Optec :: Download Astronomy

It is always a good idea to close all your active programs and disable your anti-virus program before installing any new program. If you have and earlier version of the program, it is suggested that you uninstall it first. If you have run any of the Optec control programs since your last reboot then it is advisable to reboot the computer to make sure no associated process is in memory which may cause install errors. The uninstall for the program can be found in the START menu under the the program name.

When you click the download button, save the setup program file to your desktop or other folder of your choice. RUN the program from your computer and follow the instructions.

The installed program files are placed in a folder called OPTEC found in the Program Files. The runtime program shortcuts are placed in the START menu along with a README file, HELP file, UNINSTALL program and link to www.optecinc.com. After the program is installed, you can delete the setup program.

SSPDATAQ.EXE, version 1.20. Control program for the SSP-3/3a and SSP-5/5a with integrated photometry data reduction for B-V. Improvements over the previous version 1.13 include better serial communication to eliminate occasional corrupted data when using a USB-to-Serial converter, additional COM port numbers and set the TRIAL command to only 1 integration.

PYXIS.EXE, version 1.33, introduced 2-4-2008. Control program for the Pyxis camera field rotator with derotation and position angle functions. Version 1.32 has a new command for turning off the HOME routine at start up for the Pyxis 3-inch. Other additions include: shows position angle as the unit is in motion and improved step routine for reduced vibration. This is an update from 1.31 that has a program bug in the GET PA button which causes the program to crash. Supports both the 3-inch and 2-inch models.

TCF-S.EXE, version 1.13. Control program for the TCF-S temperature compensating focuser. This version is the last upgrade before adding options to control the remote keypad and TCF-S3 3-inch focuser found in version 1.21 below. Requires firmware 2.21 to 2.23. Will work with earlier version with some loss of function.

NOTE: There is a problem with running any of the Optec control programs on computers set for Chinese, Korean and Japanese localization. Until the makers of Liberty Basic fix their compiler, your PC will have to be set for ENGLISH.

TCF-S.EXE, version 1.22 intorduced 6/16/08. Control program for the TCF-S temperature compensating focuser. This is the current version and has added options for compatibility with the TCF-S3 3-inch focuser. Requires firmware 2.32 and above. Will work with earlier versions with some loss of function.

NOTE: If a USB-to-serial converter is needed to interface to an Optec instrument, it is necessary to confrim that the converter is compatible with the Optec control software. Many low cost converters using the Prolific chip set will not work with the Optec control software. We suggest that the converter use the FTDI chip set for best compatibility. The #17690 single port and the #17691 4-port USB-to-serial converter sold by Optec uses the FTDI chip set.

NOTE: As usual with Microsoft VISTA, there is a problem with running the Optec control programs. It is necessary that the program be given administrator rights otherwise the program will crash with a message indicating that a file cannot be opened. The next release of Liberty Basic is suppose to fix this incompatibility. To make it work now for VISTA, find the program executable in Program Files. An easy way would be to look at the target for the shortcut in your start menu. For example, the TCF-S control program is named TCF-S.EXE and has the bow tie icon associated with it. Right click on the program and select properties and then the compatibility tab. Under the privilege level make sure there is a check mark for "Run this program as an administrator". If you want to be walked through, give us a call at Optec.

Drivers for single port USB-to-Serial converter stock number 17690. Remove any previously installed FTDI drivers using the Add/Remove Programs feature in Windows. For Vista, Vista x64, XP, XP x64 and W2000 click the DOWNLOAD button and run the setup executable for version 2.02.04 dated July 7, 2007. Click the INSTRUCTIONS button for detailed installaition instructions - recommended. Drivers for other operating systems can be downloaded from the FTDIchip website at: http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm