Weasner's Astronomy Software Feedback

ASTRONOMY SOFTWARE FEEDBACK

Last updated: 19 June 2009

This page is for user comments on Astronomy software for the Windows (including the Meade AutoStar Suite), Macintosh, or Palm OS systems. Items that are more "review" oriented will be posted on the Astronomy Software Reviews page. If you have any comments, suggestions, questions or answers to questions posed here, e-mail them to me for posting. Please use an appropriate Subject Line on your message per the Site Email Etiquette. Thanks. Remember, tips described on this site may invalidate the warranty on your telescope or accessories. Neither the submitter nor myself are responsible for any damage caused by using any contributed tips.

Mike here: As a Voyager on Mac user, I've been looking forward to Voyager on iPhone. Carina Software has released SkyVoyager. Check it out; looks pretty nice, especially the Wi-Fi control of telescopes. I don't have it yet but hope to soon and will post a review when I can. http://www.southernstars.com/

Subject:	Re: Astronomy Software for use with Macintosh computers
Sent:	Wednesday, June 10, 2009 21:09:23
From:	CHARLES BRADBURY (cabddb@verizon.net)
Thanks for your prompt response.  I am a real neophyte when it comes to
astrophotography....I get this simple USB Camera (presume that is what
you refer to as an LPI) with the Meade DS-2114ATS-TC with PC software. 
Your directive thread (2005), if I understand it, tells me: "Bottom line
if you have Mac OS X and a Meade LPI: get the driver, AstroImager, and
Lynkeos".  So I need 3 pieces of software to get this camera to work
with a Mac OS X?  I was able to get the driver downloaded (SN9C102) but
was unable to find the websites for Astrolmager & Lynkeos (which I
presume is the imaging software & stacker).  Any latest knowledge
whether they exist anymore?  I haven't even tackled the software
solutions for telescope control yet.  Thanks again, Chuck

Mike here: Keith's AstroImager is to capture images from the LPI (or other imagers). Lynkeos is to stack and otherwise process the images. Check the web sites for more info on them.

Subject:	Astronomy Software for use with Macintosh computers
Sent:	Monday, June 8, 2009 21:04:54
From:	CHARLES BRADBURY (cabddb@verizon.net)
I recently purchased a new Meade DS-2114ATS-TC w/USB camera.  I have
been pretty satisfied with the entire product except the fact is (Meade
says) none of the supplied software (AutoStar Suite as well as the USB
Camera driver) will work with a Macintosh.  What alternatives exist out
there that are equiv for Macs OSX that will permit telescope control as
well as work with the USB Camera?

Looking forward to your answer.  Thank you.  Chuck Bradbury

Mike here: There are many solutions. Astroplanner, Scopedriver, Voyager, and much more, for telescope control. See the Accessory Reviews: Software page for many of these. Also, see the item "Three Sky Simulators Compared". As to camera control, if you have the Meade LPI, check out the article "LPI with Mac OS X" on the Helpful Information: Astrophotography page. Also, be aware that not USB-serial adapters work reliably with the AutoStar. See the article "AutoStar and USB" on the Helpful Information: AutoStar Info page. I use a Keyspan adapter on my Macs.

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