Messages

1

Image Issue Q&A / bit binning quantization problem QHY600 pro

« on: June 14, 2021, 05:12:52 PM »

Hello.
I have a QHY600 pro. and I bought the camera to perform photometry for exoplanets.

Performing a binning test, I found an error that I can't know where it comes from.

According to its specifications, the camera in 2x2 binning has 18 bit in 3x3 19 bit and in 4x4 20 bit.

When trying to carry out the tests with 2x2 binning, the socket would have to have 262,143 values, that is to say "65535 x4" but I find that the histogram continues to show me 65535.

I have tested it with various capture software and they all dial the same.

sharcap NINA etc.


You would also have to save the data in 32bit format and it is saved in 16 bit format, therefore there is an error.

Perform a simple test on a white light frame and the results are as follows

binning 1x1 time exp 49.1 ADU 6617 FACTOR +1
binning 2x2 time exp 49.1 ADU 25972 FACTOR +4
binning 3x3 time exp 49.1 ADU 58770 FACTOR +9
all correct, but the accounts do not rise from 65535 which are 16 bit for longer than the shot.

where is the problem,
In the SDK?
In the acquisition software?

2

QHYCCD SDK FOR WINDOWS / Re: QHY CFW3 firmware source code?

« on: June 14, 2021, 12:49:47 AM »

Glad it worked out, one way or the other!

Let me know if you get better results with your updated wheel!

Nico

Hello again NICO.
Yes!!
It is much more centered, but it is true that I had to deactivate the search filter backward.
Even so, filter # 1 is not completely well centered.
Ideally, you should have an offset for each filter to adjust it independently.
Thanks NICO, great job.

3

QHYCCD SDK FOR WINDOWS / Re: QHY CFW3 firmware source code?

« on: June 13, 2021, 02:22:57 PM »

Thanks NICO.
Sure you can improve the code and make it cleaner.
With the code modification it works with the serial monitor and also from the ASCOM APP.
Thank you again

4

QHYCCD SDK FOR WINDOWS / Re: QHY CFW3 firmware source code?

« on: June 13, 2021, 01:40:11 PM »

Hi Nico.
make a few changes and it works, but I think the code is not elegant.
the modification comes from line 830 to 872
it seems to work.
a question.
each filter individually can the offset be adjusted?
Thanks NICO.
Check the code because I know it can be improved
I'll post the new code for you

5

QHYCCD SDK FOR WINDOWS / Re: QHY CFW3 firmware source code?

« on: June 13, 2021, 08:53:47 AM »

Thanks NICO.

the push button is in red mode, "out"
in 9600 in the terminal I get "0"
but no command is swallowed.
"1" wheel does not move
"2" wheel does not move
I do not change any parameter.
I have put in:
"BB 130" Send
"FB -130" Send
"STR" Send
"UD" Send
"SMP" Send

What commands can I enter to move?

6

QHYCCD SDK FOR WINDOWS / Re: QHY CFW3 firmware source code?

« on: June 13, 2021, 07:28:32 AM »

I answer you between the lines

could you please have a look at the ASCOM log (This PC->Documents->ASCOM->Logs **DATE **)? There should be a text file named ASCOM.QHYFWRS232.somenumber, let me know its contents.

13:09:08.281 FilterWheel               Starting initialisation
13:09:08.281 FilterWheel               Completed initialisation
13:09:08.291 InterfaceVersion Get      2
13:09:08.291 Connected Set             True
13:09:08.291 Connected Set             Connecting to port COM8
13:09:08.409 Connected Get             True
13:09:08.410 Connected Get             True
13:09:08.413 Description Get           QHYFWRS232 FilterWheel.
13:09:08.414 DriverInfo Get            Information about the driver itself. Version: 2.0
13:09:08.415 DriverVersion Get         2.0
13:09:08.418 Connected Get             True
13:09:08.418 Position Get              0
13:09:08.419 DriverVersion Get         2.0
13:09:08.501 Connected Get             True
13:09:11.039 Connected Get             True
13:09:11.192 Connected Get             True
13:09:11.833 Connected Get             True
13:09:12.633 Connected Get             True
13:09:15.367 Connected Get             True
13:09:15.459 Connected Get             True
13:09:15.460 Connected Get             True
13:09:16.176 Connected Get             True
13:09:21.823 Connected Get             True
13:09:21.823 Connected Get             True
13:09:22.679 Connected Get             True
13:09:22.921 Connected Get             True
13:09:23.953 Connected Get             True
13:09:24.048 Connected Set             False
13:09:24.049 Connected Set             Disconnecting from port COM8

Alternatively, here is "Plan B":

• Open the Arduino IDE

OK

• With the wheel connected in serial mode, open the Serial Monitor (Tools->Serial Monitor)

OK

• Set the speed to 19200 baud. The wheel should initialize, and a "0" should be printed on the monitor window

19200 the data I receive is "?" not a "0"

• Check that the wheel moves by writing e.g. "1" and pressing "Send"

It does not move

• Now you can us the following commands to change the Backlash/unidirectional settings:

neither works, nor does it return anything.

• FB xxx: set the FORWARD backlash to XXX
• BB xxx: set the BACKWARD backlash to xxx
• STR: store the backlash values to EEPROM
• UD X: set the wheel to BIDIRECTONAL (x=0) on UNIDIRECTIONAL (x=1)
• SMP: store the wheel movement policy (uni/bidirectional) to EEPROM

The backlash values and the uni/bidirectional movement are only saved to EEPROM if the wheel receives the STR or SMP commands. After that, the wheel will always use the stored backlash or movement policy, even if connected directly to the camera.

Let me know,

[/list]

7

QHYCCD SDK FOR WINDOWS / Re: QHY CFW3 firmware source code?

« on: June 12, 2021, 03:47:13 PM »

I waited a minute and there is no response.
 I tried more times and it does not respond.
  I have to force to close

8

QHYCCD SDK FOR WINDOWS / Re: QHY CFW3 firmware source code?

« on: June 12, 2021, 02:26:33 PM »

Thanks Carlos!

the firmware/ASCOM driver should be fully compatible with 9 position wheels and direct connection.

Let me know if that works!

Best,

Nico

Hi Nico.
I was able to update the firmware without problems, but I cannot access to record in the eeprom or press ok.
Where can I be making the mistake?
the carousel moves well and works with all 9 filters.
one more question.
the focus offset can you introduce positive or negative steps and correct individually each filter ?.
Thank you for your great work.
I add a photo of how the dialogue with the ascom remains.
I am working it with the 32bit driver.

9

QHYCCD SDK FOR WINDOWS / Re: QHY CFW3 firmware source code?

« on: June 11, 2021, 01:18:52 AM »

Hi,

I finally had some time to work on the driver: I am attaching a new arduino code for the firmware (QHYCFW_3.ino in a zipped file), an installer for the new new ASCOM driver (QHY CFW_BL Setup.exe in a zipped file) and the zipped source code for the ASCOM driver (QHYFWRS232.zip)

PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM NOT AFFILIATED WITH QHY AND THAT THESE ARE NOT OFFICIAL FIRMWARE/ASCOM DRIVER FROM QHY
The files here are just provided as they are.

What is new:

• Wheel position backlash can now be set from the ASCOM driver
• It is possible to choose unidirectional rotation (only forward)

How to install the new firmware:

• Connect the wheel in Serial mode and note the COM port of the wheel
• If you don't have the Arduino IDE, download it from here https://www.arduino.cc/en/software
• Open the Arduino IDE and load the attached sketch QHYCFW_3.ino
• From the Arduino IDE, select Tools->Board->"Arduino Duemilanove or Diecimila"
• From the Arduino IDE, select Tools->Processor->"ATmega328P"
• From the Arduino IDE, select Tools->Port->"COMXXX", where COMXXX is the COM port of the wheel
• From the Arduino IDE, select Sketch->Upload

Wait until the sketch uploads. This should update the filter wheel firmware. Close the Arduino IDE: your wheel has now the upgraded firmware.

NOTE: it is still possible to revert to the old QHY firmware as described here https://www.qhyccd.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=68&id=176
NOTE: this firmware works both in Serial mode and when connected through a 4 pin cable to QHY cameras, however QHY9 cameras are not supported

How to set wheel backlash and uni/bi-directional rotation:

• Install the attached ASCOM driver by unzipping and running the attached installer (QHY CFW_BL Setup.exe)
• Connect the wheel in Serial mode and note the COM port of the wheel
• Launch ASCOM Diagnostics (Start->ASCOM Platform 6->ASCOM Diagnostic)
• Select Choose Device->Choose and Connect to Device (32bit application)
• From the "Select Device Type" dropdown, select "FilterWheel
• Press "Choose": a window named ASCOM FilterWheel Chooser should appear
• In the dropdown menu select "QHYFWRS232 FilterWheel."
• Press "Properties...". A window named QHYFWRS232 Setup should appear
• From the dropdown QHYCFW Generation select QHYCFW2/3
• From the dropdown COM Port select the COM port of the wheel. The filter wheel should initialize
• Select a value for Backlash F and Backlash B, and click the checkbox if you want unidirectional rotation
• Use the button "Write backlash to EEPROM" to store the values of the backlash to the wheel non-volatile memory

In my case, the correct value for Backlash F is 130, and for Backlash B is -130. I am happy with bidirectional rotation.

NOTE: backlash F and backlash B are the backlash values that the wheel correct for when moving to the next and previous filter, respectively
NOTE: experiment with the backlash values, don't forget to store them to EEPROM every time you change them
NOTE: this ASCOM driver is 32bit only. Even if it is compiled for 64bit, the setup program only registers it as a 32bit driver. I hope that QHY will address this issue if people find the added functionality useful

Enjoy your filter wheel and clear sky!!!

Nico

Thanks Nico for your great help.
I do not understand why these improvements are not standard, that you are working for those of us who have the same problem as you.
I have a few questions, NICO.
1st is valid for the 9-position wheel?
2nd is it compatible with direct connection to camera?
P.S. I will prove it these days and I inform you.
Thanks, NICO.

10

Astronomy equipment Discussion board / Re: Please allow us to select direction of filter wheels

« on: May 08, 2021, 02:36:15 PM »

Hi,

The optional option is in proceeding after talked about the function.

Best Regards!
zy

fantastic news after the big investment in the wheel.

11

Accessories by QHYCCD or Third Part Supply / Re: GPIO connector qhy600

« on: April 15, 2021, 11:48:58 AM »

Good afternoon, I have a question . 
How can I use the GPIO connector qhy600 pro 6 pin to put a GPS on it? 
Is there a connections manual?
Gracias

Hi, I have just checked the user manuals and I can see that the manual includes SharpCap, ASCOM, EZCAP_QT, and N.I.N.A. but I can't see anything about GPIO... That's a bummer, I was planning to bring my QHY600 to my property in Germany and use it with a GPIO connector next month but seems like no need to bother if there are no manuals.

If it's any help.

12

QHYCCD Standard Software Q&A / Re: QHY600PRO binning upgrade

« on: April 13, 2021, 06:26:22 AM »

Hi,
    I asked this to Dr.Qiu,he told me we have this plan,we will add this function ro FPGA,and we plan start this at the latter half of the year.
Best Regards,
QinXiaoXu

Great news!!

13

QHYCCD Standard Software Q&A / Re: QHY600PRO binning upgrade

« on: April 10, 2021, 07:37:28 AM »

    Well,in theroy,it can be done in FPGA,but this function is not available,it is software bin in SDK now.
Best Regards,
QinXiaoXu

Thanks for the reply.
I understand that it would improve this processing in the FPGA, and increase the download speed x3,
We would thus have the only 18 bit camera to make lucky images.
do you plan to do it? can we dream of this improvement of QHY vs competition?
Best Regards,

14

QHYCCD Standard Software Q&A / QHY600PRO binning upgrade

« on: April 07, 2021, 05:22:46 AM »

Hello everyone.
Is it possible to generate the binning directly in the camera through the FPGA processing?
I understand that it does not have to be expensive to implement and we would greatly improve the transfer speed of the computer camera.
The camera could also work in this mode at a higher resolution bit
Thanks

15

Astronomy equipment Discussion board / Re: Please allow us to select direction of filter wheels

« on: March 27, 2021, 12:55:16 PM »

I have the same problem