Dslrstar FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Check this DslrStar FAQ page for responses to Frequently Asked Questions from users.
If you have a suggestion for an addition, please call or email us.
If you have a suggestion for an addition, please call or email us.
Cercis Astro
Cercis Astro
Copyright 2007 Cercis Astro
Cercis Astro 25 Rt 31 South, Ste C PMB 2030, Pennington, NJ 08534
TL: 609-737-5120 FX: 609-564-0546 EMAIL: info@cercisastro.com
TL: 609-737-5120 FX: 609-564-0546 EMAIL: info@cercisastro.com
First - Install the Camera Manufacturer Software and Drivers;
Second - install the DslrStar Windows Software (please download the latest release version)
Third - then install the DslrStar USB Drivers.
Second - install the DslrStar Windows Software (please download the latest release version)
Third - then install the DslrStar USB Drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About DslrStar
1) Software Activation
Follow instructions included with the DslrStar and software CD to install and activate. Currently, the software is activated by emailing or calling CercisAstro with two identifications (A) the CD Key, and (B) the unique activation key generated by the software. Cercis Astro will reply with an activation code which will permanently activate the software. Cercis Astro allows the purchaser to install the software on multiple PCs, but each installation will require activation.
Follow instructions included with the DslrStar and software CD to install and activate. Currently, the software is activated by emailing or calling CercisAstro with two identifications (A) the CD Key, and (B) the unique activation key generated by the software. Cercis Astro will reply with an activation code which will permanently activate the software. Cercis Astro allows the purchaser to install the software on multiple PCs, but each installation will require activation.
2) DslrStar USB Drivers
To install the USB drivers, turn on the DslrStar controller by plugging in the power cord. Connect the supplied USB cable to the controller USB port and then to a USB port on the computer. The Windows "New Hardware Found" wizard will start. Follow the wizard instructions to install the USB drivers.
3) Fuse & Battery
If your DslrStar does not illuminate (the LED display or USB and BULB LEDS do not light), the fuse may be blown. Replace with a 400mA TR5 (Wickmann 37204000411 or equivalent) slow-blow fuse, available from Cercis Astro (5 pack $5), as well as electronics distributors or electronics stores. Replace the fuse (dark red cylinder adjacent to large capacitor) by removing only the four hex-head outermost screws using a 5/64" hex key. Also remove these same four screws to replace the Lithium 3V 20 mm coin battery (Energizer CR2032 or equivalent).
4) Camera ISO, Tv, Av Settings
When selecting ISO, Tv, or Av settings in the software, check the camera to determine which settings are supported (particularly Tv & Av). Canon cameras only allow supported settings to be used and not all cameras support all settings. DslrStar will give Invalid Parameter Error if an unsupported setting is selected.
5) Using Mirror Lockup
If mirror lockup is manually set in the camera, it also must be selected in the software settings dialog of the DslrStar. The camera will hang up (not respond) if its settings conflict with the DslrStar software. If your camera fails to respond, restart the software and turn the camera off to reset it. Reset mirror lockup in the camera and the software.
5)
6) Darks, Lights, Flats & Bias Frames
The DslrStar controller and software can take all the reduction frames if the user sets up the sequences, and sets the camera at the appropriate targets to take lights, darks and flat frames. If you want to keep the camera hooked up to your scope and want to take Darks, Flats, and Bias frames, you will have to cover the scope for darks or bias frames. And aim at sky at dusk or dawn or a white screen for flats.
7) Auto Guider
An auto guider is a separate CCD camera or webcam. The autoguiding function provides a hardware port that interfaces to the telescope's autoguider port. The DslrStar software (Version 1.03.100 or higher), includes ASCOM driver/hub which allows third party autoguiding software to interface to DslrStar hardware guider port. The Operating Manual (PDF) includes pinout diagrams for autoguider port and system configuration. This is in the Controller Hardware section. This file can be downloaded from: www.cercisastro.com/dslrstardocs.pdf
8) ASCOM Drivers
Effective with DslrStar Version 1.03.100, ASCOM driver is now available.
9) DslrStar-to-Camera (BULB) Interface and DslrStar-to-Computer Interface (USB)
The DslrStar interfaces to the camera's bulb connector (for Canon 300D or 350D, use the supplied A612; add A611 (N3-to-stero plug) to the A612 for Canon 5D, 10D, 20D or 20Da). For computer control, the DslrStar uses a USB cable to connect it to a computer. The computer is also connected to the camera via the camera's USB port (Yes - your computer will need 2 USB ports - one to connect to the DslrStar & one to connect to the camera). Refer to the connection diagram
10) Canon Cameras
For best results, use a spectrum-enhanced (Hutech-modified) camera. However, if you want to use the digital camera for both astro and regular terrestrial photography, select a standard camera. A spectrum-enhanced (which exchanges the filter in front of the CCD to increase IR spectrum - great for astrophotography, but gives everything a reddish cast) camera requires several adjustments in order to be used for terrestrial photography. The 5D, 10D and 20D/20Da have more features - some of which are not needed or used with the DslrStar; the 300D does not have mirror lockup. There's several knowledgeable people on the independent yahoo user group (registration req'd) who'll give you more feedback if you post a question. Just starting astrophotography and want a DSLR camera? Check Astromart DSLR Cameras or CCD classifieds or a camera retailer. http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/list.asp?classified_category_id=38
DslrStar FAQ cont'd
If your DslrStar does not illuminate (the LED display or USB and BULB LEDS do not light), the fuse may be blown. Replace with a 400mA TR5 (Wickmann 37204000411 or equivalent) slow-blow fuse, available from Cercis Astro (5 pack $5), as well as electronics distributors or electronics stores. Replace the fuse (dark red cylinder adjacent to large capacitor) by removing only the four hex-head outermost screws using a 5/64" hex key. Also remove these same four screws to replace the Lithium 3V 20 mm coin battery (Energizer CR2032 or equivalent).
4) Camera ISO, Tv, Av Settings
When selecting ISO, Tv, or Av settings in the software, check the camera to determine which settings are supported (particularly Tv & Av). Canon cameras only allow supported settings to be used and not all cameras support all settings. DslrStar will give Invalid Parameter Error if an unsupported setting is selected.
5) Using Mirror Lockup
If mirror lockup is manually set in the camera, it also must be selected in the software settings dialog of the DslrStar. The camera will hang up (not respond) if its settings conflict with the DslrStar software. If your camera fails to respond, restart the software and turn the camera off to reset it. Reset mirror lockup in the camera and the software.
5)
6) Darks, Lights, Flats & Bias Frames
The DslrStar controller and software can take all the reduction frames if the user sets up the sequences, and sets the camera at the appropriate targets to take lights, darks and flat frames. If you want to keep the camera hooked up to your scope and want to take Darks, Flats, and Bias frames, you will have to cover the scope for darks or bias frames. And aim at sky at dusk or dawn or a white screen for flats.
7) Auto Guider
An auto guider is a separate CCD camera or webcam. The autoguiding function provides a hardware port that interfaces to the telescope's autoguider port. The DslrStar software (Version 1.03.100 or higher), includes ASCOM driver/hub which allows third party autoguiding software to interface to DslrStar hardware guider port. The Operating Manual (PDF) includes pinout diagrams for autoguider port and system configuration. This is in the Controller Hardware section. This file can be downloaded from: www.cercisastro.com/dslrstardocs.pdf
8) ASCOM Drivers
Effective with DslrStar Version 1.03.100, ASCOM driver is now available.
9) DslrStar-to-Camera (BULB) Interface and DslrStar-to-Computer Interface (USB)
The DslrStar interfaces to the camera's bulb connector (for Canon 300D or 350D, use the supplied A612; add A611 (N3-to-stero plug) to the A612 for Canon 5D, 10D, 20D or 20Da). For computer control, the DslrStar uses a USB cable to connect it to a computer. The computer is also connected to the camera via the camera's USB port (Yes - your computer will need 2 USB ports - one to connect to the DslrStar & one to connect to the camera). Refer to the connection diagram
10) Canon Cameras
For best results, use a spectrum-enhanced (Hutech-modified) camera. However, if you want to use the digital camera for both astro and regular terrestrial photography, select a standard camera. A spectrum-enhanced (which exchanges the filter in front of the CCD to increase IR spectrum - great for astrophotography, but gives everything a reddish cast) camera requires several adjustments in order to be used for terrestrial photography. The 5D, 10D and 20D/20Da have more features - some of which are not needed or used with the DslrStar; the 300D does not have mirror lockup. There's several knowledgeable people on the independent yahoo user group (registration req'd) who'll give you more feedback if you post a question. Just starting astrophotography and want a DSLR camera? Check Astromart DSLR Cameras or CCD classifieds or a camera retailer. http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/list.asp?classified_category_id=38
DslrStar FAQ cont'd
DslrStar FAQ (PDF)
