AstroArt

[KenMiller]

I have been struggling mightily with MaxDSLR attempting to get good capture to FITs format using my Canon Digital Rebel XTi.

I just discovered there is an application called AstroArt.

Is it worth my while to give AstroArt a try?

[pizwiz]

I have AstroArt3 and use it for all my imaging.
One reason I decided to get this software was because it seems to have plug-ins available for just about everything out there, from webcams to Starlight express and anything in between. Plus lots of other processing tools. It has more filters, effects and processes available than I'll ever learn to use.
I am still very much in the process of learning how to use all the features in it and have barely scratched the surface. I readily admit that I am a digitally challenged person ( meaning I don't know diddly about software).
Someone with a little more software expertise should have no problem using this software to great effect.

Adolph

[KenMiller]

I downloaded the demo to give it try. Unfortunately, it doesn't "see" my shoestring adapter (I'm using a Canon XTi and require that for exposures of greater than 30 seconds).

Having a maximum exposure time of 30 seconds is really a pain. Arghhh

[pizwiz]

I am sure you are way ahead of me. The Canon CCD camera control didn't do the Trick ? it says it supports Bulb cables.
See what i mean by "digitally challenged".

Adolph

[KenMiller]

I downloaded and installed the Canon support files and there is indeed a dialog for setting it up. But alas, when the software queries the availalbe ports for the bulb cable it doesn't find the port for the Shoestring adapter.

I'm also tyring to get MaxDSLR working with this camera and the guy who wrote the driver for the Canon cameras emailed me that he'll call to work through it.

I'll follow up with AstroArt and see what they say.

[KenMiller]

I submitted a detailed problem report to AstroArt.

Fabio replied promtply that the Shoestring adapter is not currently supported and that they could and would quickly add that support - which was a pleasant surprise.

However, there is now some question as to whether the Canon 400D is supported

I am prepared to make the appropriate sacrafice to whatever god is necessary in order to get this stuff working - can anyone tell me how many chickens to sacrafice and in whose name?

[pizwiz]

I suppose nowadays Virgins are out ??
OH well, whatever happened to the good old days of Pillage and Plunder ?

Adolph

[KenMiller]

I've spent some time during the past few days trying to get AstroArt working with my Canon 400D.

AstroArt has been very responsive. It turns out their package doesn't support the Shoestring adapter I have and it doesn't support the new Canon RAW file format.

It took several exchanges of emails to isolate the issues, but they tell me that it will only take about a week to get both things working!

I thought others might want to know how responsive and accomodating AstroArt has been.

[Murray]

What amazes me about all of this astro stuff is that there is really no single set of operating standards out there, and very few sources to whom one can turn. Your experience is typical in that you, as a relative beginner (like me) are breaking new ground or causing others to do the same.

I run a TAK or two and am stunned by the poor standard of info on using something as basic as their EM10 TEMMA mount; you would have thought that the hundreds of letters posted to sites like this would have resulted in someone in that organisation deciding to get a proper job done on their manuals etc.

I recently designed a mine-protected vehicle now being used in Iraq and the task of writing good tech manuals was every bit as important as the vehicle itself. I wonder how many times a product is abandoned by someone who eventually gives up trying to decipher the manual ?

Anyway - just a grumble from someone else who is probably not a smart as he thought he was when it comes to modern technology.

Perhaps this is all part of being in on a relatively new sport.

Murray

[KenMiller]

Murray,

I gave up on AstroArt after they didn't deliver what they promised.

I got my Canon Digital Rebel XTi working with both MaxDSLR and ImagesPlus.

With MaxDSLR I contacted the developer himself and helped him work out the problem. ImagesPlus is well supported through its developer's Yahoo group.

The optimal strategy seems to me to be to establish a good working relationship with a reputable dealer and use them as a resource for leverage with the manufacturers.

I've lost count of the number of times Brian at BT Tech has gotten me product, answers, and solutions to problems.

When I got started with this stuff last November I intended to give it my full attention. But the interminable waiting for product and lack of cooperation of the weather have conspired to cause me to focus primarily on other activities far less frustrating.

One day my SBIG camera will get here (been waiting 3 months now) and I'll start taking pictures again.