Software Bisque

TheSkyX Professional Edition for Windows Daily Build

Daniel R. Bisque — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Software Bisque offers a daily build of TheSkyX Professional Edition for Windows so that "power users" can access and try out the very latest build of TheSkyX. The daily build is not yet an automated process and does not necessarily happen every day. We will try, however, to post updates as frequently as we can.

Important Daily Build Notes:

TheSkyX Daily Build provides access to the very most recent changes without having to wait for the next "latest update" install package.
Because of its small footprint, and low over head, the daily build installer allows Software Bisque to be more responsive in the release\customer feedback\development cycle.
The daily build may contain new features that are not yet fully tested or documented.
The daily build installer automatically backs up the files it installs but does not provide a mechanism to "undo" a daily build install. Since the daily build files have dates later than the date on same files in the "latest update" installer, re-running the "latest update" installer will not undo a the daily build install. Very worst case, to undo a daily build install manually replace the files the daily build installer backs up or uninstall and reinstall TheSkyX (Software Bisque tries very hard to avoid this situation).
The daily build installer may initially prompt you to select TheSkyX's installation folder, but not on subsequent daily build installs.

TheSkyX Pro For Windows Daily Build Install Instructions

Install TheSkyX Professional Edition for Windows Full Installer from the original media (DVD or download about 2GB in size).
Install TheSkyX Professional Edition for Windows Latest Update .
Install the Daily Build...
- Exit TheSkyX.
- In the top right margin of this web page, click Download text (next to the green arrow), to download the installer.

Note that updated files are automatically backed up to your Application Support Files folder \DailyBuildBackupX where X is a number incremented with each daily build install.

Remember, the daily build installer first requires a full install and "latest update" install. The daily build installer will not work if these steps are skipped.

Changes in the latest builds (this list may not be comprehensive)...

Monday May 14, 2012 Build 5649

Bug Fix - Telescope cross hair is not plotted at 0,0 when off screen.
Bug Fix - Protrack is now strictly correct for MX (was using ME values that were very slightly wrong).
Enhancement - Protrack applies without ever having to display the TPoint Aadd On window. Prior to this build, the TPoint Add On window had to be displayed at least once per TheSkyX session. This is no longer necessary. For example, Start TheSkyX, connect to a Paramount, Open TPoint Addd On Window, enable Protrack, close TPoint Add on Window. Exit TheSkyX, restart, Connect, slew to an object and Protrack is "doing its thing" without TPoint Add On window having ever been displayed.
Bug Fix - No longer necessary to slew twice on tiny (arc-second) slews with Protrack on.
Protrack takes slew errors including aborted slews in stride.

Friday May 11, 2012 Build 5640

Improvement - When connected to a Paramount going to File, Open or TPoint, File, Open (or any operating system dialog to view the file system) would take a long time for the system dialog to display the file system.
Bug Fix - Protrack maintains telescope cross on target even with extensive super models active.
Chart status displays corrected telescope coordinates.
Improvement - ui is more responsive when Protrack is engaged.
Bug Fix - If a dome is parked but coupled to the mount, the dome respects the park state and not attempt to slew to follow the scope.
Use a photo for the stick pin on Earth map.
Include elevation when double-clicking location on Earth map.
Updated Mt. Evans Obs. lat, lon.
Bug Fix - Corrected PICTYPE comment in FITS header

April 12, 2012 Build 5564

Bug Fix Scripting ImageLink::execute() command works on the Mac.
Bug Fix When a dome had poor communication, invoking any command would incorrectly give "Command in progress."
Fixed a bug where the fits INSTUME keyword was blank when acquired using third party, x2 camera drivers.
Fixed a bug where the fits MOUNT keyword was blank when using third party, x2 mounts drivers.
PDS TLE fix.

April 2, 2012 Build 5511

Regression bug fix: TCP/IP is displayed in the telescope port list.

March 30, 2012 Build 5503

Windows Daily Build installer is a single executable that does not need to be run as an Administrator.
Mac Daily Build installer uses PackageMaker.
Canon DSLR driver for Mac included with Mac Daily Build installer (OS X 10.6 or later and Intel Mac required). See TheSkyX Pro User Guide Revision 1.4.3 or later for details about using this driver.
Photos and constellation drawings slowly fade to black as the field of view decreases.
TheSkyX can be exited and restarted while doing a TPoint full calibration or re-calibration and continue the calibration.
A single button click downloads the latest FOVI equipment databases from Software Bisque web page.
Flush serial port for Sky Commander, SGT, Gemini and Celestron mounts (Wi-Fi)
Autosave path is now created with mkpath rather than mkdir, allowing target directories that would require the creation of parent directories first.
TSX defaults to AutoSave/imager, and currently that fails on fresh installs unless the user manually create the "AutoSave" folder.
Bug fix: Fixed Mac-specific scripting bug (ImageLink.scale type definition wrong).
Revised ImageLink.js to use ImageLinkResults.imageScale.
Corrected a bug that caused autosaves of images to fail (without informing the user) when the target name contains a ':' character (ie, any GSC or UCAC catalog object, and probably others).

March 16, 2012 Build 5448

TheSkyX can control most serial devices (mounts, domes, focusers, etc.) over Wi-Fi. Click here for more information.
TheSkyX can route native RS-232 serial data streams over TCP/IP instead of a serial port (instead of choosing "COM1", choose "TCP/IP"). Can eliminate the need for operating system level, virtual serial ports when using TheSkyX to control serial devices over third party, TCP/IP to serial or Wi-Fi to serial adaptors.
For asteroids w/o H and G magnitude parameters, default the magnitude to 30.
Bug Fix - Camera Add On, Aperture and aperture area were reversed in FITS header.
Bug Fix - Save Gemini HC mode (take two).

March 2, 2012 Build 5424

Temma turn on tracking from script.
Gemini window now displays and maintains the correct Hand Paddle Mode.
The current tab on the Gemini window is now preserved.
Gemini driver now prompts to home the mount upon connection with the telescope.
Updated year on splash screen.
Dome slit only renders in stereographic projection. Attempted fix of non-functioning dome slit on some graphics card.
Bug Fix - import sky6 files maintains rotation angle when appropriate.
Allow CCDSoft to see TheSkyX targets using PushTo mounts.
Bug fix - Undo ReCal is now enabled after finishing recalibration.
Bug fix - Supermodel button is disabled for recal model.

February 16, 2012 Build 5392

For the auto-import of TheSky6 files introduced in the prior daily build, the File Open window now also lists *.sky files by default.
Supported mounts now include the Deep Space Navigator and Orion Sky Quest.

February 15, 2012 Build 5390

On Vista/Windows7, the daily build installer prompts to be run as administrator when not.
The daily build installer is digitally signed.
TheSkyX.exe file distributed by the daily build installed is digitally signed.
Temma driver now allows sidereal tracking to be turned on via Orchestrate and external script for Temama 2 and later mounts.
Based on updated tracking rate documentation, AP mounts can now track satellites using TheSkyX's Track Satellite command.
Added an option to the Astro-Physics window that allows the mount's tracking rate to be configured when TheSkyX disconnects (When tracking satellites, TheSkyX sets the AP mount's tracking rates in both ra and dec. These rates can cause the mount to quickly track into unwanted orientations.)
The longitude displayed in TheSkyX's Location,Date,Time windows is now correct for iOptron mounts.
Removed unnecessary parenthesis in SGT alignment star list.
TheSkyX now does a basic, automatic, import of TheSky6 files. At this time, the location, date, time, and Sky Chart position recorded in the sky6 file is
imported (TheSky6's font, line, fill colors are not (yet) imported).
- 1) TheSkyX's File, Open window now lists *.skyx and *.sky files (TheSkyX and TheSky6 files respectively).
- 2) Choosing a .sky file automatically imports the file, changes the extension to .skyx and does not alter the original file.
Fixed two overlapping error codes with CCDSoft.

February 06, 2012 Build 5369

Added SBIG STF-8300 support for Camera Add On customers.
Bug fix - It is now "easy" to abort an exposure delay.
Bug fix - Changes to parameters that affect Paramount slew speed based on temperature are now applied immediately (changes to this setting previously required a disconnect/reconnect from the control system).

January 18, 2012 Build 5348

Fixed a bug introduced in the prior build where slewing a mount turned tracking off.

January 17, 2012 Build 5346

Changes for PDS.
Fix two misspellings (typos) on synchronization dialog.
Expose sky6DirectGuide to the TheSkyX's java Script engine (and sockets as well).
Changed reading of text file for X2 driver list to accommodate both Mac and or Windows native text files.
Fixed bug where "waning" text for the moon on the object information window was wrong.
By default, in the hardwarelist.txt, put the space into MapsTo field for X2 developers.
Faster dome slit rendering with OpenGL. Also put back dome shading removed in prior daily build.

December 26, 2011 Build 5298

Fixed a bug introduced in prior daily build 5249 that prevented Paramount southern hemisphere slews.

December 23, 2011 Build 5296

For GEMs, when beyondThePole(), syncing into an existing TPoint model gives better results.
In the TPoint window, "Term Abbreviation" is now "Term".

December 21, 2011 Build 5292

Modified the TPoint polar alignment report to reference knob tics (not arc-minutes) for azimuth adjustments on the MX.
Fixed a bug where the Polar Alignment report was reporting the incorrect azimuth adjustment for MX's when the adjustment was less than one full turn (was reporting only half the required value when less than one turn).
Slightly enhanced the accuracy of syncing into a an existing model with the MX (not very common).

December 16, 2011 Build 5289

Display an error if Read All Parameters ever has one in Bisque TCS.
Lessen the likelihood of Paramount errors with "bad Id" or "bad sequence".
"Socket connection refused" error was incorrectly mapped to "Socket first error".
Implemented PECArray in TheSkyXAdaptor.
Better fps when rending dome slit on chart.

December 06, 2011 Build 5255

The Paramount's dynamic flip hour angle now accommodates TPoint modeling. Clears up unintuitive behavior for slews very close to the flip hour angle.
Some TPoint window clean up.
Some Bisque TCS window clean up.

December 04, 2011 Build 5249

Updated AP default backlash compensation to 0.
Added .mpl extension for listing imported asteroid text files.
Changed advanced setting from 'Comets/MPLs By Name' to 'Comets and Asteroids By Name'.
Updated list of supported mounts.
Updated FOVI list.
Fixed a bug introduced in the prior daily build that made ERR_MKS_MAIN_AT_LIMIT more likely instead of less likely.

December 01, 2011 Build 5245

Changed "Comets/MPLs" to Comets and Asteroids in the User Guide's Advanced Preferences tab.
Likely fixed a rare occurrence of Paramount slews producing error ERR_MKS_MAIN_AT_LIMIT (22007).
Added addition logging to isolate ERR_MKS_MAIN_AT_LIMIT.
Put reasonable bonds for pressure on Atmospheric Refraction Parameters entry.
The reminder window that "netbook" type settings were made is now modeless.
Fixed a bug where RASCOMTele.SlewToAzAlt was always Asynchronous.
'Allow Dragging Flip Hour Angle' is now saved and restored.
Bisque TCS Window clean up 1) no longer bring up edit item double clicking on tree roots 2) don't allow editing items in show status tab.
Bisque TCS Window, Utilities Tab, Hand Controller, Calibrate button now works. Press this button *once* to Calibrate the joystick - without calibrating the joy stick, doing a FindHome might immediately abort. The common symptom would be the telescope status would immediately go from "Finding Home" to "Not Homed" (more likely in cold temperatures).

November 11, 2011 Build 5230

Added 'Allow dragging flip hour angle' option under Telescope setup.
Movie fixes.

November 08, 2011 Build 5223

Movie making with more error checking.
Fixed ME orientation for the virtual mount when in southern latitudes.
Grant a trial of the high performance satellite routines for the 2005 YU55 event.
Ability to bring asteroid YUH into TheSkyX as a satellite using ephemeris data and track on it.

November 07, 2011 Build 5213

Fixed slew limit error for Southern hemisphere slews - must clear synchronization history and restore control system defaults.
Added Meade LX200 ACF to telescope list.
Added OK/Cancel buttons to Observer Log dialog.
Cleaned up Observer Log (repeated word, always add observer to text box, other minor changes).

November 1, 2011 Build 5200

TheSkyXAdaptor.RASCOMTele.SetTracking() is now implemented identically to TheSky6.
Object paths now save phase for each point.
Fixed bug where labels were incorrect.
Tour dialog box tweaks.
Telescope commands tweaks.
More create tour tweaks.

October 31, 2011 Build 5189

Enhanced movie creation.

October 28, 2011 Build 5183

Super Model is faster.
When parking programmatically through the RASCOMTele.Park() interface, don't disconnect if there is an error.
When the Bisque TCS logging is on, don't clear the log upon disconnect.

October 20, 2011 Build 5166

Added Auto Contrast Setup for camera add on acquired images.
DSS images now use a better DSS specific autocontrast algorithm (was SBIG).
Added exposure delay to camera add on.

October 19, 2011 Build 5164

Allowed setting the interface for SBIG ST-5C/PixCel255, ST-237/PixCel237.
Corrected a limit error when slewing a GT-1100S's with TheSkyX.

October 18, 2011 Build 5158

Bug Fix - Fits keywords APTAREA APTDIA were swapped when acquiring images with the camera add on.
Fixed large memory leak with new FITS display engine introduced in prior daily build.
Added "Copy" button to Communications Log.
Epoch to Equinox in Navigation window in Edit Comet window.
Hide Graphics View tab on Export window.
Removed duplicate accelerators in Edit Comet dialog.
Added an Edit Attributes button to the Custom Horizon tab.
"Target Object" was missing from the list of "layers".
Bug fix - When downloading satellites resulted in an error, the error message was behind the window.
Added a Log Slews checkbox that allows logging to be turned on/off directly from Logging window on the Bisque TCS.

October 10, 2011 Build 5143

On the Bisque TCS window, the joystick graphic is enable/disabled appropriately based on firmware version (introduced in prior daily build).
Updated sbpyxisrotator driver.
Super Model no longer changes ME more than it ought to.
DST applied properly for sites in Southern Australia now.
New FITS display engine - new toolbar, zoom in, zoom out, drag.
Fixed a bug where the guide rate could not be set in the Bisque TCS.
Bug Fix - focuser textual status wasn't always correct in the Imaging System Setup window.
Implement built in focuser settings generally so that it applies to other built in focusers like ap, lx200, gemini, teleapi, etc.
Minimum size of mount control on the VO window is 150 x 150
Virtual mount selection is saved/restored.
Initialize iOptron firmware version.
Added instructions for adjusting Virtual Mount to the Virtual Mount window.
Alphabetize mount list.

September 26, 2011 Build 5100

Bug fix: Saving all parameters to the legacy MKS3000 prevented subsequent communications.
Bug fix: LX200 classic now uses high precision positions.
Bug fix: TheSkyX displays the correct declination for iOptron mounts (missing leading zero in this protocol caused decs to be "incorrect").
Bug fix: Virtual mount's latitude wasn't correct.

September 22, 2011 Build 5095

Find multiple harmonics in MX/ME periodic error.

September 14, 2011 Build 5085

Fixed a bug that prevented saving PEC data to the Paramount (introduced in build 5080).
Display the Paramount's firmware version consistently.
Improved image link success on images covering three degrees and more.

Paramount MX Worm Block Assembly Replacement and Cam Stop Adjustment

Daniel R. Bisque — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:17:19 GMT

This video was created by a Paramount MX owner to demonstrate how to replace the Paramount MX worm block assembly. This instructional video additionally shows how to properly adjust the Paramount MX cam stop mechanism and provides sage advice for proper belt tension.

Thanks Chris for making this video!

TheSkyX Wi-Fi® to Serial Mount Control Documentation

Daniel R. Bisque — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:27:34 GMT

TheSkyX Wi-Fi® to Serial Mount Control document revision 1.1 describes how to Wi-Fi® enable your serial mount using TheSkyX Pro Wi-Fi® to Serial Mount Kit.

Revision Notes

1.1

Added page numbers.

TheSkyX Serious Astronomer Edition for Windows Daily Build

Daniel R. Bisque — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:58:43 GMT

This daily build installer updates TheSkyX Serious Astronomer Edition for Windows to version 10.1.11 Build 5402 from any previous release (10.0.0-10.1.11 Build 5401).

TheSkyX Professional Edition for Mac Daily Build

Daniel R. Bisque — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

CURRENT RELEASE: Version 10.1.11 (Build 5517)

Software Bisque offers a daily build of TheSkyX Professional Edition for Mac so that advanced users can access and test the very latest build of TheSkyX. The daily build is not yet an automated process and doesn't necessarily happen every day, but is updated frequently.

Important Daily Build Notes:

Warning! The daily build of TheSkyX is only for those comfortable manually backing up and replacing files and who want to get the very most recent changes to TheSkyX without having to wait for the next "latest update" install package. If you are not comfortable manually backing up and replacing files, please wait for the next "latest update," easy-to-use installation package that will incorporate everything included in these daily build files.

Again, this is download not an "easy to use installer," rather a zip archive that contains only the files required to update an existing installation to the latest build.
The daily build might contain new features that are not fully tested and or documented. We recommend you make a back up the existing files the daily build zip will replace so that you can return to your prior version if necessary. Since the daily build files have dates later than the date on same files in the "latest update" installer, re-running the "latest update" installer will not overwrite the daily build files if you've manually replace them.

TheSkyX Pro For Mac Daily Build Install Instructions

Prerequisite - Install TheSkyX Professional Edition for Mac Full Installer from the original media (DVD or download about 2GB in size).
Prerequisite - Install TheSkyX Professional Edition for Mac Latest Update.
In the top right margin of this web page, click Download link (next to the green arrow), to download the file named TheSkyMac.zip to a folder on your computer.
Exit TheSkyX.
Download TheSkyX Professional Edition for Mac Daily Build Installer,zip.
Following the instructions to complete the installation.

Changes in the latest builds (not always comprehensive)

CCDSoft for Windows Daily Build

Matthew L. Bisque — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Software Bisque offers a daily build of CCDSoft for Windows so that advanced users can access and test the very latest build of CCDSoft. The daily build is not yet an automated process and doesn't necessarily happen every day, but is updated as required.

Important Daily Build Notes:

Warning! The daily build of is only for those comfortable manually backing up and replacing files and who want to get the very most recent changes without having to wait for the next "latest update" install package. If you are not comfortable manually backing up and replacing files, please wait for the next "latest update," easy-to-use installation package that will incorporate everything included in these daily build files.

Again, this is download not an "easy to use installer," rather a zip archive that contains only the files required to update an existing installation to the latest build.
The daily build might contain new features that are not fully tested and or documented. We recommend you make a back up the existing files the daily build zip will replace so that you can return to your prior version if necessary. Since the daily build files have dates later than the date on same files in the "latest update" installer, re-running the "latest update" installer will not overwrite the daily build files if you've manually replace them.

CCDSoft for Windows Daily Build Install Instructions

Prerequisite - Install CCDSoft for Windows Full Installer from the original media.
Prerequisite - Install CDSoft for Windows Latest Update.
In the top right margin of this web page, click Download link (next to the green arrow), to download the file named CCDSoft.zip to a folder on your computer.
Exit CCDSoft .
Backup and replace the following file(s) contained in CCDSoft.zip:

a) [CCDSoftFolder]/CCDSoft.exe

By default [CCDSoftFolder] is:

C:\Program Files\Software Bisque\CCDSoft

Remember, the daily build files require the "latest update." The daily build files may not work if step #2 above is skipped.

Change Log

February 23, 2012 (5.00.215)

Fixed a bug where downloads would timeout when connected to an STF-8300 as the Autoguider (not Imager).

February 8, 2012 (5.00.214)

Fixed a bug introduced the prior daily build where CCDSoft might crash taking an image.

February 7, 2012 (5.00.213)

Added SBIG STF-8300 support

November 28, 2011 (5.00.212)

Fixed an autoguiding bug when doing relay calibration with calibration times greater than 40 seconds (no longer allow relay calibration times greater than 40 seconds).
Fixed an autoguiding bug where CCDSoft would only autoguide to the nearest 0.5 pixel.
CCDSoft autoguide calibration, autoguiding (relay and DirectGuide), Center Cursor Position, Center Cursor Position Via WCS now work when GEM are "beyond the pole" or not. Integration with TheSkyX is required.

May, 31, 2011 (5.00.210)

Added SBIG ST-i support.

April 6, 2011 (5.00.209)

Bug Fix - for very short exposure, self-guided images, CCDSoft would wait indefinitely for the shutter to open, but it had already opened and closed. The symptom was CCDSoft was stuck "Waiting for shutter" , not hung, could be aborted.

April 4, 2011 (5.00.207)

Bug Fix - for an external guide head images, no longer populates the FITS header with telescope information in File Defaults which are for the imager.
Bug Fix - fixed bad image for imager on self guided images (was digitizing for small tracking size, but reading out for imager size). Introduced in 5.00.201.

CCDSoft 5.00.206 - Fixed a bug introduced in CCDSoft 5.00.201 that prevented autoguiding with the SBIG AO.

Paramount MX Powered with a Battery

Daniel R. Bisque — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:37:28 GMT

This video shows the Paramount MX Robotic Telescope Mount slewing an Officina Stellare 25.4 cm (10-inch) OTA.

Paramount MX Polar Alignment Scope Installation and Use

Daniel R. Bisque — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:01:36 GMT

This document describes how to install and use the Paramount MX Polar Alignment Scope.

X2 Examples

Matthew L. Bisque — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Version 1.14

This file contains the X2 examples. The examples demonstrate how to write TheSkyX drivers. They are not designed to be impressive, but their source code is carefully written to show proper X2 programming practices.

The X2 standard is documented here. Eventually, all the examples will be fully documented, but sometimes we include an example before we have time to write about it, because someone might need it right now.

Replacing the Paramount MX Worm Block Assembly

Daniel R. Bisque — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:01:53 GMT

This document describes the procedure to replace the Paramount MX right ascension and declination worm block assembly.

Revision 1.1

Modified worm block replacement procedure.
Added references to worm block replacement video.

Adjusting the Paramount MX Cam Stop

Daniel R. Bisque — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:17:27 GMT

This document describes the procedure to restore the Paramount MX's cam stop to the factory default position.

2005 YU55 Video

Daniel R. Bisque — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:09:45 GMT

This video shows how the Paramount ME tracked Asteroid 2005 YU55 over a 1 hour and 15 minute period.

The video consists of 482 raw, untouched, unprocessed photos
The asteroid was tracked "open loop" (dead reckoning) and unattended.
Image scale: 1.08 arcseconds per pixel
5 second exposures

Equipment:

Celestron C-14 with mirror lock focal reduced to f/7
Apogee Instruments U47 camera
Paramount ME at the Software Bisque Observatory in downtown Golden, Colorado.

Asteroid 2005 YU55 Simulation

Daniel R. Bisque — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:36:42 GMT

Created with Software Bisque's Seeker application, this video shows an "asteroid's-eye view" of its close encounter with Earth on November 8/9, 2011

It's no Apophis in 2036, but a close call nevertheless!

(Please visit the site to view this media)

TheSkyX Professional Edition Ad

Daniel R. Bisque — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:29:11 GMT

TheSkyX Professional Edition Advertisement

Paramount ME Ad

Daniel R. Bisque — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:17:13 GMT

Paramount ME Advertisement

Paramount MX Ad

Daniel R. Bisque — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:15:49 GMT

Paramount MX Advertisement

Software Bisque Logo (PSD)

Daniel R. Bisque — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:56:12 GMT

The Software Bisque company logo in Photoshop (PSD) format.

Photo size: 5000 x 5000 at 1200 dpi

A sample of the logo appears below.

TheSkyX Professional Edition for Windows Latest Update

Daniel R. Bisque — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Use this installer to update TheSkyX Professional Edition for Windows from version 10.0.0-10.1.10 to version 10.1.11 (Build 5080).

TheSkyX Professional Edition Change Log

Important Notes

You must install TheSkyX Professional Edition for Windows Full Installer before installing this update.
If you encounter the "Access is Denied" error message when attempting to download this file, please register your TheSkyX Professional Edition serial number first. Once your serial number is registered to your account, you will be granted access.

TheSkyX Professional Edition for Mac Latest Update

Daniel R. Bisque — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:00:00 GMT

This installer can be used to update TheSkyX Professional Edition for Mac from version 10.1.6-10.1.10 to version 10.1.11 (the latest release).

TheSkyX Professional Edition Change Log

Important Notes

You must install TheSkyX Professional Edition for Mac Full Installer before installing this update.
If you encounter the "Access is Denied" error message when attempting to download this file, please register your TheSkyX Professional Edition serial number first. Once your serial number is registered to your account, you will be granted access.

ScriptTheSkyX Documentation and Examples

Matthew L. Bisque — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:36:28 GMT

Contains the documentation and examples of how to script TheSkyX Professional Edition for Mac and Windows.

TheSkyX Professional Edition's scripting documentation is also available at http://www.bisque.com/scriptTheSkyX.

MKS 4000 Firmware Version 2.8.6

Daniel R. Bisque — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:47:06 GMT

MKS 4000 Firmware Version 2.8.6.

The Paramount ME/MX Hand Controller is compatible with the Paramount ME using an MKS 4000 control system with firmware version 2.8.6 or later installed. The hand controller’s slew rates are not configurable when used in conjunction with the MKS 4000. In other words, the default slew rates are configurable only via the MKS 5000 control system used by the Paramount MX.

Updating the Paramount ME Firmware with TheSky6 Professional Edition

Click the Download link on this page to download and save the file mks4-286.out to your computer.
See Appendix C: Updating the Control Software (Firmware) of the Paramount ME User Guide Revision 1.72 or later for details on how to install the latest firmware using TheSky6.

Updating the Paramount ME Firmware with TheSkyX Professional Edition

Download and install TheSkyX Pro Daily Build for Windows or TheSkyX Pro Daily Build for Mac.
Click the Download link on this page to download and save the file mks4-286.out to your computer.
From TheSkyX, connect to the Paramount ME.
On the Telescope window, click Tools > Bisque TCS.
On the Utilities tab, select Reboot/Update Firmware.
Click the Browse For Motor Firmware File button.
Select the mks4-286.out file from step 2 and click Open.
Choose Yes to confirm firmware update.
Restart the Paramount ME.

Change Log

Version 2.8.6

Allows a Paramount ME with the MKS 4000 control system to use the Paramount ME/MX Hand Controller.

Software Bisque Logo (TIF)

Daniel R. Bisque — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:14:57 GMT

The Software Bisque company logo (with embossed background) in TIF format (300 dpi). A sample of the logo appears below.

Software Bisque Logo (EPS)

Daniel R. Bisque — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:05:18 GMT

The Software Bisque company logo in encapsulated postscript (eps) format. A sample of the logo appears below.

Paramount MX Error Condition Audible Feedback

Daniel R. Bisque — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:50:46 GMT

Click above, or click the Download link at the right to listen to a recording of the sound emitted by the MKS 5000 control system when an error occurs.

Mount encounters a fixed object and motors have been stopped. Home the mount to proceed.
Payload is out of balance and one or more motors cannot rotate. Balance payload before proceeding.
Lower ambient temperatures prevent the mounts motors from operating normally. Reduce the maximum slew rate (which allows additional torque to be supplied to the motors) to proceeding.

Paramount MX Successful Homing Audible Feedback

Daniel R. Bisque — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:43:50 GMT

Click above, or click the Download link to the right to listen to a recording of the normal sounds emitted by the MKS 5000 control system during the homing process.

0-14 seconds - right ascension and/or declination axis slewing to the home position.
8 seconds - right ascension axis successfully finds home position.
25 seconds - declination axis successfully finds home position.