Telescope Reviews: StarShoot Autoguider (SSAG) 3MP

I think I may have figured out the problem; but it was quite convoluted, and onus lies on Orion not properly documenting it or even supporting it when I call tech support. The guy at tech support simply said he didn't know much about these cameras, end of story.

In short, following is the difference in folder structure that gets created when you install 1.3MP drivers (Download from the website...) vs. 3MP drivers (that came on the CD with the camera). I ended up manually pointing the 'Unknown device' to 'C:\Program Files (x86)\QHYCCD\QHY5T_Drivers\driver' folder which has SSHRPIAG.inf file and the new drivers for 3MP camera. At this point, OS ended up recognizing the camera.

Note: At some point I did executed SS3MP_Driver.exe from the CD to fix the issue but that didn't help and probably was not the right approach anyway. But, note where they stuck the EXEs anyway, under docs folder.

To make long story short, here is what you need to do to make 3MP working:

1. Let the CD auto-run.
2. Click 'Install Camera Driver' on the GUI that comes up.
3. At this point your camera should get recognized; if it doesn't which was the case with me, follow the next steps.
4. Open device manager and update driver by pointing to 'C:\Program Files (x86)\QHYCCD\QHY5T_Drivers\driver' folder that got created during step #2.
5. Windows should be able to recognize the camera and 'Unknown device' should disappear from the 'Device Manager'.

Note: Above instructions apply to Windows7 (mine was 64-bit, but instructions should work for 32-bit as well.)

IMPORTANT: I have yet to test the camera with the PHD/scope yet, but at least 'Unknown device' issue in Windows has been resolved. Pending PHD testing… I am able to connect to the camera via Orion PlanCap software that came on the CD, and camera seem to be working.

Edit: I had the call escalated at Orion so someone higher up called and I gave them what I have written here. Situation is such at Camera works with 'PlanCam' software but I still can't connect via PHD. I get 'no camera' error. I don't have ST-4 cable plugged-in at this time, but will try it soon and update what transpires. Another strange behavior I and Orion engineer noted is that although camera is working with PlanCam, there is NO Orion device to be found under 'Universal Serial Bus Controllers' which is puzzling. Bottom line, PHD testing will tell the real story. Stay tuned...