Using dual SBIG AFW filter wheels with TheSkyX

Discussion in 'Frequently Asked Questions (Public)' started by Colin Haig, Mar 7, 2022.

  1. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Oct 27, 2014
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    If you wish to use a stacked pair of the SBIG AFW Filter Wheels with Software Bisque's TheSky X, it is easy to set up, provided you have the USB-FW adapter and are running Windows with ASCOM.

    What you need:
    How to set it up:
    1. Mechanically install the hardware, per the instruction manuals. Connect the dual filter wheel cable to the USB-to-FW adapter. Do not connect them to an SBIG camera or an RS232 port.
    2. Install the ASCOM Platform 6.6, if you haven't already done so.
    3. Install TheSky X if you haven't already done so. We recommend the latest Daily Build.
    4. Install the SBIG USB to FW driver software.
    5. Configure TheSky X to have the main camera's filter wheel set up as an ASCOM filter wheel.
    Select ASCOM FilterWheel Driver for SBIG.USB filter wheel adapter.
    TSX_SBIG_Dual_Wheel.png
    Click properties, and select the Communication Port to talk to the USB-FW adapter.
    Check [x] Use Dual Filter Wheel.
    Do the FW 1 Setup, then the FW 2 Setup, and then the Virtual Slots Setup to define the filter wheel and slots.
    [OK]
    [OK]
    You will need to connect to the camera and filter wheel in order to set up the Filter Names in TSX.

    Troubleshooting:
    You can use the ASCOM Diagnostics - Device Connection Tester to verify the filter wheels are talking.
     

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