4 replies to this topic

[Klaus_160]

I am a little lost and hope someone here can help me!

 

I want to capture images in a stand alone way (w/o PC) and for a minimum budget. I have looked into using a Raspberry Pi and one of these camera modules

 

https://www.amazon.c...r/dp/B07M9Q43MX (Just as an example).

 

My questions are:

 

- Can a module like this only generate a video feed or can I set exposure time and gain and save individual images?

 

- What is the minimum Pi model I need for this?

 

- Is there a way to use Firecapture (or sharpcap) to do this?

 

 

Any input is much appreciated!

 

Clear skies,

Klaus

Edited by Klaus_160, 17 March 2023 - 05:41 PM.

[TelescopeGreg]

If you have a recent (past decade or so) DSLR, it can connect to the Pi via USB.  Much better camera than the native one for the Pi.

 

Software such as CCDciel or KStars/EKOS can be used to automate the image capture, and much much more.  Check out the "INDI" subsystem for compatibility; the Raspberry Pi camera is listed as one, along with many DSLR models.

 

https://www.indilib.org/

 

I've used a Pi 3B in this regard, but the Pi4B is far better.  The Astroberry distro runs on either.  I'm running my entire deep sky imaging system from a 4GB Pi 4B, using an old laptop as a virtual console.

[UB_Astro]

You are welcomed to take a look at my thread:

https://www.cloudyni...asic-eaa-setup/

 

A quick summary, I use a Pi 3B+ and a HQ camera for image capturing.  The camera control is based on a python script which was modified from some script I found in github.  For astrophotography I store the files in a USB stick connected to the Pi, so the system is just a Pi (OK with a mobile phone to access the headless Pi via VNC).

 

For EAA, I link the Pi to a old netbook computer where the live stacking is done in the netbook.  In the past I do live stacking also in the Pi but I changed lately.

 

If you can get a Pi4, you will be much better off.  My Pi 3B+ really struggle.

[Klaus_160]

Thank you to both of you! I will check this out.

[davidparks]

Open Astro, Astroberry, Stellarmate, IndigoSky are all options to look in to