LPI-G Series Quick Start Guide 645001: LPI-G Color 645002: LPI-G Monochrome 645003: LPI-G Advanced Color 645004: LPI-G Advanced Monochrome
Included Items Requirements Compatible with Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 10 (32 & 64 Bit), Mac OS X, and Linux Computer should have at least 2GB of memory, Intel Core2 2.8GHz CPU equivalent or higher, and be equipped with a USB 2.0 port. For the LPI-G Advanced camera, USB 3.0 is recommended for maximum frame rate. Quick Start Summary 1. Install Meade’s SkyCapture software, camera DirectShow drivers, and ASCOM Platform & camera drivers onto the computer using the included Meade SkyCapture CD-ROM. 2.
Software Installation Insert the CD-ROM into the computer and wait for the below screen to appear. If it doesn’t appear, go to “My Computer” and double-click on the CD-ROM drive where the Meade SkyCapture was placed. Then, double click on the autorun.exe. Meade SkyCapture Select the “Camera Application Software” to install Meade’s SkyCapture software. The SkyCapture software allows for both basic image capture and image processing functions suitable for both planetary and deep-sky imaging.
Basic Camera Operation The following procedure will guide you through capturing your first image with the LPI-G Series camera. For detailed instructions on using the numerous SkyCapture features, go to the Help menu for more details. 1. Plug the camera into your computer’s USB port. If this is the first time plugging the camera into your computer, wait for the camera drivers to install. 2. Open SkyCapture. On the left side of the screen, the Camera window displays the camera controls.
7. Click Record to start recording video. Note that recording video even for a few moments can quickly consume a lot of storage space on your computer. When recording video be sure you have ample space available. For a Windows system, the default save location is: C:\Users\(your user name)\Documents\SkyCapture You can change the save path by going to Options: Preferences, under the Record tab. The default recording file format is SER. You can switch to AVI in the Preferences screen.
DirectShow Drivers It’s recommended you install the DirectShow drivers before using the Meade LPI-G camera. DirectShow drivers allow you to use 3rd party programs that use the DirectShow interface. Additionally, the DirectShow drivers allow the camera to image at a higher frame-rate than ASCOM drivers and is ideal for taking video. The DirectShow drivers also offers additional features such as auto-exposure. However, the RAW format is not supported by DirectShow.
Autoguiding with the LPI-G Series Camera The Meade SkyCapture software does not contain autoguiding software. To use the the LPI-G or LPI-G Advanced camera as an autoguiders, you must install the LPI-G ASCOM driver. The LPI-G series cameras work in a number of freeware autoguiding programs, such as PHD2 Guiding (available from openphdguiding.org). Connect the included autoguide cable (ST-4 compatble) from the LPI-G to the to the autoguide port on your mount.
Select “ASCOM Meadecam Driver” in the drop list box and click “Properties”. Change the setting in the following dialog and then click the “OK” button. Select the “On-Camera” in the Mount drop list box and click “Connect”.
Close the Connect Equipment dialog to go back to PHD Guiding main interface. Then click the loop button to start the exposure You can begin the autoguiding process at this step. Loop exposures, focus, click on the desired guide star, and proceed to calibrate and autoguide in PHD2.
Using the DirectShow Driver in PHD2 Guiding Select “Windows WDM-style webcam camera” in the camera selection drop list box and click “Connect” button. Choose “MeadeCam” in the pop up Camera choice box. Choose the resolution in the Camera mode box.
Go back to the main interface and click the loop button to start the exposure as the following.
Using the ASCOM Driver in MaxIm DL With the LPI-G Series camera connected to your computer’s USB port, open MaxIm DL and click the Camera Control Window Icon. Click the “Setup Camera” button in the pop up Camera Control Window. Select “ASCOM” and click the “Advanced….” button.
Select “ASCOM Meadecam Driver” in the drop list box and click the “Properties” button. Adjust the camera settings as appropriate, or use the default settings, then click “OK” Click the ”Connect” button to accomplish the connection.
Using the DirectShow Driver in MaxIm DL With the LPI-G camera connected to your computer’s USB port, open MaxIm DL and click the Camera Control Window Icon. Click the “Setup Camera” button in the pop up Camera Control Window. Select the “Video DS” in the pop up dialog and click “OK”.
Click “Connect” to start the video.
Using the ASCOM Driver in SharpCap Select “ASCOM Meadecam” item in the ASCOM cameras section of the Cameras menu. Change settings (or not) and click “OK” to start the video.
Using the DirectShow Driver in SharpCap Select “MeadeCam” item in the DirectShow cameras section of the Cameras menu to start the video. © 2018 Meade Instruments Corp. reserves the right to change product specifications or to discontinue products without notice.
