MallinCam SKYRAIDER DS287 User manual

Revision Sheet
SkyRaider DS287 User Manual Page i
Revision History
SKYRAIDER DS287
[Version 3.4]
Michael Burns
Rock Mallin
[SkyRaider DS287 User Manual]
This document will quickly introduce you to the wonders of the MallinCam SkyRaider
DS287 Camera. It will include instructions on how to install the Software and Drivers
and how connect the SkyRaider to your computer along with explanations of the
camera’s major settings. The purpose of this guide is to quickly get you up and
running with the SkyRaider Camera so that you can image.

Revision Sheet
SkyRaider DS287 User Manual Page ii
Version
Date
Revision Description
3.4
08/18/2018
Template Creation

SkyRaider DS287 User Manual August 19, 2018
SkyRaider Quick Guide Page 1
Table of Contents
Contents
Revision History .....................................................................................................................................i
Table of Contents ..........................................................................................................................1
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................6
The Contents of the SkyRaider-DS287 Package.................................................................7
Specifications:........................................................................................................................................7
In the Box...............................................................................................................................................8
2. Installing Driver and Software...............................................................................................9
System Requirements ................................................................................................................9
Installing the Software...............................................................................................................9
3. Connecting the SkyRaider....................................................................................................13
Connecting the SkyRaider-DS287 to your Computer ..........................................................13
Connecting AutoGuider Cable to the SkyRaider-DS287.....................................................15
4. Using MallincamSky Software.............................................................................................16
The MallincamSky Window....................................................................................................16
SkyRaider Quick Setup and Pictorial Work-Flow................................................................17
Live Stack Pictorial Work-Flow.............................................................................................18
Histogram Pictorial Work-Flow.............................................................................................19
ROI Pictorial Work-Flow........................................................................................................20
Save Image Pictorial Work-Flow............................................................................................21
Record Video Pictorial Work-Flow........................................................................................22
Batch Record Pictorial Work-Flow........................................................................................23
Auto Capture Pictorial Work-Flow........................................................................................24
Save Sequence of Images Pictorial Work-Flow (Trigger Mode) .........................................25
Digital Binning..........................................................................................................................26
Dark Field Pictorial Work-Flow.............................................................................................27
Flat Field Pictorial Work-Flow...............................................................................................28
Sharpen Pictorial Work-Flow.................................................................................................29
More Detailed Work-Flow Procedure....................................................................................30
Quick Workflow for MallincamSky ....................................................................................................30
Detailed Workflow of Video Imaging Planetary Objects ....................................................................33
Detailed Workflow of Video Imaging Deep Sky Objects....................................................................39

SkyRaider DS287 User Manual August 19, 2018
SkyRaider DS287 User Manual Page 2
5. The SkyRaider Software Controls........................................................................................48
Top Menu Line.........................................................................................................................48
File.......................................................................................................................................................48
Open Image ......................................................................................................................................49
Open Video ......................................................................................................................................50
Save..................................................................................................................................................51
Save As …........................................................................................................................................51
Batch Save…....................................................................................................................................54
Paste as New File .............................................................................................................................56
Recent Files......................................................................................................................................56
Exit...................................................................................................................................................57
Edit.......................................................................................................................................................57
Cut....................................................................................................................................................57
Copy.................................................................................................................................................58
Paste .................................................................................................................................................58
Paste Shortcut...................................................................................................................................58
Delete ...............................................................................................................................................58
Image Select.....................................................................................................................................58
Select All..........................................................................................................................................58
Select None ......................................................................................................................................59
View.....................................................................................................................................................59
Browse..............................................................................................................................................59
Thumbnail ........................................................................................................................................60
Sidebar..............................................................................................................................................60
Histogram.........................................................................................................................................61
Grids.................................................................................................................................................61
Best Fit .............................................................................................................................................64
Actual Size .......................................................................................................................................64
Full Screen .......................................................................................................................................64
Track ................................................................................................................................................64
Reticles.............................................................................................................................................65
Browse.................................................................................................................................................65
Sort...................................................................................................................................................66
Icons.................................................................................................................................................66
Refresh .............................................................................................................................................66
Properties..........................................................................................................................................66
Open Record Folder ........................................................................................................................66
Open Image Folder ..........................................................................................................................66
Setup ....................................................................................................................................................67
Start/Pause........................................................................................................................................67
View Properties… ............................................................................................................................67
ST4 Test… .......................................................................................................................................68
Capture.................................................................................................................................................69
Capture Image ..................................................................................................................................69
Auto Capture....................................................................................................................................69
Start Record…..................................................................................................................................70
Batch Record....................................................................................................................................71
Image ...................................................................................................................................................73
Mode ................................................................................................................................................73
Adjust...............................................................................................................................................74
Rotate ...............................................................................................................................................79
Crop..................................................................................................................................................80
Scale… .............................................................................................................................................81
Histogram.........................................................................................................................................82
Process.................................................................................................................................................84

SkyRaider DS287 User Manual August 19, 2018
SkyRaider DS287 User Manual Page 3
Image Stacking.................................................................................................................................87
Options.................................................................................................................................................89
Window................................................................................................................................................95
Activate Video Window...................................................................................................................95
Close All...........................................................................................................................................95
Reset Window Layout......................................................................................................................95
Windows… ......................................................................................................................................96
About ...................................................................................................................................................96
MallincamSky Toolbar............................................................................................................97
Open.....................................................................................................................................................97
Save......................................................................................................................................................98
Browse.................................................................................................................................................98
Thumbnail ..........................................................................................................................................99
Target ..............................................................................................................................................99
Image Type .......................................................................................................................................100
Auto Capture......................................................................................................................................100
Batch Record......................................................................................................................................100
Pause Video Capture..........................................................................................................................100
Open Video Folder.............................................................................................................................101
Zoom..................................................................................................................................................101
Image Select.......................................................................................................................................101
Track..................................................................................................................................................101
Histogram...........................................................................................................................................102
Reticle................................................................................................................................................102
ST4 Test ........................................................................................................................................103
Advance/Reverse ...............................................................................................................................104
Stitch .............................................................................................................................................104
Panorama Straighten: .....................................................................................................................106
Projection Type:.............................................................................................................................106
Seam Finder: ..................................................................................................................................106
Exposure Compensation:................................................................................................................106
Bundle Adjust:................................................................................................................................106
Preferences.........................................................................................................................................109
6. Controlling the SkyRaider..................................................................................................110
Camera List............................................................................................................................110
Capture and Resolution.........................................................................................................111
Resolution..........................................................................................................................................111
Snap ...................................................................................................................................................111
Record................................................................................................................................................112
Gain....................................................................................................................................................113
Exposures...........................................................................................................................................113
Video Mode....................................................................................................................................113
Trigger Mode..................................................................................................................................116
Bit Depth.................................................................................................................................118
Color Balance.........................................................................................................................118
White Balance....................................................................................................................................119
Color Adjustment...................................................................................................................119
Hue.....................................................................................................................................................120
Saturation...........................................................................................................................................120
Brightness ..........................................................................................................................................120
Contrast..............................................................................................................................................121
Gamma...............................................................................................................................................121
Frame Rate.............................................................................................................................122

SkyRaider DS287 User Manual August 19, 2018
SkyRaider DS287 User Manual Page 4
Color/Gray..............................................................................................................................122
Flip...........................................................................................................................................122
Rotate......................................................................................................................................123
Sampling .................................................................................................................................123
ROI..........................................................................................................................................123
Histogram ...............................................................................................................................125
Digital Binning........................................................................................................................127
Method...............................................................................................................................................128
Number ..............................................................................................................................................128
Usage suggestion in digital binning...................................................................................................129
Dark Frame subtraction in Digital Binning........................................................................................129
Dark Field Correction ...........................................................................................................130
Flat Field Correction .............................................................................................................132
Introduction:.......................................................................................................................................132
Optical Path Noise: ............................................................................................................................132
Taking Flats: ......................................................................................................................................133
Black Level..............................................................................................................................135
Live Stack................................................................................................................................136
Conversion Gain.....................................................................................................................139
Sharpen...................................................................................................................................140
Misc .........................................................................................................................................140
Parameters..............................................................................................................................141
7. Installing Optional Software..............................................................................................144
Installing DirectShow Driver................................................................................................145
Installing Mallincam ASCOM Driver..................................................................................147
8. AutoGuiding with SkyRaider..............................................................................................149
Guiding with MaximDL and Mallincam ASCOM..............................................................149
Guiding in PHD2 with Mallincam ASCOM Driver............................................................153
Running PHD2 with WDM Driver + ToupST4 Driver ......................................................157
9. Appendix .............................................................................................................................162
Imaging in SharpCap.............................................................................................................162
Start SharpCap ...................................................................................................................................162
Chose Cameras ..................................................................................................................................162
SharpCap will start the imaging process............................................................................................164
AstroToaster and MallinamSky............................................................................................165
AstroToaster Work Flow ...................................................................................................................165
Start AstroToaster..............................................................................................................................165
Preparing AstroToaster......................................................................................................................166
Click on the View Tab .......................................................................................................................166
Click on Monitor................................................................................................................................167
Tell MallincamSky to Save images in to the Monitoring Folder of AstroToaster.............................167
Stop the Looping................................................................................................................................167
Click on the Stack Tab.......................................................................................................................168
Adjust the Image in AstroToaster......................................................................................................169

SkyRaider DS287 User Manual August 19, 2018
SkyRaider DS287 User Manual Page 5
AstroLive and the SkyRaiderDS287.....................................................................................170
Start AstroLive...................................................................................................................................170
Click on the Choose Still Button........................................................................................................170
From the Pull-Down list select ASCOM Mallincam Driver..............................................................171
Click on the Properties Box...............................................................................................................171
Sequence Generator Pro and SkyRaiderDS287..................................................................172
Start Sequence Generator Pro ............................................................................................................172
How Do I … ............................................................................................................................174
How do I get rid of the Green Exposure Rectangle?..........................................................................174
How do I Select a part of the Image and Zoom in?............................................................................174
How do I automatically save 1 image every 30 seconds?..................................................................175
How do I adjust the brightness in my monochrome SkyRaider?.......................................................175
How do I Broadcast my image onto Night Skies Network (NSN)?...................................................175
Can I Use MallincamSky with One SkyRaider and Auto-Guide with another? ................................175
How Do I Pause the Video?...............................................................................................................176
How do I Undo an Operation?...........................................................................................................176
How do I make my ROI the whole Image Again?.............................................................................176
How do I Turn Off Dark Field correction?........................................................................................176
How Do I take Another Dark Field?..................................................................................................176
My ROI Window is Black?................................................................................................................176
Upgrading my SkyRaider Camera Software.......................................................................177
Uninstall SkyRaider Software............................................................................................................177
Uninstall SkyRaider DirectShow Drivers ..........................................................................................178
Uninstall SkyRaider ASCOM Drivers...............................................................................................180
Finish the Uninstalling Procedure......................................................................................................180
First Aid for the SkyRaider Series .......................................................................................181
How do I Optimize my Computer?....................................................................................................182
Stacking is going very slow or Stops completely?.............................................................................183
I see a Pink Floyd Kaleidoscope effect on my Screen .......................................................................187
Dark Field Explanation.........................................................................................................188
Dark Frame vs Dark Field..................................................................................................................188
Dark Frame Subtraction .................................................................................................................188
Dark Field Correction.....................................................................................................................188
Setting up to Broadcast on Night Skies Network................................................................191
Customizing the Screen.........................................................................................................201
Focal Reducers .......................................................................................................................202
MFR-8 MK II Focal Reducer............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
User Notes...............................................................................................................................203

SkyRaider DS287 User Manual August 19, 2018
SkyRaider DS287 User Manual Page 6
1. Introduction
MallinCam bring you a new addition to the SkyRaider Video Camera series.
There are few things in life where one must "see it to believe it". The New
MallinCam DS287 is one of them. Never has an astronomical camera had so
much sensitivity that instant, live views could be achieved. MallinCam designed
and is producing an astronomical camera that achieves this goal. The new Sony
IMX287, industrial CMOS sensor has been introduced by them to dominate the
market of high sensitivity low noise, high signal to noise ration sensors. The
camera has been designed around this sensor to offer unmatched sensitivity at a
reasonable price.
The New MallinCam SkyRaider DS287c/m is perfect for outreach programs at
schools, colleges, universities, planetariums, museums, astronomy clubs or for the
ultimate in live, personal observing. The camera comes with MallincamSky
software, which allows live stacking (either averaged or additive), dark field and
flat field application, gain adjustment and much more for fine tuning the image
seen on the computer screen. This allows the camera to perform with stunning
sensitivity with very short exposures. The results are hard to believe until seen live
on the screen.
The MallinCam SkyRaider DS287 is the most sensitive guider camera ever
created. All components are industrial Grade 1 throughout the circuitry and the
IMX287 CMOS Industrial sensor is also Class 1. Included with the camera are a
1.25" eyepiece adapter, 2-meter (78”) guiding cable, and a premium 5 meters
(16.4’) USB3 heavy duty cable. Frame rate is 525+/- FPS (frames per seconds),
making the SkyRaider DS287 the ultimate Planetary, Lunar, Solar (with proper
solar filtration) and deep sky camera available. Be ready to be impressed - it’s a
MallinCam, the pioneer in live video astronomy.
A great galaxy hunting camera - ideal for super nova search!
The MallinCam SkyRaider DS287c comes full equipped with a 5-meter (15 feet)
USB3 high grade cable, 1.25” eyepiece c-mount, guiding cable. Software is
available to download from the MallinCam website.
Special thanks to Jack Huerkamp and Rock Mallin whose expertise and
experience are way beyond my capabilities.
So, thank you for your purchase, and let the adventure begin.

SkyRaider DS287 User Manual August 19, 2018
SkyRaider DS287 User Manual Page 7
The Contents of the SkyRaider-DS287 Package
Specifications:
•PC Win XP, Win7, Win 8, Win 10. Mac.
•Support and includes Full Trigger Mode
•Aircraft aluminum construction
•Stainless steel hardware
•Heavy Duty Heat sink for effective heat dissipation
•Cold finger contact to the rear of the sensor to the heat sink
•Latest Technology throughout
•C mount
•Industrial Sony CMOS sensor, IMX287 Series, class 1
•0.4 MP
•6.9 x 6.9 micron pixel size
•1/3” (4.97 x 3.73)
•720 x 540 resolution
•QE 95%+ (tested at 96.2%)
•525+ FPS (frame per seconds @ 0.100ms exposure, USB3.0 connectivity)
•Noise figure: 1.2e
•Adjustable gain
•Digital Binning , 1x1, 2x2, 3x3 , 4x4
•Live stacking, averaged, or additive, selectable
•Frame alignment on the fly - ideal for ALT-AZ mounted motorized
telescopes
•Live Histogram adjustment
•Built-in temperature monitor of the CMOS sensor
•Sharpness feature
•4584mv @ 1/30s for the color model DS287c
•7469mv @ 1/30s for the mono model DS287m
•Exposure from 0.100ms to 16 minutes 40 seconds.
•And a whole lot more

SkyRaider DS287 User Manual August 19, 2018
SkyRaider DS287 User Manual Page 8
System Requirements:
•Equal to Intel Core2 2.8GHz or Higher
•Memory: 4GB or More
•USB port: USB 3.0 Port (will operate on USB 2.0, but a slower through-put)
•Display: 15" or Larger Recommended
In the Box
The SkyRaider DS287 includes the following standard equipment:
➢MALLINCAM SkyRaider-DS287 Camera
➢5 meters (15 feet) premium Heavy Duty USB3.0 cable
➢Threaded 1.25" eyepiece adapter
➢C mount
➢2 meters (6.5 feet) Telescope Guiding Cable
Software and Drivers can be down-loaded at the Software Downloads Window
located in the Support Tab at www.mallincam.net