[RESOLVED] STXL 11002/FW8G settings in Maxim

I have been having problems with my guide camera and recently opened it up and did some testing and am seeing something related to what BillF is describing. I made a video that shows the behavior. Maxim is set to take continuous guide camera frames. I can see that the main camera shutter is opening as well as the guide camera shutter even though I have not asked for this. I can also see that the main camera shutter does not seem to stay in sync - once in a while the guide camera shutter does a 'double take'. This seems to happen every 7-8 frames. It happens when the guide camera shutter and the main camera shutter have fallen out of sync. I don't know the cause, just the symptom

I made a thread about this in the Maxim area along with another issue I'm seeing that caused me to open up the filter wheel.

I would post the video but the forum software is refusing to let me upload it.

 

Thanks Geoff. Yes, I see the same thing when asking only for a guide sequence (and vice versa when asking for a main sensor exposure). I have not noticed the "double take" you mention but perhaps I did not monitor closely enough. For me the main issue is that during a guided exposure the guide sensor does not download data for the duration of the main sensor exposure, which obliviously impacts guiding accuracy.

 

Thanks Bill. In that case back to thinking it must be a Maxim settings/software issue. If anyone can provide details on the proper settings for this setup (STXL11002M/FW8G) that would be helpful. Otherwise I may reinstall the drivers and firmware to see if that helps.

 

Hi All. Just to close out this thread, I believe I have resolved the issue with the help of this forum and some experienced users. A combination of improper settings and my inexperience with the camera seemed the culprits. In any event, all appears to be working properly now. Thanks to everyone who chimed in with suggestions/advice- much appreciated.

Until next time...

Bill