SharpCap Forums

Robin, This is very helpful - exactly what we need to know. In my view, the ideal metadata would be an exposure start clock time (based on the camera's internal clock). QHY's sequence number is the next best choice and very useful. The dropped frame count from ZWO might be useful but, as you say, we...

Sorry I missed some of this discussion. I haven't been back to this post in a while.... Robin, Can you comment on the reliability of dropped frame detection with various cameras (notably ASI, QHY and other cameras which run a fast frame rates)? Dropped frames can affect timing and can be difficult t...

Robin, Thanks for the quick feedback. The switch interface does sounds like good starting point. It is good to hear that you think the Switch device approach will work in this case. Timing with a flash device: The IOTA-GFT device logs the time of the flashes to the PC (via the device driver). The ti...

Robin, I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on the best way to integrate a GPS based flash timing device with Sharpcap. Maybe this is a feature request, maybe not. A few members of IOTA (International Occultation Timing Association) are working on a specific design of a GPS flash timing device wh...

Robin, Thanks for sharing your insight on the ASCOM camera driver interface. Given your comments, the best options would be either the ASCOM video driver or direct support (via the spinnaker SDK). Unfortunately, both of those options require some effort on your part AND a camera for testing. If you ...

Understood. The machine vision cameras from FLIR, Imaging Source, and Basler all include features which lead to better timing accuracy versus most cameras designed for the astronomy market. The QHY-174GPS is still the nicest option for occultation work. But at a much higher price point. It is hard t...

What are your current thoughts on adding support for the Blackfly S and other FLIR cameras which require the Spinnaker SDK? These cameras are potentially interesting options for observing occultations.

Thanks for your help,
Steve