Andor Camera using ASCOM drivers???

2010-07-20T02:08:36Z

I wanted to know if I can use ASCOM drivers with an Andor iXon 897 EMCCD camera? If yes, what driver should I download? Thanks in advance :)

Ascom and MacBook Pro running Windows XP not Saving Profile.xml

2010-05-01T20:25:47Z

I'll admit in advance that I never even took a Mac for a test drive, so, I haven't a clew to what is going on behind the curtain with this supposed Mac/MS XP. In any event, a user reported that driver settings are not being saved to the profile.xml file. Has anyone had any success running ASCOM 5.5 drivers on a Mac using Bootcamp and it's rendition of XP?

Why do I get error 800a01ad when trying to install platform 5.0?

2010-02-28T22:53:28Z

I get the above error every time I try to install. Using IBM T42 XP Pro SP3.Downloaded 3 times from Ascom,Always hangs half way thru.

5b just shows up in the run box. Here is the error message

Unable to create an instance of the Ascom PlatformInstaller.CustomActions installer type--Exception has been thrown by the target of an invocation.--Creating an instance of the COM component with (EDEBAAF9-E097- 4D30-AA5F-6A4B0F17-DC6D) from the IClassFactory failed due to the following error 800a01ad.

My computer is up to date and I am administator

Autostar-497 and Computer Control?

2010-05-27T04:34:18Z

I think I've seen some information about this but I really didn't have a good answer for a potential customer of my LX200 Autostar Upgrade kit. Maybe one of you more seasoned Autostar/computer interface people can steer us all in the right direction?

I'm pretty sure that the Autostar-497 can be tethered to a computer, enabling fully automated control and "tours" of the night sky. Isn't that done through the RS-232 port on the handset? Does it require Meade software only or are there many software packages that will do the trick? Which ones are the best and why?

The next person that's thinking about buying the Autostar Upgrade kit for the Meade LX200 and other classic telescopes and mounts will probably want to see the best answer for all of this.

What's this warning when I add a DataSet to my Driver?

2010-07-21T11:37:47Z

I am working on a driver for a FilterWheel. I am using an xml file to store strongly-typed data (the focus offsets for each device, wheel and filter combination). So I added a DataSet to my project using the DataSet designer. As soon as I added the dataset I get a build warning that says, "Warning 1 Type library exporter warning processing 'ASCOM.HSFW_ASCOM_Driver.FocusOffsets+DataTable1DataTable, ASCOM.HSFW_ASCOM_Driver.FilterWheel'. Warning: Type library exporter encountered a type that derives from a generic class and is not marked as [ClassInterface(ClassInterfaceType.None)]. Class interfaces cannot be exposed for such types. Consider marking the type with [ClassInterface(ClassInterfaceType.None)] and exposing an explicit interface as the default interface to COM using the ComDefaultInterface attribute. HSFW_ASCOM_Driver ".

Is this a problem? I tried just putting the [ClassInterface(ClassInterfaceType.None)] attribute above the dataset class but it didn't seem to help. Does anyone know how I can make this go away?

Dome driver source code in C++

2010-03-24T03:35:17Z

Where can I find source code in C++ for a Dome driver? I've converted a dual focuser code into a Dome driver (a tedious affair), but Maxim DL is failing to connect because of an unknown error which I'm still working on, but having original dome source code would be far better.

Cheers

like to learn more

2010-07-19T14:16:49Z

is there a course on line i can take ,or a how to, or even a help center where i can learn more about the wwt how do i get sartedhow to use it? hope someone will help

need help with wwt

2010-07-19T14:08:40Z

i hope some one ca n help. how do i use my coumputer as a telescope??? i have downloaded the wwt also ascom platform dont know whatdrivers i need. can some one please help.

Error installing TI DIgital DomeWorks Driver (Platform 5.5)

2010-02-26T17:37:06Z

On attempting to install the TI DIgital DomeWorks driver I get the following error:

This is with ASCOM 5.5 installed:

error 2869 while installing platform 5b on windows7

2010-07-03T09:56:32Z

Hi, I can't install platform 5b due to this 2869 error. I unsuccessfully tried the known workaround of running a batch file with the "msiexec /i ASCOMPlatform5b.msi" command as administrator. I unsuccessfully tried to disable UAC Net platform is installed and activated.

The OS is windows7 32 bit and the laptop is new (no other applications installed before) thanks

here the infos about the issue link text

How can I convert code samples between VB.NET and C#?

2010-01-05T14:47:57Z

Someone has provided me with example code and it's not written in the language I understand. Is it possible to convert code between C# and VB.NET?

For example, I have been given this code in Visual Basic (credit: Peter Simpson):

Public Class ChooserExamples
    Sub Example()
        Dim Ch As ASCOM.Utilities.Chooser
        Dim SelectedDevice As String

        'Create a new chooser and set the required device type
        Ch = New ASCOM.Utilities.Chooser ' Create a new chooser component and set its device type
        Ch.DeviceType = "Telescope"

        'Select the required device - use one of:
        SelectedDevice = Ch.Choose 'Show the chooser dialogue with no device or with your device pre-selected
        SelectedDevice = Ch.Choose("Simulator.Telescope")

        MsgBox("The selected device is: " & SelectedDevice)

        'Clean up chooser object
        Ch.Dispose()
        Ch = Nothing
    End Sub
End Class

What is the equivalent in C#?

ASCOM install error

2010-01-21T14:58:48Z

Try to reintall keep getting error message

Error writing to file Ascom: driveraccess.dll Verify you have access to that directory

Meade DSI II Error Message

2010-03-22T01:57:15Z

Using my Windows Vista laptop, I get a message, intermitently, that states: "5 images failed xfer, disconnect all other USB 1.1 devices or switch to USB 2."

There are no other USB devices connected and my laptop has 3 USB ports...all USB 2. I have to close and reopen the program to resume imaging again. Meade is clueless about this issue. Anyone have an idea why this occurs and why intermitently?

Thanks in advance.

Howard

Help ME build my radio telescope

2010-06-30T15:37:12Z

I have every thing ready home built recivers and dish antena up and running I need help on how to control reciver frequency and dish roter from my computer

PC wont recognize my lx200acf

2010-04-18T16:16:43Z

Hi, Please help. In maxim dl5 I get the following response when connecting. Cannot connect, there appears to be something other than an LX200gps/LX200r connected. This is with the latest drivers and ascom platform installed. Thanks joe Windows 7/64 bit

Problem Installing ASCOM Platform5b

2010-06-25T20:46:24Z

I've been unable to install ascom platform (ASCOMPlatform5b.msi).

I get a message that I need .net 2.0.something. It looks like a version checker is not up to date. I'm running XP SP3 w/ dotNet framework 4.0

Would be happy to hear it's operator error.

Regards, JJ

(posted by JJ on ASCOM-Talk and moved here as it looks useful)

Sky Scout & Windows7

2010-03-06T19:51:00Z

I installed the Sky Scout CD in my Windows7 machine but when I connect via USB to upgrade firmware, audio message and Sky Scout interface states that unit is NOT connected. Does it not support Windows7??

ASCOM & Windows 7 64bit

2010-01-23T21:25:17Z

Hi, I am trying to use The Sky 6 with ASCOM to control a Celestron Nexstar11GPS.

I have downloaded and installed the ASCOM Platform and TeleAPI.dll as instructed and I have also installed POTH, the Celestron Scope Driver, MeadeEx Telescope drivers.

The Sky 6 runs as expected.

When I use Telescope:Setup to select the Telescope API and then click Settings and select the Celestron Scope Driver and then click Properties I receive an error dialog that says "Failed to load driver. Cannot create Active X component"

If I select the Meade Classic and AutoStar 1 driver from the Chooser then this appears to allow me to set the Properties correctly.

However if I select POTH, click Settings and then select the "Celestron Scope Driver" I appear to be able to configure the settings. However, if I try to acces the Meade driver through POTH I then get the same error dialog as before.

Why does Properties appear to work for the Meade Driver but not the Celestron driver when used directly but the other way around when using POTH.

Could this be caused by a security setting in Windows 7 preventing the running of Active X controls?

I am running Windows 7 64bit, and The Sky V6.0.0.56

Regards Ian

Is it posible to use the sky ver5 on window 7 64bit

2010-06-20T12:37:47Z

strong text

ASCOM installation problem

2010-04-25T01:23:42Z

I am running Windows 7 64 bit. Microsoft .NET 3.5 is installed

I have a Meade DS with Autostar and I want to connect it to Starry Night 6 Pro Plus. I can successfully connect it to Meade Autostar Suite via USB/Serial COM port and it works fine. When I install Ascom Platform 5b, it seems to install without issue. I tried to install the Meade Classic 5.0.3, downloaded from ascom-standards.org, but when I try to install it, it says" The ASCOM Platform is required for this driver". It is installed. Do I need to do something else before I install a driver?

I then tried to install the update 5.5.1, and get an error: C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\ASCOM\Helper.dll Unable to register the DLL/OCX:RegSrv32 Failed with exit code 0x5. Retrying does not work. Ignoring finishes the installation without more errors.

As recommended, I change the version in the Profile Explorer to version 5 from 5.5. The driver install still complains that the ASCOM 5 Platform is required.

Can someone help me get this setup? Thanks in advance.

Rick

Why am I getting error: 80040154?

2010-04-12T02:18:06Z

I'm running ASCOM Platform 5.5. Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit.

It's a C# application. This is the line that gets the error:

string progID = ASCOM.DriverAccess.Camera.Choose("");

Full Exception Detail:

System.Runtime.InteropServices.COMException was unhandled
  Message="Retrieving the COM class factory for component with CLSID {BDE110B3-5859-440C-8ABA-AD9A9D5F7481} failed due to the following error: 80040154."  
  Source="ASCOM.DriverAccess"
  ErrorCode=-2147221164
  StackTrace:
       at ASCOM.DriverAccess.Camera.Choose(String cameraID)
       at ASCOM_Test.Program.Main() in C:\Users\preston\Documents\Visual Studio 2008\Projects\ASCOM Test\ASCOM Test\Program.cs:line 22
       at System.AppDomain._nExecuteAssembly(Assembly assembly, String[] args)
       at Microsoft.VisualStudio.HostingProcess.HostProc.RunUsersAssembly()
       at System.Threading.ExecutionContext.Run(ExecutionContext executionContext, ContextCallback callback, Object state)
       at System.Threading.ThreadHelper.ThreadStart()
  InnerException:

Any advice?

Thanks

If we do not see our telescope in the dropdown list, is there a way to get an updated list?

2010-02-20T16:52:24Z

Hi,

We do not see the Celestron CGEM 800 on the list of available telescopes when we try to add it into our SkyTools 3 Pro (with extended data) program.

Is there a way to get it?

Also, we are not seeing any of our 1 1/4" eyepieces in the list - Orion Plossl (6.3, 9, 17, and 25 mm); Orion Stratus (8 and 21 mm).

I am new to this software and am unsure of how to get these downloaded, if there is a download option. Any help would be appreciated.

How do I use ASCOM with NexRemote and a NexStar 8SE?

2009-12-29T04:39:50Z

The following sequence works for me: On Windows XP, start Bluetooth connection with COM 5. Then start NexRemote, set virtual connection to COM 16, use NexRemote to align a Celestron 8SE scope. Start Cartes du Ciel, specify ASCOM, start Configuration Panel, specify COM 16, connect. All now works. In particular, I can point to an object in a chart on the computer and ask for the scope to be moved there, and the scope goes there. Fine.

But it seemed like I should also be able to do the following, which does not work (apparently the Bluetooth connection doesn't get made): Use hand controller to align scope. Start Bluetooth connection with COM 5. Start Cartes du Ciel, specify ASCOM, start Configuration Panel, specify COM 5, connect. Doesn't work.

Shouldn't the second scheme work? Is it necessary to have NexRemote running? If so, why? I thought that ASCOM should work between Cartes du Ciel and the scope, without NexRemote present.

In a way it's no big deal, since I do have a workable solution, but it bothers me that my failure to work without NexRemote implies I'm missing some important element in understanding how the pieces are supposed to work together.

Bruce Sherwood

Celestron Unified Driver

2010-06-10T23:57:45Z

hi, i have a problem with the celestron unified driver, each time i want to install it, i have this message :"The ascom platform 5 is required for this driver"

i have this message with ascom platform 5.0a and with Ascom Platform 5.5.1

i don't know what to do.

My OS : Windows 7 x64

thx (sorry for my bad english)

My Declination circle does not move with the scope tube on my 10" LX200 SMC

2010-06-10T01:22:26Z

My Declination circle does not move with the scope tube. Tightning or loosening the Knob has no effect. The circle seems cantored in that it's back is riding on the stop on the upper part of the fork housing, and the bottom of the circle seems to be rubbing on the bottom of the housing. Any solution to this??

Thank you

john

Why can't I connect to the LX200-ACF?

2009-12-29T16:32:31Z

I'm having issues getting my computer to talk to my LX200-ACF. Meade said it uses the same ASCOM driver as the LX200-GPS which is what I have installed (and the latest ASCOM platform). Aside from a possible cable issue, I'm not sure what could be wrong. Does anybody have experience with using ASCOM drivers on the latest LX200-ACF scopes?

Thanks for the help!

Nick

LX200-ACF MaxIm DL Pro 5 Max Point Windows XP

Conform and Focusers and Early Bindings

2010-03-08T19:57:27Z

I have an ASCOM focuser that is failing Conform 3.0.0.17 early binding check, all other Conform tests pass.

Message seen: AccessChecks ERROR Error creating driver using early binding to IFocuser interface: Unable to cast COM object of type 'System.__ComObject' to interface type 'ASCOM.Interface.IFocuser'. This operation failed because the QueryInterface call on the COM component for the interface with IID '{C2E3FE9C-01CD-440C-B8E3-C56EE9E4EDBC}' failed due to the following error: No such interface supported (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80004002 (E_NOINTERFACE)).

I see other drivers also fail same check (Meade, MeadeEx, OptecTCF, RoboFocusServer, JMISmartFocus, AstroPhysics) and passes for Simulator, LittleFootClassic)

What is IFocuser?

Clues on getting past this?

Gene

ASCOM.Utilities .NET implementation

2010-05-29T15:04:05Z

Hi,

I would have expected

Dim strTest as String = ASCOM.Utilities.Util.PlatformVersion

to return the version string. Instead, I had to do this in two steps:

    Dim objTest As Object = New ASCOM.Utilities.Util
    Dim strTest As String = objTest.PlatformVersion

Is this expected?

I also noticed Intellisense did not give choices for the Util properties and methods.

Thanks.

John

Dome control setup wizard?

2010-03-24T12:48:22Z

Hello Everyone,

Has anyone developed or does anyone know of a dome control setup wizard? That is, I'm wondering if there is a program or script that allows you to slew the telescope to various points in the sky, manually set the dome slit for a clear view, and log the target azimuth for the dome at that location. In a sense, we'd be creating a dome map of the sky when connected to the telescope controller.

Our group has struggled a little with the very basic geometric parameters available in the ASCOM dome controller. We have an older ASH dome recently retrofitted with a MaxDome II control system. The shutter's not very wide and we sometimes cut off significant portions of the sky with our C14 on a Paramount.

A brief tutorial for the underlying calculations for the target azimuth would be helpful as well. Any advice is appreciated.

Very best regards,

  Jeff Dickerman

NOVAS-COM v2.1 not properly referencing in VS2010

2010-05-28T20:39:06Z

Installed the current version 2.1 of NOVAS-COM from the ASCOM downloads page. When adding a reference to NOVAS2.DLL in VS2010, the reference is added automatically in the GAC(!) as C:\Windows assembly\GACV_MSIL\2.1.0.0_565de7938946fba7\NOVAS2.Interop.dll. When attempting to build the project, I receive a warning:

Unable to find dependency 'INTEROP.NOVAS' (Signature='(null)' Version='2.0.0.0') of assembly

Is something wrong with the versioning of NOVAS2.dll or something else at play here? I seem to recall that prior versions of NOVAS installed an interop in the project folder as Kepler and other dll's do.

Been banging my head against this for a while without success. Anyone have any ideas how to proceed?