Review Camare Control Software DigiCamControl

In search of free software controlling my DSLR Nikon D7500 camera I found the following Software DigiCamControl. The software is these days also used for DSLR Webcams.

Why software controlling my DSLR camera?
          - First and most important is realizing longer exposures then standard off line, which is                          typically 30s or you should stay with your equipment all the time.
          - Second is having live view from my laptop making it easy to adjust my mount.
          - Third is saving pictures direct on my PC and not through SD card of DSLR
          - Fourth is having the ability to change setting from my laptop so I don't need to touch the                      camera while installed on my telescope.

Homepage of DigiCameraControl

When reading some reviews, all above requirement would be met. So decission was made to download the software. The software is running with OS Windows 10.

After download, the program was installed and once ready the software was started. Next I made connection between Nikon D7500 and laptop using USB-micro USB cable. Once connection was made the software immediately recognizes my Nikon D7500 camera. Make sure the camera is on!

Live view is working very easy and the astronomy tool is exactly what I was looking for. Set exposure time, amount of pictures you need and start the sequence.

Astrotool screenshot

Pictures, even raw, are shown in the home screen once the picture is made. Zoom 66/100 is possible to see details.

Astrotool 

So  far, all my expectations are forfilled and the software is working well and very stable. One remark, the software does not recognize setting for one shot or mirror Up. So, when changing from one to the other, you should disconnect the camera and reconnect.

Change setting saving pictures

Comet C/2019 Y1 Atlas Manual Stacking

Comet C/2019 Y1 Atlas with Nikon D7500 and TAL200K f/8.5 setting ISO1600 and 60s exposure time manual stacked using CS4.

Comet C/2017 T2 Panstarrs Manual Stacking

Comet C/2017 T2 Panstarrs is located in Constellation Cassiopeia and about magnitude 8.5. Pictures taken with Nikon D7500 and TAL200K f/8.5. Setting ISO1600 and 60s exposure time. Manual stacking using CS4.

How to Upload Comets in Stellarium

Last months, several comets can be observed during nightsky. Comets C/2019 Y1, Y4 and C/2017 T2 (Panstarrs) to mention some of them. Since the mentioned comets are not really bright, and certainly not visible with the naked eye, it is difficult to find them. Mostly I'm looking for a bright star nearby and via “The Sky Live” I go for more detail maps. This usually works, but it remains cumbersome. In a conversation with Helios collegue Walter, I addressed this problem and he gave me the tip to look up the comets through Planetarium Software Stellarium. But as it turned out, there are no comets in Stellarium, at least not standard. There is however an option to upload comets. 

How do you proceed? 

Click on plug-ins via the Stellarium control panel (F2). Select "edit solar system" and configure. Then choose solar system and click import from MPC format. Make your choice known by clicking on comets and browse through the database. I use the MPC database. Select "track elements obtained" and then select update existing objects. Now select your favorite comet and add the orbit elements. Close the screens and close Stellarium. 

 After start-up, search for your comet via the search screen. Please note that the format must be correct: so use C/2019 Y4 or P/xxx. I have uploaded the comets above in the described way and I can say that it works beautifully. And since I control my mount with Stellarium, it go straight  to the comet. With good alignment, this is always a "hit".

Comet C/2019 Y4 Atlas falls apart?

A comparison between pictures of Comet C/2019 Y4 (Altas) from March 26 and yesterday, April 10 shows clearly a difference in brightness at the coma sight. Normally it was expected the comet would get brighter. However the last week the comet is getting weaker. This is clearly seen at the pictures. The reason is not 100% clear but the comet could be broken apart.

Comet C/2019 Y1 Atlas with TAL200K

The core of the comet C/2019 Y1 (Atlas) is visible from my pictures, taken yesterday April 10, 2020.
Picture taken with Nikon D7500 and TAL200K f/8.5 and setting ISO1600, 60s.

Globular Cluster M68

Globular Cluster Messier M68 is located in constellation Hydra and about 33000 light years away from Earth and thus still within our own galaxy, the Milky Way.
The cluster is very difficult to see as it's only 12° above the horizon.
Pictures were made with Nikon D7500 and TAL200K f/8.5. Setting ISO2000 and 12x45s exposure time. The moon was 92% and very low above the horizon.