From: Terrence Redding <tredding@mac.com>
Date: October 26, 2009 12:11:57 PM MDT
To: astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com, macastronomer@yahoogroups.com, stark-labs-astronomy-software@yahoogroups.com
Cc: osxastro@yahoogroups.com, EqX Group <eqxgroup@microprojects.ca>, mpj-equinox@yahoogroups.com, Microprojects Support <support@microprojects.ca>
Subject: Starlight Xpress SXUFW-1T 7 position 1 1/4" filter wheel
Starlight Xpress SXUFW-1T 7 position 1 1/4" filter wheel
After nine weeks of waiting my filter wheel has finally arrived. I wonder if anyone else on the lists is using this filter wheel with a Mac?
First impressions. The wheel arrived from OPT in a large box. $12.50 for shipping from the west coast to Florida seemed very reasonable. In the box, was a smaller box. And in that box a small thin case which actually holds the filter wheel. I ordered mine with seven positions 1 1/4" filters for planetary imaging, variable star wotk and eventually exoplanet work. The description of the filter wheel operation is for a silent and vibration free experience.
In the case is a nicely crafted filter wheel, a disk with manual and software, and a USB cable. This filter wheel is software controlled and receives it commands and power from the computer via the USB cable. Reviewing the software that came with the filter wheel it appears to be Windows only. However, the filter wheel manual contains a complete set of commands and looking at some of the imaging software available for the Mac, it appears filter wheel control is included.
This filter wheel is a new product for Starlight Express and may be that the software to control the filter wheel is already available for the Mac. Of course if I have to control the filter wheel with a PC, I can. But it strikes me as better - if I am able to control the filter wheel with a Mac.
Comments greatly appreciated.
Terry - W6LMJ - 14.287
Terrence R. Redding, Ph.D.
Redding Observatory South, West Palm Beach, Florida
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