MGEN2MaximDL Bundle - Dithering for CCD cameras with Maxim DL

MGEN2Maxim Bundle - Dithering Function of M-GEN Autoguider with Maxim DL

Use the dithering function (parallel shift) also with a CCD camera

MGEN2Maxim is used to track a CCD camera with the Lacerta-MGEN standalone autoguider and to use its "parallel shift" (dithering) function.
MaximDL Pro is required as the acquisition software. All CCD cameras that can be addressed via MaximDL are supported.

FeaturesBy default, the MGEN handles the triggering of Canon EOS SLR cameras. Since the MGEN takes over the complete control when using such cameras, no problems occur when using dithering.
The MGEN "knows" when an exposure is finished and performs dithering only after this exposure is finished.

The case is different, if the MGEN is to be used as autoguider, but an astro CCD, which is not controllable by the MGEN, is to be used as acquisition camera.
In this case the use of dithering has not been possible so far, because the MGEN cannot take over the control of the CCD camera and therefore does not know when an acquisition is finished.
It is possible to program an acquisition series in MGEN, although no SLR camera is triggered via the control port and to set a series of the same length in MaximDL, but in this case there is the possibility that an acquisition is not yet finished in MaximDL, while it is already completed in MGEN.
While the exposure is still running in MaximDL, the MGEN starts dithering. As a result, the image field is shifted by a few pixels and the acquisition is ruined.

MGEN MaximDL uses an additional hardware, which is connected to the serial interface of the acquisition computer. Via this interface, the trigger signal of the MGEN is evaluated and only if it is present, an acquisition is started via MaximDL.

Please note: without this adapter cable MGEN2Maxim is not functional!