Lodestar Live - V0.12 (beta)

[Paul81]

Hi All,

I have finally had some time to close down V0.12, it took longer than expected as migrating to the QT 5 framework presented a few unexpected issues when bundling the app for release - the framework has quite substantially changed in its deployment.

OSX 10.6 (QT4) - LodestarLive.app.0.12.osx.10.6.qt4.150621.zip or

 https://www.dropbox.com/s/zfprn8po7688ckv/LodestarLive.app.0.12.osx.10.6.qt4.150621.zip?dl=0

OSX 10.7+ (QT5) -  LodestarLive.app.0.12.osx.10.7.qt5.150621.zip or 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dzuhht08no3717h/LodestarLive.app.0.12.osx.10.7.qt5.150621.zip?dl=0

Win32 - LodestarLive.0.12.win32.qt5.150621.zip or

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jmzwlebloq4br1v/LodestarLive.0.12.win32.qt5.150621.zip?dl=0

Changes in this version:

1. Added the image repeat window - this is a separate, moveable repeat of the main image window that is intended for display on a second monitor (outreach) or capturing via NSN. You can enable it in the settings tab.

2. Fixed an issue with the progressive scan camera handling - only helps those of you who use the command line parameters to connect to other SX cameras (oculus etc).

3. Built against QT5 framework for high-DPI compatibility - it now looks nice on OSX and should work with MS Surface tablets.

QT5.4 is not easily compatible with OSX 10.6, so to keep LL backwards compatible there are two OSX versions - if you use 10.6 download that version (it still uses QT4), otherwise download the QT5 version.

Many thanks to my friend Tony for helping me sort out the deployment issues!

The major plans for the next release is on the fly multi-spectral stacking and processing - EAA does the hubble palette! 

Paul

[Paul81]

Oh I had to put the files on dropbox as there is a 20MB limit and the three files are a total of just under 40MB - admins, if you feel it is appropriate, is there any area on SGL I can keep the latest LL release for convenience and link to that instead?

EDIT: Have uploaded the files for you Paul (as a GM I have a higher limit  )  Helen

[Martin Meredith]

Hi Paul

Many thanks for this. Hope to try it out very soon, longest day or not!

The second window option looks great and having the stacking and other details superimposed is neat. It should also help when using just one screen to give enough space for e.g. a planetarium program to be open side-by-side.

One thing I noticed is that if the second window is moved and then you click one of the display checkboxes, the second window returns to its original position. Not sure if this is intended or not?

Cheers

Martin

[SparkyHT]

Absolutely amazing what you have done for us Lodestar users. Do you, or should I ask, would you accept donations?

[HiloDon]

Paul,

Thanks so much for your efforts. The timing is good, too. I should get a chance to use the new remote window feature this Tuesday when I plan on doing some outreach at the Mauna Kea Visitors Center here in Hawaii. We'll be using a C14 with Hyperstar and, of course, a Lodestar with your LL software. If I get some captures I'll post a report on the evening.

Don

[MTW4518]

Paul,

Thank you for all you have done, the time and effort you put into this is appreciated. You are single handedly making this hobby more enjoyable.

Michael

[Netwolf]

Hi Paul follow up from the other thread, you mentioned it should work on a surface pro tablet. Would that mean it should also work on other Windows Tablets?

there are a lot of cheap chinese tablets now with Win8.1 on them something like this

http://www.geekbuying.com/item/CHUWI-Hi8-Dual-OS-Windows8-1-Android4-4-Tablet-PC-2GB-32GB-Intel-Z3736F-Quad-Core-2-16GHz-IPS-1920-1200-Bluetooth-WiFi-OTG-WiDi---White-346599.html

Using a powered hub to run the camera. 

If so this would reduce the footprint for VA outreach, you could also add a external monitor etc. 

[Martin Meredith]

I was out last night with v0.12. The forecast said 100% clear, reality was 100% overcast, but unfortunately not until after I'd set up 10km away from base and hung around for a couple of hours hoping…. such is amateur astronomy. I ought to take up a study of nocturnal wildlife.

Anyway, it gave plenty of time to check out the new features while taking lots of cloud pictures. The new secondary window works really well and will be very useful, not just for outreach. I like the fact that it can be resized and hence free up screen space if and when needed for other applications. The option of including the countdown to the next update as well as complete stacking/mode information is also great and will add to the 'live' feel. 

Don, good luck with the Mauna Kea session; looking forward to hearing how it goes.

Martin

[Martin Meredith]

Had a great 3 hour session last night trying out v0.12. In all, I observed one bright nebula (M16), several dark nebulae, a couple of globs (M4, M80), a very large compact group (Shakhbazian 10), a distant quasar and a number of interesting galaxy fields. This might sound like a lot but it was actually really relaxing and I had plenty of time to view everything, with the view just continuing to improve with live stacking. 

Will post some of these separately as I was also further experimenting with fast stacking. But all worked flawlessly. So here's a couple of shots just to show the main new features. 

Barnard 72 (The Snake) in Ophiuchus -- showing the secondary window (resizeable) and the associated checkboxes to control what is displayed.

M16 in the secondary window, showing the information displayed.

The software remains as easy to use as before and continues for me to be a transformational experience as an amateur astronomer. Thanks Paul!

Martin

[Paul81]

Thank you all for the kind words, as always its a pleasure to support our wonderful community and I am happy other people are getting good use out if the app!

Martin - awesome M16 and Snake, your F4 is really working wonders 

Hopefully the secondary window will prove to be useful, eager to hear how Don gets on at the visitor centre.

Netwolf - naturally I can't make any guarantees, but if its a standard x86 based tablet (not ARM, the code is compiled for x86), running Windows with a suitable USB connection (hub is a good idea to solve any power issues) then I do not see why it wouldn't work. The controls might be a bit fiddly for a touchscreen? Not sure, but controls are easy for me to make bigger etc so let me know if you do go for it and how it works. In the development I have deliberately avoided using GPUs or some of the very latest CPU instruction sets to boost performance as I wanted it to work on older hardware (I myself use a 7 year old macbook as I don't want my macbook pro getting damaged outside).

Helen has a surface tablet with a high DPI display, so this was one of the reasons I went to QT5 to fix the rendering issues - it works on my friends high DPI laptop so hopefully it will render correctly on the surface now too.

[HiloDon]

Hi All,

I wish I could give a report on using LL v0.12 at the Mauna Kea Visitors center last night, but, unfortunately, it was cancelled due to the protests being conducted against the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope project. I did get a chance to set up my remote monitor, a 19" HD flat screen with Paul's new version of LL. It works very nicely and should be a big hit at the VIS Center. We're scheduled to try again next week after things cool down some and I'll report back then.

Don

[Paul81]

I heard there have been some issues with the 30M project, hopefully it will get resolved in an amicable way for all concerned and doesn't disrupt the visitors centre!

I remember when I visited Mauna Kea our guide asked us to refrain from climbing to the peak as it was an area of cultural significance, yet some people still did! I was just stunned by the amazing sunset and all the huge scopes and probably didn't move much!

[jam1e1]

Hi Paul just bought a lodestar x2c looking forward to trying out LL, looks like a great programme!

[Helen]

THANK YOU PAUL!!!!         It now works on the Surface     

Perfect timing for holiday

Helen

[Paul81]

Awesome!! Really glad its working now on the surface!

Our work has started to roll surface tablets out to the senior management, I was having a look at one in a meeting the other day and I must admit they do seem just right for a nice portable EAA setup!

Have a good holiday!

Also thank you to the forum moderators for copying LL downloads to the forum 

[Helen]

Hi Paul follow up from the other thread, you mentioned it should work on a surface pro tablet. Would that mean it should also work on other Windows Tablets?

there are a lot of cheap chinese tablets now with Win8.1 on them something like this

http://www.geekbuying.com/item/CHUWI-Hi8-Dual-OS-Windows8-1-Android4-4-Tablet-PC-2GB-32GB-Intel-Z3736F-Quad-Core-2-16GHz-IPS-1920-1200-Bluetooth-WiFi-OTG-WiDi---White-346599.html

Using a powered hub to run the camera. 

If so this would reduce the footprint for VA outreach, you could also add a external monitor etc. 

I can confirm it appears to work on a HP Stream 7  'appears' is because it is cloudy! but it running darks at the moment.  The interface works fine (although as the screen is small the controls are small, but usable).  I'm using an unpowered hub from the micro port - not sure how long the battery will last though.    If it clears I'll test -or maybe get a chance on solar.   I'll report back.

Helen

[Ain Soph Aur]

Hi Paul. Many thanks for Lodestar Live! I have both X2-M and X2-C and am curious if there is any way to run two instances of LL on the same PC, one for each camera?

[Ain Soph Aur]

The major plans for the next release is on the fly multi-spectral stacking and processing - EAA does the hubble palette! 

Hi Paul. I am really looking forward to this feature! Will filter wheel ascom control in the plans for LL?

Regards,

Brandon

[Ain Soph Aur]

I am been unable to get the Export Raw Images (FITS) to work. I have the box checked and a valid directory, but no images are ever exported. Is this a bug or am I missing something?

[HiloDon]

I am been unable to get the Export Raw Images (FITS) to work. I have the box checked and a valid directory, but no images are ever exported. Is this a bug or am I missing something?

Brandon,

Did you hit the set button?

Don

[Ain Soph Aur]

Did you hit the set button?

I think so, will try again. I may have some semi-clear conditions this evening.

[ramdom]

Just for kicks, I downloaded LL v0.12 to try it out and I really like the look and feel of the software, as well as the ideas within it. I read the manual but couldn't find any info on supported cameras specifically - does this only support the Lodestar cameras or does it support other cameras like the Trius cameras?  I think if this software worked with the higher resolution Trius cameras (up to 10MP) then it would be an awesome combo to consider. I love VA and imaging but really am looking for things to make the workflow easier (and also expand the camera resolution, beyond what the sensor in the Lodestar X2 offers). 

--Ram

[HiloDon]

Hi Ram,

Here is a description of camera support from Paul, the developer of LL.

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/234260-lodestar-live-v011-beta/?p=2683857

Paul originally developed LL just for the Lodestar, but it can support the other SX cams. Your desire for higher resolution is not uncommon, but with increased res speed usually suffers to the point of losing the near real time feeling of EAA. I have found, and I think many agree that the Lodestar with the Sony 829 sensor provides the best compromise for EAA viewing while still providing a decent captured image. Paul's Lodestar Live software makes viewing with the LS simple and intuitive. It also provides on the fly tools to render excellent images with dark frame subtraction and stacking to reduce noise generated during longer exposures. All image controls are live so there is no need to wait for the next exposure to adjust the image. This is particularly important when doing outreach where wait time is critical.

Here's a couple of examples of what a color LS can do using LL. No guiding was required.

Hope this helps.

Don

[ramdom]

Thanks Don - I agree that the ICX829 is a versatile sensor. I have ordered a camera with that sensor (and have an ASI120MC-S) but I am already looking beyond the 0.5 and 1.2 mp resolution they offer, since I recall being happy with digital cameras when they first came out at around the 2mp range. So I was thinking of springing for a SX 694C by the end of summer (instead of a Sony A7s). IF a software like LL running on the Mac (which I wasn't really aware of until now) can be used with a camera like that, it would be awesome. I only wish the mid range SX cameras used USB 3.0 since it works a lot faster particularly with a SSD. I understand "live" is NRT, but if you're waiting 45 seconds anyway, what difference would it make particularly if you had about the same pixel size (presumably the 694C can do 3MP binned so that each pixel size is about 9uM, if one wanted to do a direct comparison)? In terms of time to transfer data and display images, the exposure length is the limiting factor, no?

These Trius SX cameras all say "no dark frames are necessary for most DSOs." Is that really true?  

Overally, I see this as a quest to achieve the highest quality images with the least amount of effort. 

--Ram

[Dom543]

Ram,

As far as understand, LL operates on a subset of properties exposed by the unified SX driver model. The ones covered by LL would operate the same way on all SX cameras. But, of course, higher end cameras do have additional features that the Lodestar doesn't have and consequently LL is not designed to access. This means e.g. that you will be able to control exposure times on all SX cameras and save FITS files but you wouldn't be able to do binning or control the TEC.

Life and reality is a web of priorities and compromises. We have been very fortunate that Paul has devoted his talents and sizable chunks of his free time to develop LL without seeking or even accepting any compensation. Given the limits of his time he could devote to this free project, he made the right choice to focus on the camera and features that is likely to get the widest use at the current time.

The LL project started in response to Nytecam's discovery of the Lodestar's potential for real-time EAA. If you get a 694C and demonstrate its potential for near real-time observing, than that would make moving in that direction more feasible. SX software that comes with the cameras is, in itself, very powerful and has many feaures for EAA use. Nytecam used that software to demonstrate the potential of Lodestar. There is no reason for you to wait for LL. Get the SX-694C, use it with its native SX software, present your results to convince others of its potential and I am sure, you will get a very enthusiastic reception.

Having said that I would like ask to let this thread to focus on issues related the current version 0.12, as its title suggests. And please start a separate thread for wishlists and thoughts that are not directly related to v.0.12.

Clear Skies!

--Dom