Software Downloads

Download and Installation Instructions (please read first)

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 an 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.

For each of the original Optec Control programs, 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.

All the Optec Control programs are 32-bit programs, but note that the newer ASCOM drivers are available in two installation packages: 32-bit and 64-bit. Please select the appropriate version for your operating system. Note that the actual ASCOM driver is identical for both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows versions.

NOTE: See the note at the bottom of the page for Windows Vista and Windows 7 if you have problems running any program or with the HELP files.

TCF-S Focuser Downloads:

TCF-S Focuser Download Page:

Pyxis 2" and 3" Rotator Downloads:

Original Pyxis 2" and 3" Download Page:

Pyxis LE Rotator Downloads:

NOTE: The Pyxis LE Rotator is a USB 2.0 device and requires a different driver than the original Pyxis 2" and 3" camera field rotators.

Pyxis LE Rotator Download Page:

IFW Intelligent Filter Wheel Downloads:

Setup_IFW_v1,10.exe (release date: 04/28/08) Installer program for IFW Control program Version 1.10 compatible with IFW firmware versions V1.11, V2.02 and V3.00.
Optec IFW(1.1.0.1) Setup.exe (release date: 10/12/09) Installer program for the IFW ASCOM Driver version 1.1.0.1. Works with IFW and IFW-3 using 5, 6, or 9 position wheels. Requires ASCOM Platform 5.0 or later.

SSP Photometer Software Downloads:

Software for SSP-3/3A and SSP-5/5A:

Setup_SSPDATAQ_v1,20.exe (Release date: 07/05/06)

Setup program for SSPDATAQ.EXE, version 1.20. Instrument Control and Data Reduction program for the SSP-3/3a and SSP-5/5a Single-Channel Photometers with integrated photometry data reduction for B-V photometry. 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.

Data Acquisition Software for SSP-4:

Setup_SSP4DataQ_v1,01.exe (Release date: 10/13/04)

Setup program for SSP4dataq/exe, version 1.01. Instrument Control and Data Acquisition program for the SSP-4 Near Infrared (NIR) Single-Channel Photometer.

Perseus 4-port Instrument Selector Downloads:

Setup_4-Port_v1,00.exe (release date: 03/29/09) Installer program for the Perseus 4-Port Instrument Selector Control program Version 1.00 compatible with Perseus 4-port selector firmware version V1.01 and later.
Optec4-Port(1.0.0.0)_Setup.exe (coming soon) Installer program for the Perseus ASCOM Driver version 1.0.0.0. ASCOM instrument selector device type is being defined now and will be released with ASCOM Platform 6.	Coming Soon...

USB-to-Serial Converter Driver Download:

FTDI USB-to-Serial Converter Download Page

Known Technical Issues:

Language Issues with Liberty Basic complier.

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.

USB-to-Serial Converter Issues.

NOTE: If a USB-to-serial converter is needed to interface to an Optec instrument, it is necessary to confirm 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.

Known Issues with Vista and Windows 7

NOTE: Unfortunately, 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.

NOTE: Windows discontinued providing WinHlp32.exe with Vista. Some of the Optec programs still use this older version of help and may require this file be added back into the operating system.

For Vista users, click here to download the WinHlp32.exe installer from Microsoft.

For Windows 7 users, click here to download the WinHlp32.exe installer from Microsoft.