Contents - Index

Setup Options

In order to more accurately predict run times, an estimate of download times can be entered.  This becomes more significant as larger imaging cameras, with the generally attendant longer download times are used.  You can experimentally determine your download times by setting up a sequence of 5 bias frames, timing the sequence and dividing by 5.


  • 1x1 bin: Enter the estimated download time for a 1x1 (unbinned) frame
  • 2x2 bin: Enter the estimated download time for a 2x2 binned frame
  • 3x3 bin: Enter the estimated download time for a 3x3 binned frame
  • Insert WCS: Checking this option will insert World Coordinate System (WCS) data into the FITS header for each light frame acquired.  This is accomplished by a plate solve at the completion of each sub-exposure acquisition.  If plate solve fails, no WCS data will be inserted.  This is supported with PinPoint only as the plate solve method.
  • Standard Keywords: (Keyword: IMAGETYP).  This determines which set of values are associated with your images.  When checked, the IRAF/Mira standard set is used.  When not checked, the SBIGFITSEXT set is used.  The standard set is recommended and is supported by Maxim's image processing.  For light frames, dark frames, bias frames and flat fields, the standard keyword values respectively are LIGHT, DARK, BIAS, Flat; for the SBIGFITSEXT, the keyword values are Light Frame, Dark Frame, Bias Frame and Flat Field.
  • Other delays: Enter any other imager related periodic delays you may have.  This entry will be added once per any exposure - light or dark/bias.
  • Mount Settling: This is the number of seconds CCDAutoPilot will wait after slewing the telescope to allow the mount to settle.  This is best determined for your specific mount.