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Sharpcap flashing a message ZWO camera not working
Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2024 12:26 am
by astroradio
Been using SharpCap for few years flawlessly. Recently upgraded to 4.1 12529 & before 12516 & 12489. With Version 12529, I noticed that the cooler was shutting off, and back on. Checked all connections and cables. Then noticed if I moved the exposure time slider, that sharpCap issued a message in the bar above the display window, that the ZWO camera was not working properly. Sorry I should have logged in the exact message wordage and saved a log. The message is displayed quickly. At that exact time also, the cooler will disconnect. And the quickly reconnect. I trouble shoot all the common issues. I then down graded the version to 12516, The problem was the same. Then went to version 12489. The same. Then went back to version 12469. The problem vanished.The same ole SharpCap that works great. I use a ZWO ASI-294MC-P, Win 10, uses its own UBS port, use an Orion 190MM Mak-Newt, CGXL mount. ASI guide camera and a 50MM guide scope. And to test the ASI-294MC-P camera for issues, I switched to my 80MM refractor also with an ASI-294MC-P. Same issues. So once we downgrade back to V12469, all works again. And....I did upgrade the ZWO drivers to see if this was the issue using the latest versions. It was not a fix. I have not tested the version that came out on the 9-11-2024. In my years of using SharpCap, I have never experienced any camera, focuser, filter wheel, connection issues.
Re: Sharpcap flashing a message ZWO camera not working
Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2024 1:25 pm
by admin
Hi,
can you find and send me a log from one of the versions that is having the problem please - there is information here (
https://docs.sharpcap.co.uk/4.1/#The%20SharpCap%20Log) on finding the log files from previous sessions.
At about the point you found (between 12469 and 12489), I added some code that is supposed to reset a ZWO camera if it drops more than 60s worth of exposures in a row. So, for instance with an exposure of 15s then after 4 failed exposures it should reset the camera. This code is only active in the case of failing to get a frame from the camera when one was expected, so I wasn't expecting any significant side effects unless things were going very badly (lots of dropped frames) anyway, but maybe I missed something.
cheers,
Robin
Re: Sharpcap flashing a message ZWO camera not working
Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2024 8:31 pm
by astroradio
Hello
I do have stored a copy of some data from the SC log.... you may get something out of. I will send later today. If necessary, I will re-upgrade to one of the versions having the problem, and send you that log data. And... during a live stack, I noticed no lost frames. While live stacking, all seemed ok with stacking, it was the cooler cutting in and out that caught my eye. Once I stopped live stacking, went to adjust exposure slider for example, that is when the message appeared about the ZWO camera not working, and the cooler would shut off during message, and turn back on after it cleared?
Tnx
Re: Sharpcap flashing a message ZWO camera not working
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2024 12:18 am
by astroradio
sorry....not finding instructions on how to send you log data. went to link, guess im missing something
tnx
Re: Sharpcap flashing a message ZWO camera not working
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2024 2:04 pm
by admin
Hi,
you should either be able to attach a small log file to a forum post here (there is an 'attachments' section you can use below the post edit box). Alternatively, you can email it to us - easiest to click on the 'Contact Us' link at the bottom, which will create a blank email to the right address.
cheers,
Robin
Re: Sharpcap flashing a message ZWO camera not working
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2024 11:18 pm
by astroradio
Thanks Robin...Hope this helps
Re: Sharpcap flashing a message ZWO camera not working
Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2024 1:25 am
by astroradio
Robin....here you go. Just did it
Re: Sharpcap flashing a message ZWO camera not working
Posted: Mon Sep 16, 2024 8:31 am
by admin
Hi,
thanks for the log - I have had a quick look and it has given me some ideas regarding what might be happening which I will test.
cheers,
Robin