From: sramsden@natca.net

Date: August 6, 2012 4:06:33 PM MDT

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

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

Milton,

I am EXTREMELY sorry to hear this news.  Your product has changed the lives of thousands of students through my outreach program and revolutionized solar imaging.  I can't believe how cheap these guys in this hobby are sometimes.  They are their own worse enemies.

-----Original Message-----
From: "Milton Aupperle" <milton@outcastsoft.com>
Sent: Monday, August 6, 2012 5:47pm
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




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