Sequence Generator Pro 2.6.0.11 Beta is Released for Testing


U P D A T E D   O N   J A N U A R Y   3 1 st,  2 0 1 7


Hi folks,

SGPro 2.6.0.11 is a beta release. While we love that many of our users are eager to help us test, make sure you are a fairly knowledgeable SGPro user before hopping onto the beta track.

If you would like to comment on colors or themes used in SGPro, please read and comment here:

http://www.mainsequencesoftware.com/Releases

2.6.0.11 Changes:

  • Reimplemented vertical sizing for the sequencer window (it probably still has a few small issues). Attempting to revert it still showed the same issues so we figured why not have the sizing feature? Please let us know if you spot sizing weirdness and try to note the steps you took to produce it. Thx!
  • Added pier side (%ps) to the file naming tokens (as sop-east or sop-west).
  • Implemented minimum star size in equipment profiles.
  • Added sequence level notifications when SGPro fails to start a sequence due to guider startup failure.
  • API Change: Removed IsoMode from the Image Capture API
  • API Change: Canon will now use whatever ISO is set on the camera if 0, Null or Empty string is passed in for ISO on the Image Capture API.
  • Explicitly disabled DTR for Alnitak (don’t believe this is actually needed, but worth a shot).
  • Added code to validate that a log is actually created.
  • Fixed a bug that would not allow decrementing the captured frame count when marking the last image taken as bad.
  • Fixed a bug that would not mark the sequence as needing save when changing the auto guider.

2.6.0.10 Changes:

  • Restored original “Offset” behavior that some users had working. If you are using / testing this feature, you should make sure that the proper value is set in your sequences and profiles! The back and forth will probably have the wrong option selected. Further, to help distinguish the methods, the sync behavior that was “Offset” is now “Target Offset” and the seemingly broken sync behavior that was “Offset2” is now “Scope Offset”. No need to tell us this is silly… we are fully aware of this and once we have time to troubleshoot why “Scope Offset” is busted we will probably collapse them again. Summary: (“Offset” = “Target Offset”; “Offset2” = “Scope Offset”).
  • Fully removed the Sequencing Window vertical sizing feature until we can figure out why scaled Windows UIs sometimes clip the right side.
  • Fully reverted the Canon SDK until we can figure out why the newest SDK does not appear to be backward compatible with our code.

2.6.0.9 Changes:

  • No changes

2.6.0.8 Changes:

  • Removed “Offset2” telescope sync option, but kept the logic for it and assigned it to the “Offset” selection. The behavior that was used with “Offset” has been removed. If you have sequences or profiles that were using “Offset2”, “Offset” should automatically be selected for you. We realize that there are still known issues with this method (should work for most), but releasing this way is still preferable to a pretty nasty bug in 2.5.1.17.
  • Updated help file to include descriptions of mount sync behavior options.
  • Added web-based location lookup services to MFW for DSO-Browser
  • Fixed DSO-Browser location lookup services for HTTPS
  • Fixed a bug where SGPro would erroneously indicate that some mounts are not capable of meridian flip (when they actually are).
  • Disabled vertical resizing of sequencer window until we can figure out why it does not work properly with Windows scaling.

2.6.0.7 Changes:

  • Added a warning to notify the user if the sequence uses a plate solver and the image scale is 0.
  • Fixed the DSO-Browser target import feature.
  • Updated help file to include instructions for target import from DSO-Browser.
  • Updated Canon SDK to version 3.4 (needs testing).
  • Updated Windows icon for SGF files.

2.6.0.6 Changes:

  • Added target import functionality for DSO-Browser (including an early version of suggested target start and end times based on visibility information provided by DSO-Browser).
  • The MFW is now more tolerant of corrupt cache files.
  • Independent movement of the observatory shutter / roof or rotation now provides a warning if it is slaved to the telescope.
  • Connecting to the camera no longer flags the sequence as needing to be saved.
  • The plate solve API now honors the plate solver’s chosen search method (in the control panel).
  • Added PlateSolve2 search region increments 1000 through 3000 (was previously capped at 999).
  • Added the user profile name to the sequencer title bar (after the equipment profile).
  • Rounded camera temperature to a whole number for insertion into file names.
  • Fixed a bug where the flat box module was not in sync with the control panel.
  • Fixed a bug where a sequence failure due to lost guide star would not allow for end-sequence capture of calibration frames.
  • Fixed a bug where several popup windows attached to the sequencing window would not close properly when the sequencer closed.
  • Better Nikon logging.

2.6.0.5 Changes:

  • The Mosaic and Framing Wizard now allows users to cancel fetch requests for the working canvas (a bunch of code was refactored in order to do this properly… may need some more testing, but it’s certainly functional).
  • Fixed a bug that would clear progress (visually only) when a profile was applied to an existing sequence.
  • Fixed a bug that did not properly flag a sequence as needing to be saved when some properties were changed.
  • Fixed a bug that did not properly flag a profile as needing to be saved when some properties were changed.
  • Fixed a bug that prevented the Profile Manager’s status text from displaying properly.
  • Fixed a bug that would cause the Profile Manager to assume that the initial profile (on load) was in need of save and prompt the user when switching profiles.

2.6.0.4 Changes:

  • SGPro will now show an error if the user attempts to rotate to a target position and the rotator does not have a sync.
  • SGPro will now detect if a sync is required and automatically perform a solve and sync at the beginning of a sequence (one time).
  • Added “slaved to telescope” indicator to the dome module.
  • Added a warning dialog if the user attempts to open a new sequence while the camera is cooling or warming.
  • Added a warning notification to let the user know if the camera was unable to attain the target temperature prior to starting the sequence.
  • The delay sequence on camera temperature dialog now contains a better description of what the “Delay Start” option actually does.
  • When attempting to start a sequence with the TEC temperature out of band, the warning dialog will now display the TEC’s current temperature and state (Idle, cooling, warming).
  • Fixed a bug where 2.6.0.3 could no longer open sequences.
  • Fixed a bug where navigating image history would fail to update the HFR and star count metrics in the image stats module.

2.6.0.3 Changes:

  • Fixed a bug that could affect post-meridian flip centering.

2.6.0.2 Changes:

  • Added vertical sizing to the sequencing window. It’s not smart… it doesn’t attempt to auto adjust, it does not remember how it was set, but it does allow you to resize the event table for better visibility.
  • Fixed a major bug where auto centering after a meridian flip would fail.
  • Fixed a bug with dealing with odd frame counting behavior.
  • Fixed a bug that would cause SGPro to crash if the Image History dialog was invoked while already visible.

2.6.0.1 Changes:

  • Refactoring “Reverse Focuser” logic. Everything now resides in two places: the “Move” and the “GetCurrentPosition”. Focuser position should almost never be called outside of these two places. This refactor effectively masks the real focuser position when Reversed. For instance if the focuser has 10,000 steps and is currently at position 2000 then when reversed SGP will report 8000 steps. Backlash compensation is in terms of “SGP Reported” steps not the actual steps of the focuser. So “IN” will always trigger backlash when the focuser moves from Low to High in SGP Reported Steps not Focuser Reported Steps. The main benefit of this is to have Auto Focus and backlash both work transparently when reversed. More info here: Rigel sys focuser can't reverse direction to help sgp autofocus - #10 by Jared - Auto Focus - Main Sequence Software
  • SGPro now remembers your event suffixes and automatically populates the suffix drop down. There is no interface to create suffixes. If the suffix list becomes too long, you can clear it by using the new “clear” functionality in the SGPro options dialog.
  • Added flip delay API calls (2.6.0.0 meridian flip problem - #9 by Ken - Sequence Generator - Main Sequence Software).
  • Fixed a bug where FLI cameras would immediately disconnect after connecting.
  • Fixed a bug that might not allow some focusers to accept temperature override from the environment device.

2.6.0.0 Changes:

  • The target centering routine will now skip the “pre-slew” solve and sync step. While this will make centering faster and compatible with a wider range of mounts, it will also place more onus on the user to ensure that the mount is properly synced prior to starting a sequence. This will also likely fix failure of the “Offset2” mount sync method.
  • The meridian flip routine will now skip the “pre-flip” solve and sync step.
  • Added an Observatory floating control module
  • Added a Flat Box floating control module
  • SGPro targets now remember any reference URL used to populate its location parameters.
  • SGPro now remembers the last MFW FoV used to fetch the working canvas.
  • SGPro now properly handles the PHD2 message indicating failure to settle
  • More UI changes.
  • Fixed a bug, that in rare circumstances, might “roll” the number of captured events from 9 back to 1. No loss of data occurs, but event frames would be recaptured.
  • Fixed a bug that would automatically turn ASCOM focuser temp compensation off when it connects.

2.5.2.8 Changes:

  • Major overhaul to the SGPro theme. An actual color theme, with new professional icons and imagery! No functional changes here, but it should make for a nicer experience.
  • Image history now supports a fast star finding algorithm. You don’t need to worry about this setting unless you are using an older (or slower) laptop with very large frames. This method essentially uses the older, but much faster star analysis routines. It can be found in the SGPro options dialog under “Find stars method”. This is a beta feature and is not yet documented. Changing it does not affect the routine for auto focus.
  • Adding sync behavior (Offset2) that utilizes slew position to calculate offset with sync data. Only usable for Auto Center and Center Here. Performing a Solve and Sync with “Offset2” will do nothing.
  • Fixed a bug where aborting during target wait might force end of sequence options to execute.
  • Fixed a bug where syncless center (offset) would behave oddly and sometimes not work properly after a sequence was opened initially.
  • Fixed a bug where DSLR ISO settings did not work properly when using the SGPro REST API.

2.5.2.7 Changes:

  • German help file! Select in SGPro options. Thanks to Hans-Eberhard! (Sorry, not sure which Forum handle is yours)
  • User will now be prompted to unpark or start a mount tracking if, upon sequence start, the mount is not in a good state for imaging.
  • ASCOM and QSI cameras now attempt to identify when a camera is downloading an image to support pause guider during download.
  • Restored original auto stretch (this will break auto stetch for a very small number of cameras with very large overscan regions… we’ll work on that shortly).
  • Fixed a bug that could allow an end of sequence script to run between normal sequence end and the beginning of calibration-only frame capture.

2.5.2.6 Changes:

  • Major update to Nikon DSLR support (Nikon 2016 drivers)
  • Added support for Nikon D5 and D500 (Untested… we do not have these cameras avaiable for testing)
  • Fixed a bug where the guider could sometimes fail to settle even though the error is well below the requested value.
  • Changed some aspects of automatic meridian flips to help resolve this type of issue: Telescope failed to perform meridian flip - Sequence Generator - Main Sequence Software
  • Formally added SGPro API guider setup for users that want to use the SGPro connected camera with an auto-guider (like onboard SBIG guide chips)
  • Fixed a bug where the new DSO-Browser location population was broken on official releases
  • Fixed an issue where some FLI filter wheels would refuse to respond to commands despite being connected

2.5.2.5 Changes:

  • SGPro now attempts to detect external device disconnections (and provide a notification to fix it)
  • Added support for fetching target and MFW locations from DSO-Browser
  • Better naming for AFPack images (debug feature)
  • Auto adjust focus position per filter behavior fro flat frames has been returned to normal (2.5.1) behavior until we have proper time to dedicate to it.
  • Rounding HFR metrics prior to AF validation out of tolerance check (prevents erroneous warning about AF out of tolerance in some cases)
  • AF validation frame warning will now present itself if the HFR is greater than 15% above the low HFR value in the run (up from 10%).
  • Fixed a bug where end of sequence scripts would disappear from the UI after being set
  • Fixed an issue where images would always be analyzed for HFR, regardless of Image History status (on or off)
  • Modified auto stretch to be more tolerant of overscan regions

2.5.2.4 Changes:

  • Added an option to turn API logging on or off (developer setting in the Help menu). The default is off.
  • Fixed an issue where the image capture API would not allow for high speed download (on supported cameras).
  • Better user facing error messaging for target centering and many slew related errors.

2.5.2.3 Changes:

  • Syncless centering is now available for testing (Control Panel->Telescope tab->Sync Behavior; Set this to “Offset”)
  • Fixed a bug that completely broke the SBIG guider
  • Fixed a bug where API camera status no longer worked properly (affected PEMPro integration)
  • Added API calls to enumerate, connect and disconnect devices to the public API
  • Better error logging for epoch conversion errors
  • Converting X,Y pixel locations to RA,DEC no longer allows values greater than 24 hrs (to be populated in the target’s location)
  • Fixed a bug that would prevent end of sequence options from running when conditions are unsafe.
  • The MFW can now populate the canvas location using the mount’s location (new menu option at top… Other->Fetch location from mount…)
  • Better user feedback for mount park failures (more specific errors logged in the sequence alerts dialog box)

2.5.2.2 Changes:

  • For users that experience an issue with SGPro not starting, we are now providing a much better recovery for SGPro when its settings file becomes corrupted (cmd: "sequence generator.exe " /recover). With this method you are even far less likely to lose old settings.
  • Better trace code around force cal frame capture after sequence failure (to find why it appears to not happen sometimes)
  • Image history detail now places most recent images at the top of the list.
  • PHD2 “stop” call is now more robust (added a retry mechanism that will probably help with weird timing issues and using onboard SBIG guide chips)
  • When call to set the override filter fails, but the user has requested to use one, SGPro will automatically try and find the LUM filter in order to continue with the sequence.
  • Implemented foundation for smart dither decision engine
  • Added some watchdog timers for certain aspects of SBIG camera operation timeout
  • Added API documentation link to the “Help” menu
  • Added much better logging around API requests (probably temporary)
  • Better logging for equipment disconnect (in general)
  • Fixed a bug that would cause SGPro to crash when Nikon bulb exposure failed
  • Fixed a bug that would cause SGPro to crash if a file in image history was renamed outside of SGPro
  • Fixed a bug that could cause rotator movement to never finish if the requested angle (not PA) was 0
  • Fixed a bug where end of sequence options might run twice when shutting down due to unsafe conditions.
  • Fixed a bug where the second fame might not dither when it supposed to
  • Fixed a bug that could cause an error in SBIG cameras when the driver was “opened” multiple times
  • Fixed a bug that, for certain types of flat boxes, the flat box light would not turn off properly when the sequence was done with flat frames.

2.5.2.1 Changes:

  • Fixed a bug where some (probably most) old equipment profiles would not load correctly.
  • Fixed an issue where some users could see erratic behavior with frame restarts when the telescope is on the east side of the pier.

2.5.2.0 Changes:

  • Experimental: New behavior for the “Auto adjust focus per filter” option. When taking “light” frames, you can expect this to work as it always has in the past… no change here. When taking “flat” frames and this option is on, SGPro will automatically attempt to set your focuser to a suitable focus position. If you just finished imaging, you are already there… if you are taking flats on a different night, SGPro will set the focuser to focus position nearest your current temperature. If it can’t find one, it will use the average focus position for that filter. If it can’t find that, it will do nothing. Nobody asked for this (I don’t think), but I wanted something like it so I added it in…
  • Sync behavior: Added functionality to the telescope tab to define “sync behavior”. This also affects the process by which SGPro centers on a target. Choosing “Sync” will cause SGPro to function like it normally does. This is what you should continue to use for this beta. Choosing “Offset” will use a sort of “Syncless” centering algorithm and should be used with mounts that really don’t want external applications trying to sync the mount’s position. This option is complete, but has not been tested AT ALL. Use at your own risk… DO NOT USE THIS OPTION UNATTENDED!
  • MFW Image Fetching: MFW now queries from the DSS2 survey first (better quality images), then if that fails will default to the original DSS survey (current survey in use by MFW).
  • Dither Every N Frames: Added option to auto guider to dither every N frames.
  • Settling distance: Changed this from a drop down menu to a numeric control.
  • Bug fix: Fixed an issue where centering (and meridian flips) might hang SGPro and report that the camera has timed out.
  • Bug fix: Fixed a bug where the auto centering validation step could fail on camera rotation if the primary solver failed.
  • Bug fix: Fixed an issue where SGPro could attempt to take an image without having sufficient time to finish before meridian flip.
  • Misc: SGPro no longer performs a dither on the first frame (will still settle though)
  • Misc: Added account management links to the help menu and registration dialog.

http://www.mainsequencesoftware.com/Releases

This topic is no longer a banner. It will no longer appear at the top of every page.