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Auto focuser options???


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Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any advice on the best focuser software program to use with my Lakeside Astro Motor Focus System.  I love this focuser, and it is really easy to use manually, but I have found that on longish imagining sessions, I am finding that the focus is changing a bit during the session, and I know that there are programs out there which do some autofocusing in-between photos during a session.  When I got the focuser 64 days ago, I stupidly immediately downloaded a program call Focusmax 4 and as I could not get it to work quickly, I gave up on it.  I went to try it again a couple of days ago and the trial period has expired :rolleyes: and I am not prepared to pay £150 for the full version without knowing if it will work properly.  So, any one out there tried an alternative focusing program which works easily :)

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I use SGPro for the complete data capture and it integrates with the Lakeside very well - It's set to refocus at every 1 degree change in temperature and so I set it all running, go to bed and wake up with a run of perfectly focused subs!! 

If you are looking for a complete data capture programme then this is a fantastic offering. I was sceptical at first and didn't think that I'd benefit from it....... but I certainly wouldn't be able to image without it now :D

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Just downloaded SGPro.  Got 45 days and counting to see if I can get it working before I have to buy :help:  :D

Another vote for SGPro, though its focuser routine is not foolproof, any well qualified fool, myself included, will find its weak points. :grin:

But seriously, all you need to do is get your focus relatively close, either by bahtinov mask or whatever, and then let SGPro do its magic.

Huw

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Another vote for SGPro, though its focuser routine is not foolproof, any well qualified fool, myself included, will find its weak points. :grin:

But seriously, all you need to do is get your focus relatively close, either by bahtinov mask or whatever, and then let SGPro do its magic.

Huw

Already uninstalled this program as it messed up how my computer communicates with the camera :(.  Going to take a few weeks off this project as I got quite wound up by it all last night, going to stick with manual focusing with the Bahtinov mask :)

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  • 4 months later...

Already uninstalled this program as it messed up how my computer communicates with the camera :(.  Going to take a few weeks off this project as I got quite wound up by it all last night, going to stick with manual focusing with the Bahtinov mask :)

Good thing you getting into Astrophotgraphy as it teaches you patients young Daniel Son :)

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Download focus max 3.8 it's free. You will find it on the web.

Derek

Do you need to have Maxim DL or CCDSoft for FocusMax V3.8 to work or will it work on its own or with other image capture apps?

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Do you need to have Maxim DL or CCDSoft for FocusMax to work or will it work on its or with other image capture apps?

It can and will work independently. I only use Maxim DL, ACP etc., so cannot comment on other programs with which it works along side.

3.8 is free but the newer version 4 is a paid for version. The writers of that says it is a better program. Well they would wouldn't they as it is now paid for, (150 dollars plus VAT).

Derek

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~6 weeks ago I purchased the full licence for SGPro, and as of today I have not managed to get it to work properly yet :grin:.  This is mainly down to the lack of being able to see any stars to practice on, but atleast I have got it so the program is communicating with the camera, filter wheel, mount and Lakeside focuser.  Just need to get them to work together now :icon_scratch::dontknow::coffee:

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