4
5
Mount
An equatorial mount is not absolutely required for imaging with the SSSSI-III,
as the maximum exposure time is a fraction of a second, too short for astro-
nomical objects to drift significantly during the exposure. Use a sturdy mount
that is appropriately sized for the telescope tube being used.
For obtaining the best planetary images, however, we do recommend an equa-
torial mount. Planetary imaging requires combining many individual images,
and having an equatorial mount will prevent the planet from drifting out of the
field of view of the camera during the time it takes to acquire the large number
of images necessary. A motor drive (single-axis) is recommended too.
Computer
A computer is also needed. For astro-imaging in the field at night, a laptop
computer is highly recommended. MaxIm DL Essentials requires Windows XP
or Vista.
The following hardware is required:
• Processor – Pentium III™ or equivalent, or higher
• Recommended minimum memory size is 256 MB.
• Disk Space – 100 MB minimum, 500 MB or more recommended for
saving images.
• Video Display – 800 X 600, 16-bit color or higher. 1024x768 or higher is
recommended.
• Mouse
• Internet Explorer 4 or higher required to display on-line help
• High Speed USB 2.0 port
Software and Driver Installation
Before the camera can be used, software and a camera driver must be
installed onto your computer. Turn on your computer and allow the Windows
operating system to load as normal. Insert the included CD-ROM into your
computer’s CD-ROM drive, and the Launcher will appear (Figure 3). This allows
you to install the MaxIm DL Essentials software, and the Orion StarShoot Solar
System Imager camera driver.
Software Installation
1. Insert the CD-ROM into the drive. The
Launcher
will appear. If you
are using Windows Vista, the
AutoPlay
window will appear first. Select
Run Launcher.exe.
2. Click
Install
.
3. The
InstallShield Wizard
will start. Click
Next
.
4. Read the MaxIm DL License Agreement. If you agree with the terms, then
select
I accept the terms in this license agreement
and click
Next
.
5. You are now ready to install. Click
Install
. The installation will proceed.
6. Microsoft DirectX 9 or higher is required. Click
Yes
to install the update.
7. The installation is now complete. Click the
Finish
button.
Camera Driver Installation
Now that the software is installed, the camera driver must also be installed. Do
not connect the SSSSI-III to your computer yet.
1. Return to the
Launcher
and click
Install SS Camera.
2. The
InstallShield Wizard
appears. Click
Next
.
3. The installation will commence.
Figure 3.
The
Launcher
provides an
easy menu for software installation.
Figure 4.
When initially
connecting the SSSSI-III to a
computer, a
Found New Hardware
notification will appear and
automatically install the camera to
your computer.
