MaxPoint software ...

Dear Group,

I was wondering if anyone has used and/or tested the MaxPoint software available from the folks who produce Maxim/DL etc?

Thanks in advance.

Anthony.

I haven't used it Anthony but I did give T-Point a lash via TheSky. It worked pretty well. But since then, I've fine-tuned the AP polar aligment such that tracking has been good for 10 minute unguided exposures and GOTO has gotten within 15 arcmins of all objects.

Of course, when I go robotic, MaxPoint or T-point would be a must.

T-Point works, not sure about MaxPoint. If you findout, let us know.

Also, if you find out if it works with a butchered AP ount, that would be handy too

Dave

I am using MaxPoint within MaxIm within ACP. I have used T Point from Bisque, but found it more complex (manual intervention) to use as compared to MaxPoint.

MaxPoint works as a pointing corrector. It iterates each position it targets automatically and then through say 20 stars it automatically improves the pointing positions.

It is the lazy man's T Point pointing corrector. Maxpoint is much easier to use because you don't have to intervene with corrections like T Point.

Eamonn A

Eamonn,

The primary reason I am asking is that it is my understanding the software provides an indication of how close one is to the pole during polar alignment. Can you please confirm for me this is the case and, if possible, some feedback as to how well it reports deviations from the pole during alignment?

Finally, do you know if it is compatible with CCDSoft? I have a "weakness" for CCDSoft and I would like to continue using it and including with MaxPoint if at all possible.

I have downloaded the 30-demo and have purposely not installed the software so that I can get the maximum possible preparation at my end prior to comitting to the 30 days.

Thanks for all of the feedback!

Anthony.

Also, if you find out if it works with a butchered AP ount, that would be handy too

The only people happy about our discussions in the dismemberment of our mounts and refractors are the folks at AP ... more business for them one way or another. :oops:

Anthony.

Anthony - I' d be fairly sure that Maxpoint will include reporting data regarding polar alignment.

As Eamonn says, T-Point is a more complex beast altogether. And you need TheSky 6 (I believe).

One other noteworthy point - the folks at DL are petty good at extending the trial period if you ask nicely and explain local weather conditions

As for AP -if you 'altered' the Starfire, all that would happen is you'd go back on the waitlist for another 10 years... Or buy a new available one for twice the price (and AP get none of it...). I think I'll put the angle grinder away

Dave