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Opticstar AG-131C COOLAIR
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Advanced Auto-Guider includes: Video Camera, Interface Box, Cables and Software
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The AG-131C COOLAIR includes the Opticstar PL-131C COOLAIR camera and the Shoestring GPUSB interface box.
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- Complete guiding solution for telescopes
- For all mounts with a Guide Port (ST-4)
- For all ASCOM compliant mounts
- Also supports most non-ASCOM mounts
- Max frame rate: 22 @ full res (WDM mode).
- Max exposure time: 10 seconds (native mode).
- Ideal for Planetary imaging
- Air-Cooled with internal fan
- Resolution: 1280 x 1024
- Binning: 1x1, 2x2, 4x4
- Region of Interest (ROI):
- USB 2.0 Powered
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- Computer controlled
- Contents:
- 1.3mp Monochrome video camera
- Computer-to-mount interface box
- All cables
- Bundled Software (max. 10s exposure):
- Opticstar View (up to 220 FPS)
- etAMCAP (up to 220 FPS)
- PHD Guiding
- Nebulosity Lite
- Plug-in for MaxIm DL
- Plug-in for AstroArt
- Computer Requirements:
- Microsoft Windows (32-bit & 64-bit) XP/Vista/7/8
- USB 2.0 port
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The Opticstar hand-selected hi-grade A+ sensor installed in this camera
is noted for its uniform surface response and low noise required for
low light applications.
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Opticstar AG-131C COOLAIR
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Outline
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The Opticstar AG-131C COOLAIR auto-guiding system includes everything you need to auto-guide any
telescope with an ST-4 compatible port (this includes the vast majority of telescope mounts).
A complete list of compatible mounts is included on this page. The AG-131C COOLAIR system includes
the Shoestring GPUSB connectivity kit that interfaces the computer (USB 2.0 port) with the
telescope mount (ST-4 port). All necessary cables are included.
The auto-guider system includes the Opticstar PL-131C COOLAIR colour
video camera that connects to your computer's USB 2.0 port. For auto-guiding, the camera is software
controlled by PHD Guiding that is included in the package. The telescope is also controlled by PHD Guiding.
It is possible to use alternative auto-guiding software such as Guidemaster that is also included.
There is also support for AstroArt and MaxIm DL. Both of these software packages can
be used for auto-guiding and/or imaging. Plug-ins are included for both of them.
Nebulosity Lite is also bundled with the AG-131C COOLAIR and it supports 2x2 binning,
stacking and much more. Nebulosity Lite is well suited for image capture, lapse photography
and basic image processing including frame stacking.
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The cooling mechanism.
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The maximum exposure time in PHD Guiding, Nebulosity, AstroArt and MaxIm DL is 10 seconds
(in native mode). If maximum frame rates are required (22 F.P.S. at 1280x1024) then
the camera can be used in Windows DirectShow/WDM mode.
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Opticstar PL-131C COOLAIR Video Camera
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The PL-131C COOLAIR is high-speed, a high-resolution 1.3 mega-pixel colour camera
that is sensitive and can be used to capture images of the planets, Sun and Moon.
The camera is very easy to use and provides a quality, low noise affordable
solution for viewing or capturing high quality digital video from the
telescope and recording it to your computer at a maximum 1.3 mega-pixel resolution.
In order to purchase just the camera without the auto-guider accessories please
visit the Opticstar PL-131C COOLAIR camera page.
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There is no infra-red (IR) filter in order to substantially increase sensitivity
across the spectrum and the camera is thus well suited as a guider.
The camera is cased in a robust metal body and can be connected to any telescope
with a standard 1.25" drawtube.
A PC with a USB2.0 port running Windows XP/Vista/7/8 is required.
The PL-131C COOLAIR is powered by the USB port and therefore no power supply unit
is required. The camera will operate at a maximum true resolution of 1280x1024 but
lower resolutions of 1024x768, 640x480, 320x240 are also supported.
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Auto-Guiding
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In order to auto-guide with the AG-131C COOLAIR auto-guider system you will also need:
- A telescope with an ST-4 (guide) port.
- PC or laptop computer running Windows XP/Vista/7/8.
With the Guidemaster software provided, the computer can control your telescope
mount and direct it's motion. Many telescopes come with a six pin port that looks
like a phone jack. This is called an RJ-12 connector.
Typically, a hand controller is plugged into the ST-4 port. However with the AG-131C COOLAIR
you can plug its RJ-12 cable to the hand controller which itself is connected to the mount.
Depending on you telescope, you might have to plug the RJ-12 cable directly to the mount.
Either way, Guidemaster on your computer will control the telescope based on the image
that it receives from the Opticstar PL-131C COOLAIR video camera (part of the AG-131C COOLAIR system).
The AG-131C COOLAIR system includes the Shoestring GPUSB interface box and needs a USB connection
to your computer. If you do not want to plug it to a USB port, it is possible to replace
the GPUSB interface box with a Parallel Port version, please see below.
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Guidemaster user interface.
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Video Mode V Single Shot Mode
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The PL-131C COOLAIR camera operates in two distinct modes. In video mode the camera will show as
a DirectShow/WDM device and will produce very fast frame rates with exposures limited to
under half a second. This mode is ideal for solar and planetary imaging as well as for
'training' telescope mounts. It can also be used for guiding with less dim stars.
The single shot mode supports longer exposures, in this mode a full frame is only sent to
the computer once the exposure has been completed. This mode is ideal for guiding on dimmer
targets. It is recommended that guiding exposures of around 1 second are used as this
will even out any atmospheric turbulence, reveal fainter stars and improve guiding performance.
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The PL-131C COOLAIR high speed video camera.
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Hardware Requirements
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The PL-131C CoolAir camera requires a fully featured, full speed USB2.0 port to take
advantage of all the camera’s advanced features. Fully featured USB2.0 ports
are rare in older laptops and not always present in entry level laptops.
PCMCIA/CardBus USB2.0 cards typically do not deliver full USB2.0 speeds and
will not work with USB2.0 high resolution video cameras including the PL-131C CoolAir.
To resolve such issues an ExpressCard (with a USB2.0 port) could be
used instead of a PCMCIA/CardBus card due to the ExpressCard's
superior speed of 2.5Gbit/s (480 Mbit/s through USB 2.0) per slot.
Express type cards use a 34mm slot where PCMCIA/CardBus cards use
54mm slots. An ExpressCard should be connected directly to the
computer and not via a PCMCIA/CardBus card.
Please note the ExpressCards will resolve USB related issues assuming
that the laptop data bus can support full ExpressCard speeds and is
fully implemented.
Computers with slower USB2.0 ports may still be able to capture at
full resolution but may be able to only transfer a user selectable
area (ROI 640x480 or 320x240) to the computer while sustaining image
resolution and high frame rates. This does not have a real effect
when imaging planets where video capture should ideally take place
at the smallest ROI size possible, typically 320x240 @ 220fps for
focal lengths to around 6 meters for planets like Jupiter or Saturn.
Always download and install the latest Windows and Direct X service
packs.
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Technical Details
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The GPUSB guide port interface adapter plugs directly into a USB port on
your computer or a USB hub attached to your computer. Using an RJ-12 cable, the
adapter connects to the guide port of your telescope mount. This guide port
interface uses optocouplers to electrically isolate the computer from the
telescope, eliminating a possible source of electrical interference. This
interface adapter requires no external power source since it receives its power
via the USB cable. More information can be found in the user manual.
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Auto-guiding with Guidemaster locked on nucleus of 73P-SW. Image by Matthias Garzarolli.
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Warning About Cables
The use of improperly wired cables with mounts can result in damage
to the electronics in the mount, as well as damage to the interface adapter.
The importance of using a properly wired cable cannot be stressed enough.
It is strongly recommended to use only the cables included in the package.
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Connectivity diagram using just one telescope for auto-guiding and imaging.
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ASCOM Compatible
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Shoestring Astronomy has developed an ASCOM driver for the GPUSB. Using this driver,
any autoguide software package that supports the ASCOM standard will work with the GPUSB
and hence the Opticstar AG-131C COOLAIR Auto-Guider System. Most telescope mounts are ASCOM compliant.
Therefore even if you decide not to use Guidemaster but use an alternative auto-guiding software
package, the chances are that it can still be made to work via the ASCOM software platform. Please
follow these steps in order:
- Download and install the ASCOM platform from the ASCOM website.
- Install the Shoestring Astronomy's GPUSB ASCOM Driver for the GPUSB from the link above.
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Connectivity diagram using two telescopes. One for auto-guiding and another for imaging.
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Missing A USB Port?
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If your computer does not have a spare USB port but it has a parallel port,
then you can use the Shoestring GPINT-PT Auto-Guider Kit
that plugs directly to your computer's parallel port.
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GPINT-PT.
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Telescope-Mount Support
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Any ASCOM compatible mount with an ST-4 compatible autoguider port should work with AG-131 COOLAIR.
Mounts tested so far include:
- CG5 (requires Shoestring's Guide Port Conversion Kit)
- EQ3 (requires Shoestring's Guide Port Conversion Kit)
- EQ5 (requires Shoestring's Guide Port Conversion Kit)
- EQ5 PRO SynScan
- EQ6 PRO SkyScan via the hand controller
- HEQ5 PRO SkyScan via the hand controller
- Vixen SPHINX
- Vixen GPDX via SkySensor 2000 (requires Shoestring's SkySensor 2000 converter)
- Vixen Altux via SkySensor 2000 (requires Shoestring's SkySensor 2000 converter)
- Losmandy GM-8 or G-11, without the Gemini box.
- Losmandy GM-8 or G-11, with new-style Gemini box (circular DIN connects to connect motors).
- Takahashi EM-10 (requires Shoestring's Guide Port Converter for Takahashi mounts)
- Meade LX-200.
- Meade LX-90.
- Celestron Nexstar i-series.
- Celestron Celestar 8.
- Celestron Advanced Series GoTo.
- Celestron CGE.
- Orion Atlas EQ-G style.
- Gemini G-41.
- Astro-Physics AP900 QMD.
- JMI NGT.
- Tom O. Equatorial Platform.
With modification, you can also add an ST-4 compatible autoguide port to your EQ
style mount. See the Guide Port Conversion Kit for details.
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Guided Images
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Please click on the images below to expand to their full size.
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M101 galaxy.
Image by Roy Hollister, United Kingdom
Guided with AG-130M.
Click to expand to: 806 x 527 pixels.
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M51 galaxy.
Image by Roy Hollister, United Kingdom
Guided with AG-130M.
Click to expand to: 867 x 577 pixels.
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Long exposure image in sharp focus due to auto-guiding with Guidemaster. Image by John Haunton.
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PL-131 COOLAIR Sample Images
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Please click on the images below to expand to their full size.
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Jupiter by Lee Renshaw, England.
PL-131C, Meade LX90 8 ACF.
Click to enlarge.
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The Sun by Tom Wakefield, England.
PL-131C, Coronado SolarMax II 60.
Click to enlarge.
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The Sun by Tom Wakefield, England.
PL-131C, Coronado SolarMax II 60.
Click to enlarge.
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The Sun by Tom Wakefield, England.
PL-131C, Coronado SolarMax II 60.
Click to enlarge.
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The Sun by Gary Palmer.
PL-131C, Coronado SolarMax II.
Click to enlarge to 1231x1004 pixels.
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The Sun by Gary Palmer.
PL-131C, Coronado SolarMax II.
Click to enlarge to 1203x859 pixels.
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Jupiter and Jovian moon.
Captured by Naoki Yokoo, Japan.
PL-131C, Maksutov 150mm.
2X achromatic barlow lens.
Click to expand to full size.
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The Sun.
Captured by Naoki Yokoo, Japan.
PL-131C, P.S.T.
2X achromatic barlow lens(only using the cell).
Click to expand to full size.
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The Moon.
Captured by Naoki Yokoo, Japan.
PL-131M, Maksutov 150mm.
Meade TeleXtender 3X.
Click to expand to full size.
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Jupiter and Jovian moon.
Captured by Naoki Yokoo, Japan.
PL-131M, Maksutov 150mm.
Meade TeleXtender 3X.
Click to expand to full size.
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The Sun.
Captured by Naoki Yokoo, Japan.
PL-131C, P.S.T.
Meade TeleXtender 3X.
Click to expand to full size.
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Jupiter and Jovian moon.
Captured by Naoki Yokoo, Japan.
PL-131C, achromatic refractor 90mm.
Meade TeleXtender 5X.
Click to expand to full size.
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Jupiter and Jovian moon.
Captured by Mike Garbett, United Kingdom.
PL-131C, 12" Dobsonian.
Click to expand to full size.
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System Testing With GPUSBCheck
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GPUSBCheck is a simple, free software application by ShoeString Astronomy that
you can use to verify that your GPUSB, computer, and scope mount are all
together working properly. You can download this using the link above.
You should use this the first time you set up your system. You can also use
it as a debugging tool anytime your system is not functioning properly. If
your system works fine with GPUSBCheck, but not with your third-party software,
then the problem most likely lies with the third-party software and you should
contact them for technical support. If your system does not work with GPUSBCheck,
then you should contact
Shoestring Astronomy
for technical support.
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MaxIm DL & AstroArt Support
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AstroArt and MaxIm DL are powerful third party applications for astronomy.
They provide camera control, telescope control, auto-guiding and image
processing. The camera can be used with both applications in Windows
DirectShow/WDM mode for short exposures of under half a second, or in
native PL-131 mode for exposures of up to 10 seconds. Longer exposures
increase the camera's sensitivity. To install the plug-ins for
native camera please download and read the PDF documents below.
You may also want to download the full user guide from the link above
titled "Opticstar AG-131 Setup Guide" for more instructions.
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Nebulosity and Nebulosity Lite Software
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Nebulosity supports direct control of the PL-131C COOLAIR camera and it provides a
complete software solution for image capture and processing. Nebulosity
is also available for free for all AG-131 COOLAIR and PL-131 COOLAIR users in Lite mode.
There is only one edition of Nebulosity but we supply a serial number that
upon registration enables the software to run in Lite mode.
Serial number for Nebulosity Lite mode: 05130
If you already have a full licence then the camera can be used with all
Nebulosity features enabled. All software updates are provided as free downloads.
You may also want to download the full user guide from the link above
titled "Opticstar AG-131 Setup Guide" for more instructions.
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PHD Guiding Software
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PHD Guiding is designed to be simple, yet provide powerful, intelligent
auto-guiding of your telescope. Connect your mount, your camera, select
a star, and start guiding. That's it! In PHD Guiding, all calibration
is taken care of automatically. The camera can be used with PHD Guiding
in Windows DirectShow/WDM mode when exposures of under half a second are
required, or in native PL-131 mode for exposures of up to 10 seconds.
Longer exposures greatly increase the camera’s sensitivity.
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Other 3rd Party Software for Telescope Control
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The Shoestring GPUSB guiding kit (part of the Opticstar AG-131C COOLAIR system) is currently
supported by the following software applications. The bundled Guidemaster auto-guider
control sofware if provided at no cost with the compliments of its author, Matthias Garzarolli.
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Notice
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We are constantly checking the accuracy of the technical data. We are prepared to provide
more detailed information on request. Technical data is subject to change without notice.
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