From: Milton Aupperle <milton@outcastsoft.com>

Date: August 6, 2012 3:47:28 PM MDT

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [Astro_IIDC] PGR GrassHopper Express 2.8 and Extended Shutter

Dave;

On 6-Aug-12, at 2:34 PM, Dave Goodyear wrote:

Hi Milton.  Is this something with just those camera’s?

Each camera model is different and it also depends on the Format and mode that camera is running in. The PGR Grasshopper 2 with the new Firmware load (which PGR still has not posted) has exposures to 90 minutes - with otu it the camera has maximum exposure time of 5 minutes - but only in the special Format 7 low noise modes. If you use it in another mode, your max exposure might be 1 second - I don't control that - it's a physical limit that PGR enforces.

Per PGR the frame rate and exposure time can be set via the registers with the GH express…

If they could do longer exposures, I would allow it. That is as long as they support without the Jumper. If your unhappy with the camera, complain to PGR.  I do not make them nor do I get any revenue from them either. I have been complaining to them for 6+ years that they need more exposure time options.

And as now is as good a time as any.

Short of a miraculous increase in sales (well over 100 new sales) over the next 4 weeks, Astro IIDC 4.09.00 will very likely be shut down forever end of September 2012. Sales are at a 10 year low and Mac consulting which has subsidized Astro IIDC for the past 4 years is gone. I had a bit of hope with a surge before the Venus transit, - but since then there have been virtually no sales.

So download 4.09.00 now :

http://www.outcastsoft.com/Prototype/AstroIIDC40900B2_20120802.zip

and file any and all bug reports before September 10th so I can get the last DMG installer posted by the 15th. As of October 1st - the Astro IIDC web site will be shut down  - short of a miracle.

When I say shut down,  I mean there will be no sales, no downloads, no replacement keys, no updates and no support - AT ALL. I will also need someone to take over this list too so you can support yourselves - and failing that I will shut it down permanently end of september.

So that is how things stand. I will be going on vacation for 2 weeks starting August 13 to mull over my prospects going forward.

Milton Aupperle