Camera and Autoguider Setup
All cameras can be operated as autoguiders; MaxIm DL makes no distinction between them. Some cameras may not be suitable as autoguiders due to update rate or other factors.
Normally the main imaging camera is connected as Camera 1, and the guide camera is connected as Camera 2. Their functions can however be flipped.
Understanding Drivers
All cameras operated by MaxIm DL require drivers, which are supplied by the manufacturer. The manufacturer is entirely responsible for driver performance and technical support.
Usually there are three levels of drivers required:
- System-level hardware driver; for example, drivers to talk to the USB chipset in the camera.
- User-level driver, typically a DLL that understands the camera's communications protocols and image formats.
- Software interface driver. This will be either an industry-standard ASCOM driver, or a DLL driver that works with MaxIm DL's proprietary API. The latter method is used when some additional capabilities beyond the ASCOM standard is required, such as operating an AO device.
Most manufactuers provide two separate driver installers - one for the system/user level hardware drivers, and one for the software interface driver. You will need to install both in order to operate the camera with MaxIm DL. These drivers will typically be supplied with the camera, and updated versions may be available on the manufacturer's web site.
Please note that the ASCOM Platform must be installed first, before installing an ASCOM driver. The ASCOM Platform can be downloaded from http://ascom-standards.org.
Notes
- Depending on the software level you purchased, you may only be able to run some of the listed cameras. Please see Product Levels for more information.
- If you wish to write your own driver, you can use the ASCOM Standard camera interface, or request our native MaxIm DL API through technical support (use Help Ribbon Technical Support).
- If you encounter problems with the camera equipment or their drivers, please contact the manufacturer for assistance. Also please review the Camera Troubleshooting section.
Camera-Specific Notes
- Most cameras require both the ASCOM Platform and drivers provided by the manufacturer. Please visit your camera manufacturer's website for more information. See ASCOM Camera for more information.
- Cameras built by Diffraction Limited / SBIG use different drivers depending on the product generation:
- All currently-manufactured cameras use the third-generation DL Imaging drivers. This includes STC, Aluma CCD, Aluma AC, and StarChaser series cameras. Use DL Imaging+FW for the filter wheel selection.
- ST, STF, STL, STT, STX, and STXL series cameras use the second-generation SBIG Universal driver. Use SBIG Universal Filter Wheel for the filter wheel selection.
- STT, STX, and STXL cameras operating with the AO tip/tilt guider option use the SBIG w/AO driver. Use SBIG AO w/FW for the filter wheel selection.
- ST and STL cameras operating with the AO tip/tilt guider option use the Legacy drivers, SBIG w/AO Leg driver. Use SBIG AO w/FW Leg for the filter wheel selection.
- First generation cameras using serial or parallel port interfaces are no longer supported.
- Video cameras including webcams use the Video DirectShow driver, Video DS.
- A Simulator is included, which is useful for testing scripts, etc. See Simulator for more information.