Resolved ASCOM (or Python) for ST-9XE / ST-9XEI?

Discussion in 'Legacy Models - Community Support' started by Dave92F1, Mar 8, 2020.

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  1. Dave92F1

    Dave92F1 Standard User

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    I picked up a ST-9XEI on eBay. I know this camera is ancient.

    Is there an ASCOM driver for it? (Or, really, any way to drive it from Python?)

    All I want to do is the basics - open/close shutter, start/stop exposure, read data out of it. From Python.
     
    Dave92F1, Mar 8, 2020
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  2. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    The old cameras are controlled using the "SBIG Universal driver". While we do have ASCOM support for the new DL Imaging driver, it is not available for SBIG Universal.

    Some camera control programs have the ability to perform scripted operations and control the older cameras. Our MaxIm DL Pro software can do this.
     
    Doug, Mar 8, 2020
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  3. Dave92F1

    Dave92F1 Standard User

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    Thanks. I write all my own software to talk to the camera and process images - I just need the API that will let me send it commands:
    • open/close shutter
    • start/stop exposure (maybe not needed if there's a mechanical shutter)
    • send frame data
    • cooler on/off (or set temp if that's how it works)
    • read cooler/imager temperature
    ASCOM lets me do that, but I don't mind writing another interface for the SBIG Universal Driver - if I can get the necessary technical details.

    Would that be possible?
     
    Dave92F1, Mar 8, 2020
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  4. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    One approach would be to take the sample ASCOM camera driver and write a wrapper for SBIG Universal.

    It’s something we were thinking of doing ourselves, but the demise of the Kodak sensor line pushed that down the priority queue.
     
    Doug, Mar 8, 2020
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  5. Dave92F1

    Dave92F1 Standard User

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    I'd be happy to give it a try if you can point me at the documentation for the SBIG Universal Driver.
     
    Dave92F1, Mar 8, 2020
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  6. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    See attached.
     

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    Doug, Mar 9, 2020
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  7. Dave92F1

    Dave92F1 Standard User

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    Exactly what I needed - thanks!!
     
    Dave92F1, Mar 9, 2020
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