Telescope Reviews: Finally Had it!

· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt

· Submit a Review / Article

Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums

Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu… uh, User

You are not logged in. [Login]

Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online
FAQ · Calendar

Equipment Discussions >> Video and Electronically Assisted Astronomy

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | (show all)

CarolG
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/16/06

Loc: Oklahoma

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: Shannon s]
#5039895 - 01/26/12 08:50 PM

I use the MCXtreme software on my Win 7 64 bit laptop, and have never had any trouble that wasn't my fault. I don't use the video tab in the software. Instead I use the MCV-1 to capture video to my Speco 9" monitor for live viewing. One thing I learned after reading the installation instructions was that you must operate the software as an 'administrator'. It won't work if you don't 'run as administrator'. The camera is wonderful and makes viewing so much better since it shows more detail and color than the human eye can see with just an eyepiece, and you can sit comfortably and study whatever you're viewing for a long time. The only problems I've had with the software was due to user error. I sometimes use Maxim DL to view on the computer screen, but if I view on the computer monitor, I usually use Amcap.

Post Extras:

Stew57
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/03/09

Loc: Silsbee Texas

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: Shannon s]
#5039901 - 01/26/12 08:55 PM

The mallincam works fine without a computer. Just run a video cable from it to a monitor of some kind.

Post Extras:

nomosnow
sage

Reged: 03/21/11

Loc: Fort Saskatchewan,Ab ,Canada

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: Shannon s]
#5039910 - 01/26/12 08:59 PM

I use all the features of the software on my Mallincam and I have never had any problem. I use windows xp on an older Dell laptop.
Sorry to here of your problems . I hope you can stick with this camera as there is nothing in the world that can really replace it ( with similar performance) at this time anyway.

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: Stew57]
#5040030 - 01/26/12 10:24 PM

Quote:

Isn't that the role of the vss+?

Mark, Isn't what the role of the vss+? (it's late and I'm really not sure what you mean)

If you are referring to the idea of a simpler mid range camera, no the VSS+ doesn't quite cover the requirements (close though). My request is for a camera in the $800 range. Think of a Mallincam Jr. (and it's great EXview HAD chip) with extended integration (say 20+ seconds) and simple cooling with a remote control similar to what the Mintron/Stellacam has. Ideally it would also have simplified menus and the option of PC control but the menus would take some serious additional work and would need substantial sales to cover that cost.

The idea is a camera that is ideally suited for folks who've got a 6/8SE or other similar alt az goto scope. Dead simple to use and capable of putting up great low noise 20-30s images without having to shell out $1800.

Post Extras:

mudd801
sage

Reged: 05/01/10

Loc: Aurora, IL

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: mclewis1]
#5040057 - 01/26/12 10:36 PM

CarolG,

Is the administrator something that is setup in the MC software itself? Cause I'm running my PC's as an administrator, and if that's the case it still doesn't work

Post Extras:

CarolG
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/16/06

Loc: Oklahoma

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: mudd801]
#5040176 - 01/26/12 11:42 PM

I also operate my computer as administrator, but I still had to go to MCXtreme "Properties" (right click on MC program to bring up 'Properties' window), click 'Properties', then in the 'Properties' window, select the 'Compatability' tab and check the 'Run as Administrator' box at the bottom of that window. Also, I found that to set the video and frame capture paths, you have to go to the config.ini in the MCXtreme file in program files and edit the config to set the file path. Hope this helps you!

Post Extras:

Stew57
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/03/09

Loc: Silsbee Texas

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: mclewis1]
#5040238 - 01/27/12 12:31 AM

yes I was referring to the vss+ as meeting your requirements. It can go pc or buttons on the back. It is simple but you are right about the price but I guess was thinking in that direction. I can't see Rock really coming out with much in that price range. Eventually when one of the big companies see the growing demand they will step in and prices will drop, probably quality also.

Post Extras:

skyguy88
super member

Reged: 11/13/06

Loc: Prescott, AZ

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: Stew57]
#5040305 - 01/27/12 01:55 AM

There is a suggestion on Jack's site for operating the VSS from a computer.

"For owners of the MallinCam VSS, you will be able to control the MENU items and the Peltier cooler remotely and you will have the choice of two long exposure modes. If you have adjusted the Exposure Control Knob on the side of the VSS to 15 seconds, for example, then remotely you will have 2.1 seconds with HYPER OFF, 15 seconds with HYPER ON and 30 seconds with Hyper Times 2. For most individuals, this will provide sufficient flexibility for their remote controlling of their MallinCams".

Limited, but it would be useful.

Bill

Post Extras:

johnpd
sage

Reged: 04/13/08

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: mclewis1]
#5040387 - 01/27/12 05:39 AM

Quote:

Mike,

Those are are good points.

I went from a MCHP to a computer controlled Xtreme and while I'd never give up my Xtreme there are things about the MCHP that I miss. There are times when I wish I had a more simplistic system. One can of course use an Xtreme without a computer but that requires 2 remotes and quite a bit more money.

I miss my MCHP also. Very simple to run especially when going to remote sites. I am using the Xtreme with the software for broadcasting solar images from home and it is working well for me. I have a Vista PC and the MCX Control software is giving me no issues. In the Mallincam Yahoo forum, some people with issues have seen their memory usage spiking up and down and eventually flat lining at almost 100% when it freezes. It is a shame the problem cannot be narrowed down. It has got to be some conflict, possibly driver related.

JohnD

Post Extras:

psu_13
sage

Reged: 05/30/10

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: johnpd]
#5040456 - 01/27/12 07:37 AM

I use a VSS+ with the remote control pad to run the camera menus directly. I work in software professionally, which is enough to make me avoid using software whenever I can.

The only thing I wish I could do is set exposure times with more precision than the little knob. But it's not a huge deal.

Post Extras:

mich_al
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 05/10/09

Loc: Rural central lower Michigan ...

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: psu_13]
#5040479 - 01/27/12 07:59 AM

Quote:

I use a VSS+ with the remote control pad to run the camera menus directly. I work in software professionally, which is enough to make me avoid using software whenever I can.

That's funny! I'm a recently retired software engineer and now my only software/computer uses are surfing the web!

Al

Post Extras:

FrankG
super member

Reged: 07/13/04

Loc: Richmond, Va.

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: psu_13]
#5040481 - 01/27/12 08:00 AM

"I use a VSS+ with the remote control pad to run the camera menus directly. I work in software professionally, which is enough to make me avoid using software whenever I can.

"The only thing I wish I could do is set exposure times with more precision than the little knob. But it's not a huge deal."

Same here. I got the VSS+ so I could do everything with the handpad. Have a dob so i can't take full advantage of the Xtreme anyway.

Post Extras:

Michael Rapp
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/27/04

Loc: Dickinson, TX

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: rmollise]
#5040627 - 01/27/12 10:05 AM

Quote:

For just controlling the camera's exposures, etc., the software is crazy-bulletproof.

THIS. 1000 TIMES THIS.

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: Stew57]
#5040642 - 01/27/12 10:13 AM

All the comments about the ease of use of the VSS+ are well taken. I think many folks should look carefully at the VSS+ when considering a high end Mallincam and not just jump to the latest and greatest Xtreme (or X2, or whatever).

Mark - About the idea of a mid range camera. One of the interesting things is that Rock has commented that he's looking at extending the integration range of the Jr. a bit (but nothing more than that ... just looking at it). My thinking is to use the guts of an updated (but low cost) Jr. and put it in the larger case (like that for the regular Mallincams) along with an inexpensive cooling system. I think one of the biggest cost issues to hit the price point (and Rock has confirmed this) is an effective remote control ... and here is where volume will really help.

Post Extras:

GlennLeDrew
Postmaster

Reged: 06/18/08

Loc: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: mclewis1]
#5040705 - 01/27/12 10:48 AM

I'll second that emotion on the 'simplicity' of the VSS+ versus the Xtreme. When I got around to obtaining mine, I was initially dazzled by the extra capability of the latter, but on reflection it was apparent that the 'older' camera could do just about all the newer one could, but without the extra complexity in the control department. Even so, I connect to my Win7 netbook without a hitch when I want to capture images.

Post Extras:

rmollise
Postmaster

Reged: 07/06/07

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: Stew57]
#5042104 - 01/28/12 08:24 AM

Quote:

The mallincam works fine without a computer. Just run a video cable from it to a monitor of some kind.

Well, yeah, sorta. If you have an Xtreme and don't want to buy both the wired and wireless controllers you _must_ use a computer.

Post Extras:

rmollise
Postmaster

Reged: 07/06/07

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: mudd801]
#5042107 - 01/28/12 08:25 AM

Quote:

CarolG,

Is the administrator something that is setup in the MC software itself? Cause I'm running my PC's as an administrator, and if that's the case it still doesn't work

Right click the program icon. Select properties. In the window choose "Run as Administrato."

Post Extras:

ensign
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/16/08

Loc: Southwestern Ontario

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: mich_al]
#5045943 - 01/30/12 01:21 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I use a VSS+ with the remote control pad to run the camera menus directly. I work in software professionally, which is enough to make me avoid using software whenever I can.

That's funny! I'm a recently retired software engineer and now my only software/computer uses are surfing the web!

Al

I'm a software guy too.

Man! Who woulda thunk it. Luddite software guys.

Post Extras:

psu_13
sage

Reged: 05/30/10

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: ensign]
#5046714 - 01/30/12 08:12 PM

It's not so much a matter of being a luddite as minimizing complexity and risk. This is especially true with astronomical software which more often than not is written by one guy serving a large community many times voluntarily. Making something like that work and talk to external hardware like a camera is hard enough when all the computers you might run on are exactly the same. But making it work with Windows and its diversity of hardware/software configurations is just impossible. So, I'd rather cut my losses.

The Mallincam control software has always been a source of some angst. It seems to work fine for most people, but I just made a personal decision that I would rather than deal with it. I don't use the computer to point the mount either.

Post Extras:

ensign
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/16/08

Loc: Southwestern Ontario

Re: Finally Had it! new

[Re: psu_13]
#5047737 - 01/31/12 11:37 AM

Reminds me of the story where a speaker at a software convention asked, "How many of you would get on an airplane if you knew that the flight control software was written by your team?" Only one guy in the large audience raised his hand. The speaker said, "Wow. You must have a lot of confidence in your team." The guy replied, "That's not it. My airplane wouldn't make it to the runway."

Post Extras:

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | (show all)

Extra information

10 registered and 5 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator: Undermidnight, knuklhdastnmr

Print Thread

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled

Thread views: 4006

Jump to

CN Forums

Home

Cloudy Nights LLC
Cloudy Nights Sponsor: Astronomics