Optec Alnitak Astrosystems Flat-Man User manual

Optec, Inc.
199 Smith Street ∙ Lowell, Michigan 49331 ∙ U.S.A.
www.optecinc.com
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Alnitak Astrosystems Flat-Fielding Devices
Installation Manual
Software Reference Guide
Alnitak Astrosystems
a division of Optec, Inc.
199 Smith Street ∙ Lowell, Michigan 49331
U.S.A.

Optec, Inc.
199 Smith Street ∙ Lowell, Michigan 49331 ∙ U.S.A.
www.optecinc.com
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Table of Contents
Generic Information......................................................................................................... 3
Choosing brightness settings............................................................................................ 3
Caring for your Product................................................................................................... 3
Flat fielding strategies....................................................................................................... 3
Installing the Drivers........................................................................................................ 4
Windows Alnitak Astrosystems Controller application Installation ........................... 7
Using the command line application, AACmd.exe ........................................................ 7
Using AACmd with CCD Autopilot................................................................................ 8
Upgrading firmware......................................................................................................... 8
Known issues ..................................................................................................................... 8
Flip-Flat Quick Start Guide........................................................................................... 12
Windows Alnitak Astrosystems Controller application using Flip-Flat.................... 14
Using the command line application, AACmd.exe ...................................................... 17
Flat-Man Flat-Man-L Quick Start Guide..................................................................... 19
Windows Alnitak Astrosystems Controller application using the Flat-Man............ 19
Using the command line application, AACmd.exe ...................................................... 22
Mounting the Flat-Man XL............................................................................................ 23
Flat-Man XL Quick Start Guide................................................................................... 24
Remotely powering down the HV supply between sessions........................................ 28
Windows Alnitak Astrosystems controller application using the Flat-Man XL....... 28
Using the command line application, AACmd.exe ...................................................... 28
Support............................................................................................................................. 29
Warranty information.................................................................................................... 29
Trademarks..................................................................................................................... 29

Optec, Inc.
199 Smith Street ∙ Lowell, Michigan 49331 ∙ U.S.A.
www.optecinc.com
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Generic Information
The following information applies to all Alnitak Astrosystems devices.
Choosing brightness settings
The brightness range has been designed to accommodate a variety of telescopes and
filters. The low end should be used for normal wide band imaging filters, and the upper
end for narrow band filter such as Ha, OIII, and S2. Experiment with various setting for
each filter. Current imaging practice is to adjust the brightness level to give mid-range
ADU values (around 30000 for a 16 bit camera) with short exposure times. We suggest a
2 second exposure for wideband filters. Narrow band filters will require longer exposure
times (and higher brightness settings) to reach acceptable ADU values.
Caring for your Product
Very little maintenance should be required beyond gentle cleaning of the diffuser (the
white plastic that the light shines through). We suggest cleaning the diffuser with a soft
optical cloth after blowing off any particles to minimize scratching. Heavy soiling may
require gentle rubbing with a glass cleaner or mild soap and water.
Flat fielding strategies
We have found that it is best to take darks at night so that there is no risk of light leaks in
the optical path. With these devices, there’s no rush to get all your filters exposed at
twilight, so don’t scrimp on exposures. Remember that the noise levels decrease as the
square root of the number of exposures, so a master flat of 36 frames will have half the
noise of a master flats consisting of 10 frames.
Don’t forget to take a set of dark frames of the same exposure length (and temperature) as
the flat frames. No bias frames are needed if the flat and darks are of the same exposure
length. For short flat field frames (<10s) you may find that simple bias frames are
adequate for dark subtraction. In all cases, make sure you dark (or bias) correct your flat
field frames before using them to flat field your images.
You can find out more about flat fielding on our website: www.alnitakastro.com.

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Installing the Drivers
When the device is plugged into the PC for the first time, a driver may need to be
installed. If the PC is connected to the web, the driver will be found, downloaded and
installed by Windows. The driver is also installed in the directory where the Alnitak
application was installed. If you don’t have an internet connection you can navigate to the
CDM folder created by unzipping the CDM zipfile in the applications folder. See Known
Issues in section 3 for more detail.
Windows XP ™ :
If connected to the web, click on the Found New Hardware balloon
Under “…search for software?” select Yes, this time only, and Next. If not connected to
the web, select No, and navigate to the driver included in the Alnitak installation
directory.
Click “Install the software automatically and Next
You should see the following screen

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Click Finish.
A second driver will be installed in the same way
Now click Finish and the install is complete

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Windows Vista ™:
If connected to the web, click on the “Locate and install driver software.
Windows will search the web for the first driver and install it. Repeat for second driver.
When Windows has installed both drivers, the COM port that is being used by the
Alnitak device will be displayed as shown below. Click Close to finish.

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Windows Alnitak Astrosystems Controller
application Installation
This application was developed using Microsoft Visual Studio C# 2005. It requires the
user’s PC to have Microsoft .NET 2.0 SP1 installed before it can be used. The Flat-Man
installer will do that for you if necessary. Your PC must be connected to the web for this
to be successful. If Microsoft Internet Explorer™ is your default browser the installation
will be done from within the browser. You can also use other browsers but you will need
to save the .NET installer and then run it outside of the web browser.
Using the command line application, AACmd.exe
This is a command line application for controlling Flip-Flat, Flat-Man and Flat-Man XL.
The Windows application must be closed before the AACmd.exe application can be run.
From the command prompt type "<path>/AACmd" followed by a COM port
number and a command and, optionally a switch (where the path points to the installation
directory).
The (case insensitive) single letter commands are:
A find all Alnitak devices and the COM ports they are associated with
C close (works with Flip-Flat only)
O open (works with Flip-Flat only)
L turn on light
D turn off light
Bxxx set brightness. Can be a 1,2, or 3 digit number between 0-255
G get brightness from device
V get AACmd.exe version number
F get device firmware version number
S silent: issue command and close window immediately after command has
completed. If this command is not used the console window displays for 3 seconds.

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For example:
“AACmd” A will list the COM ports of connected devices
"AACmd” 6 o will open the Flip-Flat on COM 6.
A message will be displayed in the command window reflecting the result or an error
message. The command window will remain open for 3 seconds.
“AACmd” b34 s will set the brightness to level 34 and immediately close the console
window. Note: if a number outside the 0-255 range is entered it will be limited to 0-255.
A file named fflog.txt (in the same directory as AACmd.exe) will be generated (and
appended to) whenever AACmd is run.
Using AACmd with CCD Autopilot
AACmd.exe permits access to the device controls from within other applictions.
AACmd can be used with CCD Autopilot. Check the CCDAutopilot help file
for the latest instructions on integration.
NOTE:
As of version 1.1.0.0, the name of this application has changed from “ffcommand” to
“AACmd” and the name of the folder that contains it in your Program Files/Alnitak
Astrosystems folder has changed from Flip-Flat Controller to Alnitak Astrosystems
Controller. For existing customers using the command line program from CCD
Autopilot or other telescope control applications, if you upgrade to version 1.1.0.0
you will need to change the path and filename information in your control
application so your device will continue to work properly.
Upgrading firmware
Alnitak Astrosystems products have field-updatable firmware. Please do not attempt to
update firmware unless specifically instructed to do so by us.
Known issues
1) Some users have reported a timeout is reached before the cover reaches the open or
closed limit when the unit is plugged into a powered USB hub with several other USB
devices connected. We suggest only high quality powered hubs be used with Alnitak
devices. If you do have timeout problems, remove some of the devices from the hub,
plug the device directly into a USB port on the computer, or add another self-powered

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USB hub in daisy-chain fashion to the first USB hub that only has the device plugged
into it. Bus powered hubs may not work with the Alnitak device.
2) We use an FTDI USB-to-serial converter in our control electronics that is quite
common in astronomical (and other) USB accessories. The Alnitak Astrosystems
controller uses the latest FTDI drivers and .dll's, and these will be installed automatically
(as per our manual's instructions) when you first plug in the USB cable from one of our
products if you have no other FTDI USB accessories.
If you have already installed other FTDI components on your PC they may interfere with
our product's proper installation. These FTDI problems come in two flavors:
1. Some cameras don’t play nice with early versions of our software. Contact us
if you have an older unit and start having problems with a new (to you) camera.
Our latest software takes care of this and we can let you know how to upgrade
your older unit.
2. We have found that if your drivers are old, you may get an "I/O" error when
you start up our controller application. You should update all FTDI devices on
your PC to the same driver version. Open Device Manager, expand Ports, right-
click Properties, and the Driver tab to check and update each device using an
FTDI chipset. The current version as of this writing is 2.8.14.0. Be sure all
devices are using the same driver version.
If you do get the error, you will need to run an FTDI uninstaller program that we have
included in the Alnitak Astrosystems installation directory. To run the uninstaller,
navigate to the installation directory and unzip the CDMUnistaller archive. Once the
archive is expanded, run CDMUninstallerGUI.exe. You'll get a window like this after
you click on the "Add" button:

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Click on the "Remove Devices" button to remove the old FTDI files.
Now unplug the USB cable from your Alnitak Astrosystems device and reboot your
computer. Once the computer has restarted, plug the USB cable back in and let the
computer check the web for drivers. You should see the "device installed correctly."
We have found that some systems require you to manually select the driver files. We
have included all the necessary drivers from FTDI in our install directory as a zipped file
called “CDM xxxxx WHQL Certified.zip” (where xxxxx is the version number). If
windows prompts you for FTDIbus.sys, you can unzip the folder to a newly created
folder you should call “CDMxxxxx”. Navigate to that new folder and then to the i386
folder inside when Windows asks where the drivers are located.
Once the proper files have been installed, all legacy FTDI USB accessories will still
work.

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199 Smith Street ∙ Lowell, Michigan 49331 ∙ U.S.A.
www.optecinc.com
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Quick Start and Software Reference

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Flip-Flat Quick Start Guide
1. Carefully unpack the Flip-Flat.
2. Slide the long white plastic mounting strap through the slot in the gold mounting
bracket and then form a circle with it by sliding the flat end through the catch slot.
Figure 1. Mounting strap threaded through mount.
3. Manually rotate the Flip-Flat cap so that it is closed (perpendicular to the mounting
bracket).
4. Place the mounting strap around the telescope dew shield/OTA end and pull it snug.
5. Adjust the mounting strap so that the cap is seated tightly to the dew shield/OTA and
tighten the mounting strap. The top of the mounting bracket should be roughly flush
with the top of the dew shield/OTA. Cut the mounting strap, leaving an inch or so
protruding so that adjustments can be made in the future.
Figure 2. The Flip-Flat mounted to a retractable dew shield. Note the additional
zip tie below the dew shield to keep it from sliding down.
6. If mounting to a retractable dew shield, it may be necessary to fix the dew shield into
place. A second large zip tie (included) can be positioned against the bottom of the
dew shield so that it cannot slip down.
7. Download and run the application installer. You can download it from
www.alnitakastro.com/support/downloads.

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8. Plug in the USB cable. Install the com port driver when prompted (either by letting
Windows find it on the web or by pointing to the directory you installed the
application to.)
9. Start the Windows Alnitak Controller application.
10. Ensure that the Flip-Flat has been found on the appropriate port (see software
installation instructions).
11. Push the close button until the application reports that the Flip-Flat is closed.
12. Push the open button to ensure that the Flip-Flat cap opens and the application reports
that the Flip-Flat is open.
Your Flip-Flat is ready to use. Please note that the light will only turn on when the cap is
closed. You should periodically check the tightness of the mounting strap and retighten,
if necessary.

Optec, Inc.
199 Smith Street ∙ Lowell, Michigan 49331 ∙ U.S.A.
www.optecinc.com
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Windows Alnitak Astrosystems Controller
application using Flip-Flat
Controls
The Alnitak Astrosystem Controller works with the Flip-Flat, the Flat-Man, the
Flat-Man L, and the Flat-Man XL.
REFRESH Button
Used to update the list of Alnitak Astro devices connected to the computer. If
clicked immediately after connecting or disconnecting a device, the button text
will change to “WAIT” while the computer virtual COM port is being configured.
This could take up to 8 seconds. The list will be updated after configuration has
completed.
CONNECT Button
This will connect to a SELECTED device from the list above. If only one device
is listed, the button will be active immediately. If more than one device is listed,

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the user must select one before clicking this button. You may also just double
click the desired device in the list.
CLOSE / OPEN Button (Flip-Flat Only)
When clicked, the OPEN / CLOSE button causes the Flip-Flat cover to open or
close. The button label will alternate depending on the state of the cover. Note,
this option will not be available for flat-fielding devices other than the Flip-Flat.
HALT / RESUME Button (Flip-Flat Only)
If the HALT button is clicked while the cover is moving, it will stop immediately.
The button label then changes to RESUME which, when clicked will restart the
cover in the same direction it was moving before the HALT button was clicked.
TURN / TURN OFF Button
Clicking the TURN ON button, when enabled will turn on the flat light source.
This button is only enabled while the cover is closed. When the light is on, the
button label changes to TURN OFF. Clicking it then turns off the light source. If
the OPEN button is clicked while the light is on, the light will turn off and the
TURN ON button will become disabled until the cover is closed again,
BRIGHTNESS Slider
The brightness slider adjusts the brightness of the light. You can also use the up
and down arrows to fine tune the brightness. The slider is enabled or disabled
along with the TURN ON / TURN OFF button depending the state of the cover.
About
Clicking the About button in the menu bar opens an About menu that shows
information about the controller application as well as the version numbers of the
Flip-Flat firmware and the Flip-Flat Library used to create the controller
application.
QUIT
Clicking the QUIT button causes the application to exit.

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Display Text Boxes and Labels
Cover State (Flip-Flat Only)
Indicates the status of the cover. When the cover is closed or open it will display
“CLOSED” or “OPEN”. When the cover is either moving or halted and is
between open and closed the display will show “NOT AT LIMIT.” If the open or
closed limit is not reached within the timeout period (about 15 seconds)
“TIMEDOUT” will be displayed. A timeout may result from low USB power if
the Flip-Flat is plugged into a hub. Make sure that you use only high quality self-
powered hubs for the Flip-Flat.
Motor State (Flip-Flat Only)
Indicates whether the cover motor is “RUNNING” or “STOPPED”.

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Brightness
Numeric text box that indicates the value of the brightness that is being used by
the Flip-Flat hardware. When the slider is moved this display will show the
instantaneous value. The background color will be blue if the light is off and
yellow if it is on.
Found x Device(s)
Displays the number of Alinitak devices of all types connected to the computer
Device List
Lists all Alnitak Astro devices connected to the computer, the device type and the
virtual COM port that is associated with each.
Status
Status of the connection to a device or the refresh process.
Using the command line application, AACmd.exe
See the previous section on using the command line application.

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Quick Start and Software Reference

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Flat-Man, Flat-Man-L Quick Start Guide
1. Download and run the application installer. You can download it from
www.alnitakastro.com/support/downloads
2. Plug in the USB cable. Install the com port driver when prompted (either by letting
Windows find it on the web or by pointing to the directory you installed the
application to.)
3. If you are using a Flat-Man-L you must connect the AC adapter to the DC input next
to the USB port of the device and connect the AC cord to a suitable outlet.
4. Point your scope towards the zenith and rest the Flat-Man on the end making sure that
it is centered so that the entire field of view will be lighted. Alternatively, you can
remove one of the #6-32 screws and use that hole to mount the unit to a tripod or wall
with a longer screw. If you mount it perpendicular to the park position of the
telescope, you will have a remotely operable flat fielding device.
5. Start the Windows Alnitak Astrosystems Controller application.
6. Select the Flat-Man or Flat-Man-L from the list of devices and click Connect.
7. Click the TURN ON button and adjust the brightness to the desired value.
8. Your Flat-Man is ready to use.
Windows Alnitak Astrosystems Controller
When you launch the Alnitak Controller it will look like this:

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If you have more than one Alnitak Astrosystems device connected to the computer there
will be more than one device in the list in the Port window. Select the Flat-Man or Flat-
Man-L and click the Connect button (or just double click your selection). The window
will change to indicate that the application is connected to the device like this: