BYN Wonderful...Gear head question

[cicsprog]

Anyone using BYN, Nikon camera (D3s and D800E), and CamRanger (IPAD)?

 

Camera Ranger http://camranger.com/

 

My 55 year old near sighted eyes likes using the BIG IPAD screen for photography focusing.  Been an armature photographer since 1977.  But, I'm a newbie in astrophotography.  Was thinking Camera Ranger would help immensely with prefocus in astrophotography.

[astroman133]

First, this forum is for users of Backyard EOS and Backyard Nikon, so you won't find a lot of traction for questions about other camera control products.

 

That said, BYE/BYN are designed for astrophotography, so they have features that are uniquely applicable for AP, such as FWHM and HFD focus metrics, Bahtinov mask focusing support, polar alignment support, and support for ASCOM devices, to name a few.  These functions are not likely to be found in applications that are not designed specifically for astrophotography.

[astroman133]

I also forgot to mention that many of the larger star parties do not allow the use of the observing field's WIFI network for astronomy device control, so wireless camera control would not be allowed at those events.

[s3igell]

I also forgot to mention that many of the larger star parties do not allow the use of the observing field's WIFI network for astronomy device control, so wireless camera control would not be allowed at those events.

 

Wireless Camera Control utilizes its own adhoc WiFi Network, and doesn't require any Infrastructure-based WiFi (such as the Star Party's WiFi).  But, that being said, a number of those established Star Parties which have worked to provide their own WiFi facilities usually DO allow the use of that Network by their Paid Attendees.

 

However, since BYE / BYN already provides Support for both DSLR Lens Focusers and for ASCOM-based Motorized Scope Focusers (even if not yet Full Auto-Focus - slated for v3.2), there is little need of any 3rd-party Daytime Photography Focus Tool (nor much likelihood that such would be of much help during AP Imaging).  

The large Laptop LCD view of the BYE Frame&Focus Screen and Tools is all we need.

 

Sorry, cicsprog...

[astroman133]

You are correct that it does not require the infrastructure WiFi network, however WiFi uses specific RF channels and wireless communication between a tablet and camera would use one of the WiFi channels that cannot then be used by the infrastructure WiFi network.  If lots of users did the same thing, the WiFi network would quickly become pretty useless.

[Crunchmeister]

I've used a couple of wired camera control apps. They work well for "photobooth" style photography, but for the most part, but none are really ideal for astrophotography. Yes, they'll work if you have nothing else. If your Nikon doesn't support bulb mode over USB (only a few newer models do), then you're limited to 30 second exposures with no recourse.

BYN is specifically geared towards astrophotography. It makes focusing a snap and the workflow tools can't be beat. And with a proper remote bulb control cable, you can do long exposures with any Nikon camera. 

That said, since we're discussing wireless control, I figured I would share this. A few days ago, a friend of mine and I experimented with wireless control a remote camera using BYN. On the client end, we used a regular Windows 8.1 laptop. On the other end, we had a Raspberry Pi with the DSUSB / COM port adapter attached to it. Both the laptop and Pi were connected to his house wi-fi. 

Then we ran a "COM port over IP" server on the Pi. Then running the client on the Windows laptop,  connected to the remote COM port over IP without issue as if the cable was directly connected to the laptop.  BYN could use it to trigger the shutter for bulb operation. We ran a series of exposures of different lengths to test its operation, and it worked flawlessly. We only experimented with it indoors to see if the basic concept worked. If it does, I'm seriously considering doing that in order to manage my cables better. 

[s3igell]

"COM Port over IP" control of a diminutive Linux Computer by another PC is simply a version of the general case of "Remote Control of AP Imaging PC" which many of us utilize - especially when it is excessively Cold or Hot outside.  Usually, we have one Laptop at the Observatory or Imaging location controlled with Remote PC Control Software (TeamViewer, VNC, PCAnywhere, etc) running on a different Laptop/Desktop locate in a Warm Room or Den or Livingroom or even inside a Car/Camper - all connected via Cat-5 and Ethernet.

[cicsprog]

Thanks for the responses.

 

Like I said I'm really new to telescopes and astrophotography.  I bought a Celestron 1100 HD and a bunch of pricey add ons.  So, I really jumped into the deep end.  This BYN software looks like it is MUCH easier to use than Maxium DL.  So, once I get use to handling the scope, I want to try BYN with my Nikons and hyperstar lens.  Bought a Atik camera also - like I said deep end.