Screen Suddenly Goes White

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js10
Posts: 37
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 4:20 am

Re: Screen Suddenly Goes White

#11

Post by js10 »

Okay, went out again last night for the first time since my last post, and sure enough it most certainly happened again. Unfortunately, the screenshot totally slipped my mind, but I did record the time, so although the log file is huge again, I'm pasting only the portion showing the final time it happened (after which I gave up), though even that part of the log, as you'll see, has quite a few lines:

Debug: 21:49:32.9896604 Thread:#1 SharpCap.UI.SharpCapForm.CommandToolStripItem_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e) :: Button Pressed &Close Camera
Info: 21:49:33.0336629 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Models.Application+<>c__DisplayClass50_0.<set_SelectedCamera>b__0() :: Changing camera from ZWO ASI385MC to none
Info: 21:49:33.0336629 Thread:#1 SharpCap.ViewModels.SharpCapViewModel.appModel_OnCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: StatusBarUpdate event received in UI thread
Info: 21:49:33.0436635 Thread:#1 SharpCap.MultiCaptureProvider.CloseDevice() :: Stopping preview to close device
Info: 21:49:33.0436635 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.StopPreview() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:33.0446635 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.BaseImageProvider.Stop() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:33.2636760 Thread:ASI Grab Thread#14 SharpCap.Cameras.ASI.ASICameraProxy.MyGrabThreadProc() :: Ended
Debug: 21:49:33.2876774 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CameraProxyBase.StopPreview() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:33.2886775 Thread:Grab Thread#21 SharpCap.Base.CameraProxyBase.GrabThreadProc() :: Ended
Debug: 21:49:33.4816885 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CameraProxyBase.StopPreview() :: Ended
Debug: 21:49:33.4846887 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.BaseImageProvider.Stop() :: Ended
Info: 21:49:33.4856887 Thread:#1 SharpCap.MultiCaptureProvider.SendCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: Capture Event : StopPreview
Info: 21:49:33.4866888 Thread:#1 SharpCap.ViewModels.SharpCapViewModel.appModel_OnCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: StopPreview event received in UI thread
Info: 21:49:34.0117188 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.StopPreview() :: Ended
Info: 21:49:34.0127189 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.CloseDevice() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:34.0127189 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.CloseTheImageProvider() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:34.0127189 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.BaseImageProvider.Close() :: Started
Info: 21:49:34.0137189 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Cameras.ASI.ASICameraProxy.Dispose(Boolean disposing) :: Closing ZWO Camera due to Dispose of Proxy
Info: 21:49:34.0357202 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CameraProxyBase.Dispose(Boolean disposing) :: Started
Debug: 21:49:34.0357202 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.BaseImageProvider.Close() :: Ended
Debug: 21:49:34.0367203 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.CloseTheImageProvider() :: Ended
Debug: 21:49:34.0367203 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.SimpleCaptureProvider.OnDeviceClosed() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:34.0367203 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.SimpleCaptureProvider.OnDeviceClosed() :: Ended
Info: 21:49:34.0377203 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.CloseDevice() :: Ended
Info: 21:49:34.0377203 Thread:#1 SharpCap.MultiCaptureProvider.SendCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: Capture Event : DeviceClosed
Info: 21:49:34.0387204 Thread:#1 SharpCap.ViewModels.SharpCapViewModel.appModel_OnCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: DeviceClosed event received in UI thread
Info: 21:49:34.0717223 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.Dispose(Boolean bDisposing) :: Started
Error: 21:49:34.0727223 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.Dispose(Boolean bDisposing) :: Disposing of ASICaptureProvider
Debug: 21:49:34.0747224 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.BaseImageProvider.Dispose(Boolean disposing) :: Started
Debug: 21:49:34.0757225 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.BaseImageProvider.Dispose(Boolean disposing) :: Ended
Info: 21:49:34.0767225 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.Dispose(Boolean bDisposing) :: Ended
Info: 21:49:34.0767225 Thread:#1 SharpCap.ViewModels.SharpCapViewModel.appModel_OnCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: StatusBarUpdate event received in UI thread
Info: 21:49:36.5298629 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Models.Application+<>c__DisplayClass50_0.<set_SelectedCamera>b__0() :: Changing camera from none to ZWO ASI385MC
Info: 21:49:36.6738711 Thread:#1 SharpCap.ViewModels.SharpCapViewModel.appModel_OnCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: OpeningDevice event received in UI thread
Debug: 21:49:36.6768713 Thread:#1 SharpCap.MultiCaptureProvider.OpenDevice(DeviceTagData deviceTag) :: Opening device : ZWO ASI385MC (via ZWO ASI Cameras)
Info: 21:49:36.6778713 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.OpenDevice(DeviceTagData dtd) :: Started
Debug: 21:49:36.6778713 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.SimpleCaptureProvider.SetupDevice(DeviceTagData dtd) :: Started
Debug: 21:49:37.4519156 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.SimpleCaptureProvider.SetupDevice(DeviceTagData dtd) :: Ended
Info: 21:49:37.4529157 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.CreateCaptureControl() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:37.4529157 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.SimpleCaptureProvider.GetControls() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:37.4539157 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Cameras.ASI.ASICameraProxy.GetControlsImpl(IPreviewControl previewControl) :: Started
Info: 21:49:37.4929179 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.ColourSpacePropertyControl..ctor(IEnumFeature mainFeature, List`1 colourSpaces, IPreviewControl previewControl) :: Colour space RAW8 is valid.
Info: 21:49:37.4939180 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.ColourSpacePropertyControl..ctor(IEnumFeature mainFeature, List`1 colourSpaces, IPreviewControl previewControl) :: Colour space RGB24 is valid.
Info: 21:49:37.4939180 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.ColourSpacePropertyControl..ctor(IEnumFeature mainFeature, List`1 colourSpaces, IPreviewControl previewControl) :: Colour space MONO8 is valid.
Info: 21:49:37.4939180 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.ColourSpacePropertyControl..ctor(IEnumFeature mainFeature, List`1 colourSpaces, IPreviewControl previewControl) :: Colour space RAW16 is valid.
Debug: 21:49:37.4949181 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Cameras.ASI.ASICameraProxy.GetControlsImpl(IPreviewControl previewControl) :: Ended
Info: 21:49:37.4959181 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.CreateCaptureControl() :: Ended
Info: 21:49:37.4959181 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.OpenDevice(DeviceTagData dtd) :: Ended
Debug: 21:49:37.4969182 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Models.Camera.ApplyDefaultProfile() :: Started
Info: 21:49:37.5059187 Thread:#1 SharpCap.MultiCaptureProvider.StartPreview() :: Starting preview on ZWO ASI385MC
Info: 21:49:37.5099189 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.StartPreview() :: Started
Info: 21:49:37.5259198 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.StartPreview() :: Starting Preview on ZWO ASI385MC, 1024x768, Bayer_RGGB, 8bits
Debug: 21:49:37.5269199 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.BaseImageProvider.Start() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:37.5279199 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CameraProxyBase.StartPreview() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:37.5299201 Thread:Grab Thread#18 SharpCap.Base.CameraProxyBase.GrabThreadProc() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:37.6159250 Thread:ASI Grab Thread#3 SharpCap.Cameras.ASI.ASICameraProxy.MyGrabThreadProc() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:37.6169250 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CameraProxyBase.StartPreview() :: Ended
Debug: 21:49:37.6189251 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.BaseImageProvider.Start() :: Ended
Info: 21:49:37.6209253 Thread:#1 SharpCap.MultiCaptureProvider.SendCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: Capture Event : StartPreview
Debug: 21:49:37.6219253 Thread:#1 SharpCap.UI.WPFControlForm.InitControls(CaptureControl captureControl, String deviceName) :: Started
Debug: 21:49:37.6329259 Thread:#1 SharpCap.UI.WPFControlForm.InitControls(CaptureControl captureControl, String deviceName) :: Ended
Info: 21:49:37.6339260 Thread:#1 SharpCap.ViewModels.SharpCapViewModel.appModel_OnCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: StartPreview event received in UI thread
Info: 21:49:37.6459267 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.StartPreview() :: Ended
Debug: 21:49:37.6589274 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Models.Camera.ApplyDefaultProfile() :: Ended (Profile applied)
Info: 21:49:54.6709005 Thread:#1 SharpCap.UI.SharpCapForm.SharpCapForm_FormClosing(Object sender, FormClosingEventArgs e) :: Main window closing.
Info: 21:49:54.6729006 Thread:#1 SharpCap.UI.SharpCapForm.SharpCap_FormClosed(Object sender, FormClosedEventArgs e) :: Main window closed.
Info: 21:49:54.7419045 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Models.Application+<>c__DisplayClass50_0.<set_SelectedCamera>b__0() :: Changing camera from ZWO ASI385MC to none
Info: 21:49:54.7419045 Thread:#1 SharpCap.ViewModels.SharpCapViewModel.appModel_OnCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: StatusBarUpdate event received in UI thread
Info: 21:49:54.7499050 Thread:#1 SharpCap.MultiCaptureProvider.CloseDevice() :: Stopping preview to close device
Info: 21:49:54.7499050 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.StopPreview() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:54.7509050 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.BaseImageProvider.Stop() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:55.0519223 Thread:ASI Grab Thread#3 SharpCap.Cameras.ASI.ASICameraProxy.MyGrabThreadProc() :: Ended
Debug: 21:49:55.1159259 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CameraProxyBase.StopPreview() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:55.1169260 Thread:Grab Thread#18 SharpCap.Base.CameraProxyBase.GrabThreadProc() :: Ended
Debug: 21:49:55.1189261 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CameraProxyBase.StopPreview() :: Ended
Debug: 21:49:55.2459334 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.BaseImageProvider.Stop() :: Ended
Info: 21:49:55.2469334 Thread:#1 SharpCap.MultiCaptureProvider.SendCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: Capture Event : StopPreview
Info: 21:49:55.2479335 Thread:#1 SharpCap.ViewModels.SharpCapViewModel.appModel_OnCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: StopPreview event received in UI thread
Info: 21:49:55.7019594 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.StopPreview() :: Ended
Info: 21:49:55.7019594 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.CloseDevice() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:55.7029595 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.CloseTheImageProvider() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:55.7029595 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.BaseImageProvider.Close() :: Started
Info: 21:49:55.7039596 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Cameras.ASI.ASICameraProxy.Dispose(Boolean disposing) :: Closing ZWO Camera due to Dispose of Proxy
Info: 21:49:55.7279609 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CameraProxyBase.Dispose(Boolean disposing) :: Started
Debug: 21:49:55.7289610 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.BaseImageProvider.Close() :: Ended
Debug: 21:49:55.7289610 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.CloseTheImageProvider() :: Ended
Debug: 21:49:55.7299610 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.SimpleCaptureProvider.OnDeviceClosed() :: Started
Debug: 21:49:55.7299610 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.SimpleCaptureProvider.OnDeviceClosed() :: Ended
Info: 21:49:55.7299610 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.CloseDevice() :: Ended
Info: 21:49:55.7309611 Thread:#1 SharpCap.MultiCaptureProvider.SendCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: Capture Event : DeviceClosed
Info: 21:49:55.7319612 Thread:#1 SharpCap.ViewModels.SharpCapViewModel.appModel_OnCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: DeviceClosed event received in UI thread
Info: 21:49:55.7729635 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.Dispose(Boolean bDisposing) :: Started
Error: 21:49:55.7739636 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.Dispose(Boolean bDisposing) :: Disposing of ASICaptureProvider
Debug: 21:49:55.7759637 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.BaseImageProvider.Dispose(Boolean disposing) :: Started
Debug: 21:49:55.7769637 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.BaseImageProvider.Dispose(Boolean disposing) :: Ended
Info: 21:49:55.7769637 Thread:#1 SharpCap.Base.CaptureProviderBase`1.Dispose(Boolean bDisposing) :: Ended
Info: 21:49:55.7779638 Thread:#1 SharpCap.ViewModels.SharpCapViewModel.appModel_OnCaptureEvent(Object sender, CaptureEventArgs e) :: StatusBarUpdate event received in UI thread
Warning: 21:49:56.2119886 Thread:#1 SharpCap.MultiCaptureProvider.Dispose() :: Exception of type 'DllNotFoundException' from Disposing of device enumerators : Unable to load DLL 'AtikCameras.dll': The specified module could not be found. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x8007007E)
Stack Trace: at SharpCap.Cameras.Atik.AtikSdk.__Internal.ArtemisShutdown()
at SharpCap.Cameras.Atik.AtikSdk.ArtemisShutdown() in C:\Documents\Source Code\SharpCap3.2\src\SharpCap.Cameras.Atik\AtikSdk.cs:line 856
at SharpCap.Cameras.Atik.AtikDeviceEnumerator.Dispose(Boolean disposing) in C:\Documents\Source Code\SharpCap3.2\src\SharpCap.Cameras.Atik\AtikCaptureProvider.cs:line 36
at SharpCap.Base.SimpleDeviceEnumerator.Dispose() in C:\Documents\Source Code\SharpCap3.2\src\SharpCap.Base\SimpleCaptureProvider.cs:line 245
at SharpCap.MultiCaptureProvider.Dispose() in C:\Documents\Source Code\SharpCap3.2\src\SharpCap\Models\MultiCaptureProvider.cs:line 285
js10
Posts: 37
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 4:20 am

Re: Screen Suddenly Goes White

#12

Post by js10 »

Okay, with that long post (above) out of the way, just a few more notes about this. First, there's always a few-second delay. That is, I'll adjust the exposure slider, stop, it will look normal for a few seconds, and then turn completely white. Also, I should also let you know that when I first start moving the exposure slider, a message pops up at the top of the screen saying "it looks like you are taking long exposure images at a bit depth of 8 bits. You might want to change to a higher bit depth to capture maximum detail." I don't even know what this means, but does it indicate something I could adjust to prevent this from happening? Thank you.
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Menno555
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Re: Screen Suddenly Goes White

#13

Post by Menno555 »

About the message that pops up. For longer exposures, most of the time higher bit depth are used. Simply said, a higher bit exposure has more tones in it and that is just what you want.
You can change that: on top in the column on the right, you have a part called "Capture format and area". In there is a line called "Colour Space" with next to that a drop down menu. There you can choose from different kind of formats. In your case it's at RAW 8 and if you choose RAW 16, the message disappears. That value of 16 can be different, depending on your camera.
Here is explained in a clear way: https://www.altairastro.help/which-colo ... -i-choose/ (it's from Altair but is handels SharpCap)

Menno
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admin
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Re: Screen Suddenly Goes White

#14

Post by admin »

Hi,

Ok, now starting to make sense - the message you see

Code: Select all

It looks like you are taking long exposure images at a bit depth of 8 bits. You might want to change to a higher bit depth to capture maximum detail
only appears when the exposure time is set to 5s or more.

Based on your description I think you have adjusted the exposure time upwards from something relatively short to more than 5s. Once you have done that, the camera starts taking longer exposures and then after the first one is finished you get a white (or nearly white) image because the exposure is so much longer than it was previously. This assumes that you were previously using shorter exposures (<1s or so).

Is that possible?

cheers,

Robin
js10
Posts: 37
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 4:20 am

Re: Screen Suddenly Goes White

#15

Post by js10 »

Thank you to both of you for your responses and insights! I'm glad I mentioned that error message rather than just post the log.

Keep in mind, at this point I'm not even live stacking yet. This is basically preparatory work following a procedure described by someone at the company I purchased my telescope from. But, yes, I am moving the slider to the right, going from shorter to longer.

I didn't realize that what I WAS doing (as in my previous exposure time) impacts what I am doing NOW, which it sounds like it the case. So, the key question is, how do I prevent this from happening? Would just leaving it on the longer exposure time do it? Or should I try what Menno suggests and change the colour space format? Thanks again.
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Menno555
Posts: 1051
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Re: Screen Suddenly Goes White

#16

Post by Menno555 »

Setting it to RAW16 you can do without any problem, the message you mention will then go away. It will most likely not resolve the white screen you mentioned.
I think the most helpful for now is what Robin suggested: when you have that white screen, make a screenshot of your screen and post that here? We can check the settings you used then.

Menno
js10
Posts: 37
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 4:20 am

Re: Screen Suddenly Goes White

#17

Post by js10 »

Okay, I see. Unfortunately, of course, it's really the white screen I'm most worried about -- not the actual message. But I thought there might be some link between the two. Certainly, if/when it happens again, I'll be sure to take and then post a screenshot. Thanks again.
js10
Posts: 37
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 4:20 am

Re: Screen Suddenly Goes White

#18

Post by js10 »

Okay, am going to revive this thread now that I finally got out there again and can provide more detail. In fact, not only do I have a static image (which I can also post if necessary), but an actual video of it happening. Since I know I can't directly attach videos here, I'm providing this Dropbox link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/822od9to3q8jz ... 7.mp4?dl=0 . I did this once before and at first it didn't work but then seemed to resolve itself, so I'm hoping there's no problem this time.

Anyway, as you'll see it's about 17 seconds long, and even the initial image looks pretty strange to me. And then, even without me doing anything (I'm just holding my phone/camera throughout, so it's not even like I'm making any adjustments), that image is gone and it's just white.

Is this a problem of Sharpcap just suddenly not responding, or even an issue with the connection between my camera (the ASI385) and my laptop?

Thank you.
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admin
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Re: Screen Suddenly Goes White

#19

Post by admin »

Hi,

thanks for sharing the video!

First let's talk about the initial image – that's just the image of a star that is a long way out of focus. That sort of doughnut shape is very typical for an SCT or Newtonian (any type of telescope with a central obstruction). Normally you might not see the pattern tool when it is that far out of focus, but with a long exposure(you have 13.4s) the doughnut rings become visible.

Now onto the white out – I can't see anything obviously wrong with SharpCap from your video. Everything seems to be proceeding as it should. Is it possible that somehow another source of light got shone into the end of the telescope during the exposure time? Since you have quite a long exposure running there, it would take much additional light shining into the telescope to give the sort of effect that you're seeing.

Cheers, Robin
js10
Posts: 37
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 4:20 am

Re: Screen Suddenly Goes White

#20

Post by js10 »

Yes, I figured that the doughnut shape of the star was likely an issue of very poor focus. The problem, though, and where this relates to the primary issue here, is that it was impossible for me to test that out. When I started turning my scope's focus knob, nothing seemed to happen -- the image on my screen didn't react at all. Which is in and of itself concerning. But it's also possible that I just didn't get to turn it enough (sometimes it seems to require many turns) before the screen goes white. In other words, this issue kind of puts a very short time limit on my ability to focus.

And, no, there's no way some external source of light suddenly became an issue -- it's not like a car drove by or anything, as I was the only one there that night! And, more importantly, it's repeatable. I could have taken and uploaded another video, but I don't want to bore you! But it would have shown something very similar.
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