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MallinCam SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual

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SKYRAIDER DS432 TEC
[Version 4.0]
Michael Burns
Rock Mallin
[
SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual
This document will quickly introduce you to the wonders of the MallinCam SkyRaider
DS432 TEC Camera. It will include instructions on how to install the Software and
Drivers and how connect the SkyRaider to your computer along with explanations of
the camera's major settings. The document will also provide links to YouTube videos
on how to use the controls of the camera. The purpose of this guide is to quickly get
you up and running with the SkyRaider Camera so that you can experience the
wonders of video imaging.
SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual
Revision Sheet
]
Page i

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Summary of Contents for MallinCam SkyRaider DS432 TEC

  • Page 1 Rock Mallin SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual This document will quickly introduce you to the wonders of the MallinCam SkyRaider DS432 TEC Camera. It will include instructions on how to install the Software and Drivers and how connect the SkyRaider to your computer along with explanations of the camera’s major settings.

  • Page 2: Revision History

    All you need to do is Left-Click on the icon attached to the command you are interested in. The icon will have the following shape: The YouTube video will be accessed via your current browser, and you will be able to view the video. SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual Page ii...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Table of Contents Contents Revision History ........................... ii Table of Contents ........................1 Introduction ......................... 6 The Contents of the DS432 TEC Package ..............7 Specifications: ............................7 System Requirements: ........................... 8 In the Box...............................
  • Page 4 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Delete ............................... 48 Image Select ............................. 48 Select All ............................48 Select None ............................48 View ..............................49 Browse.............................. 49 Thumbnail ............................50 Sidebar.............................. 50 Histogram ............................51 Grids ..............................51 Best Fit ............................. 55 Actual Size ............................
  • Page 5 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 MallincamSky Toolbar ......................86 Open ..............................86 Save ..............................87 Browse ..............................88 Thumbnail ............................89 Target ..............................89 Image Type ............................89 Auto Capture ............................89 Batch Record ............................90 Pause Video Capture ..........................90 Open Video Folder ..........................
  • Page 6 AstroLive USB and the SkyRaider DS432CTEC ..............147 Start AstroLive ........................... 147 Click on the ASCOM Camera Driver ....................147 From the Pull-Down list select ASCOM Mallincam Driver .............. 148 Click on the Properties Box ....................... 148 Sequence Generator Pro and SkyRaider DS432CTEC ............150 Start Sequence Generator Pro ......................
  • Page 7 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 How do I Turn Off Dark Field correction? ..................156 How Do I take Another Dark Field? ....................156 My ROI Window is Black? ........................ 156 Upgrading my SkyRaider Camera Software ............... 157 Uninstall SkyRaider Software ......................

  • Page 8: Introduction

    September 18, 2019 Introduction The New MallinCam SkyRaider DS432 is here at last. A video / imager with sensitivity high QE never seen before from anyone in the industry. Equipped with the new Sony Industrial IMX432 high performance CMOS sensor, sensitivity has now been made possible to match and surpass CCD sensors on the market today.

  • Page 9: The Contents Of The Ds432 Tec Package

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 The Contents of the DS432 TEC Package Specifications: • PC Win XP, Win7, Win 8, Win 10. Mac. • Convection Cooling • Refrigeration Chamber • Vacuumed Sealed Chamber • Linear Cooling •...

  • Page 10: System Requirements

    200MB Free HDD • In the Box The SkyRaider DS432 TEC Plus includes the following standard equipment: ➢ MALLINCAM SkyRaider-DS432 TEC Camera ➢ High Precision T-mount to 2” mount Eyepiece Adapter ➢ 5-metre (15 ft) USB 3.0 high speed cable.

  • Page 11: Installing Driver And Software

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Installing Driver and Software System Requirements PC running either Windows ® (32-bit & 64-bit) XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, Mac, Linux Performance is not guaranteed if the following specification cannot be reached.
  • Page 12 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 If the option was for the individual driver downloads, then jump to Step 5b, else if you downloaded the zip file then do Step 3. Place your mouse on the zipped file, Right-Click to pop-up an Action Window, Step 3 and choose Extract All …...
  • Page 13 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Click on Next to start the installation process. Step 6 The installation program now wants to know where you would like to install the software. Either choose your own location or select the default.
  • Page 14 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Click on Finish, and the MallincamSky will start and will appear on your screen. Step 9 Optionally (see Installing the ASCOM Driver for more in-depth details), Double- Step Click on ASCOM DRIVER folder, then Double-Click on the ASCOMMallincamSetup program and follow the instructions to install the ASCOM driver.

  • Page 15: Connecting The Skyraider

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Connecting the SkyRaider Connecting the SkyRaider-DS432TEC to your Computer Un-screw the plastic dust cover from the front of the SkyRaider-DS432TEC camera (place it back in the box for safe keeping). Screw in the T2 -2” eyepiece adapter ( M 42 x 0.75 mm)
  • Page 16 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Connect 12V power plug to AC source and attach the 12V power cable to the camera. Attach the 5 metre USB 3.0 Cable from the back of the SkyRaider DS432TEC to a free USB 3.0 (or USB 2.0) port on your computer.
  • Page 17 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Start the MallincamSky software program by double left-clicking on its icon that would have been placed on your desktop. You can determine if MallincamSky recognizes the camera (and thus the drivers) Hint by noticing the SkyRaiderDS432CTEC name in the Camera List Tab (see Chapter 3 for detailed instructions).

  • Page 18: Using The Usb 2.0 Ports On The Skyraider-Ds432Tec

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Using the USB 2.0 Ports on the SkyRaider-DS432TEC The USB 2.0 HUB on the SkyRaider-DS432TEC can be used to connect with various accessories, such as a guide camera, filter wheel, or electronic focuser. This will allow you better management of your cables.

  • Page 19: Using Mallincamsky Software

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Using MallincamSky Software The MallincamSky Window ① ② ④ ⑤ ③ The MallincamSky Software Window is segmented into a few regions to make viewing and adjusting the SkyRaider camera easy and intuitive.

  • Page 20: Quick Work-Flow Procedures

    Imaging Workflow, and finally a more detailed section on Workflow on Imaging Deep Sky Objects. The Mallincam SkyRaider DS432 TEC Cameras provide a processing technique called Dark Field and Flat Field Corrections (see Sections below on both Dark Field and Flat Field Explanations).
  • Page 21 Either enter in the time into the appropriate boxes or use the up and down arrows beside the chosen Exposure time unit to set your maximum time. To start the SkyRaider DS432 TEC taking continuous exposures in Trigger Mode, Left-Click on the Loop button.
  • Page 22 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 As the Dark Fields are being exposed, you can watch the exposure counter in the Dark Field Correction Tab go up, and on the bottom of the MallincamSky window, you will see a counter letting you know the exposure progress.
  • Page 23 Step 9 You can now spend some time to become more comfortable with the MallincamSky Software. The SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual will go into more detail about all of the options and adjustments you can perform with the SkyRaider series of cameras. But, don’t be afraid to experiment.

  • Page 24: Detailed Workflow Of Video Imaging Planetary Objects

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Detailed Workflow of Video Imaging Planetary Objects The following instructions will guide you in setting up your SkyRaider camera for imaging Solar, Lunar, or Planetary Objects. For planetary objects, the exposure setting will be very small (as the objects themselves are usually very bright).
  • Page 25 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 If needed, activate the TEC from the Cooling tab to cool Step 3 Do you have your camera (set about 30 below ambient temperature). AC adapter plugged into the Camera? Have your telescope pointed to the Planetary Object of Interest, and it is...
  • Page 26 Left. ➢ Click in the Video Mode Selector to choose Video Mode. ➢ Make sure that the Auto Exposure CheckBox is unchecked. The SkyRaider DS432 TEC has two exposure modes: • Video Mode • Trigger Mode Since we are imaging planetary objects, our exposure should not exceed 5 seconds.
  • Page 27 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 So, let’s get started: ➢ Set your exposure to a small value, say 10ms as a starting point (we are using a small time, but the actual exposure amount depends upon the f/ratio, size of telescope, filters, seeing conditions, ...).
  • Page 28 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Read the appropriate sections in the User Manual (it is great reading, if I do say Hint so myself) to obtain more information what each particular setting does in the White Balance and Color Adjustment Tabs in MallincamSky. There is no precise value for every user, as we all use different equipment.
  • Page 29 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 To finely adjust the image characteristics, open up the Histogram Tab, and either Step 10 enter in the Left and Right values, or Left Click, Hold and Drag the two Vertical Bars so that you are not clipping data, on either side of the window. These adjustments will help improve the image on the screen.
  • Page 30 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Try different values of sharpen to see what details you can pull out of your Hint planetary image. If you are imaging the Sun in the daytime, then select Options from the Top Menu Line, then choose Preferences.

  • Page 31: Detailed Workflow Of Video Imaging Deep Sky Objects

    September 18, 2019 Detailed Workflow of Video Imaging Deep Sky Objects The following instruction will guide you in setting up your SkyRaider DS432 TEC camera for imaging Deep Sky Objects (DSO). For Deep Sky Objects, the exposure setting will be very large (as the objects themselves are usually very dim).
  • Page 32 From the Capture and Resolution Tab on the MallincamSky ToolBar, select the Step 4 Largest resolution values that your SkyRaider is capable of. The SkyRaider DS432 TEC currently has only one resolution: 1600 x 1100 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual Page 30...
  • Page 33 Either place the Lens cap over your Telescope or place the dust cover cap over Step 6 your SkyRaider DS432 TEC camera to block any light from hitting the sensor of the camera. Open the Dark Field Correction Tab on the Left SideBar of MallincamSky. You will...
  • Page 34 Exposure time unit to set your maximum time. For us, set the seconds (s) time unit to 30 for 30 seconds. To start the SkyRaider DS432 TEC taking continuous exposures, Left-Click on the Loop button.
  • Page 35 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 You can also import previously saved Dark Fields by using the Import Button. When you are ready to apply the Dark Fields to your images (in real time), simply check the Enable box in the Dark Field Tab.
  • Page 36 If you are satisfied with the single image, then Click on the Loop Button to ➢ have the SkyRaider DS432 TEC continuously take images (at 30 seconds in our example. SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual...
  • Page 37 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Since we have chosen 30 seconds, MallincamSky will continuously display the exposure time and the current amount of time captured in the exposure info box located on the Bottom of the MallincamSky Window (MallincamSky does this automatically for any exposure over 3 seconds).
  • Page 38 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Next, we want to fine tune our image to perfection (at least that is what you will tell yourself), but this is a great time to get familiar with some of the adjustment options available in MallincamSky.
  • Page 39 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 You cannot adjust Exposure or Gain, when the SkyRaider is in loop mode. You will need to stop the looping, adjust the exposure or gain, then restart the looping. You can adjust the Gamma, Brightness, Contrast, … in real time, but it will not appear on the Video Window until the SkyRaider has done its next refresh (which depends upon the current exposure time).

  • Page 40: The Skyraider Software Controls

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 The SkyRaider Software Controls This Chapter of the User Manual will describe in exact detail what each control on both the Top Line Menu and the Icon Toolbar does. This Chapter is best read on a rainy day or can be used to jump to the specific section that describes how to use a particular control.

  • Page 41: Open Image

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Open Image The Open Image command is used to open an existing image file. This command can also be used to preview an image in small size, or to view its statistics and information without actually opening the image itself.

  • Page 42: Open Video

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Open Video Use the Open Video Command to open an existing video on your computer. The Open Video command is only enabled when no SkyRaider Camera is activated when MallincamSky is running. Only a single video can be opened at a time.

  • Page 43: Save

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Save The Save command allows you to save a snapshot of the image (not live Video) onto your computer. The command opens up a folder box for you to choose a name, location, and format for the image.
  • Page 44 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 JPEG Image quality If you save an image in JPEG format (*.jpg), you may adjust image quality in the edit box. The values range from 0 to 100. Default value is 75.
  • Page 45 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 TIFF Appended Pages Determine whether the current image will be saved in multiple pages’ style or not. Compression Specifies a method for compressing the composite image data. For saving a 32-bit TIFF file, one can specify that the file be saved with predictor compression.

  • Page 46: Batch Save

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Compression Choose Lossless or JPG (Lossy) Image Quality If choosing Compressions as "JPEG", the Image quality can be adjusted by the slider bar. The values range between 0 and 100. The Default value is 75.

  • Page 47: Paste As New File

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Directory: Enter the name of the drive and directory where your captured images will be saved. You may either type the path information or use the Browse button to locate it from a standard Browse Folder dialog.

  • Page 48: Recent Files

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 This is useful for bringing in a previously saved image (that you have selected via the operating systems copy command) into the MallincamSky Image Window. You can modify the image properties via the Image Menu choice (see Image section in user Manual).

  • Page 49: Exit

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Exit Choosing the File>Exit command will close the video window along with all of the image and browse windows. After all the windows are closed, MallincamSky will end itself. If an image has been modified before attempting to Exit, MallincamSky will issue a warning to ask if user wants to save the images or not.

  • Page 50: Paste

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 The next 3 commands are used with files and folders only and when you have the Folders Tab selected from the Left Windows tab. Paste This control allows you to place a Copied File (you have previously selected the File and then used Edit>Copy) into your currently selected folder.

  • Page 51: View

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 View This Drop-Down Menu will allow you to Browse folders, Display or Remove Tabs from the Sidebar, Activate Grids or Reticles on the Video Window, Change the Video Window Size to match your computer real-estate, and Allow you to move the image around in your Video Window.

  • Page 52: Thumbnail

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 You can close the Browse Tab in the Video Window by Right-Clicking on the Hint Tab’s Title (Browse), then choosing Close. The Folder you chose to browse to will become the default folder when you Save a snapshot.

  • Page 53: Histogram

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Histogram Selecting the Histogram Control splits the image screen with your live image on the top half and a live Histogram on the bottom half. You have an option to view the Histogram data as linear or logarithmic. Clicking on the Histogram Control again, closed the Histogram window.
  • Page 54 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Auto Grids Auto Grids can be set in the View>Grids>Settings control. This command will pop-up the Preferences Window. Left-Click on the Grids option on the left of the Preferences Window and adjust the Style (No Grid, Auto Grid, and Manual Grid), Line Style (Solid, Dash, Dot, or Dash-Dot), and Color that you are interested in.
  • Page 55 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Left-Click on the Apply button to display the Grid, then Left-Click on OK to accept. Manual Grids Choosing this control will display two small Right Arrow and Down Arrows overlaid on the top of the Vertical Ruler and on the left of the Horizontal Ruler as shown...
  • Page 56 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 No Grids The No Grids control can be used to temporarily remove the grid overlay from the video/Image. If you re-select Manual Grids, your previous designed Grid Lines will re-appear. Divide This command will draw grids on the image window with each grid being a specific distance away from the next.

  • Page 57: Best Fit

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Best Fit Select the control View>Best Fit to automatically resize the image/video to fit inside the Video Window Tab. Actual Size Select the control View>Actual Size to reset the Zoom to 100% (Actual Size will be disabled if the View is already set to 100%) and place the image/video inside the Video Window Tab.

  • Page 58: Reticles

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Reticles MallincamSky provides three Reticles (or crosshairs) styles to aid in aligning your telescope to a star (or another stellar object). You can change the color of the Reticle via the Option>Preferences control in the Top Menu Line.

  • Page 59: Icons

    Video Window from here. ST4 Test… The SkyRaider DS432 TEC series of cameras do not have a ST4 port, so it cannot be used to Auto Guide, using ST4, your telescope mount using these commands. But, since it has a the DS432 TEC has an ASCOM driver, PHD2 can use this camera as a guide camera using pulse guiding.

  • Page 60: Capture

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Capture This Top Menu Line command allows you a more in-depth capture routine of either a still image or a video stream. Capture Image During the video preview, you can always choose the Capture>Image Capture command to capture the video image.

  • Page 61: Batch Record

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 To start the capturing process, just Click on this Tab or press the F9 Function key. Note: The Start Record name will change to Stop Capture, so Click on it to stop the process.
  • Page 62 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 In the Batch Record Tab in Options->Preferences…, chose the number of Videos to be recorded, plus the Time Interval between each Video (as you have set the duration of each video in the Record Tab).

  • Page 63: Image

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Image The Image menu will allow you to adjust the properties or any captured image in an active Image Tab in MallincamSky video/image window. This is quite a powerful set of commands and can tweak your snapshots for amazing results.

  • Page 64: Adjust

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Adjust The Adjust menu will allow you to adjust the Brightness and Contrast of the image. You will be able to modify the RGB Color balance, as well as the High Lights, MidTones and Shadows values.
  • Page 65 RGB images use three channels to reproduce up to 16.7 million colors on-screen. In addition to being the default mode for new Mallincam images, the RGB mode is used by computer monitors to display colors. This means that when working in color modes other than RGB, such as CMYK, MallincamSky uses RGB mode for display on-screen.
  • Page 66 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 The CMYK mode is based on the light-absorbing quality of ink CMYK printed on papers. As white light strikes translucent inks, certain visible wavelengths are absorbed while others are reflected back to the eyes.
  • Page 67 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 The values beside the slider bar show the color changes in various color channels. • The RGB channel values can range from -100 to +100. The Default values are 0. • The CMYK channel values, they can range from -100 to +100. The Default values are 0.
  • Page 68 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Filter Color… Select the Image>Adjust>Filter Color command to filter out a special color channel from a color image. Check either Red, Green, or Blue color to filter. For Example, if Red color is checked, then only information about the Red channel will be discarded.

  • Page 69: Rotate

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Detail Enhance This filter works by identifying sharp edge boundaries in the image, such as the edge between a subject and a background of a contrasting color and increasing the image contrast in the area immediately around the edge.

  • Page 70: Crop

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 This control also allows you to flip your image Horizontally or Vertically. Flip Horizontal reverses the image in the application area so that the top right corner of the original image is now the top left, and the top left corner of the original image is now the top right corner.

  • Page 71: Scale

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Scale… Select the Image>Scale••• command to change the image to a specified size. This process actually changes spatial resolution by adding (replicating) or removing (decimating) pixels to achieve the specified dimensions. Width and Height: When choosing the Image Scale command;...

  • Page 72: Histogram

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Histogram A Histogram illustrates how pixels in an image are distributed by graphing the number of pixels at each color intensity level. The Histogram shows detail in the shadows (shown in the...
  • Page 73 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Do one of the following: ➢ To view information about a specific pixel value, place the mouse pointer in the Histogram. ➢ To view information about a range of values, click down the Left-Click hold and Drag the mouse into the Histogram to highlight the range.

  • Page 74: Process

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Process MallincamSky provides some very advance image processing tools. You can apply these tools to your image to tweak the final output. It would take a novel to explain each of these standard graphical enhancement tools. So, I will leave it up to you to Google Search the enhancement type to see if it is something you could use.
  • Page 75 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 You can modify the color effectiveness range with the Range control to color sharpen your image. You can modify the image the pixel/no pixel count with the Binary control SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual...
  • Page 76 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 You can examine the image as a 3-D color contour map with the 3-D setup control You can apply the Pseudo Color application tools to turn a Black and White image into color tones.

  • Page 77: Image Stacking

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Image Stacking Image Stacking control will allow you to select a saved video file, then it will do an elementary stacking process on the file. In the Image Stacking process, MallincamSky takes the first frame as the...
  • Page 78 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 MallincamSky will Open an Image Stacking Progress Bar to inform you of the process. Once completed, the stacked image will appear in the Video/Image window. You can now apply other processing techniques to this image which has a large signal to noise ratio.

  • Page 79: Options

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Options The Options>Preferences… Menu provides 9 Tabs, they are: Record, Batch Record, Auto Capture, File, Target, Grids, Video, Metadata and Misc. Record The Options/Preference/Record tab will allow you to set the default location, File Format, File Prefix, File Type, duration or Frame Limit for the Video recording of the current SkyRaider camera.

  • Page 80: Batch Record

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Limit: You can either choose to capture a specific number of seconds (from 0 seconds to 36,000 seconds) or a specific number of frames (from 1 frame to 1,000,000 frames). Just Check the box under limit and enter the required amount. If none is...

  • Page 81: Auto Capture

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Auto Capture The Options->Preferences…->Auto Capture tab will allow you to set the location, file format, type, interval and number of required still images for the Auto Capture (F7) function of MallincamSky. Directory:...
  • Page 82 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Capture Mode: You can either choose to Capture every frame or select a Time interval between each capture. Capture every frame: If Capture every frame is chosen, then MallincamSky will capture the number of images indicated by the Total Images count (do not leave unchecked).

  • Page 83: File

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 File One can check a File Extension for the specified file Format and its Abbr. (abbreviation), to determine whether it will be displayed in the Browse window or not (The checked Format can be displayed in the Browse window).

  • Page 84: Grids

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Grids The Grids Tab allows you to determine if you would like a Grid displayed, and if so, how should it be draw. Grids can also be used to define the color of the Reticle that can be drawn over the image.

  • Page 85: Metadata

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Metadata This control allows you to determine what Metadata is embedded inside the FITS and EXIF files when they are saved. File views that read FITS or EXIF images can then display details about how that image was taken, equipment and telescope used.

  • Page 86: Window

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Window The menu control will close all open windows (Tabs) and it can reset the lays back to its default settings. Close All Selecting the Closes All command will close all the picture windows opened or captured inside MallincamSky’s frame.

  • Page 87: Windows

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Windows… Choosing the Windows>Windows••• control will open a dialog box that lets you manage the currently opened windows. The dialog allows you to manage large lists of open windows by assigning them into groups.

  • Page 88: Mallincamsky Toolbar

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 MallincamSky Toolbar Open The Open Image command is used to open an existing image file. This command can also be used to preview an image in a preview size, or to view its statistics and information without actually opening the image itself.

  • Page 89: Save

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Save The Save Icon allows you to save an image (or a snapshot of the current video stream) onto your computer. The command immediately stores the current active video window image (or an active non-named...

  • Page 90: Browse

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Browse The Browse Icon from the MallincamSky Tool Bar is used to browse images under the specified directory in the Folders Sidebar. This command is identical to hitting the Folder’s Tab at the bottom of the screen.

  • Page 91: Thumbnail

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Thumbnail This icon creates an image window that contains snapshots of all your current image tabs. You need only click on that image to have it open the that image’s window. Target This icon allows you to give a name to the current Target that you are imaging.

  • Page 92: Batch Record

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Batch Record This icon activates the Batch Record routine in MallincamSky. You must have previously chosen the File location, File Type, /Number of required Videos, and the Time Interval between each captured video from the Options->Preferences…->...

  • Page 93: Track

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Track If the video/image's actual size is larger than the video/image Window, then this control will allow you to position the actual video/image within in the video/image Window. This control is activated automatically when necessary.

  • Page 94: Reticle

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Reticle MallincamSky provides four Reticles (or crosshairs) to aid in aligning your telescope to a star (or another stellar object). Left-Click on a Reticle Icon to activate it and Left-Click on it again to De-Activate.

  • Page 95: Stitch

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Stitch There are two ways to use the Stich control in Mallincam Sky. One is an automated approach, while the other allows you to manually stitch together snapshots. Automated Have the telescope and Mallincam Camera pointing to the area of the sky you are interested in stitching together.
  • Page 96 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Manual The purpose on this control is to stich (glue) together images to create a panoramic view (image) so plan ahead with this control. Determine if you are going to create a horizontal panoramic image, or a vertical panoramic image.

  • Page 97: Panorama Straighten

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 The image stitching direction can be Horizontal, Panorama Straighten: Vertical, or None (try this if not sure). For image pieces that have been taken from Projection Type: the same location, stitched images can be...
  • Page 98 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 ➢ Again, make some logical guesses with the numbers, and Left-Click on the Finish button when decisions have been made. MallincamSky will work thru the Snaps (and apply the choices you have made) and will place the final result in new image window for your viewing pleasure.
  • Page 99 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual Page 97...

  • Page 100: Preferences

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Preferences This icon opens up the preferences window. This icon is identical to the Main Tab line Options->Preferences… . See above in the Options Tab. Customize This control will allow you to customize what appears on the Icon Bar.

  • Page 101: Controlling The Skyraider

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Controlling the SkyRaider Once you have a connection to the SkyRaider Camera, your next task will be to adjust the controls that make it possible to improve the image the SkyRaider is capturing.

  • Page 102: Capture And Resolution

    Left-Click on the Drop-Down list on the Resolution: to see all the allowable resolutions available for your SkyRaider. The Skyraider DS432 TEC has only one resolution of 1600 x 1100. The Snap Shot resolution is automatically adjusted to match the Live Resolution and will use the Format is selected by you in the Format control.

  • Page 103: Record

    SkyRaider (you will now be able to see the image being recorded as the Record Button will activate the camera). When the Mallincam SkyRaider is recording, the Icon will change to a Red STOP Symbol. By Clicking on the Stop Icon, MallincamSky will terminate the Video recording process, but the video imaging is still active.

  • Page 104: Gain

    1 hour can be taken. Video Mode This control allows the SkyRaider DS432 TEC to have an exposure up to 5 seconds (5000ms), this mode is ideal for focusing the telescope and imaging the Sun, Moon, and planetary objects. You can have MallincamSky automatically choose the exposure by checking the Auto Exposure check box, or (recommended) you can set an exposure time yourself.
  • Page 105 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Exposure Target MallincamSky uses the image contained in the Green Rectangle to aid in determining the best method to match the Exposure target. To use Exposure Target, Auto Exposure must be checked. You can change the Exposure Target by Left-Click-Hold and Drag the marker bar to the required value.
  • Page 106 The SkyRaider DS432 TEC will use the following format to inform you of the current exposure condition: Time Used/Exposure Time If you have enabled the Dark Field Corrections for this session (Dark Fields are...

  • Page 107: Trigger Mode

    ➢ If you are satisfied with the single image, then Click on the Loop Button to have the SkyRaider DS432 TEC continuously take images at the entered exposure value (it will change its name to Stop, so you can again Click on the button to stop the Looping).
  • Page 108 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 To capture a sequence of images using the Mallincam SkyRaider DS432 TEC in Trigger Mode, there is are a series of command controls available for you. Options Clicking on the Options Button opens the Sequence Options Window.

  • Page 109: Bit Depth

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Bit Depth Pixel Bit Depth relates the number of bits assigned to produce a color (or shade of Gray). The larger the number of bits, the larger the number of assigned colors (or shades of Gray) that the camera can produce for Windows display.

  • Page 110: Color Adjustment

    Color Adjustment The Color Adjustment control will allow you to adjust: The Hue, Saturation, Brightness, Contrast, and the Gamma of the object that the SkyRaider DS432 TEC is exposing. All elements of this command are active in real-time in both Video and Trigger Mode.

  • Page 111: Brightness

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Brightness This command controls the Brightness of the Video image. Brightness makes the video image brighter or dimmer. This is a linear adjustment. You can either use the Left-Click-Hold and Drag technique to move the slider to the left or right, or just Left-Click on the Brightness’s slider (this selects it), then use...

  • Page 112: Frame Rate

    Rate can sometime resolve the problem. Color/Gray This control contains commands allow the SkyRaider DS432 TEC to display its displayed images in color (these colors can be adjusted using the commands seen above) or display the image in shades of grey. Some uses prefer the subtle contrast variations that a grey image provides, especially when imaging the Moon.

  • Page 113: Sampling

    The ROI command only works in real-time while the SkyRaider DS432 TEC is in Video Mode. To set ROI in Trigger Mode, the Looping must be stopped. Then ROI can be adjusted and then Applied, then restart Looping to see the adjusted region.
  • Page 114 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 When selected, a Blue Rectangle will appear over your Video Window. You can adjust it using the Left-Click-Hold and Drag technique or Left-Click-Hold and Drag to place it over a specific portion of your Video Window.

  • Page 115: Digital Binning

    September 18, 2019 Digital Binning This process allows you to increase the sensitivity of the Mallincam Camera by providing you the option of combining sensor cells together to increase the photon capture area. For example, a 2 x 2 binning will link 4 cells (in a 2 by 2 array) together so you have about 4 times the capture area than one cell.

  • Page 116: Number

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Number You now have the choice of the type of binning you would: None: : set to number to 1 Resolution: 1600 x 1110 2 x 2 binning: set the number to 2...

  • Page 117: Dark Field Subtraction In Digital Binning

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Dark Field subtraction in Digital Binning You must make Dark Fields with the same Digital Binning settings as you image, else weird looking effects will occur. We suggest saving a set of Darks for each of the binning modes.
  • Page 118 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 If you are looking at a color image, the Histogram will reflect the RGB (Red, Green and Blue channels histogram at the same time) values with shading of the same color. You can also use the Pull-Down to select the Histogram for just the Red, or just the Green, or just the Blue channel.

  • Page 119: Dark Field Correction

    Don’t forget Gain and Brightness also has a role as well. Dark Field Correction What makes the Mallincam SkyRaider series of cameras unique is the built-in ability to take Dark Fields. The best explanation of what a Dark Field is came from Simon Hanmer. See Appendix for his explanation.
  • Page 120 Either enter in the time into the appropriate boxes or use the up and down arrows beside the chosen Exposure time unit to set your maximum time. Start the SkyRaider DS432 TEC taking continuous exposures by Left-Clicking on the Loop button. Take Dark Field Correction...
  • Page 121 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 MallincamSky window, you will see a counter letting you know how long is left in that particular exposure. Once you have finished taking your Dark Fields, don’t forget to remove the lens...

  • Page 122: Flat Field Correction

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Flat Field Correction Introduction: When imaging using a CCD/CMOS device, and when trying to use those images for scientific purposes, it is essential to reduce the amount of unwanted signal and unwanted noise from each image frame. The optical path “noise” (some of which is actually signal), is such a problem that many astronomers had to suffer with.
  • Page 123 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 These images are ideally taken through the telescope: ➢ at the same temperature as your nightly images through the same filter/s as your nightly work. ➢ ➢ Do not change your imaging train (this include adding or subtracting filters, extenders, reducers, or even rotating the camera) after you have taken your flats.

  • Page 124: Black Level

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 To activate the Flat Field’s just Left-Click in the Enable Step 2 check box in the Flat Field Correction’s box to have Flat Fields applied in real time to your images. To image without using Flat Field’s, just uncheck the Enable checkbox.

  • Page 125: Live Stack

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Live Stack MallincamSky comes with the ability to stack images to improve the signal to noice ratio. This feature will allow you to stack short exposures to produce an image that otherwise would have required a larger exposure time. Thus, you will obtain a brighter image that contains less noise.
  • Page 126 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Left-Clicking on this command will open the Live Stack Window We will see that there at two types of stacking (Additive and Average). You will use Additive to increase the image brightness, and you will use Average to decrease the noise (becomes less grainy).
  • Page 127 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Now determine if you would like the Stacking process to Align the Frames. This Step 4 will produce a better Image but will take a bit longer. The process examines the image and determines alignment stars for the process. If there aren’t enough...

  • Page 128: Conversion Gain

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Conversion Gain A Higher Conversion Gain means higher sensitivity, as one signal electron can be more easily detected. The high-CG sensor shows a very clear responsivity advantage; however, the trade off is clearly seen in the much lower full-well capacity as the sensor’s linear range ends at a much lower exposure.

  • Page 129: Cooling

    The 12V power cable must be attached to the DS432 TEC for the FAN and TEC features to be available. The Mallincam SkyRaider DS432 TEC comes with both a Fan, that can aid in cooling the camera when conditions are getting warm, and a TEC (Thermoelectric Cooler).
  • Page 130 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Once activated, it will take a few minutes for the temperature inside the SkyRaider DS432CTEC to stabilize. The power capacity that the TEC inside the camera is currently using is displayed inside the TEC box.

  • Page 131: Sharpen

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Sharpen This control allows you to sharpen the image. Remember that being too aggressive will induce some rough edges around your images. Just use the slider to sharpen the image from none to 500% Misc Currently this control will allow you to display the image in its inverse.
  • Page 132 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Left-Click on the Save command and MallincamSky will open a window that will allow you to give a name to the current sessions, and then will save the current camera parameters under that name (see Management command below).
  • Page 133 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 This Dialog Window will allow you to: • Rename the Preset File name • Remove the Preset File from the computer • Re-order how the Parameter names appear in the list. The Management Dialog will also allow you to export all of the Parmeter Files to a *.pgt file, so that you can send...

  • Page 134: Installing Optional Software

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Installing Optional Software Visit the Software Downloads Page in the Support Tab located on the website: Step 1 www.mallincam.net Select the Blue Click Here Button to download the Drivers and MallincamSky Step 2 Software for a Windows PC.

  • Page 135: Installing Directshow Driver

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Double-Click on the folder to open it up, revealing the programs (or 1 program if Step 4 downloading just MallincamSky) it contains. The ASCOM DRIVER folders contains the ASCOM Drivers for the camera The DIRECTSHOW DRIVER folder contains the Direct Show Drivers for the camera The WINDOWS APPLICATION folder contains the camera control software.
  • Page 136 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Click on Install to start the installation process. Step 3 Click on Finish to close the process. Step 4 The DirectShow driver will give you the ability to display the SkyRaider video using other video display software.

  • Page 137: Installing Mallincam Ascom Driver

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Installing Mallincam ASCOM Driver You must have already installed the latest ASCOM Platform on your computer (www.ascom-standards.org). Double Click on the Driver to install it onto your computer system (Windows). Step 1 Depending upon the version of Windows, the following screen might appear.
  • Page 138 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Click in the ‘I accept the agreement’ Radial Button, then Click on Next. The Step 4 Ready to Install Window will appear. Click on Install to install the ASCOM Driver. Depending upon the version of Step 5 Windows, you may see the Following Pop-up.

  • Page 139: Appendix

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Appendix Keeping in mind that the SkyRaider DS432 TEC is a video imager rathe than a dedicated single shot camera, we can control the camera with other 3 party software products via the DirectShow driver or the ASCOM driver.
  • Page 140 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Once you have selected, the Mallincam Directshow Driver, SharpCap will display what the SkyRaider is imaging. The controls on the right of the screen (Exposure, Gain, Gamma, …) allow you to change the settings of the SkyRaider.

  • Page 141: Sharpcap Will Start The Imaging Process

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 The Pop-Up Window gives you some familiarity with settings as it provides you with more comfortable units (exposure time in ms). You can choose the Exposure Tab in the Filter window to slide the Tab to match the exposure time in ms (divide by 1000 to get seconds).

  • Page 142: Imaging In Maximdl

    Imaging in MaximDL MaximDL is an image acquisition and composition software tool. Start MaximDL Click on the Camera Control Icon Select Video DS from the Setup Camera button, and MALLINCAM as the Source. SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual Page 140...
  • Page 143 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 You will be presented with a live video window from the DS432CTEC, just minimize this window. Chose Expose and exposure time, Binning, etc… then Click on Start to take an image. Have fun and see what you can do.

  • Page 144: Astrotoaster And Mallincamsky

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 AstroToaster and MallincamSky AstroToaster is a freeware application for obtaining semi-live views of astronomical images using the SkyRaider camera. These instructions are just a quick guide to get you going, read the AstroToaster User Guide.
  • Page 145 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 The File List Monitoring Window manages the image files, sent by MallincamSky, used by AstroToaster. If the Monitor Button is activated, then any new files appearing in the monitoring folder will automatically appear in the FileList.
  • Page 146 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Click on Monitor on AstroToaster Tab line, so it will see and analyze the file images as they are added to the Monitoring Folder. Tell MallincamSky to Save images into the Monitoring Folder of AstroToaster.
  • Page 147 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 As MallincamSky sends the images to the Monitoring Folder, you will see them appear with Yellow squares besides their name Click on the Stack Tab on AstroToaster and Viewer Tab (if not activated) to activate the automatic Stack and watch the results appear in the Viewer in real time as each image is stacked.

  • Page 148: Adjust The Image In Astrotoaster

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 You will notice in the AstroToaster FileList, a file named stacked###.tif with a Green Square besides its name. This is the Stacked image that you are seeing in the AstroToaster Viewer Window.

  • Page 149: Astrolive Usb And The Skyraider Ds432Ctec

    As of this writing, the Version of AstroLive USB is v1.1. This version did not have the SkyRaider series of camera in mind. But, the MALLINCAM ASCOM Driver does partly work with AstroLive USB. This allows you to do imaging, and you are able to adjust and save your images.

  • Page 150: From The Pull-Down List Select Ascom Mallincam Driver

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 From the Pull-Down list select ASCOM Mallincam Driver. Click on the Properties Box to pop-up the SkyRaider Setup Control Window Make any adjustments you need, then Click on the OK Button, to Accept. You will be returned to the ASCOM Camera Chooser Window, Click on OK to return to the AstroLive USB Window.
  • Page 151 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 You will now be presented with a live connection to the SkyRaider camera. Have fun and experiment to see what you can do with AstroLive USB. SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual Page 149...

  • Page 152: Sequence Generator Pro And Skyraider Ds432Ctec

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Sequence Generator Pro and SkyRaider DS432CTEC Sequence Generator Pro is a software package that can execute complex sequences of capture events which will allow you to spend more time using and less time fighting with your equipment. You have lots of hardware that is sometimes difficult to get it all working together.
  • Page 153 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Select the required resolution and ensure that you are using as the format. SkyRaider DS432CTEC 1600 x 110 Running Sequences Start based on your needs. If you are using Sequence Generator Pro then you will need to save flats, biases, and darks as you would with every other camera.

  • Page 154: The Skyx And The Skyraider Ds432Ctec

    One of the capabilities is using a camera to assist in aligning (T-Point) and locking onto objects using a camera. We can have The SkyX use the Mallincam DS432CTEC for this process. Choose Video as your camera source.
  • Page 155 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Choose Windows Video Camera Driver Then choose Settings… in the drop-down list Select MALLINCAM from the Setup Window. Click on Connect, and you will see the video image in the video control box...

  • Page 156: How Do I

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 How Do I … How do I get rid of the Green Exposure Rectangle? First remember the Green Exposure Rectangle is only used for the auto-exposure process, but it can be annoying when you are imaging.

  • Page 157: How Do I Automatically Save 1 Image Every 30 Seconds

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 How do I automatically save 1 image every 30 seconds? ➢ Choose the Time-Lapse (Auto Capture) from the Capture Menu on the Top Menu Line. Now determine your naming convention and location.

  • Page 158: How Do I Pause The Video

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 How Do I Pause the Video? You can Pause or Resume the live video by either choose Setup>Pause from the Top Menu Line, or even easier, just press on the pause key on your keyboard.

  • Page 159: Upgrading My Skyraider Camera Software

    Rock has his software engineering team always looking at improving the software to make it work better for you. Once an update is made available, you will be notified on the Mallincam Groups website: https://groups.io/g/MallinCam/topics. There are a variety of ways of updating the software, but the following method seems to have the best success rate when working with Windows.

  • Page 160: Uninstall Skyraider Directshow Drivers

    Once MallincamSky is uninstalled, Windows will take you back to the MALLINCAM folder. This Folder may be empty, or if you have also installed the Mallincam DirectShow drivers you will see a folder named MALLINCAMDshow in the window. If you did not install the DirectShow drivers then jump to Step 3, else follow Step 2 to uninstall the DirectShow drivers.
  • Page 161 DirectShow drivers. Once the DirectShow drivers have been uninstalled, Windows will take you back to the MALLINCAM folder to show you that it is empty. If you didn’t install the ASCOM drivers, then jump to STEP 4.

  • Page 162: Uninstall Skyraider Ascom Drivers

    Now, if you haven’t already done so, download and install the latest version of MallincamSky, the DirectShow, and the ASCOM drives at www.mallincam.net. (note: you want the latest version) Don’t forget to plug back in the SkyRaider camera after installing the software.

  • Page 163: First Aid For The Skyraider Series

    Uninstall the current driver through the Control Panel (or if you cannot find it in the Control Panel check out the c:/PROGRAM FILES/MALLINCAM/MALLINCAMSKY folder, there is a program called uninst. Double-Click on uninst to uninstall MallincamSky and its drivers). Once uninstalled, reboot your computer, then reinstall MallincamSky again. This should fix the issue.

  • Page 164: Mallincamsky Acts Strange After Update

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 MallincamSky acts Strange After Update Recommended Solution: Reset Mallincam Sky to Default Factory Settings Go to Preset and Click on the Load Button. How do I Optimize my Computer? Recommended Solution: Optimizing your windows computer sometime is a never-ending process but visit the website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdb4iybN8gg...

  • Page 165: Stacking Is Going Very Slow Or Stops Completely

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Stacking is going very slow or Stops completely? The reason for the slowing or freezing of the stacking process is not completely understood, but it is encountered by many processes that task the usb and video processes of computers. This problem is experienced by many video gamers and the solution that resolves this problem is to select only 1 or 2 of the CPUs running the program.
  • Page 166 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Step 3 Using your mouse, Choose Task Manager from the list. This will open-up the task Manager Window. Locate and Right-Click on mallincamsky Process located in the Task Manager. This will open up Step 4 a small Selection Window, Click on Go to details in that selection window.
  • Page 167 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 In the Task Manager Window locate and Right-Click on the mallincamsky.exe file and another Step 5 selection window will appear, choose Set affinity from that list. This will pop-up the Processor affinity window.
  • Page 168 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Close the Task Manager Window Step 8 Note: you will have to repeat this every time you restart the MallincamSky, as windows doesn’t remember you selecting 1 processor from the Task Manager.

  • Page 169: I See A Pink Floyd Kaleidoscope Effect On My Screen

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 I see a Pink Floyd Kaleidoscope effect on my Screen This effect has to do with star alignment difficulties when stacking images. You need bright stars to get a successful frame alignment. In other words, increase gain or increase exposure or re- adjust histogram to deliver a brighter image.

  • Page 170: Dark Field Explanation

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Dark Field Explanation The following is the best explanation of what Dark Field is, and it comes from the work of Simon Hanmer. Dark Frame vs Dark Field Dark Frame Subtraction First, take an image with the camera shutter closed or the camera/scope covered under the same conditions of exposure time and temperature as the light frames you are going to capture of your astronomical target.
  • Page 171 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Note that stacked and combined frame #10 represents information derived from all 10 frames. But hold on … we are not talking CCD imaging here – this is video. When a CCD chip is activated it cranks at full blast and requires effective cooling to prevent it from rapidly heating up beyond a user-determined temperature.
  • Page 172 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 The two screen captures below demonstrate the difference that applying a Dark Field to an image can provide. 90 second exposure, lens covered. No Dark Field Applied 90 second exposure, lens covered. 10 Dark...

  • Page 173: Histogram Explanation

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Histogram Explanation A histogram is a graph that displays the distribution of brightness (luminosity) over the range from the darkest possible (left side) to the brightest possible pixel (right side). When we examine...
  • Page 174 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 The Brighter our object the more to the right the bump will be located in our Histogram. So, if you increase the gain, gamma, or exposure the bump will also move the the right. This requires you to adjust the Left and Right markers to ensure you do not clip (remove), parts of the image that are outside the range.

  • Page 175: Setting Up To Broadcast On Night Skies Network

    I using, and what am I trying to do this session). Remember, it’s all about having fun, and time and patience are your best friends (not to mention all the guys and gals, and the Yahoo – MallinCam site: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/mallincam/messages One of the most important decisions you will need to make with broadcasting the image of the SKYRAIDER is what Video capture software are you going to use.
  • Page 176 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Start MallincamSky Step 2 Get the image of your object on the Image Window of MallincamSky, adjust the settings on the software for your planned object and size the window so you have room for other software on your monitor real-estate.
  • Page 177 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Step 4 Have KVYcam grab the window image KVYcam will display a translucent rectangle on the upper left corner of your window. By left- click and dragging and/or grabbing a side or corner and left-click and resizing overlay the sizing...
  • Page 178 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Do not move the MallincamSky Window around your desktop when broadcasting, since KVYcam is just grabbing the real-estate location that currently your MallincamSky Software image is situated at. If you move the MallincamSky Software Window, then KVYcam will still grab the desktop location, but may not grab the whole MallincamSky Video Image.
  • Page 179 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 A popup Window will appear, where you will enter your Username and Password. Click on the orange LOGIN button to accept. You will next be presented with the Channel Line Up screen for Night Skies network. Click on Login selection on the upper right-hand side of the screen.
  • Page 180 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Step 9 Allow Adobe Flash to use your KVYcam/Splitcam/WebcamMax Adobe Flash Player Settings window will pop up on your screen asking you for permission to use your camera and your microphone. Select Allow.
  • Page 181 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 When you are us and running and everything is working as it should, you will change the message to indicate, what telescope, mount, and camera you are using. For that is the most frequently asked question from the NSN viewers.
  • Page 182 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 NSN will remember what camera you chose from the last visit. So usually you only must go through this process whenever you want to change what camera device you would like the flash driver to use.
  • Page 183 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 You can now re-adjust the different windows in the Night Skies Network to make the best use of your screen. You will be seeing what you are Broadcasting in the NSN View Window, you can see who has logged into your Channel in the User’s Window, and you can Participate in the Channel Chat...
  • Page 184 SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 The following is a possible arrangement scenario. You would have KVYcam select the region of the window that encloses MallincamSky. You will freeze (and I don’t mean like what Rock does when he broadcasts in winter till 3am), I mean from time to time your NSN connection will freeze for no apparent reason.

  • Page 185: Customizing The Screen

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 Customizing the Screen You can customize what controls (and the defaults for most of the controls) you want active, by Left-Clicking anywhere in the Left Control Panel then choose the Settings choice to open-up a Preference Window that allows you to make various setting changes.

  • Page 186: Focal Reducers

    Focal Reducers MFR-10 Focal Reducer Because of the Large sensor size on the SkyRaider DS432 TEC, the best focal reducers to use is the Mallincam 2-inch version. The MallinCam MFR-10 (MallinCam Focal Reducer-10) is a breakthrough in optical performance only from MallinCam.

  • Page 187: User Notes

    SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual September 18, 2019 User Notes SkyRaider DS432 TEC User Manual Page 185...

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