SSPDataq for SharpCap and Python

Science Photoelectric Photometry
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At the PEP Talk we introduced my prototype development of an SSPDataq application for SharpCap and Python.

I have published a first release in GitHub. Full instructions for download are here.

Currently it is a proof of concept to show that SharpCap or IronPython can connect to the SSP, collect data and create a RAW file, so replicates the most basic data collection functions of SSPDataq.

It runs in SharpCap Pro (v4.1 or later) or can be run standalone using IronPython from a desktop shortcut (free download, full instructions provided).

With it being in the GitHub repository others can easily contribute to the development. Using VisualStudio Code with the AI assistant to analyse the LibertyBasic code makes it very easy to understand how the previous version worked and to redevelop existing functions or add new functionality.

I will likely keep developing this for my own use. If it is useful for the group or if Tom decides that this is a better option than keeping maintaining the code in LibertyBasic then we could continue to develop it as a group.

My immediate plans for development are:

  1. Add the list of stars to get the names and coords of the var, comp, check stars
  2. Set up GOTO buttons for SharpCap to go to the selected var, comp check stars
  3. Build in the first order extinction so the user can select the next star and GOTO in sharpcap.

The sky is the limit for development. Python can do any processing or calculation required, including astronomical calculations and image analysis. SharpCap enables full control of cameras, mount and equipment using ASCOM and native drivers. So it should be able to control any mount.

Please try it if you want to and send me feedback and suggestions. I will post here for the next release.

Michael

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I have added the PEP star catalog plus GOTO functionality in this next release.

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I have added filter setup and filter slider automation to this release.

I can’t test the slide automation as I only have a manual slider. If someone would please test it for me that would be great. If there are problems there is extensive logging to help me fix it.

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Another day, another release.

I have added target selection for Hardie First Order Extinction. Includes observer location setting using Google Maps and elevation lookup.

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Another release. Bug fixes, first order extinction analysis and field test.

I have used it for two nights, and have thoroughly tested it for data acquisition. Target star and Foe Hardie star selection works including mount GOTO . Foe analysis works but needs some more checks.

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Just giving this topic a nudge so new people are aware of it.

The SharpCap-SSP addin does data collection with the PEP photometers and provides full GOTO and plate solving integration for a more efficient workflow. It can control any mount that can connect to SharpCap, and you can use a guide camera to GOTO/Platesolve and label stars for easier target finding.

Even if you don’t have a PEP with serial computer interface the GOTO/Platesolve can still be used to make finding the target stars much easier as the original SSPDataqe software can only connect to a limited range of mounts.

It includes:

  1. Data collection same as original SSPDataq3 software
  2. Mount control using GOTO/platesolve
  3. Variable star catalog selection for GOTO
  4. First order extinction catalog selection and analysis

I’ll be doing a new release in the next couple of days which will add:

  1. Automatic binning option so aperture masks are not needed for Rigel, Antares etc.
  2. Extra output file in tab delimited format so can copy/paste into Excel analysis spreadsheet easily
  3. Build instructions for Arduino UNO interface for SSP5 photometers that don’t have a serial port.
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Looking forward to trying this as I already use SharpCap for polar alignment and plate solving. Thanks Michael.

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I hope to get time to try this! Thanks for the nudge!

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Latest release of SharpCap-SSP. Download and install from here Release SharpCap-SSP v0.1.5 - Binning, .tab Export, Arduino SSPCARD, Docking & Bug Fixes · labstercam/pep-ssp-tools · GitHub .

Why use SharpCap-SSP? The main advantage is integration with SharpCap for GOTO and mount control so you can use goto/plate solve to find targets and FOE stars directly from the acquisition program. No more manual catalog lookups or star charts required. The original program can only connect to a limited range of older mounts. SharpCap-SSP will connect to any mount that you can connect SharpCap to.

The other advantage is we can easily program any features or improvements we like, quickly. So if you want anything added just ask.

If you prefer to keep using the old SSPDataq3 program you can use SharpCap-SSP alongside to select and GOTO targets.

This has some improvements including binning for bright stars so no mask is needed, and a .tab export for easier processing.

For the expert tinkerers, there are instructions for building an Arduino interface to replace the SSPCARD PC interface card so older models which have the round connector and not a PC serial port can be used. For expert tinkerers only. Currently data acquisition is working, slider movement using Arduino stepper motor drivers is still being developed.

Please reports any bugs, issues or suggestion here, or DM me or send a message through GitHub.