Image Capture Software
Below is a brief explanation of the most common image capture programs. It includes free software and premium software which is listed under each logo. You can visit the website of any software by clicking their logo! I now use NINA for deep space imaging and sharpcap for planetary imaging and polar aligning. Firecapture is possibly even better than sharpcap for planetary imaging – I just happen to be more used to sharpcap.
APT
(Astro Photography Tool)
Unlimited Free Trial
Licence – EUR 18.70
NINA
(Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy)
Open Source
Free
SGP
(Sequence Generator Pro)
45 Day Trial
Software $149
Annual Licence $59
SharpCap
(Astro Sharp LTDl)
Open Source
Pro Licence – GBP 12.00
Fire Capture
(Torsten Edelmannl)
Open Source
EQMOD/ASCOM
EQMOD can control your mount. It works through ASCOM (astronomy common object model) which is a software platform which happily allows all types of astro equipment no matter what brand to be controlled by computers. Almost every bit of kit you buy can be controlled on your computer through ASCOM. So you need to have installed ASCOM before you can use EQMOD.
The ASCOM Project
The ASCOM project is a set of universal standards for astronomy. There are various drivers available on their download page to assist in computer control. Click here to visit their download page.
The EQMOD Project
Replacing the hand control with a direct link to your PC opens the door to automated sequences, plate solving, remote control from Stellarium etc.
