Binning - Crash

[StarFlea]

Hello!

Whenever I try to enable binning on my camera (ToupTek ATR2600C) using the ASCOM driver, SharpCap (4.1.13835.0) crashes.

I initially used the included driver version 59.28926.0.0, but also replaced it with the latest version (59.29331.0.0) for testing. Both versions crash.

Unfortunately, I can't determine whether the cause is the driver or SharpCap.

In any case, I've attached an extended log file...

System Setup: Windows 11, ASCOM 7.0.2

Greetings!
StarFlea

[StarFlea]

Hi,

Here's another insight: As a test, I tried running the camera with one of their ASCOM Omegon drivers (6.5.0.0).
This one causes the same crash.

Since this driver hasn't been updated in two years, it's likely that the cause lies with SharpCap...

[admin]

Hi,

I think that there are a few issues with the ToupTek ASCOM driver when used in SharpCap - this arises because the version of 'toupcam.dll' that SharpCap installs is different (almost certainly newer) than the one that the ASCOM driver has. SharpCap's version gets loaded first, which means that it is already in memory and the ASCOM driver ends up having to use SharpCap's version. Unfortunately I think there may be some incompatibility between the ASCOM part of the ASCOM driver and the newer toupcam.dll SDK, and this leads to issues.

If you really need to use the ASCOM driver for the ToupTek camera (not really recommended), then try copying the Toupcam.dll from the ASCOM driver install over the one in the SharpCap install so that both versions are the same and are the one that the ASCOM driver expects. That might help the ASCOM driver work better (although it might also mean that you get problems with the native operation of the camera in SharpCap).

cheers,

Robin

[StarFlea]

Hmm, I've already tried that: I made sure that all drivers (for SharpCap and ASCOM) are the same version and up-to-date (x86 and x64).

Also, using the older Omegon driver also causes the same crash.

I just noticed that activating binning seems to reduce the resolution and activate a ROI in SharpCap...

Screenshot 2025-10-18 161243.png (13.5 KiB) Viewed 959 times

[admin]

Hi,

can you remind me of why you would use the ASCOM driver rather than the built in SDK support in SharpCap? I will have a go with the ASCOM driver myself and see if I can repro any of these issues, but I would normally suggest sticking to native SDK support if possible.

thanks,

Robin

[StarFlea]

Okay, your previous explanations have convinced me, and I'm currently in the process of converting all my sequences and profiles to the native driver...

I thought it might be a bug that affects other areas as well!?

[admin]

Hi,

I think you will probably do better with the native driver, since that lets you control the camera in more detail (in the ASCOM driver, some things end up only being adjustable by bringing up the ASCOM driver settings page).

On the flip side, I managed to reproduce the issue you were having with my ToupTek ATR2600 last night and I can see where the problem is coming from. I have what seems to be a fix and will just need to test it against other ASCOM drivers to make sure it doesn't break any of those. Should be in next week's update. Thanks for being persistent with this as otherwise I might not have found this bug

cheers,

Robin

[StarFlea]

That's good, if only to reduce the potential for errors!

I must admit, however, that I'm still missing a few options for my ToupTek ATR2600C that the ASCOM driver provided:
+ Low Noise (higher signal noise ratio, lower frame rate)
+ High Fullwell Capacity Mode

I've already discovered the Conversion Gain: HCG, LCG via Read Mode...

[admin]

Hi,

both of those options are there, just in slightly different places...

* LCG/HCG - this is integrated into the gain control by default (for that camera switching to HCG at a SharpCap gain value of 300), or is available via the 'Read Noise' control if you have altered the option in the global settings to make manual control available.

* Ultra low Noise is available in the list of colour spaces - you will see RAW16 and RAW16 (Ultra Low Noise) in the options (or MONO16, etc for a mono camera).

cheers,

Robin

[StarFlea]

Ah, interesting, I found it!

Is there also something like the High Fullwell Capacity Mode?