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Application Requirements

The following software components and versions are the minimum necessary for successful operation with CCDAutoPilot.  CCDAutoPilot will simply not work with older versions or without the specified components properly installed.  Version checking is incorporated to prevent operation with applications whose versions do not meet these minimums.  In most cases, updates are freely available from the software publisher and must be implemented for successful CCDAutoPilot operation.
  • Net Framework (version 2.0)  Usually a part of an updated Windows system, it is essential to operation and may be downloaded here
    One of the following camera control programs:
  • CCDSoft version 5.00.192 or later
  • MaxImDL/CCD version 4.54 or later  Version 4.54 is required for AO support and direct guider programming for min/max move and aggressiveness.

    One of the following telescope control programs:
  • TheSky Professional Edition, version 6.0.0.56 or later
  • TheSkyX Professional Edition, Build 3952 or later
  • ASCOM platform 4.1 or later, the NOVAS-COM Vector Astrometry Engine, v2.1 or later and The Kepler Orbit Engine v1.0a

    Filter offset programming and Focusing: 
  • FocusMax 3.3.29 or later. The basic installer for version 3.2.1 and a patch file to the latest version 
  • TheSky6, 6.0.0.56 or later for the Sky Star focusing method. See the Focusing section.
  • ASCOM platform 4.1 or later
  • PinPoint  (Required for plate solving with Maxim alone and Acquire Star function only, see the Setup section info for details)
  • For @Focus2, TheSky6 and CCDSoft are required.

    One of the following rotator control programs:
  • RCOS TCC software, version 1.5.23 or later
  • Native support included for the Optec Pyxis rotator. 
  • AstroDon TAKometer Control, version 0.0.1 or later

    One of the following dome control :
  • AutomaDome version 1.00.011 or later
  • ASCOM platform 4.1 or later 
  • Technical Innovation's Digital Dome Works

    For the Boltwood Cloud Sensor:
    The single line data facility must be configured and located in a folder accessible to CCDAutoPilot.  The Clarity software is not required.