SBIG AllSky-340C Operating Manual

Operating Manual
AllSky-340 and AllSky-340C
CCD Cameras
SBIG Astronomical Instruments, A Division of Diffraction Limited.
59 Grenfell Crescent, Unit B, Ottawa, ON Canada, k2G 0G3
Tel: 613.225.2732 | Fax: 225.225.9688| E-mail: [email protected] | www.sbig.com
© 2015 Diffraction Limited. All rights reserved. The SBIG wordmark and logo are trademarks of
Diffraction Limited, All other trademarks, service marks and tradenames appearing in this brochure are
the property of their respective owners.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the receiver and the equipment.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Shielded I/O cables must be used when operating this equipment. You
are also warned, that any changes to this certified device will void your
legal right to operate it.
_________________________________________________________
Operating Manual for Allsky-340, AllSky-340C CCD Cameras.
Revision 1.3 July 29, 2010
Copyright © 2010 Santa Barbara Instrument Group, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW:.......................................... 2
MECHANICAL IMPLEMENTATION:........................................ 4
INITIAL SETUP AND FOCUSING:.............................................. 5
FOCUS, TILT AND CENTERING ADJUSTMENTS: ............................... 7
SETTING UP THE SOFTWARE FOR LOGGING ALL SKY IMAGES TO
YOUR PC OR THE INTERNET: .......................................................... 8
INSTALLING FIRMWARE UPDATES FOR THE ALLSKY340:............... 8
MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES: ............................................................... 9
ALLSKY-340 SOFTWARE........................................................... 11
MENUS ......................................................................................... 11
Setup Menu ............................................................................. 11
Display Menu.......................................................................... 12
Commands .............................................................................. 12
WINDOWS AND DIALOGS .............................................................. 13
Main Window.......................................................................... 13
Status Bar................................................................................ 15
Serial Port Setup Dialog ......................................................... 15
Dark Subtraction Setup Dialog............................................... 17
Still Images Setup Dialog........................................................ 17
Movies Setup Dialog ............................................................... 19
AVI Video Compression Setup Dialog .................................... 21
FTP SETUP DIALOG...................................................................... 21
Dialog Entries......................................................................... 22
Heater Schedule Setup Dialog ................................................ 22
Color Balance Dialog ............................................................. 23
FURTHER HELP ............................................................................. 24
Contacting SBIG ..................................................................... 24
APPENDIX A: BLUETOOTH RS-232 OPERATION .............. 25
APPENDIX B: CONNECTORS .................................................. 35
APPENDIX C: TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS.......................... 36
1
Introduction and Overview:
SBIG’s new All-Sky camera, the AllSky-340, is SBIG’s
third version of a weatherproof AllSky camera for monitoring
weather conditions. The first had to be obsoleted when we stopped
production of the ST-237A, and the second went obsolete when the
lens we were using became unavailable, with no suitable replacement.
The third version is our best one yet! The sensor is the Kodak KAI340 CCD, with 640x480 pixels, 7.4 microns square, and a high gain
output stage for excellent sensitivity. The camera containing the
CCD is our SG-4 Smart Guider camera, our new autonomous guide
camera that is also available.
The All Sky 340 camera, illustrated below in Figure One,
incorporates the SG-4 Camera inside an aluminum enclosure with an
acrylic dome to protect the fisheye lens. The fisheye lens
recommended by SBIG is Fujinon’s new FE185C046HA-1, with a
1.4 mm focal length, F/1.4.
Figure One: All Sky 340 Camera
The image quality is excellent wide open, all the way to the horizon.
Figure Two shows an All Sky camera image with the Fujinon lens
and KAI-340 CCD. The exposure was 60 seconds from a light
polluted backyard – the first quarter moon had just set behind the
2
roof. The field of view is slightly greater than 180 degrees in the
horizontal direction.
Figure Two: All Sky Camera Image
The image illustrated was taken using a monochrome sensor.
The unit is also available with a color CCD sensor. Note: with a
monochrome sensor the daylight images are not particularly good –
the sun and bright clouds saturate large portions of the field of view.
With a color sensor the sun has a strong blooming streak top to
bottom in the image, which mars the aesthetics of the image, but it
still works well for cloud detection.
The new All Sky camera has some very interesting features
that make it much more versatile than our previous offerings. First of
all, it has an RS-232 link to the PC for control and image download.
While this interface is very slow in comparison to USB, it will
tolerate 150 foot (30 meter) cable runs. Or, you can throw away the
cable and use a bluetooth wireless link with an optional inexpensive
adapter. And, the unit is low power and can be powered by a solar
array (also optional) so you don’t need any wires AT ALL running
from your PC to the camera! The beauty of this is now the unit can
be located where it has a good view of the sky, instead of good access
to a power plug or PC. Your roof is now the preferred location,
above the trees and neighbor’s houses.
3
By actual test, an RS-232 link, using a USB to RS-232
adapter running at 460.8 Kbaud, with a 150 foot long cable,
downloads a full image reliably in ~15 seconds. At 115.2 Kbaud a
full image takes ~60 seconds. Bluetooth wireless adapters will
typically run at 115 Kbaud, and the one we have tried here worked
reliably at a distance of 75 feet. With wireless links, one must
minimize the number of walls you have to pass through. Each wall (2
layers of dry wall or wood) costs about a factor of two in signal and
range.
The All Sky camera can take an image while transmitting,
so with exposures longer than the download time the camera is only
insensitive for the length of the readout of the CCD, which takes
place in less than 1 second to an internal memory buffer in the
camera. As a result, the camera is excellent for meteor detection. Its
field of view is wider than our previous meteor camera, so it should
see many more meteors near the horizon. One other plus – the
software can run continuously in the background while you use your
computer for other tasks. At these download rates the computer
workload is so slight your applications won’t even notice. It will not
interfere with regular imaging using the same PC. The All Sky image
is there when you want to view it.
Mechanical Implementation:
The housing is lustrated in Figure One. The fisheye lens is
mounted to a plate which can be translated, tipped, and focused
relative to the CCD, so the full resolution of the lens can be achieved.
This plate is also heated, to keep the lens free of condensation. The
heat rises into the acrylic dome, warming it and keeping off the dew,
and drying off raindrops. The inexpensive acrylic dome is easily
replaced by removing a few screws, allowing for routine replacement
in the field as the dome suffers the inevitable scratches and damage
due to sunlight, windblown dust and disrespectful birds. The
prototype shown in Figure one is black – the production version has a
white body so it doesn’t get as hot in the sun. The unit is 5.5x5.5x11
inches in size (14x14x28 cm). The cables are designed to exit out the
bottom of the unit so the connectors stay dry. If one runs the cables
into a building make sure the last section of cable before entering the
structure angles upward so water doesn’t drip down the cable into the
wall. The housing has holes in the side so it can be easily mounted to
a post with ¼-20 lag screws, or ¼-20 bolts.
4
Initial Setup and Focusing:
As with all of our products, we recommend a user become
familiar with the product indoors in a well-lit setting before venturing
outside. A rooftop may be the best place to mount an All Sky
camera, but it is the worst place in the world to be installing software
and learning camera operation, particularly in the dark. Also, do not
try to go to Bluetooth immediately – start with a wired connection.
Begin by installing the software to your PC. Make sure you have
administrator privileges on the PC, and insert SBIG’s software disk.
A screen should pop up in a few seconds. Select “SG-4, AllSKy340” software to install and, on the next screen, select “Install
AllSKy-340”. The software should install automatically. You might
also choose to install CCDOPS at this time. (Note – CCDOPS will
not communicate with the AllSky 340. It can display FITS files
saved with the AllSky Program, but that is all.) Next, connect the 9pin serial cable between a serial port on your PC and the AllSky
Camera’s RS-232 port. If your computers does not have a serial port,
one can be easily implemented using an USB-RS-232 converter. One
we have had good luck with is the FTDI US232R-10-BLK, but there
are many to choose from. We stock this converter if you wish to
purchase it, and the drivers are also on the software disk. Finally,
hook up the power to the AllSky camera, making sure the connector
is well seated and does not wiggle (which would cause the power to
be intermittent). Power up the unit, and flip the small recessed Power
On/Off switch toward the lettering. The red LED in the switch
should light steadily.
Launch the SBIG AllSky340 software. You will see the
screen shown in Figure Three as well as one or two image windows.
Figure Three AllSky340 Main Software Screen
The first item to try is under the Setup menu item - Serial Port. This
will open up a window you can use to test the RS-232 link. There
you can enter the COM port and the baud rate, and hit TEST. If you
5
are successful, a box will pop up saying so. Note that when the
window opens it automatically tries to communicate with the camera
on the selected COM port, starting at 9600 baud and working it way
up in speed. If it successfully finds a camera it tells the camera to
switch to a higher baud rate and try that. If it cannot communicate at
the higher baud rate, it reverts back to the last successful baud rate.
This all happens automatically without user control. The reason you
need to know this is if you try the camera indoors on a computer with
a fast link, and then move outside to a laptop with a slower link, the
camera will not communicate. When this happens, the camera can be
reset to 9600 baud by turning off the power, and holding down the
Guide On/Off button while powering up the camera, and holding it
until the status LED turns red. Then when the Serial Port command is
run it will start out at a baud rate that will work on any machine
(9600).
Once you have successful communication, start the focus
operation by clicking the Start Focus button on the Main Software
Screen. The camera will start out by taking very short exposures and
gradually working its way up to longer exposures until it senses
adequate signal levels. The images displayed are binned 2x2 to speed
this process up. When you start this command, you should have the
AllSky camera in a well-lit room with something on the ceiling above
it you can focus on (other than a way too bright light bulb!). When
an image with adequate brightness is collected the software will ask
you to select a region to focus on. Pick a structured area in the center
half of the frame and the software will go into a rapid focus mode
zoomed in on that area. Focus the area carefully and, when done,
select STOP FOCUS to end the process and return to the Main
Screen.
Once you have a pretty good focus, you might want to select
START FOCUS again and work on the centering. When that looks
good, you can select the START CAPTURE command which will
capture and display full resolution images. You can use these images
to set the final focus. Adjusting for best focus across the CCD by
tilting the lens is best done outside with the unit looking up at a star
field. Focusing the AllSky camera can take some time to get perfect,
so don’t be in a rush to get through this step. Fortunately focus holds
over temperature changes fairly well. Sometimes the day/night
temperature cycling can initially cause some focus shift, but it should
settle down after that.
6
Focus, Tilt and Centering Adjustments:
The focus, tilt and centering adjustments are shown in
Figure Four. If you have the lens installed at the factory it will be
close when you get it, but it can be tedious getting it perfect.
Figure Four: Focus, Tilt and Centering Adjustments
Focus can be adjusted with the three sets of push/pull screws
around the periphery of the lens plate (marked P/P). They are
adjusted by loosening one screw of the pair slightly, and tightening
the other. You are trying to set focus to an accuracy of about 0.001
inch (25 microns), which is only 1/25th turn of the screw, so a very
delicate touch is required when close. To set the centering, use the
push/pull screws labeled C/C around the edge. Note that this
adjustment can only be done when the focus screws are a little loose
so the plate can translate. The proper order of adjustment is:
A) Inside, in a room:
1) Set the focus close to correct in the center of the image
2) Translate the lens so the centering is quite good
3) Set the focus in the center carefully
B) Outside, under the stars
1) Adjust the tilt of the lens plate to get the best focus
7
across the image
2) Tighten up the screws, but do not over tighten them
3) Check focus in the center again
Setting up the software for logging All Sky images to
your PC or the Internet:
The ABIG AllSky 340 software supports a variety of
logging options you can use to monitor sky conditions. The simplest
is to just have it running in the background on your computer, and
when you want to see the latest still image, merely maximize the
application. Other options are to log all images as JPEG and FITS
files to your disk, to log a JPEG or FITS image to a fixed location on
your disk over and over, to transmit the files to a web site where
others can download them, to create movies out of these files saved
on your disk for visualization on your PC or to be uploaded to an FTP
site, etc. The most useful for users who want to share their sky
information with others is just to write a JPEG to a fixed web address
automatically. If you have a web page with FTP access, the software
will allow you to repetitively write the latest image to a location there
provided you have your user name and password. See the AllSky
Software Section of this manual for more information on these
options.
Installing Firmware Updates for the AllSky340:
The AllSKy340 can be easily reprogrammed in the field using the
following procedure:
1) Within the AllSky340 program, select HELP from the top
task bar menu, and select ABOUT,
2) Click the REPROGRAM button,
3) Browse to the new program file (.BFx),
4) Select “OK”
At the end of reprogramming turn power off to the camera and turn it
back on to force a fresh boot of the camera.
8
Miscellaneous Issues:
The primary purpose of this camera for most users will be
detection of cloud cover, both during day and night, but primarily
night, at a remote site. Under massive saturation conditions, such as
the sun in the field of view, a vertical column of saturated pixels will
be seen in the image. This appears to be unavoidable at our shortest
exposure of 50 microseconds. When thin clouds are near the sun it
can blossom out horizontally, and be annoying. We feel that, while
this is cosmetically irritating, it does not compromise the primary
purpose of this device much. The monochrome sensors are more
affected by this due to their approximately 4X greater sensitivity.
There is a vent hole underneath the lens plate to allow the
enclosed space under the dome to ventilate to the outside air. There
may be conditions where fogging can appear inside the dome under
rapidly changing atmospheric conditions but it should dissipate
quickly (within an hour) due to the action of the heater. The heater,
when on, is injecting >4 watts into the lens plate to keep the lens clear
of moisture and also the dome, as the heat rises from the plate. This
power level has worked well here in Santa Barbara, which is really
prone to fog due to the presence of the ocean – we think it will work
well for most users. The heater is seldom needed in the day since the
sun heats up the interior of the dome, but will hurt nothing if left on.
The heater schedule can be set within the software mainly to conserve
power for solar powered installations.
Be sure to ground the case. Do not assume the case is
grounded through your PC RS-232 port. At SBIG we have had many
cameras come in that were destroyed by lightning, but at least 4 times
more than that were not actually struck, but simply in the presence of
high electric fields when lightning is in the area. If the camera is on
your rooftop it becomes a lightning rod unless your installation is
solar powered and has a wireless connection. If it is on a roof, and
you are running an RS-232 cable to your PC, we recommend you use
an RS-232 isolator, such as the B&B Electronics 9SPOP2 (www.bbelec.com). It slows your baud rate to 115,200. There may be faster
ones out there, but we are not familiar with them.
Since the KAI-340 CCD used in the AllSky 340 camera is
not cooled, dark frames are required on a regular basis to cancel out
the pattern noise due to hot pixels scattered across the CCD. For this
9
reason the AllSky 340 camera has a built-in mechanical shutter. The
software contains a control to schedule how often a dark frame is
collected. A new dark should be collected if the ambient temperature
changes by one degree, so each user may have different situations at
their site. We recommend a new dark at least every 15 –30 minutes
or so.
10
AllSky-340 Software
The AllSky-340 Software is a complete solution for using the SBIG
AllSky-340 camera. This software provides the following
functionality:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Focus assistance
Automatic exposure adjustment
Continuous imaging
Still image archiving (FITS or JPG)
Time-lapse movie creation (AVI) and archiving
Automatic FTP of still images and/or time-lapse movies.
AllSky-340 Heater Scheduling
AllSky-340C Debayering with adjustable color balance
Further details about the functionality of the AllSky-340 Software can
be found by browsing the help topics.
Menus
Setup Menu
The Setup Menu offers commands to setup the functionality of the
AllSky-340 Software.
Commands
Serial Port...
Opens the serial port setup window to allow changing the serial
port and baud rate.
Dark Subtraction...
Opens the dark subtraction setup window to allow changing the
frequency of new dark frames.
Still Images...
Opens the still image setup window to configure still image saving
and archiving.
11
Movies...
Opens the movie setup window to configure movie saving,
archiving, and AVI CODEC selection.
FTP...
Opens the FTP setup window to configure the FTP server and login credentials.
Heater Schedule...
Open the heater schedule setup window to set the heater on and off
times.
Display Menu
The Display Menu offers commands to change the visible windows
and the image mode.
Commands
Show Current Image
Shows or hides the AllSky-340 Current Image window. The most
recent image taken by the AllSky-340 camera is shown here.
Show Previous Images
Shows or hides the AllSky-340 Previous Image window. A timelapse movie of the past few frames is shown in this window.
DeBayer Images
Enables or disables the debayering algorithms on the images
downloaded from the AllSky-340C. This should only be enabled
for the AllSky-340C. Debayering is the process of calculating a
color image from the CCD, which has a Bayer Mask of color filters
over each 2x2 group of pixels.
Color Balance...
Opens the color balance window. This menu item is only enabled
when DeBayer Images is enabled.
12
Windows and Dialogs
Main Window
The AllSky-340 software main window contains the most commonly
used functions when operating the AllSky-340 camera.
Commands
Start Capture Button
This button begins the imaging process. The software will
continuously take images using the AllSky-340 camera, adjust the
exposure time as necessary, create any images and time-lapse
movies that have been setup, toggle the heater state, FTP files, and
any other functionality that normally occurs during operation.
After pushing this button the button text will change to "Abort
Capture" and many other functions will be disabled.
Abort Capture
Pushing this will stop the imaging process. When the abort is
complete, the button text will change to "Start Capture" and the
disabled functions will again be available for use.
Start Focus
The button begins the focus process. While the first step of the
focus process is executing, this button text will change to "Abort
Focus". The focus process starts by taking a low-resolution image
which will be displayed in the Current Image window. When the
low-resolution image is available, the software will prompt for the
user to click on a feature to focus on and the button text will change
to "Continue Focus". During this time, many other functions will
be disabled.
Continue Focus
After the focus feature is selected, clicking this button will
continuously take a full-resolution sub-frame around the focus
feature. During this process, the button text will change to "Abort
Focus".
Abort Focus
Pushing this will stop the focus process. When the abort is
complete, this button text will change to "Start Focus" and the
13
disabled function will again be available for use.
Exposure Interval Slider
This slider sets both the interval between exposure start times, and
the maximum exposure time for each exposure.
When the slider is all the way to the left side, the software will take
exposures as fast as possible - limited by the image download time
from the camera. When set to continuous, the maximum exposure
time is 2 minutes.
If the exposure time determined by the imaging process is longer
than the download time, the software automatically interleaves the
download of the previous image with the exposure of the next
image. This allows the camera to be imaging the sky continuously
(except for the CCD readout time of about one second). Thus when
it is dark and the exposure time is equal to the maximum exposure
time, there will only be a very short period where the camera is not
actively imaging the sky.
Image Brightness (DDP) Level
Prior to displaying an image, the software will do a DDP-like nonlinear stretch to the image to better display the full dynamic range
of the images. This slider adjusts how strong of a DDP stretch is
performed on the image. A value of 0% is the weakest stretch and
produces an image that is closest to the raw image from the camera,
while a value of 100% is the strongest stretch.
This stretch is applied to both the image shown in the Current
Image window and the JPG that is saved to disk. The FITS file
does not contain any stretching.
Animation Rate
This slider sets the animation rate for the time-lapse movies.
It is applied both to the movie shown in the Previous Images
window and the AVI files saved to disk.
Max Number of Frames
This sets the maximum number of frames shown in the Previous
Images window, and the maximum number of frames in each AVI
file saved to disk. For the Previous Images window, when the
number of images taken exceeds the maximum number of frames,
the oldest frames are discarded and only the most recent frames are
14
shown. For the AVI movie files saved to disk, when a file reaches
the maximum number of frames, a new file is created for the next
set of frames.
Status Bar
The AllSky-340 Software Status Bar shows current information about
the state of the software.
Indicator Description
•
•
•
•
•
The first item in the status bar shows the current RS-232
COM port.
Second is the current RS-232 baud rate.
Third is the Heater status.
Fourth is the status text for the current process. Depending
on the current process, this text will change.
Last is a progress bar indicating progress of whatever is
listed in the status text. In the screen capture above, the
image download is about 25% complete.
Serial Port Setup Dialog
The COM Setup Dialog allows setup and testing of the RS-232 port.
Dialog Entries
COM Port
This specifies the COM port number that the AllSky-340 is
connected to. If you have multiple COM ports, you may have to
experiment to determine the correct number.
Baud Rate
The drop-down list shows all the baud rates supported by the
AllSky-340 and this software. The default baud rate for the camera
is 9600 baud.
Test Button
Pushing this button will cause the software to attempt to connect to
15
the AllSky-340 camera. If the software finds the camera at the
specified COM port, but at a different baud rate it will attempt to
change the baud rate to the requested value. If it cannot
communicate with the camera at the requested COM port or baud
rate the test will fail. If the test succeeds, the Ok button will be
enabled.
Ok Button
This accepts the COM Port and Baud Rate and closes the dialog.
Cancel Button
This discards any changes to the COM Port and Baud Rate and
closes the dialog.
Notes
While the camera does ship from the factory set to 9600 baud, it is
possible that communication with the camera may fail when using
third-party adapters (e.g. Bluetooth) that do not operate at this baud
rate. Thus you must first connect to the AllSky-340 using a hardwired RS-232 (or USB-to-RS-232) link. When the "Test" button is
used and a successful connection is established at a baud rate, the
AllSky-340 will store the baud rate into its non-volatile memory
and always use the new baud rate.
Since it is possible to use high speed baud rates not always
supported (230400 baud, and 460800 baud) there may be a situation
where the camera is set to a baud rate the PC cannot achieve. If the
"Test" button fails at any Baud Rate and the COM Port is correct,
the AllSky-340 can be reset back to 9600 baud using the following
procedure:
• Power-off the camera.
• Push and hold the Guide On/Off button.
• Power-on the camera.
• Release the Guide On/Off button when the Status LED is
red.
• Cycle power to the camera.
Now the camera will be reset to the default 9600 baud.
16
Dark Subtraction Setup Dialog
The Dark Subtraction Dialog allows setup of the automatic dark
subtraction during the imaging process..
Dialog Entries
Dark Subtract Images
This checkbox enables or disables the automatic dark
subtraction feature of the AllSky-340 software.
Maximum Dark Age
This defines how often to take a new dark frame when the exposure
time doesn't change. Since the AllSky-340 is uncooled, the dark
current can change with ambient, thus it can be important to take
new darks on a regular basis.
Exposure Time Tolerance
This value determines how much of a change in exposure time will
require a new dark frame. If a dark is taken with a 60 second
exposure and the exposure time tolerance is 10%, a new dark will
be taken when the exposure time changes to less than 54 seconds,
or greater than 66 seconds.
Ok Button
This accepts the entered values and closes the dialog.
Cancel Button
This discards any changes and closes the dialog.
Still Images Setup Dialog
The Still Images Setup dialog defines what still images to save, and
where to put them.
Dialog Entries
Save Current Image (JPG Format)
Checking this option allows the current (most recent) image to be
saved in JPG format to the specified location. The file will be
named: AllSkyCurrentImage.jpg. When checked, the "Save
Previous Images (JPG Format)" checkbox and the "Upload Current
Image (JPG)" checkbox will be enabled.
17
Save Current Image (FITS Format)
Checking this option allows the current (most recent) image to be
saved in FITS format to the specified location. The file will be
named: AllSkyCurrentImage.fit
When checked, the "Save Previous Images (FITS Format)"
checkbox will be enabled.
Save Previous Images (JPG Format)
Checking this option allows all the previous images to be saved in
JPG format to the specified location. The file will be named:
AllSkyImage000000000.jpg
The 000000000 number will be replaced by the current index
(which is incremented after each exposure).
When checked the "Upload Previous Image (JPG)" checkbox will
be enabled.
Save Previous Images (FITS Format)
Checking this option allows all the previous images to be saved in
FITS format to the specified location. The file will be named:
AllSkyImage000000000.fit
The 000000000 number will be replaced by the current index
(which is incremented after each exposure).
File Name Index
This is the current number used in the previous image file names.
Be careful when changing this, it may cause older images to be
overwritten.
Image Path
Sets the location where the current and previous images are saved.
Click the "..." button to browse to the desired location.
FTP:
Upload Current Image (JPG)
Checking this option causes the software to attempt to FTP the
AllSkyCurrentImage.jpg file to the defined FTP location. The FTP
parameters must be set correctly for the FTP to succeed.
Upload Previous Images (JPG)
Checking this option causes the software to attempt to FTP the
AllSkyImageXXXXXXXXX.jpg file to the defined FTP location.
The previous image file is only FTPed when it is first created. The
FTP parameters must be set correctly for the FTP to succeed.
18
Ok Button
This accepts the entered values and closes the dialog.
Cancel Button
This discards any changes and closes the dialog.
Movies Setup Dialog
The Movies Setup dialog defines what movies to save, and where to
put them.
Dialog Entries
Save Current Movie
Checking this will cause the software to create and save the most
recent frames (defined by "Max Number of Frames" on the main
window) into a movie file: AllSkyCurrentMovie.avi
When checked, the "Save Previous Movies" checkbox and the
"Upload Current Move" checkbox will be enabled.
Save Previous Movies
Checking this will cause the software to create and save all the
frames into movie files. Each movie file will have the number of
frames defined by "Max Number of Frames" on the main window.
The files will be named: AllSkyMovie000000000.avi
The 000000000 number will be replaced by the current index
(which is incremented after the movie file reaches the maximum
number of frames).
When checked, the "Create Playlists" checkboxes, the "Upload
Previous Movies" checkbox, and the "Upload Playlists" checkbox
will all be enabled.
File Name Index
This is the current number used in the previous movie file names.
Be careful when changing this, it may cause older movies to be
overwritten.
Movie Path
Sets the location where the current and previous movies are saved.
Click the "..." button to browse to the desired location.
19
Update Interval
The movie files are not created or FTPed after every image is
downloaded to preserve CPU and network resources. This
parameter defines how often the movie files are updated. The
movie file may be updated sooner than this if the maximum number
of frames is reached for a specific file.
Create Playlists:
These options create an M3U playlist file for the specified period.
This is useful for when the maximum number of frames, and thus
each AllSkyMovieXXXXXXXXX.avi movie file, result in a
shorter period of time. The M3U playlist file lists all the movies
necessary to make up the time period.
For past 24 hours
When checked, creates an "M3U" playlist file for the past 24 hours.
For past 48 hours
When checked, creates an "M3U" playlist file for the past 48 hours.
Upload Current Movie
Checking this option causes the software to attempt to FTP the
AllSkyCurrentMovie.avi file to the defined FTP location. The FTP
parameters must be set correctly for the FTP to succeed.
Upload Previous Movies
Checking this option causes the software to attempt to FTP the
AllSkyMovieXXXXXXXXX.avi file to the defined FTP location.
The previous movie file is only FTPed when it is first created. The
FTP parameters must be set correctly for the FTP to succeed.
Upload Playlists
Checking this option causes the software to attempt to FTP the
"M3U" playlist files to the defined FTP location. The FTP
parameters must be set correctly for the FTP to succeed.
Ok Button
This accepts the entered values and closes the dialog. After
closing, the Windows AVI Video Compression Setup dialog is
shown.
Cancel Button
This discards any changes and closes the dialog.
20
AVI Video Compression Setup Dialog
The AVI Video Compression Setup Dialog defines what kind of AVI
will be created.
Dialog Entries
Compressor
This selects the Codec to use to compress the AVI. For the most
reliable operation select "Full Frames (Uncompressed)". We at
SBIG have also had good success with the DivX Codec.
Configure...
If a compressor is selected, the Configure button will be enabled.
You must configure the Codec per the Codec documentation in
order for the AllSky-340 software to properly use it. Details are
Codec dependent and beyond the scope of this document.
Ok Button
This accepts the entered values and closes the dialog.
Cancel Button
This discards any changes and closes the dialog.
FTP Setup Dialog
The FTP Setup dialog defines how to connect to your FTP server.
21
Dialog Entries
Site Name/Address
Enter your FTP site name or IP address here.
User name
The user name the FTP server requires. Some FTP sites allow
anonymous login, but have different anonymous login
requirements.
Password
The password the FTP server requires. Normally the password is
hidden, but clicking the "*" button will un-mask the password
characters for entry verification.
Remote Directory
This specifies the path on the FTP server where to upload files.
Click the "..." button to browse the FTP server path. (You must
have the Site Name, User Name, and Password correct in order to
browse the FTP server directory.)
Purge old files from server
Checking this will case the AllSky-340 software to remove any old
files from the server. This is useful to preserve storage space on the
FTP server. Be careful - all files beyond the time specified in the
Remote Directory will be deleted. If this feature is used, it is best
to have a dedicated directory on the FTP server for just the AllSky340 images and movies.
Remove files after
Defines how old the files must be prior to their removal from the
FTP server.
Heater Schedule Setup Dialog
The Heater Schedule setup dialog defines when to turn on and off the
heater.
Dialog Entries
Turn On at
Defines the time to turn the AllSky-340 heater on.
22
Turn Off at
Defines the time to turn the AllSky-340 heater off.
Notes
To leave the heater on all of the time, set the Off time to be one
minute before the On time.
To leave the heater off all of the time, set the On time to be one
minute before the Off time.
Color Balance Dialog
The Color Balance dialog defines the color weights during the
debayering process.
Dialog Entries
Red
The red slider and entry define the weight of the red pixels in the
final image.
Green
The green slider and entry define the weight of the green pixels in
the final image.
Blue
The blue slider and entry define the weight of the blue pixels in the
final image.
Notes
The best values determined experimentally at SBIG are:
Red: 83
Green: 80
Blue: 100
23
Further Help
Contacting SBIG
At SBIG we pride ourselves in our products and our commitment to
you, our customer. We want to hear from you when things go right
and we want to hear from you when things go wrong, as they
sometimes do. Please help us make our products better by giving us
your feedback. Feel free to contact us:
SBIG Main Address
Diffraction Limited / SBIG
59 Grenfell Crescent, Unit B
Ottawa, ON k2G 0G3, Canada
Phone: (613) 225-2732
Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm Eastern Time
E-mail:
Pre-sale inquiries - Tim Puckett: [email protected]
Ordering: [email protected]
Technical support: http://www.diffractionlimited.com/forum
SBIG.com Website Support:
http://www.diffractionlimited.com/forum
Telephone Numbers:
Pre-sale Inquiries, Support - Tim Puckett: (404) 281-5686
Phone Orders: (613) 225-2732
Technical Support: (613) 225-2732
Doug George, President, Diffraction Limited / SBIG: (613)
225-2732
SBIG Authorized Repair Center
SBIG Service & Repair Center
(please note new address)
130 Castilian Drive, Suite 102
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Bill Lynch - [email protected]
Phone: (805) 308-6979
24
Appendix A: Bluetooth RS-232 Operation
SBIG has experimented with operation of the AllSky-340
camera using a wireless Bluetooth RS-232 solution. The
AllSky camera incorporates the SG-4 as the imager. We have
had good luck running the camera over Bluetooth for a number
of months. While we do not recommend using Bluetooth for
initial setup of the SG-4 for Autoguiding, you may wish to use
Bluetooth for image downloads from time to time or for remote
control of the SG-4. The instructions for using Bluetooth with
the SG-4 are identical to the AllSky camera:
About the AIRCable Serial3X
The product we have been using is the AIRCable Serial3X
Bluetooth device. We use two of these products – one on the
AllSky-340 camera and one on the PC. The external antenna
gives good range, and the camera-side device is able to get
12V DC directly from the camera’s RS-232 port.
Information about the AIRCable Serial3X is available here:
http://www.aircable.net/serial3x.html
The device can also be purchased from the above site. Be
sure to order two devices.
AIRCable Serial3X Setup
As they are delivered, the two AIRCable Serial3X devices are
not setup to talk to each other. The process of “pairing” the
devices is fairly simple, but does require using a PC based
terminal, like HyperTerminal. The instructions here show how
to configure the devices using HyperTerminal.
Disclaimer: The process shown here is what worked at SBIG.
SBIG does not support the AIRCable Serial3X devices. The
procedure outlined below may or may not work on all Serial3X
devices.
On both Serial3X devices, set the dip switches as follows. For
the units we have tested: ON is away from the dip switch
25
numbers, OFF is close to the dip switch numbers.
• 1
ON
• 2
ON
• 3
ON
• 4
OFF
Start with one of the two Serial3X devices.
• Connect the power cable to the device and confirm that
the red LED turns on.
• Connect an RS-232 cable to the PC (can be connected
through a USB-to-RS-232 adapter).
• Connect the RS-232 cable to the null-modem
connector included with the Serial3X device.
• Connect the null-modem connector to the Serial3X.
• Open HyperTerminal
In Windows XP this is normally at:
Start All Programs Accessories Communications
HyperTerminal
• In the Connection Description, type anything you
desire and click Ok.
26
•
Select the COM port that the RS-232 cable is
connected to and click Ok.
•
Set the Bits per second to 115200, Data bits to 8,
Parity to None, Stop bits to 1, Flow control to Hardware
and click Ok.
27
•
•
•
Go to the Call menu and select Disconnect.
Go to the File menu and select Properties.
Click the Configure button.
28
•
•
•
Confirm the settings entered previously, click Ok then
Ok again.
In the HyperTerminal window, now push the + key
three times and then push the Enter key.
Wait at least 30 seconds. This should appear:
29
•
•
Type the following commands. Text listed between <>
indicates instructional text, not the actual text to type
into HyperTerminal. When <Enter> is listed, push the
Enter key on the keyboard. Do not push the Enter key
unless it is specifically stated.
o a
o 3
o n
o <Type in a unique name of your choice. This
IDs your device pair. Use only letters and/or
numbers.>
Write the ID name here:
____________________________
o <Enter>
o p
o <Type in a unique 4 digit PIN. This sets the
password for your device pair.>
Write the 4 digit PIN here:
__________________________
o <Enter>
o u
o 1152
o <Enter>
o 0
o 0
o e
This device is now setup as the “Slave” device. This is
the device that will connect to the AllSky-340. It may
be helpful to write an “S” or other identifying mark on
30
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the device.
Disconnect the “Slave” device from the null-modem
connector and set aside. (Keep the power connected
to the Serial3X.)
Connect the other Serial3X device to the null-modem
connector and connect the power supply.
In HyperTerminal, again push the + key three times
and then push the Enter key.
Wait at least 30 seconds. This command prompt
should again appear.
Type the following commands. Text listed between <>
indicates instructional text, not the actual text to type
into HyperTerminal. When <Enter> is listed, push the
Enter key on the keyboard. Do not push the Enter key
unless it is specifically stated.
o a
o 4
o b
o <Type the same unique ID name you entered
for the “Slave” device.>
o <Enter>
o p
o <Type the same unique 4 digit PIN you
entered for the “Slave” device.>
o <Enter>
o u
o 1152
o <Enter>
o 0
o 0
o e
This device is now setup as the “Master” device. This
is the device that will connect to the PC.
At this point the Serial3X devices will attempt to
communicate with each other. The green LEDs should
both be on solid and the blue LEDs will occasionally
blink. Before about 2 minutes, both devices should
show both the blue and greed LEDs on solid.
Remove the “Master” Serial3X device AND the nullmodem adapter from the RS-232 cable.
Close HyperTerminal.
31
AllSky-340 Setup
The Serial3X devices have been setup to run at 115200 baud
over the wireless link. The devices are not capable of
communicating at any other baud rate. Thus the AllSky-340
must also be setup to communicate at 115200 baud.
• Connect the RS-232 cable from the PC to the AllSky340.
• Power on the AllSky-340.
• Run the SBIG AllSky-340 software.
• Click the Setup Serial Port… menu item.
•
Set the proper COM port number and select 115200
baud.
•
•
Click the “Test” button.
If the AllSky-340 software is able to communicate with
the camera (“Test successful!” window will show up), it
will set the baud rate in the camera to 115200 baud.
This will now be remembered even after power-off.
Final Steps
•
•
•
Turn off the AllSky-340.
Disconnect the RS-232 cable from the AllSky-340.
Connect the “Slave” Serial3X device to the RS-232
32
•
•
•
•
•
port on the AllSky-340.
Connect the “Master” Serial3X device with the nullmodem adapter to the RS-232 cable connected to the
PC.
Turn on the AllSky-340.
Confirm the green and blue LEDs on both Serial3X
devices turn on solid.
In the AllSky-340 software, click the “Test” button
again.
Congratulations! Setup is now complete!
AllSky-340 Bluetooth RS-232 Known Problems
While the Serial3X devices generally work well,
operating them 24-hours a day, 7 days a week does expose
some minor problems.
Long Image Downloads
The wireless Bluetooth operation occasionally experiences
transmission errors – especially when operating over longer
distances. The AllSky-340 software can catch most
transmission errors and will retry the most recent packet of
image data. Occasionally the most recent packet cannot be
recovered and the entire image download will be restarted.
This can extend the image download time considerably. Larger
gain antennas for the Serial3X may help with this problem.
Corrupted Images
Not all transmission errors are detected by the AllSky-340
software. Because of this, an occasional corrupted image may
be shown. This is simply an result of the imperfect wireless
connection. The worst case is when a dark frame is corrupted.
This can impact a number of light frames downloaded from the
camera. If a large number of images are corrupted, try
reducing the distance between the Serial3X devices, or change
to a larger gain antenna.
33
Communication Failure
At SBIG we have seen, on a regular basis, that the Serial3X
devices fail to properly communicate to each other – or at least
between the PC and the AllSky-340 camera. The failure could
mean that no communication is possible, or that some
communication is successful but that the image doesn’t
download.
We have seen this communication failure happen as frequently
as every few weeks.
To fix the problem, the Bluetooth link between the Serial3X
devices has to be reset. This can be done one of two (known
to us) ways. Both involve manipulating the “Master” Serial3X
device (the one connected to the PC).
Method 1. Push and hold the button on the Serial3X
device for approximately 10 seconds. The blue and
green light should go off. Release the button. The
Serial3X device will now reboot and should re-establish
a link to the “Slave” device connected to the AllSky340. After a few seconds, the blue LED should turn on
solid. Communication should now function normally.
Unscrew the external antenna from the Serial3X device. Set
the antenna aside. Place the antenna connector on the
Serial3X in the palm of your hand. Close your hand about the
connector while watching the blue LED. When the blue LED
turns off, the Bluetooth link has been broken. Reconnect the
external antenna. After a few seconds, the blue LED should
turn on solid. Communication should now function normally.
34
Appendix B: Connectors
Power In Jack: The POWER IN jack is used to supply 12VDC to the
camera. The jack is locking and
center-positive. The mating plug is
the locking model Switchcraft
S760K with 0.218 inch outer
diameter and 0.080 inch inner
diameter (5.5/2.0 mm).
Guide Port: The AllSky camera is
used in a stationary position and
therefore the guide port of the internal
SG-4 is not generally used for AllSky
monitoring. The information is
provided here for reference only. The
Guide Port is where you connect the
SG-4 to a telescope using a 6
conductor phone type cable. Viewed from
outside the back plate of SG-4, looking in, it
has the pin-out configuration shown in the
diagram at right. Pin 6 is not connected. The
+X, +Y, -X and –Y signals are driven from
mechanically isolated relays so there is no
need for additional opto-isolated relays or
relay box for use with any telescope. Note: In order for the East/West
toggle switch to function properly with GEM mounts, the SG-4
assumes that +X and –X moves correspond to RA.
RS-232 Port: The RS-232 port is
used to connect the SG-4 to a
serial port on your computer.
Note: Pin 9 supplies +12VDC out
when the SG-4 is receiving power
through the POWER IN jack. This
allows a Blue Tooth wireless
transmitter to be connected
directly to this port and it will
receive power from the SG-4. A
serial to USB adapter may also be
connected here if your computer
does not have an RS-232 (serial)
port. Adding accessories powered
by this port will increase the power requirements for the camera by the
amount used for the accessory. Our standard power supply is more
than adequate for most applications.
35
Appendix C: Typical Specifications
CCD: Kodak KAI-340, 640x480 @ 7.4 microns square
Read Noise: Under 15 electrons rms at 1:1 binning
Operating Temperature Range: -10 degrees C to +45 degrees C
Storage Temperature Range: -20 degrees C to +50 degrees C
Internal Read Time to memory buffer: <1 second
Minimum Exposure Time: 0.1 second
Maximum Exposure Time: 10 seconds (10 min. when used with a
PC)
Shutter included for remote or automated dark frame acquisition
Size: 5.5 x 5.5 x 11 inches (approx.)
Weight: 2 pounds
Power Requirements: 12VDC (10.5 – 14VDC), 600mA max.
~2.4 watts with heaters off
~6.8 watts with heaters on
(Note: If using the camera’s RS-232 port to provide power a USB
adapter or Bluetooth transmitter, the camera’s power requirements will
increase by the requirement of the adapter. The Bluetooth transmitter
tested at SBIG added 50mA).
36