S2K MX-716 MaximDL Ghosting
PROBLEM RESOLVED !
This page is dedicated to my ongoing struggle to get my Staright Xpress MX-716 camera up and running with Star2000 self guiding in MaximDL v4.x.
(It is unknown if this problem exists with MaximDL v5.x, if so please let me know!!)
This problem seems to be a 'known' however I had trouble finding much information on the issue through various Yahoo groups and elsewhere online. I figured I'd record what I did for my sake (in case I need to rebuild my primary imaging machine someday), or in case someone else may find this useful.
Same hex file. Different Maxim driver setting.
EXAMPLE WITH GHOSTING
-MaximDL v4.x
-Default SX MX-716 hex file (from Starlight Xpress)
-Star2K MX7/9 driver selected in MaximDL.
*Single 1 second focus image, the mount is moved, another 1 second focus image is taken. Note the CCD is not flushed between images!
EXAMPLE WITHOUT GHOSTING
-MaximDL v4.x
-Default SX MX-716 hex file (from Starlight Xpress)
-SX MX7/9 USB driver selected in MaximDL.
*Single 1 second focus image, the mount is moved, another 1 second focus image is taken. Note the CCD IS properly flushed.
I have apparently 'fixed' the problem by using the MaximDL SX Universal Driver. It wasn't all so simple as it sounds however. In the meatime I tried various HEX file versions, reloading the USB 1.1 driver (BlockIO.inf) multiple times. Trying various different USB ports, with and without a USB hub.
Ultimately the fix -seems- to be this: It was all on how MaximDL was handling the USB driver, AND Windows XP's inability to find and install the correct USB driver (ECHO2).
Installing the SX Universale Driver on MaximDL v.4.x :
(this should work for ANY SX camera using the Universal driver!)
-Unplug the USB and power cables of the SX MX-716 Camera.
-In Maxim CCD window (CTRL-W), choose the SX Universal camera driver.
-Click Setup. You will see NO camera assigned. Choose your camera, guider, AO unit, etc as appropriate
-Click Advanced, and Hex File Manager (I left all check boxes BLANK)
-Select the Universal Hex, and click Next until it copies the Hex file.
-Close everything out. EXIT MaximDL completely. This is important.
-Plug your Camera USB cable in FIRST.
-Plug your Camera power cable in next.
-Windows XP will detect and install the new USB device.
-IMPORTANT: When you are prompted to install an ECHO2 driver (it will not find the driver automatically!!!)
-BROWSE for the driver IN THE MAXIMDL subdirectory
LOCATED HERE - C:\....\MaxIm DL V4\INF Files
-Windows XP will now load the *Starlight Xpress USB 2.0 Driver*. This driver WILL work with USB 1.1 devices. You NEED this USB 2.0 driver for the SX Universal to work.
Now for Star2000 Configuration :
-In Maxim CCD window (CTRL-W), choose Setup on the Autoguider section.
-Select *same as main camera*... no you aren't done yet.
-Click on the GUIDE tab
-Click on the Arrow next to OPTIONS and select *Guider Settings*
-Look at the AUTOGUIDER OUTPUT section. Choose *SX Serial* for Star2000. I was originally mistaken about choosing the guider relays option.
-I then set comms to COM2, which I am using.
Guiding seems to work now, though I am dealing with some drift due to Polar alignment, and I suspect I need to tune the config. I will document what I do and will follow up on this at a later time.
Good luck!