Deep Sky Imager IV Series Quick Start Guide 633001: DSI IV Color 633002: DSI IV Monochrome
Included Items System Requirements Computer: 2GB of memory or more 20GB or more recommended hard disk space Intel Core2 2.8GHz equivalent or higher Screen resolution 1024 x 768 or higher recommended USB 2.0 or USB 3.0. (USB 3.0 is recommended for fastest download speed and video frame rate) CD-ROM drive or connection to the internet is required to install the software and drivers. Compatible Operating Systems: Windows XP (32-bit), Vista, 7, 8, 10 (32 and 64-bit), Mac OS X 10.10 or higher Linux Kernel 2.6.
Quick Start Summary Installing the Software 1. Insert the CD-ROM into the computer and wait for the below screen to appear. If it doesn’t appear, go to “My Computer” and double-click on the CD-ROM drive where the Meade SkyCapture was placed. Then, double click on autorun.exe. If your computer does not have a CD-ROM drive, visit http://www.Meade.com to download the software and drivers from the Meade DSI IV’s product page. 2.
DirectShow Drivers DirectShow drivers allow you to use the DSI IV with third party programs that use the DirectShow interface. Additionally, the DirectShow drivers allow the camera to image at a higher frame-rate than ASCOM drivers and is ideal for taking video. The DirectShow drivers also offers additional features such as auto-exposure. However, the RAW format is not supported by DirectShow. To install the DirectShow drivers, click on “Camera DirectShow Driver” button found on the CD-ROM startup screen.
Basic Camera Operation The following procedure will guide you through capturing your first image with the DSI IV Series camera using the included Meade SkyCapture control software. For detailed instructions on using the numerous SkyCapture features, go to the Help menu for more details. 1. Plug the camera into your computer’s USB port if you have not already done so. If this is the first time plugging the camera into your computer, wait for the camera drivers to install. 2. Open SkyCapture.
. Click Record to start recording video. Note that recording video even for a few moments can quickly consume a lot of storage space on your computer. When recording video be sure you have ample space available. For a Windows system, the default save location is: C:\Users\(your user name)\Documents\SkyCapture You can change the save path by going to Options: Preferences, under the Record tab. The default recording file format is SER.
Deep Sky Imaging Deep sky imaging typically requires longer exposures. Video Mode is limited to 5 second exposures. Trigger Mode is best suited for long exposure astrophotos. The Meade DSI IV’s thermoelectric cooler (TEC) also suppresses the inherent noise in longer exposure images. 1. Plug the 12 volt power cord from the AC power adapter into the “DC 12V” port on the DSI IV if you have not already done so. This is used to power the TEC. 2.
Capturing Sequences in Trigger Mode Deep sky imaging typically requires capturing several exposures which will later be stacked in software (such as freeware Deep Sky Stacker or the MaxIm DL software suite). So instead of taking an individual image, we should sequence several images. SkyCapture allows you to capture a sequence of images automatically. Follow the basic procedure below to capture a sequence of images for deep sky objects. 1.
Using the DirectShow Driver in Third Party Software Example using PHD2 software: Select “Windows WDM-style webcam camera” in the camera selection drop list box and click “Connect” button. Choose “MeadeCam” in the pop up Camera choice box. Choose the resolution in the Camera mode box.
Go back to the main interface and click the loop button to start the exposure as the following.
Using the ASCOM Driver in MaxIm DL With the DSI IV Series camera connected to your computer’s USB port, open MaxIm DL and click the Camera Control Window Icon. Click the “Setup Camera” button in the pop up Camera Control Window. Select “ASCOM” and click the “Advanced….” button. NOTE: Do not select the “Meade DSI” camera model shown in the list. The “Meade DSI” driver is for the DSI I, II, and III camera models and will not work with the DSI IV.
Select “ASCOM Meadecam Driver” in the drop list box and click the “Properties” button. Adjust the camera settings as appropriate, or use the default settings, then click “OK” Click the ”Connect” button to accomplish the connection.
Using the DirectShow Driver in MaxIm DL With the DSI IV camera connected to your computer’s USB port, open MaxIm DL and click the Camera Control Window Icon. Click the “Setup Camera” button in the pop up Camera Control Window. Select the “Video DS” in the pop up dialog and click “OK”. NOTE: Do not select the “Meade DSI” camera model shown in the list. The “Meade DSI” driver is for the DSI I, II, and III camera models and will not work with the DSI IV.
Click “Connect” to start the video.
Using the ASCOM Driver in SharpCap Select “ASCOM Meadecam” item in the ASCOM cameras section of the Cameras menu. Change settings (or not) and click “OK” to start the video.
Using the DirectShow Driver in SharpCap Select “MeadeCam” item in the DirectShow cameras section of the Cameras menu to start the video.
Optional Use of the Desiccant Plug For exceptionally humid environments, constant use of the TEC can attract moisture inside the camera and may require installing the included Desiccant Plug to keep the chamber inside the camera dry. 1. Carefully remove the flathead screw from the side of the camera body. Do not lose this screw! Also, do not leave chamber exposed, otherwise dust and moisture can enter the camera. 2. Thread the Desiccant Plug into the camera body so that it’s finger tight.
