Resolved MaximDL Settings for STT-8300 with self guiding filter wheel

Discussion in 'Legacy Models - Community Support' started by JoshuaHufford, Sep 14, 2022.

  1. JoshuaHufford

    JoshuaHufford Cyanogen Customer

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    What camera settings for main and guide cameras do I use when using an STT8300 camera that has the self guiding filter wheel?

    Thanks
     
  2. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    For Camera 1, [Setup Camera], select Camera Model = SBIG Universal in the drop down..
    Then select Guide Chip drop down = External.
    This tells it to use the External guide sensor (eg remote guide head), which is the port on the camera that connects to the guide sensor in the FW8G-STT.

    Then Camera 1's filter wheel click [Setup Filter]
    Filter or Controlling Camera Model = SBIG Universal
    Model = Standard
    COM Port = don't need to specify; COM1 will be ignored.

    Then in Camera 1 Turn on [x] Dual Chip Mode.
    Dual chip will grey out the Camera 2; it automatically knows about the main camera having the guide sensor.
     
  3. JoshuaHufford

    JoshuaHufford Cyanogen Customer

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    Thanks, that enabled me to take a picture with the guide chip, was missing the dual chip selection.

    However when I take a picture with the guide chip I get a completely saturated image despite the camera being covered, the main chip seems to work as expected.

    Any suggestions?
     
  4. JoshuaHufford

    JoshuaHufford Cyanogen Customer

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    I mistyped, I meant to say an image with all pixel values at 0. I just checked and I believe my drivers are up to date.
     
  5. JoshuaHufford

    JoshuaHufford Cyanogen Customer

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    I'm using version 6.30 of Maxim.
     
  6. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Check SBIG Driver Checker is 4.05, and make sure sbigudrv.dll is 5.1.1.0.
    Then check the camera firmware is current, using the firmware tab in the driver checker.
     
  7. JoshuaHufford

    JoshuaHufford Cyanogen Customer

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  8. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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  9. JoshuaHufford

    JoshuaHufford Cyanogen Customer

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    OK I'm running version 4.05 now. It says my drivers are up to date and my firmware is up to date, still get a 0 pixel value guide image.
     

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  10. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    You do have the HDMI cable between the FW8G-STT and the STT camera body, in addition to the I2C AUX cable for the filter wheel side?
     
  11. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Could you send the FITS image from the guide sensor? It might give us a hint.
    Could be the guide hardware has a problem.
     
  12. JoshuaHufford

    JoshuaHufford Cyanogen Customer

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    Yes I have both cables, the filter wheel also moves when commanded.
     
  13. JoshuaHufford

    JoshuaHufford Cyanogen Customer

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    Here you go.
     

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  14. JoshuaHufford

    JoshuaHufford Cyanogen Customer

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    I just tried another HDMI cable and I think that fixed it.

    Thanks for the help, this camera is new to me.
     
  15. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Good! I was about to suggest a new HDMI cable.
    Also, in MaxIm, File... Settings, Site and Optics. Fill in all the parameters.
    The guider has a 0.7x focal reducer, so when you put in the guider optical parameters, it is the same as the main scope, EXCEPT for the focal length x 0.7.
     
  16. JoshuaHufford

    JoshuaHufford Cyanogen Customer

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    Yea, I'm currently using an ST-8300M with the OAG-8300 and STi so nothing will change for me. There are a LOT of upgrades with the new setup however.
     
  17. JoshuaHufford

    JoshuaHufford Cyanogen Customer

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    Thanks again for the super fast help, you are the best!
     

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