I'm about to try the jump to DL7 and plan to dedicate a laptop to just my astrophotography work. Over the years with DL6, I've acquired new mounts/cameras/focusers, etc. My existing laptop suffers from a history of installing software in a random fashion. Some I don't use anymore. Here's what I want to try initially: DL7 controlling: 1. Celestron CGE Pro mount through CPWI (so I can do fast alignments) [The scope is a 1400 EdgeHD w/ Hyperstar 2. MicroTouch focuser 3. STF-8300 w/ STi OAG and FW 4. ZWO ASI 533MC Pro for imaging, ASI 178 for guiding & imaging I guess I'm asking what my file directory should look like in regard to DL7, CPWI, ASCOM drivers for focuser and various cameras. Any suggestions are appreciated. My current file directory looks like my junk draw under the kitchen counter.
Here's what I do: C:\stardata = star catalogs C:\stardata\GSC11 = the Hubble Guide Star Cataqlog used by MaxIm's PinPoint function C:\stardata\ATLAS = Atlas Reference Catalog 2 = also usable by PinPoint Then under your downloads folder: 0hardware 1software 2other 3astro I keep a copy of all installers (the program to install) for astronomy products under 3astro For example: downloads\3astro\ascom downloads\3astro\celestron\drivers downloads\3astro\diffraction\MaxImDLPro downloads\3astro\diffraction\SBIG downloads\3astro\starizona\microtouch downloads\3astro\zwo\asi533 Then when you run the installers, it will put the files in their normal default place, and you have a backup of the install I keep my data in one of two places: documents\ccd - for all my images, organized by date folders YYYY-MM-DD I have a D: drive on the desktop computer, and I put the images on D:\CCD Keep settings in the Documents folder. For example, MaxIm will keep it's settings here: Documents\MaxIm DL 6\Settings Documents\MaxIm DL 7\Settings I'm sure other folks will have more ideas. Don't install Microsoft ONEDRIVE (or unlink your PC to it) as it makes a mess.
Thx Colin. My Mom always said an orderly mind was a gift from God. I think I'm on level 3 of Dante's hell. I'll see who else chimes in, but as always - thanks for the input. I'll see what others think. PS - thx for the tip on ONEDRIVE. - DSW
