Orion PARSEC 8300M - Manual (Page 6)

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to install the camera driver:
1. Insert the CD-ROM into the
computer. The Launcher will
appear (Figure 6). (For Windows 7
and Vista computers, the
AutoPlay
window will appear first. Select
Run Launcher
.exe, then the
Launcher will appear.)
2. In Launcher screen, select Install
FTDI. This installs the driver files
for the Parsec camera.
3. Connect the Orion Parsec to a USB port on the computer with the supplied
USB cable.
4. Plug the supplied power cable into a 12VDC power source and connect the
cable to the Parsec. LED status indicator and cooling fan will automatically
power on. Windows will automatically detect the camera and install it
onto your computer. Wait for the message to appear,
Device Installed
Successfully.
Note: Your computer must have a high-speed USB 2.0 port available. If your
computer has multiple USB ports, you will need to install the driver again if the
Parsec is connected to a different USB port.
The Parsec uses FTDI drivers which are WHQL certified by Microsoft for both
32-bit and 64-bit Windows operating systems including Windows XP, Vista and
Windows 7. We recommend regularly checking
www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/
D2XX.htm for updates.
3. Software Walk-through
MaxIm DL 5 is a powerful imaging program which offers complete control for your
Parsec camera, autoguider, telescope, and imaging accessories such as a motor-
ized filter wheel and focuser. In addition to controlling your camera and accesso-
ries for image capture, MaxIm DL also provides all the necessary processing tools
to assemble your astro-image.
For the most detail regarding all of the
features in MaxIm DL, please con-
sult the comprehensive help tutorial
in MaxIm’s
Help Topics. The following
section of the manual will walk you
through the basic features mostly found
in the
Camera Control Window.
The Parsec includes a free 60-day trial
of MaxIm DL 5 Pro. Start by opening
MaxIm DL, and you will be prompted
with the
User Registration window
which requires your license informa-
tion (Figure 8). Refer to the registration
label on the envalope of your software
CD and enter the information exactly
as it is shown on the label. Once your
information is entered correctly, the
OK
button will become available, click OK
to proceed. You will only have to enter
your software license once.
3.1. the Camera Control
Window
The Camera Control Window con-
trols your Parsec camera, as well as
your autoguider if you are using one.
The window has three tabs,
Expose,
Guide, and Setup.
To access the
Camera Control Window, Open MaxIm DL and go to View, then
select Camera Control Window, or you may click on the icon found in MaxIm
(Figure 7) or press Control + W.
the Setup tab and Connecting the Parsec (Figure 9.1)
We recommend selecting
More on the bottom right of the Setup (Figure 9.2) tab
which will reveal more information such as the cooler status, exposure progress,
and more.
Camera 1 should be used for your Parsec. Camera 2 should be used for your
autoguider if you are using one.
To connect your Parsec camera to MaxIm DL.
1. Plug the Parsec into your computer’s USB port.
2. Plug the power cable into the Parsec, with your 12VDC power source already
connected. The cooling fan and LED status indicators will automatically
power on.
Figure 7. Access the Camera Control Window from the View menu, or pressing Ctrl +
W, or selecting the icon.
Figure 9.1. The Setup tab in the
Camera Control Window.
Figure 9.2. The More/Less button
reveals more detailed information about
the camera status, such as the cooler
temperature, exposure progress, and more.
Figure 8. User Registration Window.