Step 1: Download Altair Device Driver for Windows
Download here
Required to use your camera - do not connect camera until drivers are installed. Compatible with PHD2, SharpCap 2.6+, AltairCapture. Supports Windows XP; Win 7, Win 8, Win 10
Step 2: Download Capture Software
Download Latest AltairCapture v3.7.8794 here (Windows, official software)
Official software and the best to start with. 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.
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. This version has:
1) Bug fix: "auto exposure setting cannot be changed from default 120 setting"
2) Darkframe Correction Feature feature easier to use in trigger mode. Go to "Dark Field Correction" menu, define no. of frames to capture and click "Capture". Then click "Enable", scroll up to "Trigger mode" and click "Loop" (or Sequence/Single).
3) NEW Black level feature has been added;
and/or
Download Latest Sharpcap version here (Windows)
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.
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 User Group.
Instructions:
Altair GPCAM Quick Start Guide (applies to all GPCAM cameras)
AltairCapture Instructions & 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 Technical Support Forum
Get software updates. 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.
Prefer 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.
