Software Downloads

Windows Installation Packages:

Note that some of the Optec Control programs and drivers are available in two installation packages: 32-bit and 64-bit. Please select the appropriate version to match your operating system. Note that the actual ASCOM driver is identical for both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows versions, only the program placement and registration are different. If in doubt, select the 32-bit version installer.

Alnitak Downloads:

Alnitak Astrosystems Download Page:

FocusLock Software Downloads:

FocusLock Software Download Page:

FocusLynx Focuser Downloads:

FocusLynx Commander Download Page:

Gemini Focusing Rotator Downloads:

Gemini Commander Download Page:

IFW Intelligent Filter Wheel Downloads:

IFW Intelligent Filter Wheel Download Page:

HSFW High-Speed Filter Wheel Downloads:

HSFW High-Speed Filter Wheel Download Page:

Optec Alt-Az Derotation Server Download:

AltAz Derotation Server Download Page:

Optec ASCOM Server Download:

Optec ASCOM Server Download Page:

Perseus 4-port Instrument Selector Downloads:

Perseus Instrument Selector Download Page:

Pyxis LE, Pyxis 2" and 3" Rotator Downloads:

NOTE: The new Unified Pyxis driver works with mutliple devices and allows multiple clients to connect to each device. The Pyxis LE Rotator is a USB 2.0 device and the Pyxis 2" and 3" are serial devices. Pyxis Commander software and driver now connects to all three device types.

Pyxis Rotator Download Page:

TCF-S Focuser Downloads:

TCF-S Focuser Download Page:

USB-to-Serial Converter Driver Download:

FTDI USB-to-Serial Converter Download Page

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 use the FTDI chip set.

Full Download Folder Access:

You can follow the link below to visit the entire download folder if you know exactly what you're looking for. Optec's Serial Terminal Application is available here as well. Archived drivers can be found in the older_versions folder:

https://www.optecinc.com/astronomy/software/download/

Notes and Suggestions:

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.

Suggestions for a Successful Installation:

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.

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.

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 supposed 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 has 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.