddha]

Adam, I'm happy that there is success :) EXIF temperature is measured inside the camera body, which heats during long exposures. Typically astro exposure rise the temperature with 5-6 degrees. This can be minimized with using longer duration between them. There is a theme in CN with more details on this (http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=4199459).

Storing EXIF temperature in the image file name is feature available in the full version only.

Wasyoungonce,I'm trying to find a solution for the overshooting. In fact with my 1000D there is undershooting. The problem is that the different cameras has different delay between the command "Start shoot" and the real start of the exposure. I have already included this delay in the calculations, but looks like rounding is giving 1s difference...

[adman]

Well - this seems to have sorted itself out also - may have needed to restart software - not sure why it started working - but no probs now.

Adam

[wasyoungonce]

Malcom try here (https://secure.filesanywhere.com/fs/v.aspx?v=8a69698c5f6675ba7066). Although as new versions appear this link will change.

[wasyoungonce]

I'm not really troubled by this "extra second" at all. Dark Library can rectify this and also be used to check lights.

So it's all good.:thumbsup:

[Yoddha]

Adam, by default APT only shows the EXIF. To use it in filenames you should set this from the Settings dialog. First select to use temperature in File names, then select that you want to use EXIF as temperature reading in the file names :)

[mswhin63]

Thanks for the link worked a treat.

[Marty]

I purchased the full version of APT a week ago and had a couple of nights to play with it on my CPC1100 / Hyperstar / EOS 550D / Win7 setup and it worked wonderfully!!!

Just purchased a TempoHum that integrates with the software so APT can let me know when I am officially freezing my ass off :)

I've noticed that the temp of the EXIF gets really high if you leave it in live view for a length of time, and takes a few minutes to cool down and stabilize once a shooting plan is initiated.

Very excited about the new FWHM Focus method in V1.3, although I think I also need to get/make myself a Bahtinov mask regardless of this new method.

One question I do have is how I can move it to my secondary larger screen? there is no window button only a close and minimise button which creates a floating window (if you drag that to the other screen and then maximise it brings it back to the primary screen). I did get it there somehow at one stage I don't know how but I got it into a window size and was able to drag to the second screen and then maximise.

I must also say that I have also appreciated the excellent support over the last week. Thanks Ivo!!!

[Yoddha]

Marty,

Thanks a lot for the kind words! I'll continue to give my best!

The multi-monitor issue is something that I hope to resolve in v1.30 :) but there is small problem that I don't have two monitors configuration to test :(

[Yoddha]

Let me share some news from the "kitchen". All main functions that will take place in 1.30 are almost done. I hope next week to finish all of them and to start testing. Then there will be one week for the beta version and if there are no major bugs we will have Christmas present :)

The some of the major things are FWHM focusing, Pause/Resume, TemperHum calibration and few surprises :)

PHD integration will be finished in 1.40...

[mswhin63]

Hi Ivo,

You have done well creating an affordable a detailed program, keep it up.

[wasyoungonce]

Looking fwd to the new features..thanks Ivo.:thumbsup:

[Omaroo]

Has anyone compiled a direct comparison between APT and BackyardEOS?

[hotspur]

Good question Chris.

I am about to buy either one of these programs,what do the experienced IIS members advise?

I see this one sell for about 12 euros-is that about $20,for a year.what are the other costs after the first 12 months for this one?

Thanks for any advice

Cheers Chris:thumbsup:

[Yoddha]

Hi Hotspur (Chris),

For 12.70 euro everybody gets the right to use APT for life-time. There are no functions expiration. Every single feature that is added to APT during the next year will be in your hands. One year latter (or more) you can decide if you want to support the future development or not. The support will be rewarded again with every single feature - no matter if it is major or minor one. What is the price? It is 6 euro. But if you are happy with APT and don't need new things, then I'll be more than happy because APT fits your needs and I had done my job well :)

[hotspur]

Ok,thanks Yodda.

I will get one,just went to get it (only around $18)

What is the key number?that I have to type in?

Thanks Chris

[Yoddha]

Once an order is placed, I'll send a key that has to be used in the downloads page, every time you want to get the latest version.

[hotspur]

Ok,payment sent.

Cheers Chris

[Yoddha]

A lot of thanks for supporting APT! Just sent the key :)

[Omaroo]

Ivo - I guess I'll ask you directly then. :) What do you see as your primary advantages?

[Yoddha]

Omaroo (Chris)

For me it is very hard to answer to your question! The thing that I don't want most is to confront with BackyardEOS's author.

But I'll be honest. He got some of my ideas, added others and the result is good (yes, I saw his demo version). There are features that will come in APT and will re-corer his, but most of them had been planned before BackyardEOS was announced, and this is track-able in the net... Other ideas are unique of his own... Definitely I wish him luck!

APT had started as personal project, aimed to cover my needs. Latter I was convinced to make it public. The only change in the setup, is that now I'm listening also in the needs of other astro imagers ;). APT is far from profitable project compared to my main duties - a mixture of IT architect, projects manager, senior developer, and director. But will be developed until there is need of it :)

[Omaroo]

Sorry Ivo - I wasn't looking for a justification or conflict of any sort - I was only looking for a list of differences - i.e. If I'm interested in certain features to satisfy my style of photography, what does each platform offer that's different to the other. It's probably an unfair question to you as such.

Is anyone in a position to do a comparo?

[hotspur]

I think Omaroo (Chris) was just wanting to see what this software was like in compared to the other one,-if any had experience with both.

Some really clever people around the world making these things-Yes Ivo,I can
certainly understand-very little profit on the huge amount of time etc you have put into this.

For less than the price of a bucket of KFC-this is really not a huge purchase,I cannot see why people would question it so-although astronomers are a very stingy bunch w:thumbsup:hen it comes to money!

Just wondering where you sent the key too.Ivo?

It has not appeared in my emails,just the pay-pal reciept.

Good luck with trying to sell stuff on this forum-its difficult.

Cheers Chris

PS,I may end up buying the other one Chris,and have a play around with both of them,and let you know what I think.

I like the look of Ivo's one and the 'one of price'.I think the EOS backyard one -there was a yearly fee-I'd rather pay it all in one hit.Both look very useful,and we should be thankful there are people that spend hundreds of hours making these things,and making them available at such a small fee.

[Omaroo]

It's not a question of money Chris - I'm sure that most couldn't really see twenty dollars as a problem.

ByEOS does not have a yearly fee. Is that what made your mind up?

The question was asked in reference to what it does, not how much it costs or whether it's worth it. It's more time that's a problem for some.

[mswhin63]

I think it would be appropiate to create another thread as this one is specifically set aside for APT.

[hotspur]

I can see what Omaroo was getting at-simply just asking for some compared in the field use of both systems.I too really would like have seen someone who has used both,and see what the thoughts were for their particular application.

Omaroo,I too have time issues-or lack off it,I saw this thread this morning had a good read,and liked the approach of Ivo,the information about purchasing and details,I felt was readily available,and my questions were clearly answered.Also the feed back from other users,that needed some advice from Ivo-was good

So felt confident in buying.

Thanks Ivo,I got the key in your email.

Cheers Chris

Cheers Chris

[Yoddha]

The beta version with number 1.25 is on the site. It contains all functions that will be included in the official version 1.30.

To get it, please visit the Download page of the site. There you will find a link to the Beta Versions page, where you can download the Full or Demo version of the 1.25.

I'll be very thankful to hear comments and findings!

The list of the changes are:
- Tooltips help - Shows description per every feature (the final version will contain text for the settings options too).
- FWHM (Full Width Half Maximum) focusing - the the Focusing Aid.
- Framing Mask (FULL version only) - this a multi session aid to help orienting the camera by same angle and position during multiple nights.
- PC only destination for Digic 4 cameras (still needs card).
- Pause / Resume function when plan execution is in progress.
- Auto synchronization of the camera's clock on connection.
- Better LV++ - less noise and more sensitive.
- Better LVStack - less noise and more sensitive.
- Longer connection timeout.
- Temper(HUM) calibration (FULL version only) - now you can enter calibrating constants.
- Tooltips ON/OFF (FULL version only)
- Fixed is the bulb accuracy problem.
- UI and performance optimizations.
- Night Mode for the User guide

A screen shot :)
86731

Till Thursday will continue with the tests, user's guide and site update... The plan is in Thursday to have the final version released :)

[wasyoungonce]

Thanks Ivo,

APT is Lookin up!..but..its been so cloudy here I doubt I'll get a chance to use it in the next few weeks!

:sadeyes:

[h0ughy]

IVO i have downloaded and loaded the 1.25 onto the netbook:thanx: (i do have a paid licence). i was testing using the software to go through a series of predetermined exposures from 1/2000 through to 4 seconds. can you make the duration between frames able to be shorter than 1 second as if you are trying to bracket around an event to create a HDR image of the lunar eclipse it says the process will take say 51 seconds but in reality it takes 1min 50 odd seconds. With the shorter shots only having the 1 second gap draws out the process. need to put in say 0.2 or 0.5 or 0.7 etc so it can help reduce the total sequence time - I would like ice cream in hell to :rofl:;) at present you can only select 1 2 3 etc in integer whole numbers.

Also can you add functionality of repeatedly repeating a predetermined sequence. Say I finally get it right and can get enough exposures within say 30 seconds and call that say lunar eclispe 30 sec sequence - can you have another box to add the number of times you would like the sequence run – please – and can I have that ASAP LOL….instead of pressing the button again. I don’t want it to cycle through say 20, 1/2000 then do 20 1/1000 - I want 1/2000, 1/1000…..and repeat the sequence as many times as I require. TA

Works well with the 20D and a 400D through a DSUSB !

[Yoddha]

Hi David,

Just made the change for 0s pause and it works, so it will be included in final release this week :) BTW when is the eclipse?

As for the other request, will think about it. Maybe will add a loop possibility... Meanwhile you can define a bigger plan to include the needed exposures ;)

[h0ughy]

the eclipse is tomorrow evening.

thanks for making that change. it sort of makes sense to have that functionality - especially if the event is over a few hours:thumbsup:

[Yoddha]

Ok, send me your mail address as PM and I'll send you the fixed version in few hours :)

[wasyoungonce]

Your a top man Ivo:thumbsup:

Can you add a few lines of code to APT to make the clouds disappear?

[Yoddha]

Thanks Wasyoungonce!

I'm in never ending quest to find these few lines of code :) but no luck so far :sadeyes:

[h0ughy]

Ivo,
the programme worked well, but not the extra feature you provided.

[Yoddha]

David,

What are the problems? Can you describe them in short?

[h0ughy]

used the shift key functioning you gave it and when i went to stop it it locked up and wouldnt shut down.

[Yoddha]

Strange... Will check it...

Hope that you were able to image the eclipse!

[h0ughy]

yes Ivo, manually setting off the exposure list worked a treat - just had to remember to start the sequence each time. it was a good experience - even had you program on the nightly news (fleeting glimpse LOL)

[Yoddha]

:) If you have a link with the news I'll be happy to see it!

I'm wondering if the looped plan didn't start or it just failed to stop when you wanted?

[h0ughy]

just before the start of the eclipse time i starrted it off - when i found the shotsw working i went to pause it then stop - it didnt want to restart the sequence then i had to kill the programme and restart

[Yoddha]

Just tested it and can't find problem... Maybe it is something that I fixed after sending you the custom version?!?

[Yoddha]

The Christmas is here and is time for surprises :) The new version 1.30 is under the tree.

As usual there is a list of changes…

2010/12/23 - v.1.30 New features and bug fixes
-Added: FWHM (Full Width Half Maximum) focusing - use the Focusing Aid panel.
-Added: Framing Mask (FULL version only) - a multi session aid to help
orienting the camera by same angle and position during multiple nights.
-Added: Tooltips help - Shows description per every feature
-Added: Tooltips ON/OFF (FULL version only)
-Added: PC only destination for Digic 4 cameras (still needs card).
-Added: Pause / Resume function when plan execution is in progress.
-Added: Shift+Start to loop a plan
-Added: 0s pause between exposures
-Added: Auto synchronization of the camera's clock on connection
-Added: Longer connection timeout
-Added: Splash screen to show loading progress
-Added: Night Mode for the User guide
-Added: Some optimizations in the User's Interface
-Added: Some performance optimizations
-Added: Temper(HUM) calibration (FULL version only) - now you can enter calibrating constants.
-Updated: Better LV++ - less noise and more sensitive
-Updated: Better LVStack - less noise and more sensitive.
-Updated: User's Guide document (the new things are in green)
-Fixed: Fixed is the bulb accuracy problem
-Fixed: Fixed is the random problem with _@@@ in the file names

As a gift to everybody that is trying the demo version there are no more white labels. Even the demo is completely dark adapted.

Happy holidays!

[h0ughy]

great news

[mswhin63]

Cool stuff good on ya Ivo

[Yoddha]

Happy New Year to you and your families!

I wish you a healthy and successful year with lots of beautiful moments and clear nights!

[hotspur]

Thanks Ivo for your email.

The after sales support you give is excellent!!!:jump:

regrards Chris

[Visionoz]

Ivo

HNY 2011! I just returned from a holiday overseas and am anxious to try out the Xmas goodies you put under the tree!

Thanks and hopefully 2011 will be a great year for you & family too

Cheers
Bill

[Yoddha]

Thanks Bill!!!

[Yoddha]

The site is updated with version 1.32. It contains a fix of a problem when Digic III camera is used with serial cable.

There is no need to update your APT 1.30 if you use other camera or you don't use serial cable.

On the Download page you can get the latest Tooltips in English. Corrected are some typos.

I apologize for the inconvenience!

[Yoddha]

I'm happy to announce that with the great help of Henrik van Holthoon, the first translation of the Tooltips is a fact! The Ducth version can be found in the Downloads page of the APT site.

Many special thanks to Henrik about his work!!! :thanks:

On the site you can also see what translations are in progress :)

The English version is changed too since the last release. Fixed are some typos.

[Yoddha]

Many special thanks to Adam Musial (Bamus) for translating the Tooltips help in Polish!!! :thanks:

The translation can be found in the Downloads page.

[Yoddha]

There are more news around APT! With the great help of Chris (www.yesyes.info (http://www.yesyes.info)) there is German translation of the Tooltips on the site. :)

Many special thanks Chris!!! :thanks:

[Yoddha]

“Astro Photography Tool – APT” turns one year! Happy Birthday APT!

I want to express special thanks to all that purchased APT! Also I want to thank to all that shared their feedback, ideas, suggestions and opinions. Last but not least I want to thank all that helped me in this long way!

If you look back you will see how APT has gone from smart shutter into a powerful astro imaging assistant with many features, some of which are unique. And this is the beginning, something I want to assure you, is that APT will be actively developed while there are users interested in it. A lot of new things are planned and the way to see them becoming real is to support the development with, I think, a fair fee.

Here is how it looks today:
http://www.ideiki.com/astro/skinAstro/AptSitesmall.gif

If you want to review the evolution check the “History” page on www.astroplace.net (http://www.astroplace.net/). There also you will find a demo version, a list of all features, the User’s guide and screenshots.

A new update is expected in the early February and as usual will be loaded with a lot of new things in addition to the “PHD Guiding” program integration.

[wasyoungonce]

Sure has come a long way,thanks.

Completely changed the way I take Astro pics, for the better and much easier work flow. You have also quickly fixed bugs and issues and integration for newer cameras, I salute you for this.

Looking forward to the PHD integration.

Congratulations Ivo.:thumbsup:

[Yoddha]

Thanks Wasyoungonce! The PHD integration is ready :D. I have to finish one more function and will release the next version...

[wasyoungonce]

you Da man Ivo!:thumbsup:

[danielsun]

Hi Ivo, Some great advances in this program. :thumbsup: I am using Windows 7 with a 500D but I'm still having the issue of it not saving the images to my computer. I have uninstalled and reinstalled it with newer versions as they come out but when I go into the program files it doesn't make it's own folder of "Camera_1".
I am only trying the demo for now until I can get over the image save to computer problem.
I have searched everywhere and cannot find where the images are going, It only seems to save them on the camera regardless of what the destination setting is (as in "PC Camera or Camera+PC") It does the same thing on my notebook with the 350D. I have checked the camera settings but maybe I'm missing something.
Any ideas? :shrug:

Cheers Daniel.

[mswhin63]

Windows 7 creates a folder in the application directory of the user directory, Had the same issue with mine. Do a search of you whole "C" Drive and should find it.

[Yoddha]

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for the kind words!

The demo version has a limitation - the storage folder is fixed. For Win7 the path is :

C:\Users\[YOUR USER NAME]\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\Astro Photography Tool - APT\Camera_1

Please make sure that you have enabled viewing of hidden files from 'Organize->Folder and view options->View'

The full version allows to define your own folder for saving images.

[danielsun]

Thanks Ivo and Malcom,:thumbsup: I'm on my iPad at the moment so I will check it out tomorrow.:thumbsup:

Cheers Daniel.

[Yoddha]

The usual news from the kitchen :) - v1.40 is almost finished. By the end of the week there will be a beta version available for downloading with all features. In short it includes:

- PHD and MetaGuide integration. For PHD are included auto-dithering, auto-cancel (when guiding start gets too far), in program displaying of guiding star distance. For MetaGuide only auto-dithering is supported in the moment.
- One click switching to PHD or MetaGuide
- ASCOM telescopes control for easier object framing (full version only)
- Upgraded Messier objects browser with object's coordinates and integration with the telescope control (full version only)
- Improvement in FWHM focusing
- 60D support
- Other fixes and small improvements

[adman]

Sounds great Ivo - I look forward to trying it out.

Adam

[Yoddha]

News!!! :D The site is updated and now you can download the beta version with number 1.35. It contains all functions that will be included in the official version 1.40.

To get it, please visit the Download page of the site. There you will find a link to the Beta Versions page, where you can download the Full or Demo version of the 1.35.

It will be great to hear your comments and findings!

The list of the changes are:
- PHD integration
--- Auto Dithering of the light frames
--- Auto Cancel on predefined guiding error
--- PHD monitoring of the distance to the guide star in the main window

- MetaGuide integration
--- Auto Dithering of the light frames

- One click switching to the guiding program
- Automatic Lens focusing - use the Lens Panel (in full version only)
- ASCOM telescope control (in full version only)
- Upgraded Object Browser with coordinates and integration with ASCOM control (in full version only)
- Auto population of the main prefix with the number of the selected object from the browser (in full version only)
- 60D support
- Usage of the latest Canon library 2.9.0
- SRAW1 and SRAW2 quality options support
- Showing the best FWHM value so far for the current object
- Better font for FWHM values
- Saving the used Long Exp. option between sessions (in full version only)
- Labels "iso" and "sec" are put in the file names for easier reading
- Auto selection of the highest ISO and 2.5" exposure for most sensitive LiveView
- OK button saves the last change in the Edit dialog
- Double click on the Exposures table opens the Edit dialog
- Better handling when connecting to the camera

Fixes:
- A bug with when unsupported quality is set on the camera, led to crash
- Exif option change in the Settings dialog needed APT restart to take effect
- TemperHUM calibration values need APT restart to take effect
- Preview didn't keep scroll position between images
- Other small things

If there are no major problems and the feedback is positive next week will release the official version 1.40 with updated manual and etc.

[pmrid]

Hi Ivo,
the more I use APT the more I like it. Keep it up.
But I had some unexpected issues last night - as soon as I selected my EOS (1000D), I got a "Runtime Error - improper program termination" message. Using Win 7 and the only other program running was PHD although I had switched across to Luminosity briefly at some stage but that program was not running whenever I tried to load APT. Any ideas
Peter

[Yoddha]

Thanks Peter!

Can you try to set the camera to RAW+L quality before making a connection in APT? If this helps then the problem is fixed in the beta version :) If it doesn't help we will find the solution ;)

[wasyoungonce]

Thanks Ivo..already downloaded!:thumbsup:

[wasyoungonce]

Hi Ivo.

Just saw the addition of the ASCOM control panel in the beta vesrion.

This will really help with framing images...thanks!:thumbsup:

I'm still trying to come to grips with the "dithering options". Just one question:
How and where do I set when to perform dithering, aka between frames?. It looks like it will dither with the dithering time out?

All clouded here so I cannot get out to try it.

[pmrid]

Thanks Ivo. I did as suggested and the program did load OK but I experienced a full lockup after taking about 10 frames. So far I haven't been able to isolate the cause. It may not be APT-related.
Peter

[Yoddha]

Wasyoungonce, To tune the parameters related to guiding use "Shift+Click" on the "Guide" button :)

Peter, the "RAW+L" case is handled in the beta version :) Let me know if I can be in help!

[wasyoungonce]

Thanks Ivo I had found the settings.

But I cannot find time settings to sequence start dithering and I'm not sure of the dithering time out?

Does it dither every sub? Does it try to dither with the dithering time out and if it is taking a sub wait and retry for the dithering time out period? Sorry I'm a little confused.

Is it better to discuss this at your APT yahoo site?:shrug:

Sorry to be a pain.

[Yoddha]

Wasyoungonce, you are not a pain at all!!! And you can contact me by the way that is comfortable to you - here, in Yahoo, in other forums or by mail :)

As for the dithering, here is the game :) When it is enabled APT makes dithering between every light exposure. It send the selected command to PHD and monitors when the distance to the guiding star will become less than the one defined in the "Dithering stability". When this happens it wait number of seconds (defined in "Settle time") and starts the next exposure. The "Timeout" is a way to define the maximum time you want to spend in dithering, after that time APT will start next exposure no matter what is the PHD state (0s means infinite timeout)

Auto canceling is feature that allows to cancel a running exposure if the distance to the guiding star becomes too big.

[wasyoungonce]

Thanks Ivo.....that is exactly the info and explanation I needed.

Your a champ a scholar and a write great software. :thumbsup:

[Yoddha]

Thanks! I'm trying to give my best :)

[pmrid]

Hi Ivo,
using the 1.35 Beta last night on a Win7 machine and APT the ONLY program running. I had earlier decided to run PHD off a separate laptop to eliminate any possible clash between the 2.
I had several lockups - the message Win7 throw up is something to the effect "This program has ceased opearting" or something similar. On several of those occasions, I had Live View ON and had tried to activate the Focusing Aid Panel and whenever it happened, the Focusing Aid box appeared only as a pale pink rectangle of the same shape. I was running at 1024x768 I think. A few times, the Focusing Aid box did appear and did function correctly so sometimes it did, sometimes it didn't. I haven't been able to think of a cause. I thought you might.

Peter

[mswhin63]

I had the same issue but on the current stable version, the problem with mine is concurrently running another feature at the same time (Stack I think), of all things I can remember what that feature is exactly.

[Yoddha]

Peter, Malcolm,

Tomorrow will use one of the PCs in the office to try reproduce the problem on Win7... Can you remember more details? Did you are moving the the focusing panel or it was in place during the crash?

[mswhin63]

All i can remember at this stage is that another feature was enabled but hard to say which one it is. I would activate the Focus panel and the box would appear with no detail in it then the crash would appear.

The tricky thing for me was it only happened about twice. Happening a night I sort of forgot the next day.

Window 7 for me as well.

[Yoddha]

Thanks Malcolm!

Tomorrow will ask my wife to give a try again, she has talent to find hidden bugs :)

[pmrid]

Yes. I would have clicked and held the cursor on the focusing box to move it into place.
Peter

[adman]

I have just downloaded the beta version and have not as yet tried it out, but one thing occurred to me....

my QHY5 is connected directly to the guide port of my G11 using the "on-camera" setting in PHD. In order for APT to move the mount do I need to connect to the mount using ASCOM/GPUSB, or can it do it with my current setup?

Thanks
Adam

[Yoddha]

Hi Adam,

If you want to control the mount through APT you have to make an ASCOM connection. If you use other software like planetarium then choose one of the ASCOM hubs.

[Yoddha]

Peter, Malcolm,

Today we gave a good test of APT with my wife under Win7. We were not be able to reproduce the problem :( no matter what we tried. Maybe the issue was related to something that I changed after the beta was released?!?!

Let see how the final 1.40 will behave in your environment. BTW I just decided disable 'LV Stack' while Focusing panel is active, mainly because the stack pulses affect the FWHM reading and make it unusable...

[mswhin63]

Thanks Ivo, I will continue to look at the issue and see if i can remember some procedures that lead up to the issue.

Is there a debug file that I can look at for the program?

[Yoddha]

Thanks Malcolm! There is a log file, but these actions are not logged in it :(

[Yoddha]

Some quick news :) The Dutch version of the tooltips was updated with the new texts in v.1.40 A lot of thanks Henrik! Also there are some small fixes in the English version. Both can be got from the Download page...

[wasyoungonce]

Hi Ivo, I tried the Auto-dither last night. Initially had some trouble in that the Atmospheric conditions and APT was auto cancelling the exposure when it got above .7 pixels from the guide star (I believe this is the default).

With my set up, 450D, I get 1.12 arc seconds per pixel so it's easy to wander .7 pixels..typically around 3 arc seconds viewing at best. You can see this on the "PHD State" info.

So I set the Auto cancel distance to 2 pixels..all was then good.

But I wanted to ask..the max Auto dither distance is "5" (I suspect this is pixels)...I wanted to ask is this normal..I kinda would have expected to dither anything up to 10 pixels? Sorry if the question is "stupid"..just asking?:D.

Oh and thanks for the inclusion of Auto dither...it's excellent! No pics yet I was doing Focal reducer tests.

[Yoddha]

Hi Wasyoungonce,

I'm glad that you like the new features :) Thank you for the helping info you had given!

The dithering the commands 1-5 define the aggressiveness of the move, then in PHD there is algorithm to make the move random. The commands are hard-coded in PHD and other values are ignored. There is no explicit documentation about this, so the best description is found in the Nebulosity doc:

In the dialog, tell it how much “dither” to send. The dither sent will be a random number of pixels in X and Y, scaled by the level you pull down here. In the lowest level, the random numbers will vary from -0.5 to 0.5 pixels and in the highest they will vary from -1.5 to 1.5 pixels in the guide frame. Since people typically guide at shorter focal lengths than they image at, this will usually have a much larger effect in your main images.

So the max possible distance is up to 3 pixels... There is nothing stupid in the question! :)

[Yoddha]

More news :) Adam was very kind to update the Polish translation and now it is available on the site! Many thanks Adam!!!

Also a French translation is in progress :)

[Yoddha]

Hello,

The new version is here :) As usual there is a list of changes :

2011/3/29 - v.1.50 New features and bug fixes
-Added: DARV - Drift Alignment by Robert Vice method using LiveView - Never implemented in astro program before! (in full version only)
-Added: Auto detection of the dial mode and advise for the needed mode
-Added: New plan type - Bias plan. Automatically selects the fastest shutter speed supported by the camera
-Added: AV dial mode support for Flat plans - the exposure duration will be determined by the camera
-Added: "L_", "D_", "F_" and "B_" (for Light, Dark, Flat and Bias plans) are added in the beginning of the file names for easier post-processing
-Added: Image Path selection dialog (full version only)
-Added: Autostar extension of Telescope Panel with all hand-box keys – available for Meade mounts. (full version only)
-Added: 600D and 1100D support (may require a non released yet update of the Canon library)
-Change: Telescope connection will not be closed when the panel is closed (full version only)
-Updated: User's Guide document (the new things are in green)
-Fixed: A problem with 60D LiveView
-Fixed: Fix of the problem when ASCOM and EQMode are used. Now tracking will not stop after a move (full version only)
-Fixed: Some UI issues under Win7

There are updates since the 1.45 beta, so it is advisable to upgrade it!

More news! The site has a new section – Gallery. It will be great if you help to extend it with your images!

Clear skies!

[wasyoungonce]

Jeez Ivo I didn't get a chance to even try the 1.45 beta yet!:lol:

Thanks Ivo:thumbsup:

[Yoddha]

Looks like the weather is terrible almost everywhere :( BTW there will be a small update of the full version in the next few days. DARV will become even more accurate :)

[Yoddha]

There is small update of APT - 1.51. The changes are :

- Better DARV. The optimal position is displayed as red circle (in full version only)
- Usage of the latest Canon library 2.10.0 that supports 600D and 1100D
- ISO and exposure are restored the previous values after LiveView session
- Verified that 600D works with APT 1.51

[Yoddha]

Some news from kitchen :)

As many of you know the work on APT never stops, the reason for the long delay in the new version is because there are too much new things will be included in 1.60 and this takes time.

Also with Robert Vice and Benjamin are working to make DARV implementation more accurate :)

Meanwhile the Gallery page is growing fast with images from all over the world!

[h0ughy]

i have a small problem with V1.51 - in 1.40 i got the whole time i set eg like 605sec but i now only get 588 or 590 sec on that san=me setting - nothing else changed only loaded the update

[Yoddha]

Hi David,

Can you open one of the images (with IrfanView or similar) to see what exposure time is stored in the EXIF section?

I have made many experiments with different ways to measure the timing on PC... Something that I found is that Canon have their own understanding how long 600s are :eyepop: To avoid any problems with the stacking programs and other utilities, APT was changed to rely on Canon's readings. So the exposure is stopped when the camera reports that the desired seconds are reached.

[mswhin63]

I also noticed the timing issue as well, although doesn't really bother me that much but may if the exposure lengths are very long. But it could be the internal clock on the Canon camera that is not timing correctly.

[Yoddha]

Hi Malcolm,

This issue becomes visible with exposures longer than 100s. I'm 99.9% sure that EXIF reports exactly the duration you have selected, no matter that APT's clock showed shorter interval.

Of course there is 0.1% probability for a bug ;) in this specific case...


I have made tests with one of the most precise methods available on a PC - the multimedia timers, that are made for games and multimedia. They can work with millisecond precision and are with very high priority. 600s by PC's clock are between 601 and 606 seconds by the camera's clock. To resolve this issue APT uses then notifications that camera sends on every second (by its clock) and when the needed count is reached the exposure is terminated.

[Yoddha]

Hello,

Some great news! APT has Tooltips in Portuguese thank to Nelson Viegas, one of the very first supporters. Many thanks Nelson!

The second news is that Robert Vice was very kind to edit the English version and made it much more understandable and clear. Many thanks Robert!

Both files can be found in the "Downloads" page on APT site.

Now the available translations are : Dutch, Polish, German and Portuguese :) Also I'm expecting the French one to be finished very soon.

[Yoddha]

Hello,

Thank to Lola Cello-Kirkham the French translation is a fact :) As usual you can find in the "Downloads" page. Many thanks Lola!


Ciel clair! ;)
Ivo

[Yoddha]

The major version 1.60 is taking more time than was planned, so a small update was just released. I want to express my special thanks to Robert Vice and Benjamin Rodriguez for their help in fixing DARV!

Here is the usual list of changes:

2011/5/27 - v.1.53 New features and bug fixes
-Added: RAW only images preview
-Added: Scrollable log panel with all messages since last APT restart
-Added: When a plan is looped (Shift+Start) round number is printed in the log panel
-Added: Support for exposures with duration 0s in order to define complex plans with pauses between the lines
-Added: Sharp Image/LiveView effect in the demo version
-Added: Negative Image/LiveView effect in the demo version
-Added: R, G, B, L histograms in the demo version
-Added: Support for Meade LX200 Classic - slew speed has to be changed from the handset (in full version only)
-Added: Support for Meade Autostar II (in full version only)
-Added: Setting for the number of frames used in LV Stack (in full version only, demo uses fixed value 20)
-Added: Setting to enable/disable LiveView Automation for maximum sensitivity (in full version only, demo uses fixed value ON)
-Added: Settings dialog box is optimized for netbook screen resolutions
-Fixed: DARV - the red circle is displayed on the right place (in full version only)
-Fixed: Rare problem with Digic2 cameras under MS Vista
-Updated: User's Guide document (the new things are in green)

While you are downloading the new version, take a look on our growing Gallery!

It will be great if you join to this initiative!

[Visionoz]

Ivo

Thanks for the update, I like your software - it helps me to image efficiently when using the DSLR

BTW do Paid version owners get a reminder to renew licence?

Cheers
Bill

[Yoddha]

Thanks Bill!

I'm sending notification mails to all registered users, but it is possible some mails to be blocked by recipient's spam filters. :sadeyes:

[Yoddha]

BTW there are several alternatives to get the APT news - this forum, APT's Yahoo group and APT's forum :D

[Visionoz]

Thanks Ivo

My concern was only if I'd be informed when my licence expires!! Willing to renew that's all :thumbsup:

Cheers
Bill

[Yoddha]

Thanks Bill! There are notifications for renewal one month ahead :)

[Sharnbrook]

Yoddah (Ivo) has just very generously donated a fully licensed version of his program to be included as a prize in the Queensland Astrofest Raffle. I don't think he can ever go to bed. I wrote to him at 10.15 this morning, and he replied within about 15 minutes. That's 3.15am in Sofia!

Thanks Ivo.

[Yoddha]

Thanks Mike! It is pleasure and honour for me!

[Yoddha]

Hello,

Chris was very kind to update the German translation with the latest additions. Many thanks Chris!

The file can be downloaded from APT site.

In the APT Yahoo group or APT forum you can see what will be the new user interface and other news around the upcoming v.1.60

[Yoddha]

Hello,

On the site you can find a new "beta" version that contains 95% of the things that will come in 1.60. In "Download" page you can find a link "Download beta version".

From Tuesday I'll be on vacation and will not work on APT till am back, so decided to release what I have. The window resizing is not finished and because of that is disabled, there is need to clean some UI bits, to update the tooltips and User's guide, but they will wait till I'm back. The version looks stable, but will suggest you to have a copy of the 1.53 setup in case there are problems :)

I'll check the mail every day so will be able to respond to all questions :)

Here are the list of changes and some notes:

- New User Interface. APT has a new look :) All features are grouped in three tabs Camera, Telescope and Tools. There are no more buttons with icons. Also there is different look for 4:3 and wide screens that gives optimal size of the preview.
- Dropdown lists have scroll-bars that can be used with mouse.
- Shoot button can be used for Bulb exposures. In this mode the anti-vibration pause and long exposure control settings are in use.
- Reminder to put on/off the telescope cap when you switch between Dark/Bias and Light/Flat plans.
- Reminder that Virtual long exposure control and Digic 3 camera combination will lead to amp glow.
- Image browser (in demo version you can't change the folder). You can preview images and use them to build Framing Mask. When you shoot in RAW+L the browser will show only the JPG file because it is faster. If there is no JPG then RAW file will be displayed.
- The images folder will not be changed after midnight.
- The default images folder now is C:\APT_Images\Camera_1. (in the demo version it can't be changed).
- Fixed it the @@@ bug in file naming.
- LiveView automation now uses 30s as exposure time.
- AutoStar section now has Up and Down buttons (full version only).
- Camera status in main window now shows Current/Remaining count during plan execution.
- Camera auto-connection on startup. If the camera is on it will be connected automatically.
- Other small enhancements and fixes.

I'll be very thankful to hear your feedback, opinions and suggestions!

[SteveInNZ]

Is the DARV function Southern Hemisphere aware ? Or does South=North, East=West for we upside down folks ?

[Yoddha]

Hi Steve,

North/South difference is not an issue for DARV, but by my opinion there is need to swap the East/West moves.

It will be great if somebody make some tests when the Moon is bigger. I don't want to waste moonless time :)

[Yoddha]

I'm very happy to announce that Paolo Cosetti translated APT's tooltips in Italian! As usual you can get the file from Download page of the site.

Many thanks Paolo!

[Yoddha]

Finally APT 1.60 is here! :) Thank you for all your patience and help! The usual list of changes is:

2011/8/26 - v.1.60 New features and bug fixes
-Added: New User Interface. APT has a new look. All features are grouped in three tabs Camera, Telescope and Tools. Also there is different look for 4:3 and wide screens that gives optimal size of the preview.

-Added: Restore window mode and window resizing.

-Added: Keeping restored window position and size between APT restarts

-Added: Multi-monitors support. APT can moved through the monitors while is in restored mode.

-Added: Possibility to select bigger User Interface fonts for notebooks with big screen resolution and small display (full version only).

-Added: Dropdown lists have scroll-bars that can be used with mouse.

-Added: Shoot button can be used for Bulb exposures. In this mode the anti-vibration pause and long exposure control settings are in use.

-Added: Reminder to put on/off the telescope cap when you switch between Dark/Bias and Light/Flat plans.

-Added: Reminder to stop EOS Utility.

-Added: Reminder that Virtual long exposure control and Digic 3 camera combination will lead to amp glow.

-Added: Image browser (in demo version you can't change the folder). You can preview images and use them to build Framing Mask. When you shoot in RAW+L the browser will show only the JPG file because it is faster. If there is no JPG then RAW file will be displayed.

-Added: The images folder will not be changed after midnight.

-Added: Possibility to group the images, by Plan Type, Object Name or both (full version only).

-Added: Temporary images storage to cooperate better with Deep Sky Stack - Live.

-Added: The default images folder now is C:\APT_Images\Camera_1. (in the demo version it can't be changed).

-Added: AutoStar section now has Up and Down buttons (full version only).

-Added: Camera status in main window now shows Current/Remaining count during plan execution.

-Added: Exposures table will highlight the currently executing plan line and show progress.

-Added: Camera auto-connection on startup. If the camera is on it will be connected automatically.

-Fixed: the @@@ bug in file naming.

-Fixed: LiveView automation now uses 30s as exposure time.

-Fixed: Other small enhancements and fixes.

-Updated: User's Guide document (the new things are in green)

Take a look on our growing Gallery. You are welcome to share your images with our community!

[Yoddha]

Many thanks to Nelson for updating the Portuguese translation of the Tooltips! You can find the new version in the "Download" page.

[Yoddha]

Henrik and Paolo were very kind to update the Dutch and Italian translations. Many thanks!

[Yoddha]

Hello,

Some quick news! In the beta versions page in APT site you can find a preview numbered 1.65. It is not an official beta there are few more things to finish, but contains the things that are already done.

- Lens aperture control
- Ascom focusers control
- Sortable Object browser
- Multiple focal lengths for the calculator
- Notifications for low PC/Cam battery, low Cam space
- PHD remote connection by IP
- Improvements in FocusAid - "Reset Best FWHM" button and changeable FWHM stack
count when LiveView is used to make the readings more accurate
- Restore original Exp/ISO/Plan after plan completion
- Various fixes

1.70 is expected in a week or maximum two.

[Yoddha]

There is small update of the site - a small integration with Facebook. Now you can "like" the site and authors pages :) Just click "like" and all your Facebook friends will see the link to your gallery page.

Do you know that www.astroplace.net (http://www.astroplace.net) provides free images hosting? Everybody is welcome!

[Yoddha]

Hello,

You can download the latest version 1.70 from APT site.

2011/10/27 - v.1.70 New features and bug fixes

-Added: ASCOM focusers control (full version only)
-Added: Lens aperture control
-Added: Manual DARV (full version only)
-Added: Sortable Object browser (full version only)
-Added: Restore original Exp/ISO/Plan after plan completion
-Added: Multiple focal lengths for the calculator
-Added: Notifications for low PC/Cam battery, low Cam space
-Added: PHD remote connection by IP
-Added: Improvements in FocusAid - "Reset Best FWHM" button and changeable FWHM stack count when LiveView is used to make the readings more accurate
-Added: Gamma control effect for Images and LiveView
-Added: Brightness control effect for Images and LiveView
-Added: Small LV++ and LV Stack enhancements
-Added: Small User Interface enhancements
-Added: Usability enhancements
-Fixed: Instability issues when connection to the camera is lost
-Fixed: Instability issues with LiveView in combination with multiple connection/disconnection actions
-Fixed: small User Interface problems
-Updated: User's Guide document (the new things are in green)

www.astroplace.net (http://www.astroplace.net/) has lite Facebook integration. You can use the like buttons - in the bottom of the site menu and in every gallery page to share the link with your friends.

Don’t forget that we will be happy to provide a free hosting for your Astro images!

[h0ughy]

great Ivo judst downloaded it. I know you may have been asked a million times - but will you ever to a Mac version of the software?

[Yoddha]

Hi Houghy,

I don't have any experience with the Apple platform, but really start to think that it will be exciting adventure. Who knows, one day maybe we will use APT on iPad? ;)

[Yoddha]

A small bug had slipped in 1.70 so there was need to put 1.71 on the site. Excuse me for the inconvenience!

[h0ughy]

yes that would be great - but make it work on a mac airbook first ;);):thanx:

[AstroUK]

Hi I bought a full version of your APT software to use with a Canon 500D, it is BRILLIANT!!
Everyone who is into astro photo taking should get a copy of this app it is GREAT!!