Contents
- Index
Version History
5.12.9 October 5, 2023
Bug fix: Correct Realign to Target to work optionally with guided imaging.
Bug fix: Prevent RA seconds from showing 60 after double to string conversion (PixInsight issue).
5.12.8 November 20, 2022
Change: Accommodate short PA descriptor. See here
Bug fix: Get FOV when using TheSky6
Bug fix: Precision slew to target before using FocusMax MultiStar.
5.12.7 May 2, 2022
Bug fix: Do not precision slew when FocusMax Multistar is enabled.
Bug fix: Insert WCS was launching TheSkyX instead of TheSky64 when the latter was selected.
Bug fix: Prevent bogus ImageLink failure that occurred in rare cases.
5.12.6 February 15, 2022
Change: Add support for FocusMax V5 multi-star. See here
Bug fix: Fixed error when SkyStar searches for stars using TheSky6.
Bug fix: Correct data types for FITS entry when using later versions of Maxim6.
5.12.5 December 14, 2021
Change: Manual and text file target entry now supports 2 decimal places for RA sec. of arc, 1 decimal plate for Dec. arc-sec. and optional + sign input. See here
Bug fix: Sky flat dithering now works properly.
5.12.4 August 26, 2021
Change: Added user settable delay between unguided dithers, See here,
5.12.3 June 1, 2021
Change: Added support for PinPoint v7 and ATLAS-REFCAT2 stellar catalog.
Change: Restructured dome control under TheSkyX for cleaner operation.
Change: Added diagnostics in case guider A/D not properly set.
Bug fix: Session not aborting when starting with a pause for clouds time being exceeded.
5.12.2 May 11, 2021
Bug fix: Target dec. error fixed
5.12.1 May 6, 2021
Change: Maximum focus timeout increased to 30 min.
Bug fix: Correct errors during initialization with TheSkyX Camera Add On.
Bug fix: Attempt to correct u:FA2 error.
Note: An exhaustive review of all automation code used with TheSkyX was performed. This should improve reliability with TheSkyX and TheSky64,build 12978 and forward.
5.12.0 April 21, 2021
Bug fix: Identification of guide star with Maxim fixed.
Bug fix: G2V Calibration wizard with Maxim fixed.
5.11.9 April 10, 2021
New Feature: Added support for TheSkyX 64-bit version. Be sure to check the New Feature link. See here for details.
Change: When downloading an update via CCDAutoPilot, the installation software for the old version will be saved in a separate folder. See Getting Updates for details.
5.11.8 March 20, 2021
Change: Add user settable sun elevation for dawn abort of light and dark frames. See here. Check these settings when first starting this version.
Change: Add file names for insert WCS to log
5.11.7 January 21, 2021
Change: Help file has additional information on Guide Cacluator and some bad links corrected.
Change: Trim leading and trailing spaces from Description field on the Session page
Bug fix: Separate selection for SSL and TLS security options in Notifications.
5.11.6 September 23, 2020
Bug fix: Remove test code that prevented Notifications from working
5.11.5 September 15, 2020
Change: Accommodate new security requirements. Note: In-application updates will no longer be possible with prior versions. You must obtain this version from https://www.ccdware.com/downloads/ by downloading and running the installer. The installer is in a compressed (zip) folder. Do not run it from the zip folder but instead copy it to the desktop and then run it. Subsequent CCDAutoPilot versions will restore in-application update functionality.
5.11.4 July 18, 2020
Change: Add Dither Frequency option for guided and unguided series.
Change: Increase tooltip visibility timeout to 2 sec. for easier reading
5.11.3 May 24, 2020
Change: Add warning if light frames planned and dome linked but open dome not checked.
Change: Improve some error messages with corrective action recommendations.
Bug fix: Improve accuracy for session times in certain conditions.
Bug fix: Log not showing settings section settings at top of log in some conditions.
Bug fix: Data assessment not using specified settings in some conditions.
Bug fix: AO guiding not waiting for guide errors to fall below specified target. (Thanks, Rod.)
5.11.2 December 4, 2019
Change: Revise warnings if FlipFlat/FlatMan control file not present to allow setting dusk/dawn flats on session page.
Change: When AO in use, update exposure progress bar on Session window less frequently to minimize impact on guiding accuracy.
Bug fix: Eliminate bogus "SGI2: Index out of bounds" error
5.11.1 November 5, 2019
Change: Changed help file regarding Clarity II software. CCDAutoPilot requries the "old" single line data file facility.
Change: Allow optional guiding on saturated stars. See here
Change: Notify on failed focus run. See here
Change: GNS users will be notified if session ends due to a weather event.
5.11.0 October 3, 2019
Change: Added programmable option to close Session window at end of session.
Bug fix: Coolers were being warmed up after a weather abort with non-sky flats. Fixed.
5.10.9 September 4, 2019
Bug fix: Allow cooler warm-up on weather abort if no sky flats planned.
Bug fix: Home dome, if chosen, before closing shutter to support domes that require homing to provide shutter power.
Bug fix: Correct Unguided Operation Dither pull down to replace "Normal" with "Random", which it actually is.
Bug fix: Prevent exception when using CCDSoft and TheSky6.
5.10.8 July 19, 2019
Change: Close program when control file character 28 is set to Y
Change: Write WxEvent.txt (0 byte file) to Documents\CCDWare\CCDAutopilot5\ upon a session weather abort. Delete upon session start.
Change: Allow 360 degree as dome position. CCDAutoPilot will consider it as 0.
Bug fix: Prevent error if apostrophe (') is used for target name. Prevent illegal characters for template name.
Bug fix: Correct weather settings in log
Bug fix: Insure partial image is not saved in the event of a session or weather abort.
5.10.7 April 7, 2019
Change: Add TheSkyX Camera Add On as acceptable condition for using TheSkyX for plate solving
Change: Prevent end of session actions from running when using Focus Now ir other Now buttons.
Change: Make updating tracking rates at run time optional for non-sidereal objects.
Change: Update Enhanced Automation to clarify when CCDNavigator session plan will be imported.
Change: Attempt to close shutter even if shutter status reports an error.
Bug fix: Fix support for @Focus3 manual sub-frame
Bug fix: Add @Focus3 for Focus Offset Measurement
Bug fix: Prevent multiple notifications when weather abort is triggered.
Bug fix: Do not try to align dome after weather abort.
Bug fix: Correct Focus Offset Measurement CFZ warning text
Bug fix: Prevent FO:Tc1 error when no temperature source specified when using Temperature Dependent Refocus.
5.10.6 September 30, 2018
Change: Improved dome shutter position reporting if hardware supports it
Change: Added number of samples option for @Focus 3.
Change: Added timeout options for Run x applications specified on the Options page, all tabs.
Change: Added Find Home option on the Options page, Startup tab.
Change: Possible fix for some "Guide Star Fade (nm)" errors with Maxim.
Bug fix: Added handling of unknown equinox for some ASCOM telescopes, notably EQMOD, to prevent slew to 0,0 coordinates.
Bug fix: Report TheSkyX CAO version when not using ASCOM/TheSky for telescope control.
5.10.5 August 24, 2018
Change: New reduction options added to plate solving and focusing.
Change: Added some diagnostic code.
Change: Filter wheels with up to 25 slots now supported.
Bug fix: Trace now works.
Bug fix: Correct internal initialization for Flat Light Source.
Bug fix: Cooler warmup now more reliable.
5.10.4 June 12, 2018
New Feature: Added support forTheSkyX Custom Settings (in CCDAutoPilot - Readout Modes).
Change: Add Privacy Policy to Help
Change: During weather abort, don't warm up cooler if Sky is not the flat light source.
Change: Added Initialization note about Maxim binning requirement whith AO.
Bug fix: if checked, warm up guider cooler during weather abort
Bug fix: Prevent Run8 from running if checked when aborting a session manually.
Bug fix: focus star magnitude range not being enabled with @Focus2.
bug fix: Improve session time estimates when no dithering is used.
5.10.3 March 20, 2018
Change: Add button to clear failed focus star database when using SkyStar
Change: Separate options for imager and guider warm up.
Change: Add Unlink Software option to Shutdown
Change: If 0 is specified for initial exposure of @Focus3 on the Focusing page, a default of 1 sec. will be sent to @Focus3's initial exposure.
Bug fix: Filter offsets not being applied to session when using @Focus3
Bug fix: Wasn't returning to target in all cases when using @Focus3
Bug fix: Add 5.10.2 as enabled feature to log
Bug fix: File/Exit now behaves same as 'X' out - was resulting in loss of some settings.
5.10.2 January 6, 2018
New Feature: Added support for @Focus3
Change: Run PHD2 apps before and after realign to target.
Change: Add logging for TheSkyX rotator offset.
Change: Add buffer time for DDWCP open and close shutter to allow time to respond.
Change: Plate Solve notification is now Plate Solve/Rotator Error notification.
Bug fix: Guider delay in TheSkyX CAO was not being maintained through all CCDAutoPilot operations.
5.10.1 February 6, 2017
New Feature: Added focuser Backlash Compensation when changing filter offsets.
Change: Temporarily remove guider exposure delay (TheSkyX CAO only) during guide error recovery. See here.
Change: Attempts to unpark a mount that was parked before the session started with TheSkyX
Change: SystemProfile New and Load menu items are now active from Setup page only.
Change: File/Exit from menu now behaves the same as hiitting the Red X to close CCDAutoPilot
Bug fix: Key initialization parameter was not being saved to system profile for some guide configurations, e.g. SX-AO with Maxim.
Bug fix: ASCOM differential tracking rates not being set initially. OK for later updates.
Bug fix: Guider Auto Exposure Target ADU maximum now proper for 8- and 12-bit guiders. Added warning if target is too high.
5.10.0 October 24, 2016
Change: Do not overwrtite target database with default name and in default location when updating from CCDAutoPilot versions prior to 5.08.8.
Bug fix: Properly support native TAKometer driver when using Rotator settings for flats and the rotation is negative. (Native TAKometer runs from -180 to +179.9.)
5.09.9 October 9, 2016
New Feature: Ignore failed focus stars on subsequent tries
Change: Registry no longer used for settings storage. IMPORTANT: See this note
Bug fix: Correct light session end time calculation if multiple targets with a gap between one target end time and the next one's start time.
Bug fix: Turn off tracking while waiting for target to clear mount's max. altitude settings.
Bug fix: Do not run Post-slew App after meridian flip (causes PHD2 guiding to turn on prematurely).
5.09.8 June 12, 2016
New Feature: Support for PHD2. Requires PHD2 broker application
Change: ASA Slew Training name changed.
Change: Saturated pixel rejection now works properly with 8-bit guiders
Change: Expand automation error message when connecting to TheSkyX in some cases.
5.09.7 November 13, 2015
Bug fix: Eliminate spurious message in focus temperature summary at end of log.
Bug fix: Correct sun rising abort code.See here.
5.09.6 November 9, 2015
Change: Speed up sun rising check routine.
Change: Add full temperature recording for PlaneWave AutoFocus
Bug fix: Add PlaneWave AutoFocus focus time to estimates
Bug fix: Properly include and test rotator direction for TheSkyX rotator control.
5.09.5 November 5, 2015
New Feature: PlaneWave AutoFocus supported. See requirements and settings.
New Feature: Rotator control via TheSkyX supported. See requirements and settings.
Change: Added specific settings requirements for TheSkyX
Change: Add notification at end of light frames acquisition option.
Change: Abort session if weather event occurs while waiting for target start time.
Change: Increase maxim range of temperature coefficient to 9999.
Change: Prevent loading a system profile at other than the Settings page and not linked to softwware.
Change: Add notification of dome command failure for TheSkyX dome control
Change: Added diagnostic info in case of Plate Solve Current Location of Initialization failure.
Bug fix: Properly initialize starting dither coordinates when precision slew is not used.
Bug fix: Prevent unguided dithering from offsetting target when dithering.
5.09.4 August 28, 2015
Change: Report rotator position after move to park.
Change: Reduce wait time between sky flat attempts to 30 sec.
Bug fix: Bug introduced in 5.09.3 whereby mount would slew away from flat spot with dithered dusk or dawn sky flats.
5.09.3 August 16, 2015
Bug fix: Correct unguided dithering so that target is not moved off its precision slew location
Bug fix: Resolved Unable to Find Focus Stars message in SkyStar.
5.09.2 July 28, 2015
New Feature: Run a program or script at the end of a Light or Calibration frame exposure.
Bug fix: Weather conditions not being properly updated on the Run page, Conditions window.
5.09.1 July 20, 2015
Change: Allow camera control program to set a non-zero exposure delay. CCDAutoPilot will not change any delay you set there.
Change: SkyStar routine to find focus stars has been enhanced. SkyStar dbq files are enhanced. Also, see here.
Bug fix: CloudSensor I was not properly aborting a session due to a weather event.
Bug fix: Sky conditions set by the weather source will not impact a subsequent session after the Weather source is set to none.
Bug fix: Multiple email notifications on upon weather event eliminated.
5.09.0 May 30, 2015
Change: Accommodate filterless cameras better.
Change: Increased focus star search radius for SkyStar
Change: Raise sky flat hard limit to accommodate high linearity cameras.
Change: Sub-framing steps changed to better accommodate TheSkyX CAO.
Change: Some additional warnings for improper settings added.
Bug fix: Resolved inability to properly set target start times with some cultures (e.g. IT-it).
Bug fix: Prevent multiple emails during weather abort.
5.08.9 February 22, 2015
Change: Eliminate redundant cooler setting upon weather abort
Change: If rain sensor is wet but sky is clear, session will abort
Change: Trap corrupted target database on startup.
Bug fix: Do not set dark frame when using @Focus2
Bug fix: Correct error in SkyStar, find focus stars, to prevent crossing the meridian improperly.
5.08.8 February 7, 2015
Change: Improved linking to FocusMax when hardware is not connected to FocusMax.
Bug fix: Fix AutoRun bug introduced in 5.08.7. (Couldn't cancel AutoRun by uncheckiing.)
5.08.7 February 3, 2015
New Feature:Move to updated coordinates option for non-sidereal objects.
New Feature: Adjustable response delay time for slow domes.
Change: SkyStar focus star selection accuracy improved. Allow focusing if at least one suitable star is found.
Change: Improved flip abort and Max E Altitude abort handling.
Bug fix: Resolved Jan 1 session start initiated on Dec. 31. (year wrap problem)
Bug fix: Log header not being included in log when autorun is selected.
5.08.6 December 21, 2014
Change: Enhanced Introduction to Automation to help new users.
Bug fix: Eliminate occasional "excessive rotator correction" error.
5.08.5 November 15, 2014
New Feature: Minimum East Altitude skip
New Feature: Weather FITS Keywords
Change: Enable TheSkyX autoguider to be connected when launching TheSkyX from CCDAutoPilot.
Change: Enhanced help pop-up during an Application Error.
Bug fix: Wait for Civil Dusk now works. Improved Abort Frames at Dawn.
Bug fix: Prevent spurious park, tracking off, etc. on weather abort
Bug fix: Eliminate spurious "Wait for Clearing" message in log.
5.08.4 October 25, 2014
Bug fix: Missed RCOS TCC fix for rotator at meridian flip. Fixed.
5.08.3 October 24, 2014
Change: guider FL now changes with imager FL when self-guided or off-axis guided
Change: Trap a blank entry for Focusing at X,Y when X or Y are blank.
Bug fix: RCOS TCC rotator position not fully ASCOM-compliant. Changed to accommodate TCC.
5.08.2 September 11, 2014
Change: Improved accuracy on LST and HA calculation.
Change: Attempt to prevent various CCDSoft errors.
Change: Park dome (if checked) during a weather abort.
Change: Improved PinPoint v6 All Sky solving.
Bug fix: Re-enable AO centering with CCDSoft
Bug fix: Remove spurious "Wait for clearing" message in log.
5.08.1 August 18, 2014
Change: Add warning about unnecessary Realign To Target Frequency setting when guiding.
Bug fix: Creating a new target caused a database error when first image is saved.
5.08.0 August 14, 2014
Change: Prevent .fit being entered as target name when using the From FIT button.
Change: Show plate solve time in log and status bar.
Change: Add log entry indicating email notification at start of session (when selected).
Change: Add Pause for Clouds and Abort (when selected) for SkyStar focusing.
Change: Remove automatic maximum FocusMax exposure setting. Also, see here.
Change: Reduce minimum separation between focus stars and target from 3 to 2 degrees.
Change: Add time stamp to weather file read.
Bug fix: Allow session abort when waiting for clouds to clear at start of session.
Bug fix: Prevent occasional JET database error.
Bug fix: Prevent error when importing CCDNavigator session plan with inactive targets hid.
5.07.9 July 27, 2014
Change: Prevent false GNS alert while waiting for clouds to clear
Change: TheSkyX dome open/close wait changed from 2.5 sec. to 5 sec. for some slow domes
Change: Add warning about too high a hot pixel filter setting
Change: Restore file template variable (%g) for session starting date.
Change: Add site information to log.
Change: Park rotator on weather abort only if it is checked on the Settings page, Shutdown tab
Bug fix: High humidity (and high wind) condition was not properly aborting the session.
Bug fix: TAKometer rotator position being incorrectly calculated under some conditions.
5.07.8 June 19, 2014
New Feature: Customizable date/time for file names/folders.
New Feature: Automatic bump calibration with Maxim PulseGuide and SX-AO
New Feature: Run 1a added to control artificial flat light source for dusk flats.
Change: Add AtPark detection for ASCOM telescope drivers to wait for mount to park before CCDAutoPilot moves on.
Change: Improved guide calibration with Maxim PulseGuide.
Change: Increased focus star search radius for SkyStar.
Change: AO Centering in TheSkyX CAO uses new TheSkyX command as of TSX build 7973 or later.
Bug fix: From FIT button wasn't getting image binning correctly. Fixed.
Bug fix: Correct PinPoint All Sky on local solve failure option to allow local solve first.
Bug fix: Correct TAK rotator move near ±180.
Bug fix: Prevent launch of TheSkyX when @Focus2 is used with CCDSoft.
Bug fix: Eliminate unnecessary force filter change when self-guided with Maxim.
5.07.7 May 19, 2014
Bug fix: Correct session error if Precision Slew on the Setup page, Mount box is not checked..
5.07.6 May 5, 2014
Change: Clarify Weather Abort messages when waiting to begin session
Change: Reset Weather Abort if triggered while waiting to begin and weather subsequently clears
Change: Disable Focus Centering and Tolerance control unless using SkyStar
Change: Greatly improved responsiveness when importing a text target list or deleting all targets.
Change: Remove spurious Waiting to Start message.
Change: Add hardware descriptions to the log for TheSkyX build 7903 or later.
Change: Allow ReverseY on Flip to be active for Maxim Telescope or ASCOM Direct guiding method
Bug fix: Correct warning message about targets starting after astronomical dawn if Abort Light and Dark Frames at Dawn is not checked.
Bug fix: Correct truncated target name when using %t\%t%n file template.
5.07.5 March 15, 2014
Bug fix: Target coordinates not being entered in Target List when using From FITS
Bug fix: Plate solve coordinate pop-up showing too much.
5.07.4 March 11, 2014
Change: Added log notification when waiting to start sky flats
Change: Report plate solve details when using From FIT or Plate Solve Current Location button upon successful plate solve.
Change: Unlink dome before parking dome if mount is not parked.
Bug fix: Exit when sun rising when target loop greater than one.
Bug fix: Do not slew and attempt dusk flats when waiting for clearing time expires at start of session.
Bug fix: Prevent infinite loop when using All Sky Retry and solution fails. Also see here for more info on All Sky solving.
5.07.3 February 17, 2014
Change: Enable Reverse Y on Flip for Maxim only. Does not apply to CCDSoft or TheSkyX CAO.
Change: Run 4 will still occur if checked after a weather-driven run abort. See here
Bug fix: Corrected Slew Error message being sent on all corrected slews. Fixed.
Bug fix: Plate solve using current filter now works properly.
5.07.2 January 23, 2014
Change: Guiding will be stopped during a pause for clouds.
Change: Improve altitude filtering for SkyStar focus stars.
Bug fix: New installation was crashing in some instances - fixed.
5.07.1 January 18, 2014
New Feature: Add All Sky Retry plate solving with PinPoint v6.
Change: Use different methods in TheSky6 for more reliable solar altitude reporting.
Bug fix: Prevent spurious error reporting on when Inserting WCS during a running session.
5.07.0 January 3, 2014
Bug fix: Correct year end date change causing delay on multi-target or loop target session.
Bug fix: Unable to properly save PinPoint UCAC4 catalog selection in system profile.
5.06.9 December 30, 2013
Change: Add delay before checking for dome slewing complete for slowly responding domes
Change: Delete .SRC files when inserting WCS via TheSkyX
Bug fix: Save image failure was not aborting session properly.
Bug fix: Multiple sync images were being opened but not closed.
Bug fix: Crash on initialization fixed.
5.06.8 December 18, 2013
New Feature: Add option to plate solve with current filter
New Feature: Add support for PinPoint v6 including UCAC4 and All Sky solving via Astrometry.Net.
New Feature: Add option to save successfully solved Sync_Images
New Feature: Add option to Notify at Session Start with System Review.
Change: Added support for Insert WCS via TheSkyX
Change: Some improvements in plate solve robustness.
Change: Added notes for AO bumping with Maxim here.
Bug fix: Known Image Scale option was not working properly.
Bug fix: Maxim guiding with ASCOM Direct/Telescope now works properly. See also here,
5.06.7 December 11, 2013
Bug fix: Correct license date display error.
5.06.6 December 10, 2013
Change: One Year License Renewal coming for new features.
Change: You must check the AO box if using an any AO guider
Change: Allow a target to start after astronomical dawn if Abort Light and Dark frames is unchecked.
Change: Prevent '('and ')' from being used in a file name if inputted in the Get function.
Change: Initial exposure for G2V measurement increased to 2 sec.
Change: Stop guider for safety sync after first exposure after meridian flip to prevent SX AO lockup.
Bug fix: Properly handle filter offsets with temperature-compensated focusing.
Bug fix: Correct G2V measure sub-frame positioning error.
Bug fix: Prevent exception if camera has only one binning mode, e.g. DSLR.
Bug fix: Use Known Image Scale was being ignored.
5.06.5 November 10, 2013
Change: Add error checking to manual target PA entry field.
Change: Reference target database in program directory is now in zip format. Do not save a new target database to the program folder.
Change: G2V wizard starting binning is the same as that specified for plate solving.
Change: Add warning if multiple target session extends into next day and auto date correct is checked.
Change: Focus Timeout value is now shown in the log.
Bug fix: Incorporate Precision Slew With Sync (if checked) during AGSR.
Bug fix: Maxim focuser now respects the Focus Timeout.
Bug fix: Session now aborts at start if pause for cloud time is exceeded.
Bug fix: Prevent Run 8 from running twice during a Run Abort.
Bug fix: Don't wait for civil dusk if preceded by a Run Abort.
5.06.4 October 25, 2013
Bug fix: Data Assessment thresholds were being changed from user settings. Fixed.
Bug fix: Email was not being sent when a weather abort condition was triggered. Fixed.
5.06.3 October 23, 2013
New Feature: Added Good Night System support. See Notifications and RunOnError Scripts
Change: Increase reliability of sun altitude reporting by less frequent queries.
Change: Add option to abort session if dome fails to open.
Change: Use different call to TheSkyX for improved AzAlt reliability
Change: Editing a session while imaging is paused allows start time adjustment manually or by context menu.
Change: Guider alarm will not sound if session is paused for clouds
Change: Accommodate versions 1 and 2 of SQM reader.
Bug fix: Allow rotator angle correction when With Sync is checked.
Bug fix: Restrict forced filter change to non-Maxim camera programs.
Bug fix: Eliminate log stopping but session continues to run with some systems.
5.06.2 September 15, 2013
Change: If CCDN3 import during a running session fails, the session will be aborted and Run Abort conditions will be triggered.
Change: If Control File time stamp is enabled and update fails, the session will be aborted and Run Abort conditions will be triggered.
Change: If a weather abort occurs during the Startup phase, the session will be aborted and Run Abort conditions will be triggered.
Change: If Take Image fails, the image will not be saved.
Bug fix: Correct binning import from CCDNavigator with some cameras, such as QSI, which support n x m binning where n does not equal m.
Bug fix: Correct tool tip message for log folder navigation button.
Bug fix: Attempt to fix log from stopping while session is running properly.
5.06.1 August 4, 2013
New Feature: Session start how has an option to start at a given sun altitude. See Startup
New Feature: Added the ability to select known/unknown image scale when plate solving using TheSkyX. See Plate Solving
Change: Moon rise/set data now available on session page when using ASCOM (only) for telescope control. Requires ASCOM 6 SP2.
Change: Using different methods in TheSkyX for more reliable solar altitude reporting.
Change: Force filter change when using self-guided cameras. Some camera programs only change the filter when the imager exposes.
Change: Trap missing dome property when using some roll-off roof ASCOM drivers.
Change: Pause for clouds clearing will now check for clearing once per minute.
Change: When using Maxim, sync exposures over 10 sec. will apply kernel filters to reduce noise.
Bug fix: Minor bugs in control file thread fixed. Reporting functionality improved to include loss of update from control file (character 8).
Bug fix: Take Image/Save Image failure now properly aborts session.
5.06.0 June 20, 2013
New Feature: User can now specify the folder for the log file. See here.
Change: Add workaround for plate solving when FITS file has missing XBINNING keyword, e.g. DSS images.
Change: Add FW8G-STXL settings in Camera Notes.
Change: Added a Computer Notes section to the Hardware topic. Please review.
Change: Increased allowable focus filter offset range to ±99999.
Bug fix: Exception when SkyStar is used with Maxim's focusing routine.
Bug fix: Exception when using FW8-STG/AO combination at PA's between 135° and 225°.
5.05.9 May 5, 2013
Change: If binning keywords are not in the FITS file used by From FITS, binning is assumed unbinned
Bug fix: Loop target now works properly.
Bug fix: Improved accuracy for light frame time estimates
Bug fix: Correct guiding when using Maxim AutoGuider Control by Telescope or ASCOM Direct.
5.05.8 April 23, 2013
New Feature: Session focus activity is summarized in the log after the light frames summary.
New Feature: Added up/down buttons for moving targets in the target list.
Change: Delete target whose name matches the CCDNavigator Session Import target name.
Change: Support predictive bumping with Maxim and SBIG FW8-STG/AO/External Guider. See also Camera Notes when using FW8-STG with non-AO guiding.
Change: Enhanced non-sidereal tracking handling to include ASCOM mounts.
Change: Prevent excessive rotator movement that occurs in some cases.
Change: Prevent user session abort from causing a complete observatory in some cases.
Change: Physical memory used/total reported in log.
Bug fix: If selected, cooler warm up will be executed during a weather abort.
Bug fix: Target loop count was not being saved when Update button was hit.
5.05.7 April 6, 2013
New Feature: Added shutter timeout with optional notification
Change: @Focus2 autodark follows Plate Solve autodark selection.
Change: Allow cloud sensor to report unknown sky condition for session start only.
Change: Additional log entry added for CCDNavigator 3 database maintenance.
Change: Prevent trying to use FocusMax v3.x with TheSkyX Camera Add On - it won't work.
Change: Minimum flat field exposure now .01 sec.
Bug fix: Correct dust donut calculator.
Bug fix: Correct custom flat start time in session summary.
5.05.6 March 25, 2013
New Feature: TheSkyX Camera Add On is now supported as a camera control program (Professional Edition feature). TheSkyX Build 6822 or greater required.
New Feature: Selected focusing stars can now be customized using TheSky. See here for details.
New Feature: User can now specify the desired warm up temperature for the camera cooler(s).
Change: If you need ASCOM, ASCOM Platform Version 6 SP1 or later is required. Installation on earlier ASCOM platforms is not recommended.
Change: Dec. Release and mount setting time disabled during dithered sky flat acquisition.
Change: Increased pauses for TheSkyX dome control to accommodate slowly responding domes.
Bug fix: All filters were being skipped when running Focus Offset Wizard. Fixed.
Bug fix: Abort darks before light frame checkbox being ignored. Fixed.
Bug fix: Dusk flats were running on, despite being too dark. Fixed.
5.05.5 February 17, 2013
Bug fix: Imported target order incorrect.
5.05.4 February 15, 2013
Change: Focus Offset Wizard will not use any filter named "dark" or "shutter".
Change: Weather Abort will now occur during AGSR.
Bug fix: Changing number of exposures on the fly is properly supported
Bug fix: Run First path and arguments are now saved properly.
Bug fix: Correct ASCOM J2000 to current equinox conversion.
Bug fix: Correct error when using CCDSoft/TheSky6 for plate solving.
Bug fix: Focus at Series Start was bypassed if Focus at Target Start was selected.
Bug fix: Focus offsets not properly managed during off-target focusing return to target via precision slew.
5.05.3 February 3, 2013
Add Feature: Option to park the mount while waiting for clearing.
Change: more detailed error reporting when setting up email notifications
Bug fix: Eliminate Tracking On after weather abort
5.05.2 January 25, 2013
Bug fix: Fixed error when using Darks Before or Darks Now from the Darks Before page
Bug fix: Auto Date Correct now works with multiple targets that are after midnight.
5.05.1 January 22, 2013
Bug fix: Add target manually, broken in 5.05.0, now works
5.05.0 January 21, 2013
Add Feature: Tracking rates are accepted from TheSky and used for non-sidereal rate objects (comets, satellites, etc.)
Change: Target start times will now be the time the first exposure starts, not when slewing and focusing start.
Change: Improved responsiveness when editing a session.
Change: CCDNavigator Session Import menu will open file dialog if no path to plan or no plan available for the current date.
Change: Allow TheSkyX to start properly with slow computers when launched by Link to Software.
Change: Active and inactive targets now shown when Delete All Targets is selected.
Change: Prevent unrealistic download times being added if a long exposure is aborted.
Change: Clarified log for equinox used for ASCOM telescope slews.
Bug fix: Check for update toggle now works properly
Bug fix: Run First now properly implemented
Bug fix: Email to and User addresses can now be different.
Bug fix: Eliminate bogus guider cooler raise temperature report.
Bug fix: Show exposure count in status bar for calibration frames.
NOTE: In the near future, CCDAutoPilot will require ASCOM platform version 6.
5.04.9 December 4, 2012
Bug fix: SkyStar crossing the meridian for a focus star when it shouldn't.
Bug fix: Late target being rescheduled until the next day.
5.04.8 December 2, 2012
Add Enhanced Automation Features
Add Feature: CCDNavigator3 integration. Requires CCDNavigator 3.0.14 or later.
Change: Increased SkyStar chosen focus star meridian margin to prevent meridian flip to focus star.
Bug fix: Park properly for Weather Abort actions
5.04.7 November 12, 2012
Add Feature: Added hardware section to Troubleshooting help topic.
Add Feature: Initial support for CCDNavigator3.
Change: Increase rotator timeout to 8 min. for slow rotators
Change: Enhanced weather reporting during a weather abort
Change: Cloudy delay/session abort operates at start of session and Focus before Target Start
Bug fix: Proper abort after wait for cloud clearing timeout or worsening weather.
Bug fix: Rotate to first target before precision slew.
Bug fix: Summary reports now completes with either weather or user abort.
Bug fix: Eliminate exception caused by some cameras with many binning options.
5.04.6 October 18, 2012
Add Feature: Option to run Weather Abort upon slew failure with TheSky6 or TheSkyX. See here.
Add Feature: Enhanced CCDNavigator support.
Change: Improve weather abort logging.
Bug fix: Re-enable Pause button after aborting a session.
Bug fix: Pending focus at meridian will be executed after meridian flip.
Bug fix: Speed/gain settings (Maxim) now preserved in system profile.
Bug fix: Very cloudy condition not always resulting in session abort.
5.04.5 September 19, 2012
Bug fix: Completely disable software version checking
5.04.4 September 18, 2012
Add Feature: Path to Sky Quality Monitor can now be chosen by user.
Add Feature: SQM mag. per square arc-sec. value now added to FITS header as MPSAS
Change: Increased probability of successful launch of unopened server programs when Linking to Software.
Change: trap error if RunApp is checked with an empty entry.
Change: Eliminate pseudo-dark since Maxim passes a calibrated guider array if set in Maxim
Change: Improve plate solve with TheSkyX
Change: Eliminate server software version checking
Change: Plate solve in Initialization routine now follows AutoDark selection in Settings/Plate Solve
Change: Added information for using AO devices with Maxim. See here.
Bug fix: Weather abort doesn't prevent acquisition of calibration frames and stops guider if running
Bug fix: Imager temperature raised by 30° when specified.
Bug fix: Allow focusing near meridian when sufficient time is available before transit.
Bug fix: Correct guiding when target is near meridian and must wait for flip for first exposure to start.
5.04.3 August 7, 2012
Bug fix: Enable flat bias control.
5.04.2 August 3, 2012
Add Feature: Changed target context menus. Added Invert Active Selections and Duplicate Target functions. More...
Add Feature: Can enter average flat bias to improve exposure convergence under certain conditions. More...
Change: A weather abort will only abort flats is the sky is used as a light source.
Change: Minimize spurious weather abort emails
Change: Added warning if a RunApp is checked but the application is not found.
Change: Do not close FlipFlat when aborting a session.
Change: Don't connect to telescope until after observatory is open.
5.04.1 June 23, 2012
Add Feature: Minimize probability of double stars being chosen for SkyStar focusing
Add Feature: Added Run 0 to Options page, Startup up tab.
Add Feature: Enhanced session review on the Run page to include exposure summaries and the ability to paste to notepad.
Change: Prevent editing of current target during a running session.
Change: Can now handle up to 20 filters in a filter wheel.
Bug fix: Preserve panel sizing on Session Page, Light Frames tab.
Documentation: Clarified %d as Position Angle, not Rotator position on Setting page, File Settings tab.
5.04.0 May 18, 2012
Add Feature: Run 0 added on startup options tab.
Add Feature: Support for PinPoint USNO B and USNO B (net) added
Add Feature: Support for ISO speed (QSI gain) programming with Maxim. See Camera Options
Change: disabled menus and features that require software to be linked from the Setup page
Change: Decrease min. sun angle for dawn flats to -20.
Change: Weather will abort flats phase if flats are sky flats only
Change: Wait for Maxim to turn on cooler(s) before querying cooler temperature(s)
Change: Allow testing rain sensor during clear sky by applying water drops to sensor
Change: Improved weather abort during various portions of session.
Bug fix: Corrects AO Maxim AO bumping
Some minor bug fixes on clipboard calls and initialization.
5.03.9 April 4, 2012
Change: Improved hot pixel filter
Change: Download estimates are now based on light frames only.
Change: Link to Software required for target editing.
Bug fix:: Move on if cooler is colder than set point temperature at session Startup
Bug fix: Resolve date/time error with It(Italy) region setting
Bug fix: Prevent error with short exposures and Insert WCS and/or Data Assessment
5.03.8 March 22, 2012
Change: Target star focusing behavior change. See here
Change: Wait for clouds to clear active only during light frame acquisition. See here
Change: If cloudy during meridian flip, wait for clouds to clear (if checked) before doing precision slew.
Change: Improved flat acquisition efficiency.
Change: Exp. time increment decreased to 0.1 sec. for planetary imaging.
Bug fix: "no row at position 1 error" resolved
Bug fix: Unable to set target start time earlier than the end time of an inactive target.
Bug fix: Negative ADU report during flat acquisition
Bug fix: Correct guiding when using Maxim/Telescope
5.03.7 March 14, 2012
Add Feature: Hide inactive targets. See here
Add Feature: Specify a target star for focusing. See here
Change: Cooler no longer turned on when CCDAutoPilot links to Maxim.
Change: Dither/Guiding time factored into time estimates.
Change: Focuser not needed for G2V measurements.
Bug fix: Target ADU for sky flats not being met in some cases.
Bug fix: Rotator adjustment after precision slew not being made in some cases.
Bug fix: Italian/Swiss culture target add error corrected.
Bug fix: Corrected occasional error in G2V measurement wizard
5.03.6 February 21, 2012
Add Feature: Post Flip Delay added. See here
Change: Focus Offset Wizard enhanced. See here
Change: Linearity Wizard enhanced and user-specified tolerance added. See here
Bug fix: Use Autodark state for plate solving was being ignored.
Bug fix: Eliminate "Command in Progress" error from TheSkyX
Bug fix: Wrong series info being displayed for updated target after update.
Bug fix: Inactive targets were being hidden during a sort.
5.03.5 January 6, 2012
Bug fix: Prevent error when adding a new target via the Get button
5.03.4 January 4, 2012
Add Feature: Target list can now be sorted in addition to drag/drop. See here
Add Feature: The light exposure mid-point is now shown to aid in meridian crossing planning. See here
Change: Default failed folder is now a sub-folder under the target name's folder
Change: Duplicate FOVI check is more robust.
Change: All comboboxes are read only to prevent problems with user-entered data
Change: TAKometer target rotation angle now displays properly in status line
Change: Prevent program error if a clipboard manager is used
Change: Park while waiting/tracking off while waiting are operational at the very start of a session.
Bug fix: Session window splitter bar position is now properly remembered.
Bug fix: Eliminate occasional delay in getting Session Events when changing to Run page.
Bug fix: Keep rotator target position in acceptable range.
5.03.3 November 27, 2011
Add Feature: New wizard to measure camera linearity
Change: Improved light series editing responsiveness
Change: Stay on the target being edited when updating
Bug fix: Correct target add errors that sometimes occur
5.03.2 November 13, 2011
Add Feature: Sky Quality Meter info is now entered into the ccdautopilot log. See Software.
Change: The Target name, when available, is appended to the default light frame folder name. See File Settings.
Change: The maximum flat frame exposure time is increased to 999 sec.
Change: Run app folders can be cleared by hitting cancel after navigating to the existing file.
Bug fix: Unable to navigate to mount slew program.
5.03.1 November 11, 2011
Bug fix: Prevent error if last character after '%' is deleted in file name template
Bug fix: Prevent series becoming unchecked when editing
Bug fix: Modify dome park logic to prevent error.
Add Feature: Dome homing to move shutter is now optional. See Control Settings
Add Feature: Can set Maxim readout modes for bias and dark frames independently. See Camera Options
Add Feature: Run an application after slewing to a target and crossing the meridian. See Control Settings
5.03.0 October 25, 2011
Bug fix: SkyStar chosen focus star will not exceed Max. E and/or Max. W mount altitude limits
Bug fix: SplitterDistance program error fixed.
Change: Focus before Target Run Start will slew to vicinity of target before focusing.
Change: Precision slew will occur even if Focus before Target Run Start and focus at series start are both checked.
Change: Default PinPoint expansion set to 0.3
5.02.9 October 12, 2011
Bug fix: Telescope(PulseGuide) in Maxim
Bug fix: Spurious Dec. Format error message
Add: CCDAutoPilot5 credit graphic.
Change: The filter name learning from the camera control program is terminated by either the default filter name, e.g. filter6, or a blank name.
5.02.8 September 27, 2011
Bug fix: Log not being written.
Bug fix: Stop guider if running to allow guide star detection
5.02.7 September 25, 2011
Add Feature: Detect Too Light condition from Cloud Sensor II. See description.
Change: Add workaround for CCDSoft AO detection bug. See description.
Bug fix: Corrected pause for cloudy condition abort processing.
Bug fix: Initial focus before target run was inserting an offset relative to the first filter in error after focusing.
5.02.6 September 21, 2011
Bug fix: Compliation error prevented auto guide star exposure from working with Maxim.
5.20.5 September 20, 2011
Add Feature: Bias level for flats now done automatically for cameras with and without shutters.
Change: Initialization warning moved from a separate dialog box to the Warnings section of the Run page.
Bug fix: Guide star not being detected at series start when self-guided
Bug fix: Correct flat acquisition when using custom light source
Bug fix: Valid target sometimes incorrectly skipped due to altitude.
Bug fix: Manual data assessment sometimes incorrectly flagged frames as failed.
5.20.4 September 17, 2011
Bug fix: Excessive CPU usage
5.02.3 September 16, 2011
Change: Test CCDNavigator input format. Warn if incorrect
Change: Enable Darks Now without a telescope connection being required
Add Feature: Guide star detection now happens only when necessary with off-axis guided and guide scope operation.
Change: Add ReverseY option for meridian flip with guide scopes.
Change: Improved focuser temperature detection code.
Change: Added temperature readout for Maxim focusing if supported in Maxim.
Change: Do not repeat Focuser temperature warning if temperature not available.
Change: Prevent a blank entry for Guider or Imager plate scale.
Change: Prevent RA/Dec format error when using ASCOM (only) for telescope control.
Change: Add warning of dome activity planned but no dome linked.
Change: Skip targets that haven't risen at target start time.
Bug fix: Weather abort fixed, improved. Details
Bug fix: AO recentering on every exposure fixed
Bug fix: Realign to target is now scheduled properly
Bug fix: Last target in list is now exported correctly
Bug Fix: Last target time gap not being closed when selecting Reset Time Gap between Active Targets.
Bug fix: Next Focus Time is now properly initialized.
Bug fix: Correct starting exposure for Custom Flat Light Source.
Bug fix: Dome is unlinked when weather abort is triggered.
Bug fix: Control file throwing error incorrectly.
Bug fix: Allow comets to be added, e.g. C/2009P1
Bug fix: Prevent auto star select for G2V when not using TheSky
Bug fix: Prevent error if PC clock changes massively during a session.
5.02.2 June 23, 2011
Add Feature: Hot Pixel Filter
Add Feature: Dome control support for TheSkyX (X2). Requires TheSkyX Professional Build 4568 or later.
Change: Support ASCOM Dome Park
Change: DDWCP improved. Now waits for dome to stop slewing before proceeding.
Change: Set CCDSoft guider series to 1 on connect
Change: Prevent AO centering if no AO connected
Bug fix: Permit sync option on return precision slew when Focus Program Picks Star focusing method is used.
Bug fix: Eliminate "SplitterDistance" program error.
5.02.1 June 11, 2011
Bug fix: Close time gap for active targets fixed
Bug fix: Eliminate spurious "wait for astronomical dawn" for dusk flats
Bug fix: Correct dark session time when bias frames selected
5.02.0 June 8, 2011
Change: Always show next focus time in session window
Change: Performance improvement in large target databases
Change: Prevent invalid coordinate data from being entered
Bug fix: Correct session time estimates.
Bug fix: Correct ephemerides dates
Bug fix: Prevent error when no astronomical twilight
Bug fix: Prevent update error on Session page
5.01.9 June 2, 2011
Add Feature: Added ability to move rotator to a specific location at the end of a session.
Change: Add target coordinate format checking/warning. Improved help topic.
Change: Add warning if too few stars in a plate solve
Change: Add automadome support for TheSkyX
Bug fix: Correct AO initialization error (Maxim)
Bug fix: Remove spurious dusk warning message
5.01.8 May 19, 2011
Bug fix: Update sun ephemerides as needed for session planning and warnings
Bug fix: Reflect @Focus2 requirement in startup message for filter offset wizard
Bug fix: 3x3 binning not showing up as a plate solve alternative in some cases.
Bug fix: ASCOM telescope coordinates not being properly reported for Initialization
Change: CCDSoft Series count is reset to 1 upon Link to Software.
5.01.7 May 11, 2011
Bug fix: Double-clicking on an empty target list
Bug fix: End of session UPDATE error
Bug fix: Ensure proper meridian flip/abort label in session window
5.01.6 May 8, 2011
Change: Add target loop count index to file name template and show on session window if greater than 1
Change: Add workaround for Maxim versions < 5.08, which caused Program Error when initializing
Bug fix: Error when loading a profile with readout mode other than 0 selected.
5.01.5 May 6, 2011
Bug fix: Properly handle negative TAKometer values
5.01.4 May 5, 2011
Bug fix: Correct TAKometer fault
Change: Enhanced some warnings messages
Change: Unhandled exception reporting and display
5.01.3 May 4, 2011
Bug fix: Prevent error at end of session with single target
5.01.2 May 4, 2011
Change: Minimum TCC application is 1.5.23
Change: Accommodate both CCDAP4 and CCDAP5 control files
Change: Add guide method to session review
Change: Add focuser slip warning in Focus Offset Wizard Measurement topic.
change: Increase decimal places for focus exposure and calibration magnitude
Bug fix: Rotator direction test no works properly at all angles
Bug fix: Prevent error with one-shot color cameras
Bug fix: Correct data assessment when using plate solving
Bug fix: Filter offset measurement now works with @Focus2
5.01.1 April 24, 2011
Change: Support higher dpi display settings
Change: Stability improvements
Bug fix: Add serial number to file name when Description field is used.
5.01.0 April 14, 2011
Bug fix: Prevent error when leaving Focusing page
Change: Improve Precision Slew accuracy with TheSkyX
5.00.9 April 13, 2011
Bug fix: Prevent error at end of series for some regions
Bug fix: Prevent error when running a session with no targets selected
5.00.8 April 11, 2011
Change: Increased resolution of min. and max. guide exposure and max guide error.
Bug fix: Temperature compensation not working properly
Bug fix: Prevent negative goals achieved.
5.00.7 April 8, 2011
Bug fix: eliminate "moon error"
Bug fix: do not assess data when only Insert WCS is enabled.
Change: Add warning when exposure time is too short for either data assessment or WCS insertion.
Change: Eliminated native Optec driver code. You may have to reselect your rotator on the Setup page.
5.00.6 April 7, 2011
Bug fix: correct date error at startup for some regions
Bug fix: prevent dither wander with over 24 exposures per target
5.00.5 April 6, 2011
Bug fix: Target start time being changed in error under some circumstances.
Change: Use ASCOM driver for Optec rotators, available here.
5.00.4 April 5, 2011
Bug fix: TheSky6/X loading with non-us regions
Bug fix: Maxim camera drivers with 0 readout modes
Bug fix: Exception with over 48 exposures on the same target
Bug fix: Data assessment achievement count
Bug fix: Staircase rename caused a problem.
Bug fix: Some minor log details
5.00.3 April 3, 2011
Bug fix: Version check to work with comma as decimal separator
Bug fix: CCDNavigator import
Enhancement: "Stairstep" changed to "Staircase" for consistency with CCDNavigator. This will be reflected in the default templates only if a new default database is selected. See New Database
5.00.2 April 2, 2011
Bug fix: unable to update
5.00.1 April 1, 2011
Bug fix: CCDAP terminates if Initialize selected without a filter wheel.
5.00.0 April 1, 2011
Initial Release