User’s guide (v2.90) - · PDF fileIn order to use Astro Photography Tool – APT with y our Canon EOS camera you must take the following actions ... Click on Connect button located

User’s guide (v2.90)

Contents

I. Installation ...................................... ....................................................................... 2

II. Starting APT (EOS or CCD) ......................... ......................................................... 2

III. Multi-Camera Support .............................. ............................................................. 3

IV. Connecting to Camera (EOS) ........................ ....................................................... 3

V. Connecting to Camera (CCD) ........................ ....................................................... 3

VI. Additional cables (serial, DSUSB, Biula Audio) .... .............................................. 4

VII. LiveView/Image Preview (EOS) ...................... ...................................................... 4

VIII. LiveView/Image Preview (CCD) ...................... ...................................................... 5

IX. Camera parameters Tab (EOS) ....................... ...................................................... 5

X. Camera parameters Tab (CCD) ....................... ...................................................... 8

XI. Tools Tab ......................................... ...................................................................... 9

XII. Plan Editor ....................................... .....................................................................13

XIII. Plan Execution .................................... .................................................................15

XIV. Minimized mode and Camera monitor ................. ...............................................16

XV. Darkness Clock and Deep Sky Darkness calculator ... .......................................16

XVI. Settings dialog ................................... ..................................................................17

XVII. Object Browser .................................... .................................................................21

XVIII. TEMPer and TEMPerHUM sensor ....................... .................................................22

XIX. Guiding programs integration ...................... .......................................................23

XX. Gear Control Tab .................................. ................................................................25

XXI. Img Tab (Image Browser) ........................... ..........................................................26

XXII. Drift Alignment (DARV) ............................ ............................................................27

XXIII. Planetary Panel. .................................. .................................................................28

XXIV. Meridian Flip Clock. .............................. ...............................................................29

XXV. Lacerta MGen configuration ........................ ........................................................29

XXVI. Auto Focusing Aid ................................. ..............................................................29

XXVII. Multi-camera Dithering / Synchronizing ............ .................................................31

XXVIII. PointCraft ........................................ ......................................................................32

XXIX. Keyboard shortcuts ................................ .............................................................34

In order to use Astro Photography Tool – APT with your Canon EOS camera you must take the following actions – hereafter referred to as “Camera Preparation ”. It is not a bad idea to print this list for reference when you are in the field. 1. Connect the USB cable to the camera and to a PC. Optionally connect your PC

operated shutter cable to the camera 2. Set the camera in M mode. If you have B mode, then use it for exposures longer than

1s and M mode for exposures under 1s. 3. Check in camera’s menu if there is “Communication” setting, if exists, set it to “PC

connection”. 4. Turn off the Auto Focus of the camera lens if you are using photo lens. 5. If you want to make Anti-Vibration pause through PC operated shutter cable (COM

port), turn on “Mirror lockup” from “Custom Functions” menu of your camera. APT will enable/disable automatically the “Mirror lockup” for cameras with Digic III and Digic IV processor.

6. Power the camera on, wait for a few moments and stop any other software that uses the camera i.e. Canon EOS Utility and etc.

7. Be sure that the red LED is not flashing. It can take a while if you have a lot of images on your card.

8. Click on Connect button located in “Camera” tab

Note that there are two editions of APT one for cam eras with Digic II processor (like 350D, 400D and etc.) which is named 2.90” (se cond). The other edition is 2.90 (without quotes) is for all other models. The CCD p art is same in both editions. Here is a short user’s guide for APT. Important note is that APT uses Canon and ASCOM libraries for communication with EOS and CCD cameras, thus APT has limitations that cannot be avoided. We tried to round some of them and to enhance the control in regards to the astro imaging. I. Installation

Installation is simple. In the zip file there are setup files. Unzip them in temporary folder and execute setup.exe. If you upgrade from demo or older version, please uninstall the previous version and remember that the file APT.XML contains all data fo r your plans, so you may want to backup this file and restore it after t he installation. It is good to install the latest Canon EOS utility in order to get the correct drivers installed and MS Windows to be able to recognize your camera. If you will use ASCOM compliant devices like CCD camera, telescope mount, focuser or filter wheel, you have to install the ASCOM platform v6 or later and all the ASCOM drivers that you need.

II. Starting APT (EOS or CCD) The first time you run APT it will start in DSLR mode. This means that you will see the options used for imaging with Canon EOS cameras. In order to change the APT mode hold the Shift key and click on the Connect button (Shift+Connect ). This will open a dialog box to switch between DSLR and CCD modes.

Once you select the mode, APT will use it until you change it again with Shift+Connect.

III. Multi-Camera Support The setup creates 3 icons “APT”, “APT Camera 1”, “APT Camera 2”. The first two can be used if you have one camera. The last is used when you want to use second camera. There is no limitation of cameras number. If you want more, create as much shortcuts to APT.EXE as you want and put the corresponding number as start parameter (take a look on “APT Camera 2” shortcut). For every camera APT will create folder “Camera X” in your installation place where the images will be stored, sorted by date. The different instances have their own configuration. This means that you can have one set of settings for CCD and other for EOS. When you use multiple cameras in same time you can configure the APT Dithering System to synchronize the exposures and the dithering. For details please see Section XXVII. Tips & Tricks. Every time, turn ON your EOS cameras in same sequence. The first turned on camera will be found from APT as Camera 1, second will be found as Camera 2 and so on. Tips & Tricks. Using Shift+Connect you can define to which EOS/CCD camera APT to connect. For example you can define “APT Camera 1” to connect to the CCD and “APT Camera 2” to connect to first EOS.

IV. Connecting to Camera (EOS) Before you try to connect APT to your EOS camera please make sure that you had executed all steps described in the “Camera Preparation” list. Click on the “Connect” button located in “Camera” tab and take a look on the Log panel in the lower left area. There will be message if the connection is successful or not. If there is a problem, exit APT, turn off the camera and execute the steps from the “Camera Preparation” list. If your camera is with Digic III or Digic IV processor, when you make a connection you will see the current shutter counter in the Log panel.

V. Connecting to Camera (CCD) Before you try to connect APT to your CCD camera please make sure that it is connected to the computer and that it is powered properly. Click on the “Connect” button in “Camera” tab to open the standard ASCOM selector dialog. There you have to select your camera and optionally to tune some parameters. When you make your selection take a look on the Log panel in the lower left area. There will be message if the connection is successful or not. Once you have made successful connection APT will try automatically to connect to the same camera every time you click on the “Connect” button. If you want to change the camera use Shift+Connect to open the ASCOM selector again.

If you have problems to connect to the CCD camera t ry to run APT using “Run As Administrator” option of Windows 7 or 8. Do n’t forget to start PHD or MetaGuide with the same option.

VI. Additional cables (serial, DSUSB, Biula Audio) There are three options to control EOS Digic II shutter – serial cable, DSUSB and Biula Audio Trigger. The list of the serial cable vendors that are confirmed to work with APT is: Astronomiser - http://www.astronomiser.co.uk/300d.htm Pierro-Astro – it includes RS232 to USB converter. http://www.pierro-

astro.com/ControleAPN.html#1 Hap Griffin Astro-Cables - http://www.hapg.org/astrocables.htm Also any other RS232 cable should work too. Shoestring Astronomy DSUSB - http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/products_ds.htm Instructions how to build Biula Audio Trigger can be found here: http://www.ideiki.com/astro/biula_audio_trigger.pdf

To use Biula Audio Trigger make sure that the audio volume is set to maximum!

VII. LiveView/Image Preview (EOS) When your EOS camera is successfully connected to the APT you can start sending commands to it. From the Camera Tab you can select exposure time and ISO. They are valid for single shot using the “Shoot” button. It is important that “Mirror Lockup” must be set to OFF in order to use “Shoot” button. If the “Image preview” is on you can see the picture. (See section IX) If your camera supports LiveView you can enable it with the “Live View” button. The image from LiveView will be displayed in the preview area. ISO and Exposure parameters affect the LiveView too, so you can use them to get the view you want. By default APT will tune the LiveView parameters for maximum sensitivity (if you want to disable this automation uncheck the “LV Automation” option from the Settings dialog) There is option to set 5x and 10x Zoom. Before you set the 5x zoom you can click on the portion which you want to zoom. Currently, the 10x option zoom only the center of the previously zoomed image. Use “Zoom+” and “Zoom-” buttons to switch between zooming levels. The Target button is placed right after Zoom buttons. It is a tri-state button. OFF->Cross Hair mode->Object Scale mode->OFF. These modes use the preview area and work without camera connection, during LiveView or over a previously taken image. Cross Hair mode is designed to help in alignment tasks like: Drift Alignment, GoTo Alignment, Precise mode checks for Meade mounts and

everything else that you can think up. Hold the Shift key plus left mouse button and move mouse to change the place of the cross center. Hold the Control key plus left mouse button and move the mouse horizontally to rotate the cross. Shift or Control key plus double click with the left mouse button will restore the initial cross position. “Object scale mode” will show oval-shaped outline of defined object in exact scale for your camera and telescope/lens. See more in Tools tab. Tips & Tricks. If your camera has LiveView support, while it is ON you can take a picture with the Shoot button, no matter what the “Mirror Lockup” status is. This comes in handy when you try to frame a faint object. Tips & Tricks. Some newer EOS models will not allow use the LiveView zoom feature if the "AF Method" is set to "Face Recognition + Tracking". To avoid this limitation, select other auto focusing method for LiveView during the astro imaging sessions. Tips & Tricks. When you are in 5x or 10x Zoom you can use Shift+Left Double click to move the zooming window to the center of the sensor. Tips & Tricks. When you are in 5x or 10x Zoom you will see a small cross that marks the exact center of the CMOS sensor.

VIII. LiveView/Image Preview (CCD) When your CCD camera is successfully connected to APT you can start sending commands to it. From the Camera Tab you can select exposure time and binning. They are valid for single shot using the “Shoot” button. If the “Image preview” is on you can see the picture. (See section IX) The LiveView for CCD is an endless series of images that are not stored on the computer disk. Binning and Exposure parameters also affect the LiveView, so you can use them to get the view you want. This option is useful during focusing and framing. By default APT will tune the LiveView parameters for maximum sensitivity (if you want to disable this automation uncheck the “LV Automation” option from the Settings dialog) The Target button is placed right after Zoom buttons. It is a tri-state button. OFF->Cross Hair mode->Object Scale mode->OFF. These modes use the preview area and work without camera connection, during LiveView or over a previously taken image. Cross Hair mode is designed to help in alignment tasks like: Drift Alignment, GoTo Alignment, Precise mode checks for Meade mounts and everything else that you can think up. Hold the Shift key plus left mouse button and move mouse to change the place of the cross center. Hold the Control key plus left mouse button and move the mouse horizontally to rotate the cross. Shift or Control key plus double click with the left mouse button will restore the initial cross position. “Object scale mode” will show oval-shaped outline of defined object in exact scale for your camera and telescope/lens. See more in Tools tab.

IX. Camera parameters Tab (EOS) o Object Name

You can define prefix that will be added the image file names stored on PC. For example if you enter “M11_” the image name stored will be: “M11_ IMG_5034.JPG”.

o Exposure – contains the list of the predefined exposure durations that to be

used for making single images by “Shoot” button or in LiveView. If you want to make exposures longer than 30s or duration that is missing in the list, select the “Bulb” option and enter the desired duration in the edit box right to the list.

o ISO – defines the ISO that to be used for making single images by “Shoot” button or in LiveView.

o Image Quality – defines the image quality to be used for making single images

by “Shoot” button.

o AV – defines the lens aperture that to be used.

o AntiVibration pause – This is a parameter which is used within exposures plan or bulb exposures. It defines how many seconds to wait after the camera’s mirror is flipped before making the real exposure. This is a valuable option when mirror flipping causes vibrations to your setup. We recommend to experiment and define how long it has to be. Keep in mind that in some positions of your telescope the vibrations can be longer than in others. If the camera supports LiveView you can set “Long exposure control” to “Virtual” (see next point). With this setting, APT will use LiveView to simulate “Mirror Lockup”. It is a handy option when you don’t have PC operated shutter cable or you don’t have free COM or USB ports or want to use only one cable. Note that simulated “Mirror lockup” leads to amp gl ow when is used in long exposures! In the next two links you can compare the level of the noise that 25s LiveView generates. Both images are RAW files taken with Canon 1000D. 25s LiveView + 65s exposure, environment ~19°C http://www.ideiki.com/astro/skinastro/19deg_anti25s_exp65s_Virtual.CR2 25s Mirror Lock + 65s exposure, environment ~19°C http://www.ideiki.com/astro/skinastro/19deg_anti25s_exp65s_Com.CR2 If you want to set AntiVibaration pause to 0s, make sure to set “Mirror Lockup” to OFF. If you want AntiVibaration greater than 0s and to use PC operated shutter cable, you must set “Mirror Lockup” to ON. APT will enable/disable automatically the “Mirror l ockup” for cameras with Digic III and Digic IV processor. All cameras with Digic IV processor can make true “ Mirror Lockup” only with USB cable. The rest models need separate PC op erated cable for true “Mirror Lockup” . For more information, take a look on “EOS models matrix” page in our site. There are three options for PC operated shutter cable:

- Shoestring Astronomy DSUSB/DSUSB2 long exposure shutter controller. Once a DSUSB or DSUSB2 option is selected from the “Long exposure control” list, APT will try to make a connection to the controller. More information about DSUSB/DSUSB2 can be found on http://store.shoestringastronomy.com/products_ds.htm - Any serial control cable (RS232) connected to COM port or to USB (with appropriate Serial to USB converter). APT is tested with various cables. Take a look on section VI for complete list. - Biula Audio trigger. Instructions how to build this cable can be found here: http://www.ideiki.com/astro/biula_audio_trigger.pdf

o Long exposure control In this list you will see “Virtual” option, all of the COM ports that are visible, including the RS232 to USB converters, DSUSB, DSUSB2 and Biula Audio Trigger options. “Virtual” will command the camera only through the USB cable connected to your camera. NOTE: This feature works only for EOS models after 2006. Choosing any COM port from the list will instruct APT to use a PC operated shutter cable connected to this port to make mirror lockup and to command the shutter. APT is tested with various cables. Take a look on section VI for complete list. DSUSB or DSUSB2 options will try to find Shoestring Astronomy DSUSB or DSUSB2 controller and will use it to make mirror lockup and to command the shutter. More information about DSUSB/DSUSB2 can be found on http://store.shoestringastronomy.com/products_ds.htm Biula Audio Trigger will use the audio output connector to control the shutter using an easy to make cable. Make sure that the audio volume is set to maximum. Tips & Tricks. If you connect the camera and shutter cable to same USB ports you will have same COM port number between the sessions.

o Image preview On – will show the image in the preview area after every exposure. The image will be scaled to fit in the area. Off – Will not show preview On (1:1) - will get un-scaled center part from the last image that fits in the preview area. On (1:1) Scroll – will show scrolling buttons to select the image area that you want to see in mode “On (1:1)”. Use the central rectangle to view the center of the image. In To scroll the image smoothly in “On (1:1)” or “On (1:1) Scroll” modes, hold the Shift key and drag with the mouse. To switch quickly between “On” and “On (1:1)” modes double click on the image. This allows two center the part of the image without scrolling.

Tips & Tricks. If you double click on a scroll arrow, position will be moved to the corresponding border.

o Image Destination You can choose where to save the taken images – “Camera”, “PC” or “Camera and PC”. This setting can be changed after the camera is connected.

o White Balance This drop down list can be used to select the desired White Balance setting.

X. Camera parameters Tab (CCD)

o Object Name You can define prefix that will be added the image file names stored on PC. For example if you enter “M11_” the image name stored will be: “M11_ IMG_5034.JPG”.

o Exposure – contains the list of the predefined exposure durations that to be used for making single images by “Shoot” button or in LiveView. If you want to make exposures longer than 30s or shorter than 1s select the “Bulb” option and enter the desired duration in the edit box right to the list.

o Bin – contains the list of binning options that are supported by the camera and to be used for making single images by “Shoot” button or in LiveView.

o Cooler – turns ON/OFF the camera cooler.

o Image preview

On – will show the image in the preview area after every exposure. The image will be scaled to fit in the area. Off – Will not show preview On (1:1) - will get un-scaled center part from the last image that fits in the preview area. On (1:1) Scroll – will show scrolling buttons to select the image area that you want to see in mode “On (1:1)”. Use the central rectangle to view the center of the image. Tips & Tricks. If you double click on a scroll arrow, position will be moved to the corresponding border. Tips & Tricks. Double clicking on the image toggles between On and On (1:1) modes. It is a very easy and fast way to center a part of the image.

o Region of Interest (ROI) – allows speeding up the image download time, by selecting small part of the image. Provided are several options that are fraction of the sensor size for easy selection. APT automatically uses the center of the sensor where usually is the focusing star.

o Cooling and Warming Aids – these tools allow controlling camera cooling and warming in small steps in order to prevent thermal shock. Required is camera with temperature control. Cooling Aid turns the cooler on automatically. Warming Aid will use the available external sensor to suggest end point of the warming.

XI. Tools Tab

o Histogram (EOS) It shows/hides the histogram of the Red, Green, Blue and Luminance channels as well as the Light histogram. It is drag-able to place where you want.

o Histogram (CCD) It shows/hides the histogram of the image data as one channel. It is drag-able to place where you want. In CCD mode is possible the stretch the histogram. You can change the position of the black and white points by right mouse click in the histogram. Make sure that you have selected the point which you want to move with one of the buttons “Black Point” or “White Point”. In order to make more precise adjustments of the white and black points, expand panel and use << and >> buttons. The button Fine/Coarse defines the size of the steps. Tips & Tricks. If you double click the selected point will be moved to the corresponding border, i.e. the black point will go to most left, white point to most right.

o Graphs It shows/hides the Graphs panel. There you can see the graph of the values changes for different readings from the current session like EXIF, CCD Temperature, CCD Power, Ambient temperature, Humidity, Dew Point, Distance to the guiding star and Sky Quality value. For the last three you will need external sensor like TemperHum, USB_DewPoint, ASCOM focuser with temperature sensor. You can change the graphs using the corresponding button or double clicking on the graph.

o Focus Aid Focus Aid allows focusing on a star image using the FWHM (Full Width Half Maximum) and HFD (Half Flux Diameter) methods. Drag the panel over the preview area to frame the star that you want to use. The lowest value on same the star gives the best focus. It works both on images and in LiveView. Note that in EOS LiveView mode there is a stacking algorithm that makes the measurement more accurate, so after every focus change wait a second or two. You can control the number of the stacked images with the + / - buttons. In the bottom of the aid you can find a graph of the values since the last reset allowing determining if the focuser is moving in the right direction. To switch between the FWHM and HFD graph, simply double click on that area.

Tips & Tricks. When you focus on images you can define a focusing plan with short exposures. In such plan set pause between the exposures long enough to change the focus and vibrations to calm down. Peak - Shows the peak brightness value. Choose stars with higher values. Saturation - Shows the star saturation. The best value is 1. Use shorter exposures if saturation is greater than 1. Best FWHM / HFD – shows the lowest FWHM / HFD value so far. To reset it, move a bit the panel or click on ‘Reset’ button.

o Bahtinov Aid Bahtinov Aid is powered by the Bahtinov Grabber technology developed by Neils Noordhoek. It allows getting precise focus using a Bahtinov mask. In order to get the calculations you have to enter the pixel size (for EOS it is automatically determined), the focal length and aperture of the telescope. Drag the panel over the preview area to frame the star that you want to use. Use the Cross mode to center the star in “Focusing Region”. Then click on Recalc button. You will see two graphical interpretations of the results “Lines” – the usual Bahtinov pattern and “Circles”. To make the focus perfect join the two circles. Also you can see the focus error/distance in pixels. Try to get the lowest possible reading. In the bottom of the aid you can find a graph of the values since the last reset. Note that Bahtinov Aid works on sub-pixel level. In the EOS LiveView mode there is a stacking algorithm that makes the measurement more accurate, so after every focus change wait a second or two. You can control the number of the stacked images with the + / - buttons. Make sure to check the focus using a short exposure.

o Auto-Focus Aid See section XXVI Above the graph area is displayed the last logged value and the time. To see the previous values, just move the mouse horizontally (this is no need the pointer to be exactly on the curve).

o Framing Mask You can use the Framing Masks panel only in the registered version. This is a multi-session imaging aid used to orient the camera by same angle and position in different nights or after a meridian flip. Use the image browser to load an image that will be the source of the mask. Mark two or more stars on an image, by single clicks and save this mask. On the next session load the mask and match the new image to it by rotating the camera and/or moving the telescope. If the mask and the image are from different sides of the meridian use the “Meridian flip” check box to display the mask by the right way. You can use the Framing Masks with images, LiveView or combination of both.

Note that a mask has to be created on the same computer on which will be used.

o Pixel Aid Pixel Aid allows see various statistics for part of the image like Median, Std Dev and etc. Note that you have to be in Preview Mode “On 1:1” if order to evaluate the raw data in FITS files.

o CCD Flats Aid CCD Flats Aid is made to help determining the right exposure time when making flat frames with CCD camera. The parameters are:

� Target ADU - the value that is desired, in most cases around 20,000. � ADU Range – this is the tolerance range of the ADU value that is

acceptable. � Start Exp – is the starting exposure duration in seconds. � Min Exp – is the shortest exposure that you want to try. � Max Exp – is the longest exposure that you want to try. � Bin – what binning to be used. � ROI – the Region Of Interest to be used. � Use filter wheel – define if you want to change the filters and determine

the exposures for more than one filter. � Create Flats Plan – if checked when the exposure(s) is(are)

determined the Aid will automatically create a Flats Plan. � Flats count – defines how many flats you want to take in the created

Flats Plan. If you use filter wheel the count is per line.

o APT Settings

See section XVI

o Magnifier Magnifier allows viewing part of the image or Live View with software magnifications – x3, x5, x10 and x15 You can use the Magnifier to zoom the image in Focus Aid. To enable this, select “Bind to ‘Focus Aid’ star image”. If Focus Aid panel is closed, then Magnifier will work as usual.

o Set Focus Mark Places a focus mark for the current ambient temperature. This function is available in the registered version and requires TEMPer or TEMPerHUM sensor. See sections XI and XIII.

o Lens Control APT can control lens when they are attached to Digic III or latter camera. Lens’ Auto focus must be set to ON and you have to be in LiveView mode. Don’t forget to set your lens in manual focus mode before plan execution! APT has its own automatic lens focusing. To use it, Turn ON the Lens control, turn ON Focusing Aid panel, make a rough focusing using the lens drive

buttons and frame a star in the Focusing Aid panel. Then click on the “Start Auto Focus” button. The precision of the focusing depends on the precision of your lens drive. If you are not satisfied by the focus precision you can run auto focusing for second time or to try with manual control of the lens. Auto focusing can work with LiveView Zoom options. Here is the usual scenario: 1. Set the lens in AF mode 2. Start LiveView, Focus Aid and Lens Control 3. Frame a bright star with saturation 1 or 2 4. Make rough focus 5. Start Auto focus 6. Set the lens in MF mode

o DARV Drift Alignment (DARV)

See section XXII

o Collimation Aid It shows a set of concentric circles that helps to check or tune the collimation. You can use the Aid over either LiveView or images. An image with duration 1-5s, combined with Sharp effect and/or the Magnifier can produce diffraction picture that is hard to see by eye. The Aid gives complete control over the circles size, count and distance. To move the circles drag them with the left mouse button, for fine movements use the direction buttons.

o Planetary panel See section XXIII

o Camera drop-down list There are listed all EOS models. Once you select one, in Log panel you will see the following parameters: sensor size, crop factor, max resolution. On camera connection your model will be automatically selected from this list. If you use CCD camera select the “CCD Camera” option and enter the pixel size to be used for the object scale and size calculations

o Focal Len Enter the focal length of your telescope or photographic lenses and in conjunction with the selected camera model it will be possible see the following parameters in Log panel: Field Of View, Resolving power and Magnification. Please click on “Recalc” button to make again the calculations after camera or focal length change. This is a kind of FOV calculator for you camera/telescope. In right of the “Focal Len” there is a button “…”. It opens a small dialog where you can define different Focal Length profiles for quick selection. Also when Focal Len edit box is focused you can use arrow up/down keys to scroll through the profiles you have defined.

o Obj Size X’ x Y’ In this field you can define the dimensions of object which you want to see as outline in preview area. The object will be with the same size as it will be captured on your images. This feature will helps you to get idea what is the scale of the object you want to image or will helps to frame it better by placing

it in the outline by using LiveView or test images. The entered sizes have to be in Arc minutes and in the format like “12.5x43.2” or 25.8x11.6” or “13”. The first sample will draw an ellipse tilted by the diagonal lower left-upper right. The second one will draw ellipse tilted by the diagonal upper left-lower right. The third one will draw circle in the middle of the preview area. In order to see the object outline, you have to select a camera, enter focal length, object size and to click on “Recalc” button. If you change any parameter, click again on the “Recalc” button to recalculate and re-draw the object. If you have size like “12.5x43.2” double click with the left mouse button will swap the dimensions to “43.2x12.5”. Then you can click on the “Recalc” button to recalculate and re-draw the object. In addition to the object scale drawing APT calculates the object size in pixel. The value is displayed in the Log panel.

XII. Plan Editor Using the “Edit” button in the Camera tab you can edit your plans, no matter if the camera is connected or not. The plan editor has different options in EOS and CCD modes. Please switch the mode to the one you need before start editing your plans. There is possibility to define six types of plans - Light, Dark, Bias, Flat, Focusing/Framing and Dark Flat frames. For easier separation of your images during processing are used automatic prefixes L_, D_, B_, F_, DF_ (or Light_, Dark_ Bias_ Flat, DarkFlat_) that stand for Light, Dark, Bias, Flat, Dark Flat plans. Here are some properties of the different types: - Light plans can use dithering. - Dark plans don’t use dithering. - Bias plans don’t use dithering. In EOS mode can use automatically the fastest supported speed or to be configured for manual exposure (see Section XVI) - Flat plans don’t use dithering. In EOS mode can use the AV dial mode to determine the optimal exposure or to be configured for manual exposure (see Section XVI) - Dark Flats plans don’t use dithering. - Focusing/Framing plans don’t use dithering and don’t store images in the Camera and keep only one temporary image on the hard disk. So in a short summary, you can add new plan, change the name, add some exposures and with OK button you will save the changes in your configuration. Clone button will create a copy of the currently selected plan. Please note that there is no validation for the exposure parameters. You have to enter values that are supported by your camera or it will behave strange. If you define exposure with duration 0s, only the pause will be used. This feature allows defining a pause between the plan lines

After editing an existing exposure use the “Update Current” to keep the changes. You can change the order of the exposures by using “Up” and “Down” buttons under the list. “Vertical Plan” option allows controlling the plan execution order. When it is unchecked, APT will take all exposures in the first line and then will continue with the next line. When it is checked the execution order will be: Line1->Exposure1, Line2->Exposure1... LineN->Exposure1 Line1->Exposure2, Line2->Exposure2... LineN->Exposure2 Line1->Exposure3, Line2->Exposure3... LineN->Exposure3

… Line1->ExposureX, Line1->ExposureX... LineN->ExposureX The vertical mode is useful if you want to make HDR eclipse images, or when filter wheel is used and you are not sure that weather will permit to gather all channels one after another. Edit button will load the currently selected plan in the Editor. The OK button in Plan Editor will select automatically the last plan you have edited. Tips&Tricks. We recommend longer pauses between exposures, because this will reduce the noise in your images. If you have defined the filter names in the Settings dialog, Plan editor will show them rather than the filter position. In EOS mode you can define a plan with lower quality settings. This will give faster transfer of the images and is handy when you try to focus/frame without LiveView, but with series of short exposures or you want to frame your object. You can explicitly disable Dithering for certain plans by using “Don’t Dither this plan”. This option is useful for plans that are used for focusing or framing. The Plan editor provides advanced control over the imaging session. There is possibility to execute external scripts or programs after exposure end. Enter the command that you want to be executed in the field “Script”. If you check the box “Wait script to end” the execution of the command will be synchronous and APT will not continue with the next exposure until the end of the external operation. Leaving it unchecked APT will execute the command asynchronously and will continue with the plan as soon as the command is started. There are several parameters that you can send to the script or command: %LastFile% - the path and file name of the last saved image %CurrExp% - the number of the current exposure %TotalCount% - the total count of exposures to make in a plan %EDuration% - the expected remaining duration (00X’ or 00X”) %ETime% - the expected time when the plan will end %PCBat% - the PC battery percent %CamBat% - the Camera battery percent %CamSpace% - the free space on the camera card

%ExifT% - the temperature reported by EOS Exif or by the CCD %Temp% - the temperature reported by Temper or TemperHum %Hum% - the humidity reported by TemperHum %DewP% - the dew point reported by TemperHum %RA% - the right ascession reported by ASCOM telescope %DEC% - the declination reported by ASCOM telescope %Obj% - the enetred object name %FocalLen% - the entered focal length %FilterPos% - the current position of the ASCOM filter wheel %FocusPos% - the current position of the ASCOM focuser %ImageY% - the image height %ImageX% - the image wigth %Pixel% - the pixel size %Lat% - the site Latitude %Long% - the site Longitude %SQM% - the Sky Quality value Example : test.vbs %LastFile% %CurrExp% This will try to execute the script test.vbs (located in the APT folder) and will pass the current exposure number as first parameter and the total count as second. You can combine the scripts with 0s exposures. This allows executing a script without taking an image for example - to rotate to dome or to close the roof in the plan end.

XIII. Plan Execution When your camera is connected, the LiveView is OFF and a plan is selected the “Start” button will be enabled. If it is needed you can stop a plan using “Stop” button. The action will be executed in the first possible moment. Note that APT can’t stop Mirror Lockup in EOS mode. This is behavior defined by Canon. Pressing Shift + Start opens a dialog box with execution options. You can loop the plan for number of rounds (0 means to execute it until you stop the plan). Also you can schedule the plan execution for exact moment. The time is in 24h format HH:MM:SS. The Pause button will become visible when a plan is started. Click on it to pause plan execution as soon as APT finishes the current exposure. The Resume button will continue the execution of a paused Plan. The Stop button will immediately stop current plan. If the image destination is PC or Cam+PC the file will be marked with prefix “incomplete_” Tips&Tricks. You can turn off the camera display before plan execution. This will save some battery energy for more exposures. Don’t forget to turn off the wireless networking adapter if it is not needed! Try to find the lowest brightness level of the laptop screen that is comfortable with you, it will save battery life in the field. You can use lower CPU performance settings during the imaging.

XIV. Minimized mode and Camera monitor

In the Status panel, there is small monitor that shows the camera status during plan execution. It will show short code of the current operation and the seconds since its start (the count can be no exact, the precision is +/– one second) NC – No camera connection. C – Camera connected, but it is in idle mode, no plan in progress. D 0000” – Delayed plan execution (in the registered version only. See section XVI) A 0000” - Ant -vibration pause and the count of the seconds passed. E 0000” - Exposure and the count of the seconds passed. P 0000” - after exposure Pause and the count of the seconds passed. BUSY – camera and/or APT are busy in the moment. PAUSE – the plan is paused DITHER – a dithering is in progress (see section XIX) DARV – DARV in progress… SYNC – Multi-cameras synchronization is in progress (see section XXVII) When APT is minimized small floating window will become visible, you can drag and place where it is comfortable with you. In this floating window the same messages will be shown as in the status monitor in the main APT screen. This allows seeing what is the APT status during you use your guiding or other tools. Also you can see the number of the taken images and the total number in the current plan. If you want to restore APT window, double click with the left mouse button on the floating window, or use right mouse button over the APT icon in task bar and select “Restore” The status window will be expanded automatically when the preview option in the main the Camera Tab is ON and will display the center of the image in the main window. With right mouse button click you can hide/show the small preview area. In minimized mode Ctrl+S is equal to click on Shoot button. Click on the small window before you use the short-cut.

XV. Darkness Clock and Deep Sky Darkness calculator

In the Status panel you can see the darkness clock. It shows in real time what the “status” of the sky darkness is. This means that you can see if it is dark enough to shoot deep sky objects. The sections are:

1 - the time between midday and sunset 2 - the Nautical twilight 3 - the Astronomical twilight 4 - the full darkness 5 - the Moon 6 - a pointer showing the current moment. It will blink 15 minutes before a zone change

7 - the time between sunrise and midday In order the clock to show accurate data you have to enter you site geographic location in the Settings dialog (see section XVI) To open Deep Sky Darkness (DSD) calculator double click on the Darkness clock. In this calculator you will find all the information related a desired night. You can easily scroll through nights. An interesting feature is the possibility to find the closest night with defined duration of the time suitable for deep sky photography. Enter the desired minimum DSD duration and clink on the “Find” button.

XVI. Settings dialog With this dialog you can manage many additional parameters of APT. Here is what can be configured. They are grouped in three tabs. Main tab Skin Color - there are three skins more available in addition to the Red one - Grey, Green and Blue. You have to restart APT in order to see the change (in the registered version only). Sound – ON value enable sound notification when the plan is finished. In APT folder there is file named “APT_plan_end.wav”. You can change the melody with simply replacing this file with any WAV file you like, just use the original file name (in the registered version only). Tooltips – Turns ON/OFF the tooltips help displaying No Thumbnails in Image Browser – when off APT will not generate thumbnails Auto-hide Meridian Flip Clock – when enabled the clock will be visible only when there is active connection to telescope LiveView Automation - Turns ON/OFF the automation that tunes LiveView parameters for maximum sensitivity. C.Fn. Mirror Lockup automation - Turns ON/OFF the automatic enabling/disabling of the Mirror lockup camera function, depending on the defined Anti-Vibration pause Color FITS preview. When enabled will use de-bayering method to show color image Bayer Filter – defines the bayer filter combination Images Path – With this setting you can define where you want to store the images in “PC” and “Camera and PC” image destination mode. You can use any local or network folder that exists . File Grouping – defines the folders that you want to use for images grouping. A sample for the selected combination can be seen in the “Sample Path”. Name Parts – defines how you want to build the images file names – like ISO, Duration, Exif temperature and etc. A sample for the selected combination can be

seen in the “Sample Name”. Note that in CCD mode the image ID is built from the Date and Time, so there is no need to select these options. Export Log File – allows exporting logged data in order to help resolving a problem. Backup Settings – allows exporting the settings for use of other computer. Restore Settings – allows importing the settings from a saved file. You will have to restart APT after this action. Temperature and Sky tab Temperatures in C° or F° – Defines how to show the temperature values – in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Required is TEMPer or TEMPerHUM sensor (See section XVIII). Refocus on every X° - Defines when you want to be notified that there is need to refocus. When your telescope or lens is focused, click on the “Thermometer” button in the main screen to place a “Set Focus Mark” on the temperature that focus was achieved. Let describe this feature with one example. If 4° is selected, when APT detects change of 2°, the temperature reading will start flashing to show that soon there will be need to refocus (in minimized mode there will be flashing “F” letter). When APT detects change of 4°, the temperature will be displayed with bright font and message will be printed in the log area than there is need to refocus (in minimized mode there will be non-flashing “F” letter). 0° disables this feature. Required is TEMPer or TEMPerHUM sensor (See section XVIII) (in the registered version only).

Tips&Tricks. Don’t forget to click on the “Focus Mark” button every time you focused to place the “Focus Mark” on the right temperature reading.

Dew point within X° - Defines when you want to be notified for closing dew point. There is no need to heat your optics when the dew point is not even close. Let describe this feature with one example. If 4° is selected, when APT detects the dew point is on 2° or less from the current temperature, the DewP reading will start flashing (in minimized mode there will be flashing “D” letter). When APT detects that temperature dropped under the dew point, the DewP reading will displayed with bright font and message will be printed in the log area (in minimized mode there will be non-flashing “D” letter). 0° disables this feature. Required is TEMPerHUM sensor (See section XVIII) (in the registered version only).

Tips&Tricks. To get more accurate readings, place the TEMPerHUM sensor close the objective, but not on the heating strips. You have to experiment when you have to start the heating. It depends on your heating solution, telescope size and etc.

Temperature Calibration – Allows you to enter a value to be added or subtracted from TemPer or TemPerHUM readings. Humidity Calibration – Allows you to enter a value to be added or subtracted from TemPerHUM readings.

Temperature sensor to use – defines which external sensor to use. Supported are Temper(Hum) and USB_DewPoint. If there is no sensor, but there is ASCOM focuser with temperature probe, APT will use the focuser readings. Enable Sky Quality Tracking – defines if you want to use the Sky Quality Tracking. It can be made automatically by using the Unihedron SQM devices and manually by observer’s estimation of the limiting magnitude or by using the SQM-L manual device. More information about Unihedron can be found on http://www. unihedron.com Sky Quality can be measured in two metrics – MPSAS (magnitudes per square arc second) and NELM (naked eye limiting magnitude). Select the one that you like more to see in the Status panel of the main screen or which you will use to enter the manual data. Select the device you are using or the SQM-L if you want to track the quality yourself. When Sky Quality Tracking is enabled in the Status panel of the main screen you will see the current reading of the sky quality value. Double click on the label will open additional panel where you can see the value in both MPSAS and NELM metrics as well the ambient temperature if the device supports this function. Also you expand the panel you can enter the value that you have measured if SQM-L device is selected. The “Convert” section allows converting values between MPSAS and NELM metrics. If there is Sky Quality value available APT will store it in the FITS header section. Location tab Here can be entered all geographic coordinates of up to five sites. APT will accept any coordinates format. The signs + or – will set automatically the hemisphere letter. Coordinates synchronization – APT can import or export the coordinates of the current location with the data in ASCOM. If Import is used the current coordinates will be updated with the values in ASCOM on every telescope connection. If Export is select APT will update the ASCOM coordinates with the data of the current location on telescope connection. Filter Wheel tab Here can be entered the filter names and focus offset for the filters mounted in your wheel. Describing the names here allows APT to show them in the Plan Editor and in the Camera tab rather than using the filter position number. This tab is need for SBIG wheels, but it will be more comfortable if you enter the information even if you use ASCOM compatible wheel. Advanced Tab Plans Start Delay – Defines how many seconds to wait after click on the Start button, before begins plan execution.

LV Stack count – defines how many images to be used in LV Stack. Camera Low Space Limit – defines when to notify you about low space on the camera card. 0 disables this notification. Camera Low Battery Limit – defines when to notify you about low Camera battery. 0 disables this notification PC Low Battery Limit – defines when to notify you about low PC battery. 0 disables this notification Biula Audio Trigger delay – defines the delay to be used for exposure end when the audio trigger is used. The value depends on the cable implementation Dithering delay – defines the number of seconds to wait before sending the dithering command. Usually there is no need to use it. AstroTortilla ISO – defines what ISO to be used for the images taken through AstroTortilla. 0 means to use the maximum supported value. Hide Location in FITS – when enabled APT will not store the location coordinates in the FITS headers Apply BZERO in FITS – it can help if FITS are hard to process. The recommended setting is disabled. Make some experiments before you decide to enable it for a full imaging session! Disable FITS auto orientation - Some CCDs like QHY10 MkII provide images with height bigger than width. In such case disable auto orientation in order APT to save FITS correctly. New images folder after midnight – On session start APT creates a folder for the current date and stores all the images in this folder or in sub folders (depending on the selected grouping option). If you want to keep the images strictly separated by date, enable this option to create a new folder after midnight. Bigger UI Fonts – defines to use bigger fonts for most of APT interface. This can be hand on notebooks with big screen resolution and small display

Advanced Flat/Bias plans – when it is selected you will be able to define the duration for exposures in Flat and Bias plans. When it is unchecked, Flat plans will use the AV dial mode and will leave the camera to select the exposure; Bias plans will use the shortest supported by the camera exposure Auto connect Scope – reconnects automatically the last used telescope on APT start Auto connect Focuser – reconnects automatically the last used focuser on APT start Auto connect Filter Wheel – reconnects automatically the last used filter wheel on APT start

Meade Focuser – will show the special section in the Gear tab for using Meade focuser. In this case you don’t need to make a connection using “Connect Focuser” button LX200 Compatible mount – when enabled will force APT to use the LX200 communication protocol Remember Effects – when enabled APT will keep the select image effect between the restarts Convert .CR2 to TIFF – when enabled APT will make on fly conversion of the EOS raw files into TIFF format. The original file will not be deleted. The TIFF file is without ICC profile and compression. Don’t remember Object Name – when enabled APT will not store the object name between the sessions. Don’t sync camera clock – when enabled APT will not update the EOS clock on camera connection RDP mouse cursor fix – if you have problems with the mouse cursor when you use Remote Desktop enable this option Stop Initial CCD auto cooling – most CCDs start the cooling routine as soon as connection is made. Enabling this option allows to start cooling by your command Higher CCD Compatibility – Try to enable this option if you have problems with your CCD camera.

XVII. Object Browser You can use the Object Browser using the Objects button to review and use various information related to the objects in our data base which contains 545 deep sky objects (Messier Catalog, Herschel 400 Catalog, and most of Caldwell and Hidden Treasures catalogs), 78 alignment starts and 2 star maps. Selecting an object will display information like Name, Constellation, Magnitude, Size and interesting fact about it. Double click with left mouse button on an object or selecting a row and click on OK button will automatically populate the “Obj Size X’ x Y’” in the main window, will automatically populate the object’s coordinates in the Telescope control panel (if it is enabled) and will automatically populate the file name prefix with the catalog number of the select object. If you had already selected a camera and focal length then the object borders will be drawn in the preview area in the correct scale and the size in pixels will be displayed in the Log panel. In the Custom tab you can enter your own objects. The list can be exported and shared with friends or imported on other computer. The Import button will add all items in the file to the existing list. Mosaic plans created by Asimoplan (mosaic planning software - www.asimoplan.com) can be similarly imported, each panel of the mosaic creating a separate object. When using Asimoplan simply select the “Application Specific” page in the “Export Frame Coordinates” window and check the “Astro Photography Tool – APT” check box before clicking the “Export” button. Once

imported each frame's object contains that frame's central RA and Dec coordinates. Double-clicking any listed frame transfers those coordinates to the Gear page of the main window where they can be used to slew the attached telescope into position for imaging. You can also import data from AstroPlanner (http://www.astroplanner.net/). In AstroPlanner go to “File” then “Export” and select “APT Object List...” option.

Tips&Tricks. You can use Shift+Click or Ctrl+Click to select multiple lines for deletion.

On the tabs Deep Sky, Stars and Custom you can make search. Just enter the word you are looking for in the top right and click on “Search/Next” to find the next line below the current one that contains the word. If the cursor is still in the input box then pressing Enter is same as clicking on “Search/Next”. When you are editing or adding new object in the Custom tab, if there is connection to the scope you can use the button “Get Scope Ra/Dec” to populate the coordinates of the object. This feature is useful if you want to bookmark the current position for future use. The objects size in pixel can be calculated for all entries in “Deep Sky” and “Custom” tabs. To enable this feature select the camera model and focal length of the instrument in the Tools tab of the main screen. The sources used for the interesting facts are “http://wikipedia.org” and “http://seds.org/messier”. Many thanks to Jeff Seivert for providing more interesting facts! Thank to Jeff Seivert many interesting facts are added to the Deep Sky tab. Also for many objects there is audio version of the text. To install the audio extension download the desired package from the Download page of the APT’s site. Then in the place where APT is located make a sub-folder named "ObjectBrowserAudio" and extract the audio package there. The button "Play" in Object Browser will be available for all objects with audio information. Selecting a star will show a hint how to find it in the sky. Changing the tab to Maps will show the map that contains the star. Clicking on OK will load the star coordinates in the Telescope control panel and there you can synchronize the GoTo of your mount.

XVIII. TEMPer and TEMPerHUM sensor TEMPer can be used to monitor the ambient temperature. TEMPerHUM is more advanced and can be used to monitor both the temperature and the humidity, which allows calculating the current dew point. Both sensors give interesting features, especially in the registered version. You can get notifications to refocus on temperature change or for closing dew point. The settings can be tuned in the Settings dialog box (see section XVI). The presence of the sensors is detected on APT start. If TEMPer is detected the current temperature will be displayed in the space between application name and the local time. If TEMPerHUM is detected, on the same place will be displayed the

current temperature, current humidity and the calculated dew point temperature. The readings of the sensors are updated on the screen on every minute. The sensors can be found in various stores as well as in eBay.

XIX. Guiding programs integration APT can cooperate with two guiding programs: - Stark Labs PHD Guiding (www.stark-labs.com) - MetaGuide by Frank Freestar8n (www.astrogeeks.com/Bliss/MetaGuide/). Also supported is the Lacerta MGen auto-guiding solution. When there is no guiding, APT can make dithering it self when there is connection to the mount. The supported functions are fast switching to the guiding program window, auto-dithering between exposures and auto real-time monitoring of the distance to the guiding star when PHD or MGen are used (in the main window, ‘Info’ section, PHD/MGen Status) Auto-dithering is a small change of the position of the telescope between the exposures. It reduces the banding noise in your images and minimizes the data loss from hot and cold pixels. Auto-cancel allows stopping the exposure before a guiding problem becomes visible on your image allowing to use the gathered so far data. The fast switching can be made with a simple click on the ‘Guide’ button. It will minimize APT’s window and will bring to focus the window of the guiding program. NOTE: to use PHD integration functions it has to be configured in Server mode. Select from PHD’s menus 'Tools'->'Enable Server'. To enable/disable and tune the other guiding functions, please use “Shift+Click ” on the ‘Guide’ button. This will open the Guiding settings dialog box. In the settings dialog you can tune the following parameters: o Guiding program – select the guiding program you are using.

o Auto-Dithering - enables/disables auto dithering.

o Auto-Dithering Distance – defines what to be the dithering distance

(implemented for PHD, APT and MGen only)

o MGen mode – defines the dithering mode for the MGen device

o Dithering Stability Distance - defines the acceptable distance to consider that dithering is completing. The distance is in pixels from 0.00 to 2.55. See the explanation below. (implemented for PHD only)

o Dithering Settle Time – defines how many seconds to wait after Dithering Stability distance is reached. It gives time guiding to settle down. See the explanation below. (implemented for PHD, APT and MGen only)

o Dithering Timeout - defines the maximum time for dithering. After that time

APT will continue with the next exposure no matter what is the distance to the guiding start. 0s means that there is no time limit to complete the dithering. When MetaGuide is used this defines when to resume with next exposure.

o Dither on # images – Defines how many images to take before making dithering. Values 0 or 1 means to make dithering after every image.

o Auto-Cancel - enables/disables Auto Canceling. Auto Canceling allows

canceling exposure when the distance to the guiding star becomes greater than a defined value. (implemented for PHD and MGen only)

o Auto Cancel Distance - defines the maximum acceptable distance to the guiding star. After this point the exposure has to be canceled. The values are in pixels form 0.00 to 2.55. (implemented for PHD and MGen only)

o PHD IP address – Defines the IP address of the computer that is used for

guiding. This feature is useful if you use separate computer for guiding. The default value is 127.0.0.1 which means that same computer is used for imaging and for guiding.

o PHD Port – Defines which TCP/IP port to be used. This feature is useful if you

want to control two or more guiding setups with one computer. The default value is 4300.

o Multi-Camera Dithering Mode – “Free Mode” defines that APT runs in single

camera mode and there is no need to synchronize the dithering. “Server Mode” configures the current instance of APT to be the server that makes dithering or exposure synchronization. “Client Mode” configures the current instance to be a client and will wait the server to define when to start exposures. For more details please see Section XXVII.

o Multi-Camera Dithering Sync Mode – Used only in Client/Server configuration.

“Strict Mode” defines server and clients to make synchronous exposures. “Loose mode” allows if possible the Clients to take multiple exposures during the long exposures of the Server. For more details please see Section XXVII.

The auto-dithering and auto-canceling are applied only to the exposures plans of LIGHT type. When it is enabled it works by the following algorithm: PHD version – After the exposure is finished, APT sends command to PHD to make a dithering, and starts to monitor when the distance to the guiding start will become smaller than the defined Stability distance. Once this happens it will wait a number of seconds defined for Settle time, which gives possibility of PHD to settle down. After that time APT will resume with the next exposure. The timeout value defines how many seconds you want to give to PHD to reach the settle distance, and after this moment APT will resume with the next exposure, no matter what is the distance to the guiding start. If the settle distance is reached the timeout value will be ignored.

MetaGuide version – After the exposure is finished, APT sends command to MetaGuide to make a dithering and waits the number of seconds defined by timeout value and after that will resume with the next exposure. APT Dithering – After the exposure APT will move the mount in small steps with random length and direction. In order to work there is need to enter the focal length of the telescope and when CCD is used to enter the sensor dimensions and pixel size. MGen version – After the exposure is finished, APT sends command to MGen to make a dithering, and waits for the command completion. Once this happens it will wait a number of seconds defined for Settle time, which gives possibility of MGen to settle down. After that time APT will resume with the next exposure. The timeout value defines how many seconds you want to give to MGen to complete the command, and after this moment APT will resume with the next exposure. If the dithering command is completed in time the timeout value will be ignored. See section XXV for instructions about the MGen usage. Note: If you have started APT using “Run As Adminis trator” option then you have to start PHD or MetaGuide with the same option ! APT has powerful dithering system that allows using dithering in a setup with multiple cameras. This system synchronizes the exposures and the other events in order to make the dithering action in the right time. For details please see Section XXVII.

XX. Gear Control Tab APT can control any ASCOM compatible telescope . To control a telescope simultaneously from several programs use one of the “ASCOM hubs” The first time you connect to a telescope you will be asked to select the connection parameters by the standard ASCOM dialog. Then APT will remember your selection and when you click again on the “Connect” button it will use the previous settings automatically. If you want to change the connection parameters, use “Shift+Click” on the Connection button. The Gear Tab gives possibility to review the current coordinates, to align the GoTo, to GoTo to new coordinates or to move the telescope in any direction. You can use the Object Browser for speed access to the coordinates of 545 objects. “Shift+Click” on the GoTo button opens the Advanced GoTo panel which allows to change the telescope position using Alt/Az coordinates or to make offset of the current position using arc minutes (by Alt/Az ot Ra/Dec). The Alt/Az offset moves are useful when you want to use the AstroTortilla polar alignment routine. Don’t forget to turn off the guiding before you move the telescope. PointCraft is described in section XXVIII. On this tab you can also control ASCOM compatible focusers . The first time you connect to a focuser you will be asked to select the connection parameters by the standard ASCOM dialog. Then APT will remember your selection and when you click again on the “Connect” button it will use the previous settings automatically.

If you want to change the connection parameters, use “Shift+Click” on the Connection button. In right of the “Step size” there is a button “…”. It opens a small dialog where you can define different step size profiles. Then you can quickly select one of them. Also when Step size control is focused you can use arrow up/down keys to scroll through the profiles you have defined. Another type of devices that you can control from this tab is ASCOM compatible filter wheels . The first time you connect to a filter wheel you will be asked to select the connection parameters by the standard ASCOM dialog. Then APT will remember your selection and when you click again on the “Connect” button it will use the previous settings automatically. If you want to change the connection parameters, use “Shift+Click” on the Connection button. If you have defined focus offset for your filters APT can apply these offsets on every filter change. Gear tab allows using ASCOM compatible rotator . The first time you connect to a rotator you will be asked to select the connection parameters by the standard ASCOM dialog. Then APT will remember your selection and when you click again on the “Connect” button it will use the previous settings automatically. If you want to change the connection parameters, use “Shift+Click” on the Connection button. You can move the rotator to exact position using GoTo or to move with fixed steps – 1 degree (with the buttons “<” and “>”) or 10 degrees (with the buttons “<<” and “>>”). The direction depends on the settings in the ASCOM driver.

XXI. Img Tab (Image Browser) The Image Browser is designed to give comfortable way to preview the images taken from the current or previous imaging session. In addition it allows deleting the files that cannot be used for stacking. One of the main advantages is that you can use it in “Image Preview 1:1” mode and to inspect the same area of multiple images without need to scroll on new image loading. The browser generates thumbnails for fast preview during the imaging session or on in background when other folder is navigated. Keep in mind that when you shoot in RAW only mode it can takes significant time to generate the thumbnail or to load the image in the Preview area. In our days where hard disks are quite big it is recommended to store the images in RAW+L mode. This allows faster preview. The Image Browser works only the files that it recognizes (JPG, CR2 and FITS) and groups them to show one item per image no matter how in many formats it is saved. For example if you configured APT to store JPG, CR2 and Tiff, the browser will show one line per every set of the three files. If you decide to delete an image, all the three formats will be deleted. Note that when you delete an image the Image Bowser will move the files in the Recycle Bin in order to provide a way to restor e them in case of deletion by mistake. There are buttons to allow easier scrolling through the images. In addition to the mouse you can use the keyboard arrows keys and Enter to select an image or folder.

The Refresh button will reload the current folder and also will re-generate the thumbnails. The button “Go to Last Taken” will go to the folder where is stored the last taken image since the APT start. Info button opens the FITS Header viewer that shows information about the current FITS file. o Preview Effects

APT can apply some image effects over the images in the Preview area and LiveView stream. There real images are not affected, because the effects are applied only on the screen . Note that the effects can decrease the performance on slower PCs!

� LV++ - This is method to intensify the LiveView image in real time to show fainter objects.

� LV Stack – Stacks a set of LiveView images to show fainter objects. The stack is periodically reset to show the image position changes during the framing.

� Sharp – Applies sharpening effect on the image/LiveView to help focusing.

� Flip Hor – Flips image/LiveView horizontally. Helps to achieve correct image for easier object framing

� Flip Vert – Flips image/LiveView vertically. Helps to achieve correct image for easier object framing

� Negative - Applies negative effect on the image/LiveView to help focusing. Note that this will affect your dark adaptation !

� Gamma – allows changing the gamma correction from 1.0 to 3.0 in steps of 0.25. To increase the correction click again on the button. Double click on the button clears the correction. Can be applied on image or LiveView.

� Brightness - allows changing the brightness from +0% to +200% in steps of 25%. To increase the correction click again on the button. Double click on the button clears the correction. Can be applied on image or LiveView.

� Rotate – rotates the image clockwise on 90, 180 and 270 degrees. Double click on the button clears the rotation. Can be applied on image or LiveView.

XXII. Drift Alignment (DARV)

DARV stands for 'Drift Alignment by Robert Vice method'. The essential idea of the method is to make one long exposure during the mount is moved on East and then back to West (or in reverse in the southern hemisphere) if the polar alignment is perfect the result will be a flat line, in other case the track in the image will have the shape of the letter V. So you have to make corrections till the track becomes a line. The scenario is easy to follow:

1. Locate a star in the South close to Declination 0. 2. Run DARV and wait for routine to complete. 3. If the track is not line adjust the Azimuth (left/right). 4. If you see V shaped track, repeat the steps 2 and 3 till you get line. 5. Locate a star in the Eastern or Western horizon and close to Declination 0. 6. Run DARV and wait for routine to complete. 7. If the track is not line adjust the Altitude (up/down). 8. If you see V shaped track, repeat the steps 6 and 7 till you get line. This tool is made to take care for exposure and telescope move, so it requires Camera and Telescope connection. The duration of the drift depends on the focal length of your telescope or lens. Longer it is shorter drift time has to be used. More information about Robert Vice method can be found here: http://rcfotos.selfip.net/darv/DARV.pdf

XXIII. Planetary Panel. Planetary mode panel is useful for planetary, Moon, Sun and etc. imaging where the required frames per second speed is bigger. Also it saves your shutter from making too many cycles, vibrations and etc. Supported are two modes - LiveView and HD Video. The LiveView mode allows you to capture the LiveView stream as series of JPG files that are stored on the PC hard disk. These JPG files can be easily be used in Registax or similar processing application without modifications. In the panel you can define how many images you want to capture. The second mode – HD Video is available only in the registered version. This mode allows to start/stop the HD Video recording of your Digic IV camera (if it has such feature). After the video is recorded APT will transfer the MOV file to PC’s hard disk, if Image Destination is set to “PC” or “Cam+PC” in the Camera tab. Note that the MOV video file has to be converted before it can be used in Registax. There are several freeware options to make that. o Pazera Free MOV to AVI Converter

http://www.pazera-software.com/products/mov-to-avi-converter

o FFMPeg http://ffmpeg.org/

o Media File Converter

http://www.erightsoft.com/SUPER.html Warning: While you installing this program, pay special attention to things that are checked or unchecked. By default it is configured to install some type of internet tool bar or something like that. Make sure you deactivate anything that you do not want to be installed. You can follow these steps when you use that program:

Choose AVI as the Output Container. Choose RAW Uncompressed as the Video Codex Disable AUDIO for Audio Codex or check the Disable box in the Audio specification box below that. Choose NO CHANGE for Video Scale Size Choose 30 or 60 Frame/Sec Choose the highest Bitrate kbps for best quality. Choose Hi Quality for additional Options

Jerry Lodriguss has published a great book related to planetary imaging named “A Guide to DSLR Planetary Imaging” that covers every aspect of this type of photography starting from data acquisition to processing. There is special chapter dedicated to APT. The address Jerry’s site is www.astropix.com

XXIV. Meridian Flip Clock.

Meridian Flip Clock shows information about the Meridian. It requires a telescope connection. When the light part is bigger, the Telescopes points on east of the Meridian. The clock alternates between the time of the flip and minutes till the flip. When the back part is bigger, the Telescope points to west of the Meridian and the clock shows the minutes passed after the flip. When both parts are equal then the Meridian flip is close. An asterisk (*) shows the exact part that the Telescope points. Question mark is displayed when there is no telescope connection or the scope is not tracking. Use Settings to hide Meridian Flip Clock when there is no telescope connection.

XXV. Lacerta MGen configuration There are several requirements for the usage of MGen with APT. The MGen firmware has to be version 2.04 or newer. If it older than 2.04 here is a link for updating: http://www.teleskop-austria.at/information/ccd-standalone-hu/pdf/Lacerta_MGEN_FW204.zip There is need to install the D2XX drivers that take care for the USB to MGen communication from here: http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/D2XX.htm There is need to enable the “Application Mode” from MGen menus.

XXVI. Auto Focusing Aid The automated focusing requires some initial preparation and measurements in order to provide best results. Please read this section before you give the first try.

- Hardware requirements

o Focuser with stepper motor and ASCOM driver

o Measure and set into your controller the backlash of the motor and the focuser. This is important in order to get repeatable position values.

- Settings –Click on the settings button located in Auto-Focus Aid

o Threshold - This is the focus value tolerance. Usually because of the atmosphere turbulence FWHM / HFD changes even when there is no focus move. Threshold is here to ignore these changes. It is important to measure it well. If it is too big the focusing will be inaccurate. So make the focus manually using Focus Aid on a star, then:

� If you use EOS LiveView increase the stack count this you get most stable readings of FWHM / HFD. Leave it for few seconds and mark what the scale of the changes is and enter for Threshold a bit bigger value than the observed. For example if you see that FWHM is changing in the range 3.78 - 3.76 set the Threshold to 0.03 or 0.04.

� If you use focusing with images, it is better to use exposures with duration enough to eliminate the turbulence usually 2-5s is enough. As for LiveView see the scale of FWHM/HFD changes and set a bit bigger value.

o Coarse step - APT makes the focusing into two passes. The first is to find the

range where the focus point is using bigger steps and then find the exact point using fine steps. Use the controller or APT to move to focuser and find how many steps make a noticeable change in the FWHM/HFD readings. The change should not be smaller than Threshold*2. Don't set too big step because the second pass will be very long. Also don't set too small value because APT can miss the FWHM/HFD change.

o Fine step - this is the step for the fine focusing. Here you can find how many steps are needed to see any change in FWHM/HFD (that is bigger than Threshold). It depends on how the motor is installed, the f-ratio of the scope, how fine the steps are and so on. The idea is that there is no need to make 5 moves if the FWHM/HFD will not change at all for less than 5 steps. Just set Fine Step to 5.

o Max moves - defines how many focuser moved to make before APT decided

that can't find the focus point.

o Focus Using - defines what to use for focusing Images or LiveView - LiveView is supported only for EOS.

The settings Threshold, Coarse/Fine Step and the backlash compensation are the things that affect the quality and success of the auto focus. Usually these parameters are set one time only. Here are two scenarios how to use the automated focusing

- Auto-Focusing with LiveView o Make connection to the focuser from the Gear Tab o Start LiveView. If there is need from Camera tab tune Exposure/ISO to get

good image of the star. It is better to use x5 Zoom o Open Focus-Aid and frame the star

o Open Auto-Focus Aid and click on Run o Wait till the process completes

- Auto-Focusing with Images

o Make connection to the focuser from the Gear Tab o Go to Camera tab. Tune Exposure/ISO/Bin and take a picture with Shoot

button o Set the preview mode to 1:1 and scroll to the star that will be used o Open Focus-Aid and frame the star o Open Auto-Focus Aid and click on Run o Wait till the process completes :)

The Auto-Focusing Aid is designed to collect data that at later stage can be used to calculate the temperature compensation. When “Record results” is enabled APT will store data for every successful focusing. If you want to make deep study of the focus change during the night you can leave APT to make continuous re-focusing by enabling “Loop focusing”. The collected data will be analyzed in the Analyzer which is expected to be ready for the next version. Meanwhile you can use the Analyzer button to export the data in a file that to be opened with MS Excel or similar application.

Tips&Tricks . Closer to the focus point you start Auto-Focusing faster APT will finish.

XXVII. Multi-camera Dithering / Synchronizing APT has powerful Dithering System that allows using dithering in a setup with multiple cameras. When your setup contains two or more cameras there is need APT to synchronize the moment when dithering will be made in order to be sure that none of the cameras is taking an exposure. Here are the summarized steps of the workflow:

- Configuration (one time only) o In the main APT instance open Gear->Guide->Shift+Click. Then select “Multi-

Camera Dithering”->Server Mode o If there is need tune dithering parameters o In the other APT instances open Gear->Guide->Shift+Click. Then select

“Multi-Camera Dithering”->Client Mode

- Regular use o Connect the cameras in all APT instances o Start the plans in the client APT instances o Start the plan in the server APT instance o The Dithering System will synchronize all exposures and dithering

Here is more detailed information. Please see Section III in order to see how to connect to multiple cameras. Once you have started the different APT instances you have to configure a Client/Server configuration. In the instance that controls the main camera use Shift+Click on Gear->Guide button to open the dithering settings dialog and select from “Multi-Camera Dithering” select “Server Mode”. Then from “Multi-Camera Sync” select the synchronization mode. Available are two modes – “Strict” and “Loose”. In the first mode all clients and the server will make an

exposure and then will wait the server to make dithering. In “Loose” mode, if a client APT is taking shorter exposures than the server and if there is enough time then the client will start new exposure. For example if the server is taking 10 minutes exposure the client has time to make several 2 minutes exposures without waiting the dithering action. The server defines the dithering program that will be used as well as the other parameters related to that action. Then in the other APT instances select from “Multi-Camera Dithering” the option “Client mode”. With this configuration is finished. There is no limitation for the number of the clients, but the server can be only one. The most common workflow is to connect the cameras to all APT instances and to select the plans that will be executed. Then to start the clients first and the server last. This order allows the Dithering System to synchronize the exposures from the first one. If the server is started first then clients be put in SYNC state till server finish the exposure that is in progress. The clients <-> server connections and the server <-> guiding program connection are checked and initialized (if there is need) on every plan start. So you don’t need to take any additional actions.

Tips&Tricks . If you want to monitor closer the work of the Dithering System use Ctrl+Click on the Gear->Guide button to open the Dithering System Monitor. There you can see the status of the system in current APT instance. The server monitor can show the status of up to 10 clients.

Tips&Tricks . If you don’t need dithering you can still use the Dithering System to synchronize the exposures by disabling the Auto-Dithering.

XXVIII. PointCraft PointCraft is a set of tools that are powered by platesolving technology. Platesolving is process that identifies the stars in an image. This gives possibility to point telescope more precisely. The solving is achieved by external application named PlateSolve2 made by PlaneWave Instruments. Please see below for downloading and setup instructions. Here is a list of the features of PointCraft:

- Solve an image. - Synchronize the telescope coordinates with the coordinates of the image. - Store the found RA/DEC for use after meridian flip or in imaging session. - Determine the coordinates of every point in an image using Aim mode just with a

mouse click. - Make GoTo moves with position confirmation using GoTo++

The PlateSolve2 application is small application that can platesolve an image very fast, but to accomplish the task it requires to provide two parameters. The Field-Of-View (FOV) size and the approximate coordinates of the image center. If you have entered in Tools Tab the focal length of your telescope and camera model (if there is connected camera, the model is already selected), APT will take the care to calculate the FOV size for you. If you want to use other FOV size, hold the Shift key when you click on Solve button.

Let describe some PointCraft usage scenarios.

1. Solving an image

- Use the Img tab to load an image or take and image with Shoot button - Enter the approximate RA/Dec of the image center. You can copy-paste the

coordinates or use Object Browser (Objects button in the “Current Image” section) to select the nearest object. If it is FITS file that contains the RA/Dec data (stored automatically if there is connection to the scope) the coordinates will be populated. You can also use the current telescope position by using the “Scope Pos” button.

- Click on Solve button and wait the process to finish. - Once the image is solved you will see the exact coordinates of the image center in

the Results section, as well as frame orientation and the arc-seconds per pixel. Also in the Image Preview you will see the North direction and the image center is marked with two small circles.

Once an image is solved you can synchronize the telescope position with the image center and get more accurate GoTo commands by the Sync button. Use this function if you have solved and image that represents the telescope position. Also you can use the “Store” button. It opens the Object Browser to the Custom tab, creates a new record and populates the RA/Dec fields with the solving results. This feature is helpful if you want to save the position and use it after meridian flip or in other imaging session.

2. Frame an object

- Go to the object - Take an image with exposure that can show its position - Solve the Image - Click on Aim button - Click in the image to define the point that you want to be in the image center - Click on GoTo++ button or on GoTo button in Gear tab

If you use GoTo++ APT will make one or more iterations GoTo->Take Image->Solve to confirm that the given coordinates are in the image center. The exposure parameters for the image will be these set in Camera tab.

3. Go to saved position

- Use Object Browser (the Objects button the “Center FOV at position” section) to populate the Center RA/Dec coordinates with a saved object.

- Click on GoTo++ button

4. Use a downloaded image - Load the image - Enter the approximate coordinates - Hold Shift key and click on Solve button - Enter the approximate FOV size in arc-minutes - Click on OK

In order to use PointCraft there is need to download version 2.28 or later from PlaneWave’s site - http://planewave.com/downloads/software/

Scroll to the PlateSolve 2 section and download PlateSolve2 and UCAC3 catalog. Both are in ZIP files which you have to extract somewhere. Then start PlateSolve2 and from “File->Configure Catalog Directories” select the folder of the catalog. Then in APT, open Gear tab->PointCraft->Settings and using the “…” button select the folder where PlateSolve2 is located. You may want to tune the other parameters for PointCraft

- Plate-solving Timeout - defines how many seconds to wait platesolving to finish

- GoTo++ Attempts - defines in how many attempts GoTo++ will try to center the target.

- Acceptable GoTo++ Error - defines the tolerance for the GoTo++ accuracy. If distance between the image center and the target is smaller than the entered value, the GoTo++ is considered as successful. The value is in pixels.

- Pause after GoTo++ move - defines how many seconds to wait after scope move before taking an image. Usually the scope needs few seconds to settle after a move. Increase the value if you see trailing in the images.

- Flip the Directions - enable this option if Aim mode calculates wrong coordinates or GoTo++ moves the scope in opposite direction.

XXIX. Keyboard shortcuts In order to speed-up the access to the main APT functions there are 27 keyboard shortcuts. If Tooltips are turned On (via “i” button in top right corner) you can refer the shortcuts list by moving the mouse over the “?” button. Here is the list: Alt+Space - Shoot Alt+H - Histogram Alt+F - Focus Aid Alt+A - Auto Focus Aid Alt+K - Framing Masks Alt+O - Object Browser Alt+P - PointCraft Alt+D - DSD Calculator Alt+L - LiveView Alt+T - Cross Alt+S - Settings Alt+G - Graphs Alt+B - Bahtinov Aid Alt+M - Magnifier Alt+X - Pixel Aid Alt+I - FITS Headers Alt+V - Advanced GoTo Alt+Q - Sky Quality Alt+E - Preview Effects F1 - Camera Tab F2 - Gear Tab F3 - Tools Tab

F4 - Img Tab F5 - Plan Start/Stop F7 - Dithering Settings F8 - Dithering Monitor F12 - Stop GoTo, Focuser, Wheel and Rotator moves

Support

If any problem had occurred, or you have comment or suggestion, please contact us on [email protected]. We will take an action as soon as possible. Please include in the mail the version you use, your operating system and camera. Other places where you can get support and share your ideas, thoughts and images taken with APT are: The forum dedicated to APT - http://www.aptforum.com/ The Yahoo group named Astroplace - http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Astroplace/ Also we can be contacted trough themes in some popular forums: Звездно общество - http://forum.starrydreams.com/viewtopic.php?t=3407 Cloudy Nights - http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=DSLR&Number=3687254 Astronomy Forums - http://www.astronomyforum.net/astronomy-digital-cameras-forum/94324-

astro-photography-tool-apt.html Astronomy Shed - http://www.astronomyshed.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=90 UK Astro Imaging - http://ukastroimaging.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=48593.0 IceInSpace - http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=59003