Frequently Asked Questions:
When you enter the Integration Dialog for the first time, two buffers are created. A buffer for the Raw image and a buffer for the Calibrated image. When a dark frame is first taken, or an image is transferred to the dark frame buffer, a buffer for the dark frame is created. When a flatfield is first taken, or an image is transferred to the flatfield buffer, a buffer for the flatfield is created. There can be a total of four buffers for each of the supported readout modes. These buffers exist during the life of the program. If you change readout modes, two new buffers are created, one for the Raw image and another for the Calibrated image. In all, you can have 16 active buffers in memory at the same time. If you find yourself running low on memory and have changed readout modes and no longer intend to work with the old mode, You may want to quit the program to release the unused buffers. When you start the program again, enter the Integration Dialog and the buffers for the last mode you were using will be created.
To take a flatfield, first take a darkframe of the same length exposure as your flatfield. When the darkframe is in the buffer, check the Subtract Dark box and then take your flatfield. The darkframe will be automatically subtracted from your flatfield. Be sure to save your flatfields so they can be reloaded if you restart the program later. This can be easily accomplished by checking the Autosave darkframes and flatfields box before taking the flatfield.
To make a Master Flatfield take several individual flatfields. For the first one click the Take new Flatfield button, for the second and subsequent Flatfields, press the Take another Flatfield button. When you are ready to make your Master Flatfield, make sure the Autosave Darks and Flats box is checked, then press the Average Flatfield button. Your Master Flatfield will automatically be saved and flagged as a Master Flatfield. When you load the Flatfield the next time you will be prompted to copy the Master Flatfield into the Flatfield buffer.
If you are using a Meade LX200© series telescope, use the database in the hand controller to point the telescope. When saving your images in the FITS format, the object name and description are read from the LX200 and are saved in the FITS OBJECT record. If you use a sky atlas program to point your scope, the OBJECT record will contain the telescopes Right Ascension and Declination rather than the true object information. The LX200 control from the FIND/FOCUS Dialog uses the database in the LX200 telescope. You can type in commands such as M13, NGC4565, STAR100 and then press the slew button to command the telescope to point at these objects. The command routine also accepts the planet names such as MERCURY, and the proper name for the 33 alignment stars in the LX200( ex ALTAIR ).
To Calibrate your Autoguider and Center button, Aim at a star near 45 degrees Declination. Choose a field that is rather void of bright stars. Ideally only the star you are using to calibrate with will be visible on the display. Click the Autoguide check box and you will be prompted to select a star. Point at the star and click on it. You will be informed if a "lock" occurs. Once a lock has been established, Press the Calibrate button. A Calibration routine will be performed where the star is first move to the West and then moved back to its original position. The star will then be moved North and finally back to its original position. This will allow the software to know how many pixels of movement each millisecond of telescope motion performs. After the initial calibration you will be able to use the Find mode's Autocentering function (LX200 Only).
Windows is a multitasking operating system. In theory, it should be unsuitable for controlling a camera like the CB245. In practice, it does a pretty good job. Try to think DOS and use Windows mainly for its graphical environment and not its multitasking capabilities. The less times the processor is interrupted while it is reading the camera array, the better data you are going to get.
If your Hard Drive is thrashing, you are not going to get good results. You need to free up some memory, or add more memory.
If you can't figure out how to do something, check the on-line help. The on-line help is pretty extensive and covers most anything you need to know. From the Main Window, press <SHIFT><F1> and your cursor will change to a context sensitive help cursor. You can then click on any item on the Menu and Toolbar and the appropriate help screen will be displayed. If you still can't figure it out, I'll be glad to answer any questions. Just E-Mail me at win245@intricate-ms.com .
Please E-Mail me with your comments and suggestions. I especially need to know of any Bugs you find.
Good Luck and Happy Imaging
Tybee Evans
