Re: Astro webcams on Macs
- From: Davoud <star@xxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 14 Jun 2005 01:49:40 -0400
lal_truckee:
> What's the status of Macintosh OS X software for astro use? Have things
> improved? What are the latest camera drivers, image grab SW, stacking
> software, image manipulation SW?
I maintain a partial list at
<http://www.davidillig.com/ast-threemacs.shtml>.
There are drivers and capture SW for FireWire and USB webcams, a driver
for the Meade LPI, several stacking utilities (including Photoshop, of
course), etc. Digicams don't need SW for grabbing images; OS X
recognizes and imports from virtually all of them. Canon and Nikon, of
course, include additional software with their cameras. iAstroPhoto is
a focusing aid for Canon (only) DSLR's -- modeled after DSLR Focus for
Windows. Authors of both programs had difficulties with Canon's SDK as
relates to the 20D; that issue has supposedly been resolved in the
Windows app, but I haven't had a chance to test it. I'm not certain of
the current status of the Mac app.
Image manipulation: IRAF is a good Unix app -- runs under X11, and does
not need to be compiled, as it is available as an OS X package. Also
ImageJ, orginally developed for the Mac only by the NIH, which uses
Macs for scientific imaging. Now cross-platform. ImagesPlus is a
respected image manipulation package for Windows. It has a jumbled user
interface/menu system that is in serious need of Macification.
ImagesPlus also wants gobs of processor power. I have it on my Windows
laptop, but I've been using Photoshop for so long that I tend to return
to it.
Wait a year, get a Macintel and you can add the entire catalog of
Windows astro SW to the list.
Tom Bisque and other members of the Bisque family have told me that
versions of TheSky (Mac version currently runs only on OS 9, but does
nicely in Classic), CCDSoft, and TPoint are coming to the Mac, /but/
they warned me not to hold my breath until the release date.
Considering that Software Bisque is no a large company, and that astro
software is a niche market to start with, and that the Mac is a niche
within that niche, it's not surprising that they are unable to devote
large amounts of resources to Mac development. (Though their upcoming
3D Solar System simulator will be released concurrently for OS X and
Windows. It is being developed on Macs.)
> Also same question for Linux/FOSS software - I can always compile
> Linux/FOSS software for the Mac if need be.
XEphem, of course, and it, too, is available as a package. Very
powerful, but takes some getting used to after years on the Mac with
its consistent user interface. Some observatories are running
proprietary Unix SW on Macs, but they aren't anxious to share it.
Otherwise, I haven't paid much attention to Unix astro SW.
There is even a piece of Mac SW that, when used with third-party servo
hardware, permits remote control of Dobs -- including via a Bluetooth
phone! Don't know if this one will be a megahit or not, but there you
have it.
Davoud
--
usenet *at* davidillig dawt com
.
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