GHY168C camera no image shows

[Fivelpolar]

Hello.
I have the subject camera that is recognized by Sharpcap Pro, but no image shows up.
I installed the latest "all-in-one" QHY drivers package for SC Pro.
My camera works properly on my MAC capture apps.
This issue was posted by others about two years ago, but I haven't seen any replies that helped.
It is difficult to determine where the fault lies.
I did contact QHY support, and am waiting for a reply.
Does anyone know how to fix this issue?
Thanks in advance.
Fivelpolar

[admin]

Hi,

since you mention Mac capture apps, are you using SharpCap on a Mac using Parallels or Boot Camp? The boot camp approach has tended to be fairly reliable, but does not work with the new M1/M2/M3 Macs. Parallels has worked nicely for some people, but has also caused issues for others that tend to be hard to solve.

If you are trying using parallels then it might just help to use a USB2 cable to reduce the speed of data flowing from the camera.

cheers,

Robin

[Fivelpolar]

Hello Robin, thanks for the reply.
I use Sharpcap Pro on a Windows 10 laptop.
The camera to laptop is USB 3.0.

Regards,

Fivelpolar

[admin]

Hi,

OK, that's not the cause then

Does the camera work nicely with other capture apps on the Windows PC, or is it having problems on all applications?

cheers,

Robin

[Fivelpolar]

Hello again Robin.
I need to put my mount back together, after some important maintenance.
I may be able to check tonight, but will need to install another capture app.
I need something simple, not a full observatory control app.
I am not a big Windows user, so can you recommend a simple Windows capture app?

Thanks again

Fivelpolar

[admin]

Hi,

in your situation, I'd be tempted to try QHY's own software - EZCAP... If that shows the same issue then you need to be searching for the solution somewhere in the hardware/drivers/cables/etc area, whereas if that works then we are looking at an issue with the way SharpCap talks to the camera of some description.

If you haven't already, try using SharpCap in still mode (or, equivalently, set the 'Force Still Mode' option to On in the controls on the right). That tends to help give more reliable operation for a number of QHY cameras, although it will mean you won't be able to get maximum frame rates out of the camera.

cheers,

Robin

[Fivelpolar]

Hi Robin.
First, I installed that app and will try it when weather permits, and I have my mount back together.
I did try the Still, and Force Still modes, with no change.
I am also waiting to hear from one of the China based QHY support reps.
They are on the New Year break until the 18th.

Fivelpolar

[Fivelpolar]

Well Robin, I am back and tried both EZCap and again Sharpcap on my Windows laptop.
EZCap did not either recognize or list my QHY168C camera.
I still cannot get any feed from the camera in Sharpcap.
I will reinstall the QHY drivers pack and leave all the defaults checked.
First I used the app on my Mac to ensure that the telescope is well focused.
Then again connected the camera to the Widows laptop.
Does Sharpcap recommend I connect via a powered USB 3.0 hub?
The Mac did not need one in the mix.
I hope to hear back from QHY on the 18th or a couple of days later.
Someone must be able to help solve this issue.
Thanks again.

Fivelpolar

[admin]

Hi,

thanks for the additional info - if EZCap is not seeing the cameras then it does tend to point to a low level cause rather than a software cause - something from the QHY SDK downward through the driver to hardware connection.

For this sort of testing I would always advise using a minimal USB setup - that is a single, relatively short, USB cable direct from the USB port on the PC to the camera. Extension cables and hubs can introduce issues, so it's best to start without them, and if you can get a working system without but it breaks when you add them in, you know the cause of the breakage... I have seen cases in the past where some cameras do not work on particular PC USB ports, particularly add-in USB3 PCIe boards, so it may be worth trying different ports and different USB cables if possible.

cheers,

Robin

[Fivelpolar]

Eureka!!
I finally got Sharpcap to fully recognize my camera and show images.
I had to completely uninstall the QHY drivers and app.
It took two attempts at downloading and installing the QHY all-in-one thanks to Windows outrageously tight security. Even then it took several repeat step to validate the app.
I also needed to install the latest ascom platform.
So, now Murphy has us socked in with clouds for several nights.
Maybe tonight I can have enough holes in the clouds to perform the polar alignment.
All I need is a clear norther sky and I will be good to go.
Anyway, I thought you would appreciate the results and what it took to get it all working.
Thanks again for your great app.
Fivelpolar