MartinB Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 I don't know whether others have had problems with their DMK cameras or the IC Capture software but so far I have been highly unimpressed.Using my new Vista based laptop the software crashes almost straight after connecting the camera. Using my old XP based laptop things are more stable but still inconsistent. The capture rate varies between 10 an and 60 frames per second for no apparent reason, certainly not related to processor activity. The other night, doing a moon mosaic the capture time for 1000 frames varied between 1min 30 secs and 16.4 secs.Several times the software crashed and necessitated a reboot. Worse still, eventually the camera stopped sending signals all together despite being recognised by the software. I resorted to digging out my old Toucam. On retrying the DMK again it was ok albeit with the erratic frame rate.Also rather worrying is that the camera starts to vibrate as soon as connected. This is very very disappointing, especially since I have spent a few bob on large external hard drive, filter wheel and flilters to go with the DMK. Is this an isolated instance of problems or do others have similar experiences? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggie Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 I've had issues with my new qhy5 and they've been on a laptop, it didn't like xp or vista, I think mine is usb related as I have a much lower spec desktop PC with 6 dedicated usb ports that ran the whole rig, eqmod, qhy5, dslr, gamepad and gps without issue all night, whereas the on laptop the qhy5 was bound to crash phd or guidemaster at some point during imaging. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin66 Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 The comment about the camera vibrating is a bit of a concern!!!What does it actually do?? As far as I know there's no fan etc to cause vibration!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartinB Posted April 6, 2009 Author Share Posted April 6, 2009 As soon as the USB is connected you can feel it vibrating. You certainly can't hear anything. I'm wondering if it's at mains frequency. It happens regardless of whether I connect it to a powered USB hub or direct to the laptop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin66 Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Don't know what to say..I've been using the DMK21 (firewire, 12V) with IC Capture for the last year or so and never had any issues....This is using an ACER laptop with XPsp2Can you "borrow" another DMK and see it you get the same symptoms???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLO Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 We haven't had a single return yet Martin and our own DMK-31 is working fine. Have a chat with your supplier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford Prefect Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Hi MartinIve just been out and checked mine, seems fine, no vibrations that I can tell. I haven't experienced any of the software issue you describe.Sorry cant be of any help Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barkis Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Martin, I am bringing my DMK to Lucksall, so if you are going too, plug mine in and see if you get the same result. It would then indicate that it is probably computer related. Ron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roundycat Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 How does this vibration manifest itself? Is it like a throbbing phone set to vibrate rather than ring or is it something you can just feel with the back of your hand? If the latter it may be an earth loop that is interfering.Dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CELESCOPE Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 Not had any probs as yet Martin, but have only used it maybe a couple dozen times, sounds like you may have a dodgy one there mate for sure , Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beyond_Vision Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 It sounds like the camera my have some sort of switch mode power supply that is not running correctly which is causing a transformer or inductor core to vibrate. I would send it back.RegardsKevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartinB Posted April 7, 2009 Author Share Posted April 7, 2009 Thanks for the advice everyone. I don't have any great problem with software crashing with other applications but I do sometimes get this vibration effect with other kit. In fact I'm thinking it might be responsible for a saw tooth guiding graph in dec even when I turn off corrections. I know nothing about electronics. How should I go about investigating a dodgy earth loop? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beyond_Vision Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 You could try running the laptop off it's own battery supply or running the camera from a battery supply.RegardsKevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartinB Posted April 7, 2009 Author Share Posted April 7, 2009 Thanks Kevin, the battery is powered by the usb so no power issue there but you are right, if it is fine from the battery then I guess a have an earth problem. If I then try with a different laptop but the same power supply I might start homing in on the problem. I'll be back! Thanks guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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