DO NOT CONNECT CAMERA with USB cable until you have completed Step 1 and AltairCapture is installed!
Step 1: Download AltairCapture Software Official software and the best option to get you started exploring your camera. Capture and save video or still images, with live preview mode. Control frame rate, exposure duration (for long deep-sky or short solar system video), contrast, gain, brightness / gamma, saturation, dark frame subtraction, draggable ROI (Region Of Interest) for high speed cropped imaging, noise reduction filter, switch between 8bit (solar system) and 12bit (deepsky) modes in real-time. RAW mode (without Debayering) available. Output file formats include .FITS (16bit) .SER (8-12bit) .AVI (8bit) .BMP .PNG .TIFF .JPEG. NEW Live stacking feature with auto-alignment for EAA / Video Astronomy. Download Latest AltairCapture v3.7.8794 here (Compatible with Windows XP SP3; Win 7, Win 8, Win 10, official software) Get ahead of the curve with latest AltairCapture Beta 04-11-2016. Beta versions have new features and improvements, but they can be a little buggy, so we need your feedback on the Altair Astro Google Group.
Step 2: SharpCap & SharpCap PRO Download Latest Sharpcap version here (Windows).
You get a FREE SharpCap PRO License with every Altair camera made in 2017. Simply plug in the camera and a window will pop up - just follow the instructions from there. SharpCap supports Altair Cameras directly, and contains advanced features like focusing routines - Bahtinov, Contrast and Star modes, "live" image stacking and alignment for video astronomy. ASCOM filter wheel control is also included, as well as a NEW plate solving polar alignment routine designed to work with the Altair 50mm or 60mm Finder/Guidescopes. and/or Download FireCapture BETA with support for Altair Cameras (Windows) Firecapture has now implemented Altair Camera support in Beta (please try!). New SDK sent for next release.
Step 3: Download PHD2 for AutoGuiding with Altair Cameras
Download PHD2 for Altair Camera here
For auto-guiding your GOTO mount through the camera's ST4 port. Most widely used free autoguiding software, compatible with most GOTO mounts on the market, including Altair Camera support from v2.6.1dev4 onwards. (Altair Device Driver required, Windows PC only).
NOTE: Sometimes the very latest cameras aren't yet included in the PHD main release. You can still get them working by copying the altaircam.dll file into the PHD folder like this.
Other drivers:
Altair ASCOM Drivers: These are in constant development, and are usually updated first on the Google Group.
Download Altair Camera v1.4.71.0 ASCOM Driver here please note this is a .ZIP file which can be opened by Winzip (already present on most Windows PCs).
For ASCOM driver info & bug reports please join Altair Astro Google Group.
GPCAM Direct Show drivers: Download GPCAM Direct Show driver here. Please note, these support GPCAM and are provided in a limited capacity for applications which cannot or will not use the Altair SDK.
Altair camera manuals & instructions:
- Altair camera Quick Start Guide (applies to all cameras and same as paper insert in the box. Download Altair Camera Quickstart Guide here.
- AltairCapture online manual & Guides – See main menu opposite for Getting Started and guides to features such as Region of Interest (ROI), Dark Frame Subtraction (DFS), Choosing File Formats, Timelapse Video and Still image capture, etc.
- Technical Support Forum – Altair Astro Products:
Altair Astro Google Group for Technical Support Get software updates, Beta drivers and software. Discuss tips and techniques to get the most out of your camera. Help others. You do not need a Google ID to use this group, any email address will do. Please give a reason for joining or your application will be rejected.
Use Facebook? 
Join the Altair Astro Facebook Group Post images. Show us your gear. Discuss and share techniques.
Like the Official Altair Astro Facebook page for new product updates and info.
