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Opticstar AG-130M COOLAIR
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Advanced Auto-Guider includes: Video Camera, Interface Box, Cables & Software
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The AG-130M COOLAIR is available in black or gold case.
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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: 12 @ full res (WDM mode).
- Max exposure time: 10 seconds (native mode).
- Computer controlled
- USB 2.0 Powered
- Ideal for Planetary imaging
- Air-Cooled with internal fan
- Resolution: 1280 x 1024
- Binning: 1x1, 2x2, 4x4
- Region of Interest (ROI)
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- Bundled Software (max. 10s exposure):
- PHD Guiding
- Nebulosity Lite
- Plug-in for MaxIm DL
- Plug-in for AstroArt
- Also included (DirectShow/WDM):
- Craterlet (30 FPS)
- Guidemaster
- Also included:
- 1.3 Mega-pixel B&W video camera
- Computer-to-mount interface box
- All cables
- Computer Requirements:
- Windows 32-bit 2000/XP/Vista/7
- 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-130M COOLAIR
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Outline
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The AG-130M COOLAIR auto-guider is based on the popular AG-130M but
it also incorporates an internal fan that keeps the camera cool and reduces noise during longer exposures.
The Opticstar AG-130M 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-130M 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-130M COOLAIR monochrome 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-130M and it supports 2x2 binning, region of interest,
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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Demonstrating the new longer exposure capability of up to 10 seconds. From left to right: 0.5s, 1s, 2s and 5s.
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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 (15 F.P.S. in 1280x1024) then
the camera can be used in Windows DirectShow/WDM mode.
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Opticstar PL-130M COOLAIR Video Camera
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The PL-130M COOLAIR is a high-resolution 1.3 mega-pixel momochrome camera that is a highly
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-130M 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 2000/XP/Vista/7 is required.
The PL-130M 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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The Opticstar PL-130M COOLAIR camera
attached to a Filter Wheel.
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Demonstrating the benefit of auto-guiding on a 3 minute exposure. Left: No auto-guiding. Right: With auto-guiding.
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Auto-Guiding
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In order to auto-guide with the AG-130M auto-guider system you will also need:
- A telescope with an ST-4 (guide) port.
- PC or laptop computer running Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7.
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-130M
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-130M video camera (part of the AG-130M system).
The AG-130M 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-130M 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 works in a non-typical manner and a full frame is only sent to the
computer once the exposure has been completed. This mode is ideal for dimmer targets and
for guiding in particular. It is recommended that guiding exposures of around 4-5 seconds
are used as this will even out any atmospheric turbulence, reveal faint stars and overall
improve guiding performance.
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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-130M 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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The Shoestring GPINT-PT control box can be used instead of the Shoestring GPUSB.
The GPINT-PT plugs to the Parallel Port and it might be a solution in case that
a spare USB port on the computer is not available.
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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-130M.
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)
- 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.
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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-130M Sample Images
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Please click on the images below to expand to their full size.
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A 9.4 megapixel mosaic of the Moon captured by Herwig Sulzbacher in Austria.
PL-130M, C11, (Image aquisition time: 20 minutes, stacking with avistack, Fitswork 2 Minutes / image).
Click to expand to: 2354 x 4010 pixels.
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The Moon.
Image by Herwig Sulzbacher, Austria
PL-130M, C11, (Registax & Photoshop Elements)
Click to expand to: 1216 x 974 pixels.
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The Moon.
Image by Herwig Sulzbacher, Austria
PL-130M, C11, (Registax & Photoshop Elements)
Click to expand to: 1280 x 1024 pixels.
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The Moon.
Image by Richard Kinsey, United Kingdom
300 Mewlon at f11.9. Stacked 70 frames in Registax.
Click to expand to: 1260 x 1021 pixels.
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The Sun.
Image by Dr. S.J. Wainwright, United Kingdom
F/4.8 10" Newtonian w/ solar filter and CaK-line filter
Click to expand to: 1000 x 820 pixels.
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The Sun.
Image by Dr. S.J. Wainwright, United Kingdom
H-alpha PST, eyepiece projection & green filter.
Click to expand to: 359 x 204 pixels.
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The Sun.
Image by Dr. S.J. Wainwright, United Kingdom
H-alpha PST, eyepiece projection & green filter.
Click to expand to: 359 x 200 pixels.
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Solar prominence.
Image by Dr. S.J. Wainwright, United Kingdom
Click to expand to: 407 x 257 pixels.
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Saturn. 8" Helios reflector.
Image by Robert Slack, United Kingdom
Click to expand to: 1280 x 1024 pixels.
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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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The PL-130 series.
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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-130 mode for exposures of up to 10 seconds. Longer exposures
greatly 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-130 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-130M camera and it provides a
complete software solution for image capture and processing. Nebulosity
is also available for free for all AG-130M and PL-130M 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-130 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-130 mode for exposures of between 1 and 10
seconds. Longer exposures greatly increase the camera’s sensitivity.
To add support for the PL-130M camera to PHD Guiding please use the Nebulosity
plug-in, shown above. For instructions download and read the PDF document titled
"PL-130 Plugin for Nebulosity" first.
You may also want to download the full user guide from the link above
titled "Opticstar AG-130 Setup Guide" for more instructions.
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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-130M 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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