Optimizing your Aluma AC4040 and StarChaser SC-3 setup

Here are some tips from other customers (either their contributions or tips based on what we learned working with them), consolidated into one place.

1. Checking Windows can see the cameras:

Launch the Windows Device Manager, and check the USB devices:
When everything is installed correctly, you will see 3 SBIG devices.

The SC-3 guide camera will be listed in two parts - "SBIG Camera A" and "SBIG Camera B".
The AC4040 camera will be listed as SBIG Camera.

Like this:

The same applies to the SC-2 and the AC2020BSI and AC4040BSI respectively.

If this is okay, go to STEP 3.

2. Fixing Windows low-level device drivers
If you see Unknown Device or you see a yellow error /!\ in the icon, then the device drivers for the camera did not install automatically.


The SC-3 and AC4040 are Windows Hardware Qualified Labs (WHQL) tested, and should automatically install.
If this does not work, right-click on the device, and select Update Driver.
You may have to run Windows Update on your machine to get it to list the updated driver under Optional Updates.

The correct driver version is:
AC4040 uses an FTDIchip USB 3.0 driver version 1.3.0.4


Similarly, the SC-3 uses the FTDIchip USB 2.0 driver version 2.12.28.0

We've seen a couple of customer PC's that were out of date or had old drivers they got from somewhere.

3. Power Management
Double check that Windows Power Management isn't causing problems for you.
Turn off Windows USB Selective Suspend.
For each of the SBIG Camera, SBIG Camera A, and SBIG Camera B, make sure you turn off these settings:

By default, they might be checked (enabled). Turn them off (disable, uncheck).

Check that any Windows Hub or Root hub is set correctly.
See this article on how to turn OFF the Windows power management features:
https://forum.diffractionlimited.co...connects-turn-off-usb-selective-suspend.7848/

4. DL Config Utility
I'll assume you've downloaded the latest DL Imaging drivers and latest version of MaxIm DL for your cameras.
If you want to check that your cameras are seen by the DL Imaging drivers, launch DL Config.
You should see something like this:

Double-click each camera in the list to check it's Firmware Rev and the Driver version.
Firmware updates are found here:
https://diffractionlimited.com/aluma-fpga-firmware/
Note that sometimes a firmware version update requires an update to the DL Imaging Drivers and MaxIm.

5. Setting up MaxIm with DL Imaging Drivers
When setting up MaxIm LT or MaxIm DL Pro, you will need to select DL Imaging drivers.
NOT the SBIG Universal drivers you have used in the past.
The DL (Diffraction Limited) Imaging Drivers are more modern, easier to maintain, and we've created versions for 32-bit and 64-bit environments and different operating systems.
Like this:


Pro tip:
When you are using Setup to select the DL Imaging drivers, you need to use the Advanced button, and select the camera out of the list. Double click the camera in the list to get the correct one.
e.g. Camera 1 should be AC4040*
Camera 2 should be SC3*

DL Imaging + FW is the choice for the filter wheel controlled by the AC4040.
You'll need to set that up too.

6. Take your first images with each camera.
Things that WILL BE DIFFERENT:
Use High gain mode on the AC4040 to get your first images.
The histogram will look different - because it is operating as a 12-bit camera.
A value of 3500 is the equivalent of 56,000 on a 16-bit CCD.
Don't be fooled by the low number. The AC4040 is nearing saturation around this point.


7. Stepping up to StackPro
When you are ready to use StackPro in-camera stacking for 16-bit images, make sure to set it up.
Camera Control Windows - Expose Tab
Set the Readout mode for StackPro.
Press the Camera Options [>]
Camera Settings

The green arrow is showing 15 seconds in my sample setup.
This may not be realistic for your usage, but now you know where to find it.

Clear skies and good luck with your new equipment!