Contents - Index

Help File Organization

This help file is organized into five main topics:
  • Introduction: Which you are reading now.
  • Imaging Strategies: This section discusses strategies for key functions and activities surrounding image acquisition.  Using the tools provided in CCDAutoPilot, along with some scientifically-based recommendations, you will be able to achieve optimum results.
  • Command Summary: This section describes all the commands available for the menu bar and the commands and settings on the individual pages that are accessed by the buttons down the left side of the main window.  Hitting the F1 key will bring up the help topic for the specific page you are viewing.
  • Other Applications: This section discusses additional included applications to assist in troubleshooting and configuring your system.
  • Troubleshooting: Given the number of possible interactions among CCDAutoPilot, the applications it controls and the hardware these applications subsequently control, it is possible during the learning curve to run into unexpected actions and consequences.  This section will help you through those unintended consequences.


    Getting Started

    It is recommended that you read the imaging strategies topic first.  Then peruse the command summary to see how these strategies may best be implemented, given the characteristics of your specific system.  It is essential that your other software be properly configured and at the minimum or higher version for successful operation.  For successful operation, CCDAutoPilot needs to know about your imager, guider, mount.  Once these settings are completed, your system must be initialized for successful operation.

    After you are successfully imaging with CCDAutoPilot and are posting your results to your web site, you are welcome to use the little web bug, credit.gif, located in the CCDAutoPilot4 program folder. typically C:\Program Files\CCDWare\CCDAutoPilot4.  And, thanks!