OSX software

[Neil27]

After searching several days I have found a way of controlling my mount using OSX software - would just like to say great effort and a big thank you from the developer of this, works perfectly with my EQMOD sub lead.

Just downloading the latest drivers for my Canon 450d and everything seems to work.

Would just like to ask are Atik CCD's supported by anyone, heard of a great initiative called the AOSX which encourages Astro software to be developed for the macs.

Long may it continue and great effort by people involved.

[psamathe]

1 hour ago, Neil27 said:

After searching several days I have found a way of controlling my mount using OSX software...

Would just like to ask are Atik CCD's supported by anyone, heard of a great initiative called the AOSX which encourages Astro software to be developed for the macs.

...

You could look at Nebulosity (http://www.stark-labs.com).  Also INDI (OS X build available from http://www.cloudmakers.eu/xindi/).. CloudMakers also do low cost astro Mac Software (same site).  Probably loads of others but those two come to mind right now).

Did AOSX ever get anywhere ?

Ian

[Neil27]

11 minutes ago, psamathe said:

You could look at Nebulosity (http://www.stark-labs.com).  Also INDI (OS X build available from http://www.cloudmakers.eu/xindi/).. CloudMakers also do low cost astro Mac Software (same site).  Probably loads of others but those two come to mind right now).

Did AOSX ever get anywhere ?

Ian

Thanks for the info Ian, looks like the mac is well supported.

Not sure, looking at some of the older threads on here about the AOSX project it seems to have gone fairly quiet.

 

[NickK]

Yup AOSX did get to the first version, but given both developers had additional pressing matters (family and jobs - changes and redundancy etc) and the emergence of quite a few alternatives (INDI etc) plus other packages for OSX it didn't really make sense to continue. David did the EQMac that works with PhD plus other drivers and I did an ATIK driver also the TheSkyX plugin and the ATIK drivers did get pulled into Neb4 - Peter at Cloudmakers has provided ATIK drivers for INDI and standalone so there's no need for me to continue with those to be honest.

On a good note I've accepted an offer at a job that should start soon, and my focus towards image processing is still there

I've actually started working on automating my astrophotography system(s) using Odroid (embedded) and INDI/Kstars/Ekos so I can make use of a the few hours in the evening I have available. You'll see a few threads around that pop up.

[Neil27]

Thanks for the update Nick and good luck with the job, I know juggling family and work can make this hobby a challenge at times.

Also thanks for the heads up regarding INDI, glad to see the mac is getting good support.

[Adrian Condon]

Hi Nick,

Hope things go well in your new job. Sorry you were unable to attend SGL in March. Given the above threads, I am about to start Googling for the Mac software mentioned. I would like to use my Mac for controlling, guidance and imaging. Currently, loaded a trial of BackyardEOS on my Windows 7 machine, but having problems with connecting my Canon 400D to the software. 

Best Wishes

Adrian

 

[Neil27]

13 hours ago, Adrian Condon said:

Hi Nick,

Hope things go well in your new job. Sorry you were unable to attend SGL in March. Given the above threads, I am about to start Googling for the Mac software mentioned. I would like to use my Mac for controlling, guidance and imaging. Currently, loaded a trial of BackyardEOS on my Windows 7 machine, but having problems with connecting my Canon 400D to the software. 

Best Wishes

Adrian

 

Hi Adrian,

Regarding the software to control your Canon I just downloaded the latest drivers (OS X) from the canon website and ended up with the EOS utility which you can set up and take as many (or as few) images as you like over time periods from 5 seconds all the way up to 99 minutes I think.

You can also automate the process and take photos in batches and also set time delays in it, quite a nice addition and very 'astro' friendly.

It also downloaded a free professional editing suite, nothing fancy but enough to allow you to tweak a few levels etc.

The INDI stuff looks quite good, but their is also Nebulosity and DLSR Shutter which I believe does a very similar job to the Canon EOS utility.

Lots of good software out there and some of it is free, I haven't paid a penny for mine yet!!

Hope this helps,

[Adrian Condon]

Hi Neil,

I am getting a new modded Canon 100D from Andy at Astronomiser should arrive by Tuesday next. (3rd May)

There should be a Canon CD with software included. I was planning to load the software and see what happens!

In the meantime, I have loaded trial copies of APT and BackyardEOS to my Windows 7 64-bit machine.

My preference is for my MacBook Pro because it has a super fast 7i Core processor, 16GB of memory and a 500GB Solid State Disk (SSD). Lightning fast.

I have loaded the SkySafari Pro 5 to the MacBook today to replace V4. My plan is to control the mount from SKySafari with SkyFi (wireless) on the mount. I will load the Canon Utility to the Mac asap.

Thanks for the info.

Will keep you posted. 

Cheers

Adrian