12 replies to this topic

[sailor]

Oh joy!  The DSI III Pro has been received from OPT.  It comes without filters, including the IR filter.  And the IR filter that came with the DSI II color isn't compatible.  But the Belkin IR filter that I'd been using on my ToUCam fits into the 1.25" nosepiece and into the 4 filter slide, so I'll be in business tonight.  If I don't screw up on loading the new software.

Well, I gave it a shot.  The old R/W CD in my observatory computer works on other CDs (including the CD for the DSI II that was recently purchased) but doesn't see the new Meade DSI III CD.   :-\  The fancy CD/DVD drive in my one month old computer reads the CD fine. 

This seems to have turned into a hardware problem.  Had to run to the store and buy a new drive.  Could have bought a new technology computer for what this old one cost me to commission.

I just installed everything over the DSI II stuff and it's working.  Huge image.  Binning.  Only problem I can forsee is that the Dark Frames files can only work for one camera - either the DSI II C or the DSI III Pro. 

Comet Tuttle has been ellusive.  Can't wait 'till dark.

Pete

[Mark Sibole]

Yes you can load the new version of Envisage over the old one with no problems.
It will update all of your drivers with the latest fixes.
Also you wuill need to take new darks for the DSI III.
Dark frames need to be taken for each camera.
If you use the default dark directory it will add the DSI III dark frames to it.
Each camera has a different file naming system so the software will know what dark frame to get .
Good luck and happy imaging.

Regards

Mark

[peter_4059]

Mark,

Is the new version of Envisage compatible with DSI II cameras and will it be available to download?

Peter

[Mark Sibole]

Peter,
The new version is compatible with all versions of the DSI  cameras.
It will be available for download in about a month or 2.

Regards

Mark

[peter_4059]

Excellent to hear.  Will a link to the download be on this forum somewhere?

[Mark Sibole]

When its available ill post a link to it.

Mark

[sailor]

Thanks for the feedback.

I pulled an all-nighter Friday night testing out my new DSI III Pro and the Rev 7 Envisage software.  The software did load over the old DSI II software without a hitch.  Thanks for the tip on dark frames.  The software suggests that it cannot distinguish between the darks for the DSI IIC and DSI III Pro, and it's nice to know that I can store both without erasing all darks - which I've already done. :-\

I've got a Meade 14" LX200GPS, and the added 8/10 of an inch offset from the chip (compared with my old DSI II C) moved my f/3.3 focal reducer too far from the chip when used with the T-thread extension tube I have now - the new camera wouldn't come to focus.  I've since ordered a couple of short extension tubes and expect the problem is solved, but for imaging on Friday/Saturday I just screwed the focal reducer directly onto the filter assembly, resulting in a focal length of f/6 or perhaps f/7.

The binning is a great feature.  There's also a high gain button, but other than the obvious I'm not sure what it does.  The envisage magnifying feature allows you to focus at up to 500X the same as the old rev 5 software, but there's no enable checkbox next to the magnifying feature and while one can click to any magnification it remains disabled and stays at 100%.  That's the only Meade related problem encountered.  Pretty good for first product shipped.

Sorry that I can't give a good evaluation of the camera as in addition to the kluged focal reducer setup I had some other scope issues going on and spent much of the evening addressing them.

With my very long focal length I still need an active guide scope, and I've got a lightweight 80mm f/11.3 achromat coming in this week.  Will be posting an update once I get the focal reducer issue cleared up.

Pete

[Mark Sibole]

Pete,
You should have the replies to your questions from the DSI Group.
If you need further clarifications let me know.

Regards

Mark

[peter_4059]

Hi Mark,

Just wondering if the new Envisage version is available yet?

Peter

[Mark Sibole]

Not yet,
They are still working on Vista issues.

Mark

[peter_4059]

Any updates on this Mark?

[Mark Sibole]

Peter,
I havnt heard a thing yet.
Ill send off an e mail and find out right now.

Regards

Mark

[peter_4059]

thanks Mark.