Dslrstar FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions (cont'd)
Check this 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
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11) Nikon Cameras
For bulb exposures, IR-Remote must be enabled from the Windows Software Settings dialog.
12) RAW + JPG
DslrStar software does not support RAW + JPG; use RAW only mode. RAW + JPG will hang up the software.:
13) Using DslrStar for Short Exposures
In standalone mode, the shortest exposure for DslrStar is 1 second. For eclipse exposures, there are a couple of possibilities:
1. Using the computer controlled sequences - This is the best technical solution because it gives you
complete control of the camera settings including exposure times using the cameras' Tv setting. The
downside is that you will need a laptop along with you.
2. It is possible to take camera Tv exposures with remote sequences. Set the camera to "Manual" and the
"Tv" to whatever exposure time you want. In sequences, set the exposure time to 0.0 (zero) this will send
a shutter trigger pulse to the camera shooting off the exposure at the "Tv" exposure time setting. You will
need to manually change the "Tv" value as the eclipse progresses.
2a. The method above also works with the camera set to any automatic exposure mode - most likely the
Aperture priority auto exposure mode. In this case, the camera would be determining the exposure
time "Tv", you would have to determine ahead of time if the camera is choosing a good value and
perhaps change the camera exposure compensation setting. (Yes, it's kind of difficult to "determine
ahead of time" ).
14) Firmware Updates
DslrStar Version 1.04 and later, allow the user to upgrade firmware via Cercis downloadable files. Prior versions (1.01, 1.02, 1.03) do not allow user-upgrade; therefore, the DslrStar must be returned to Cercis to perform the upgrade.
Autoguiding - The pre-Version 1.04 firmware will fail autoguiding if the Menu button on DslrStar controller is pushed. A work-around is possible: in Sequence add/edit, increase delay between exposures. During the first delay, begin autoguiding.
11) Nikon Cameras
For bulb exposures, IR-Remote must be enabled from the Windows Software Settings dialog.
12) RAW + JPG
DslrStar software does not support RAW + JPG; use RAW only mode. RAW + JPG will hang up the software.:
13) Using DslrStar for Short Exposures
In standalone mode, the shortest exposure for DslrStar is 1 second. For eclipse exposures, there are a couple of possibilities:
1. Using the computer controlled sequences - This is the best technical solution because it gives you
complete control of the camera settings including exposure times using the cameras' Tv setting. The
downside is that you will need a laptop along with you.
2. It is possible to take camera Tv exposures with remote sequences. Set the camera to "Manual" and the
"Tv" to whatever exposure time you want. In sequences, set the exposure time to 0.0 (zero) this will send
a shutter trigger pulse to the camera shooting off the exposure at the "Tv" exposure time setting. You will
need to manually change the "Tv" value as the eclipse progresses.
2a. The method above also works with the camera set to any automatic exposure mode - most likely the
Aperture priority auto exposure mode. In this case, the camera would be determining the exposure
time "Tv", you would have to determine ahead of time if the camera is choosing a good value and
perhaps change the camera exposure compensation setting. (Yes, it's kind of difficult to "determine
ahead of time" ).
14) Firmware Updates
DslrStar Version 1.04 and later, allow the user to upgrade firmware via Cercis downloadable files. Prior versions (1.01, 1.02, 1.03) do not allow user-upgrade; therefore, the DslrStar must be returned to Cercis to perform the upgrade.
Autoguiding - The pre-Version 1.04 firmware will fail autoguiding if the Menu button on DslrStar controller is pushed. A work-around is possible: in Sequence add/edit, increase delay between exposures. During the first delay, begin autoguiding.
DslrStar FAQ (PDF)