Orion Starshoot - User Manual

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Summary

Set Up

Connecting Equipment

Connect the 50ft Serial cable to the camera and the Starseek cable to the iPhone/iPad.

Launching the Application

Run the DSVC II app, check connection status, and power on the camera.

App Features and Operation

Interface Overview

Details the single-menu screen for iPad and multi-screen layout for iPhone users.

Test Operation

Use the 'Color Bar' button to verify cable connections and camera communication.

Presets

Utilize 5 presets for quick camera setting changes and custom tuning for different targets.

Luminance Settings

ALC;AES

Choose between Auto Luminance Control (ALC) or Auto Electronic Shutter (AES).

Slow Shutter

Adjust integration time up to 4/5 seconds for low light deep space objects.

Priority

Select AGC for low light deep space objects or Slow Shutter.

AGC and FLC Controls

AGC - Automatic Gain Control

Boosts video signal for low light, increasing sensitivity for deep space objects.

FLC - Flickerless Mode

Suppresses light flicker caused by power source frequency.

BLC - Background Light Compensation

Compensates for very bright backgrounds with dim front images.

Color Settings

White Balance

Adjusts color to ensure a realistic picture using AWB or ATW modes.

Gamma

Choose between Type A (0.45 Gamma) for lighter images or Type B (1.0 Gamma) for darker.

Enhancer

Select between MID Sharpness or HIGH Sharpness.

Color Mode

Switches between COLOR and BLACK & WHITE based on light conditions.

Utility Functions

TEXT

Display and edit on-screen text with adjustable position.

H FLIP; V FLIP

Flip image horizontally or vertically to match eyepiece views.

COLOR BAR

Tune your viewing device using this handy option.

ZOOM

Aid focusing or use as a digital Barlow lens by adjusting zoom.

Cross Hairs

Choose from 4 built-in crosshairs to use the DSVC II as a video finder.

OSD (On Screen Display)

Mimic camera buttons for menu navigation and ATW mode selection.

Warranty Information

One-Year Limited Warranty

Warrants against defects for one year from purchase date for original purchaser.

The Orion® StarShoot™ iPhone Control for Deep Space Video Camera II (model #52195) is a device designed to provide a simple and fast means to control the Deep Space Video Camera II (DSVC II) using an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, eliminating the need for a computer. This control system is particularly useful for astro-photographers connecting the DSVC II to a TV or projector for community outreach events, as it removes the necessity of pressing buttons directly on the camera.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Orion StarShoot iPhone Control is to offer remote control over the DSVC II camera's settings via a dedicated iOS application. This allows users to adjust various camera parameters, save preferred settings as presets, and manage display options directly from their mobile device. The system facilitates effortless control, enhancing the user experience for deep space video imaging.

Included Items (Figure 1):

50ft Custom Serial Aux Cable: A 50-foot serial cable used for connecting the iPhone Control system to the DSVC II camera.
Orion StarSeek Telescope Control Cable: A cable designed to connect the iPhone/iPad to the 50ft Serial cable, enabling communication with the camera.

Non-Included Items (Figure 2):

Free App "DSVCII": The necessary application must be downloaded from the Apple App Store to operate the device.
DSVC II Camera: The Deep Space Video Camera II itself is not included with this control system.

Set Up:

Download and Install: Obtain the free Orion App "DSVCII" from the Apple App Store.
Connect Cables:
- Connect the 50ft Serial cable to the serial input on the DSVC II camera (camera not included).
- Connect the StarSeek cable to the 50ft Serial cable.
- Connect the StarSeek cable to the iPhone/iPad.
Run App: Launch the "DSVC II" App.
Verify Connection: The main screen will indicate if the StarSeek cable is correctly connected to the iPhone/iPad. If "Cable Unplugged" appears, check connections.
Power On: Power on the DSVC II camera and view the output on screen. Once these steps are completed, the device is ready for operation.

Usage Features:

Menus:

The iPad version of the app consolidates all features onto a single menu screen. The iPhone version contains the same features but across multiple menu screens, requiring users to swipe left to access additional screens.

Test Operation:

Color Bar: Pressing the "Color Bar" button to ON displays color bars on screen, serving as a handy way to confirm cable connections and communication between the iPhone/iPad and camera. If color bars do not appear, check all cable connections, then toggle the "Color Bar" button OFF and ON again. This feature also assists in tuning the display device.

Presets (Figure 3):

5 Presets: Five one-click preset buttons are available to quickly change multiple camera features to predefined values. These are tailored for different target types: Solar, Terrestrial, Lunar, Planetary, and Deep Space.
Customization: Each preset can be specifically tuned to user settings by modifying Luminance and Color features within the menus, then pressing the save button below each preset icon to store the settings.

Luminance (Figure 4):

ALC/AES: Choose between Auto Luminance Control (ALC) or Auto Electronic Shutter (AES).
- ALC (Automatic Luminance Control): Automatically adjusts the image sensor's ability to adapt to diverse lighting conditions for vivid video images. The slider bar changes shutter speeds from OFF to 1/10000 of a second.
- AES (Auto Electronic Shutter): Used with manual or fixed iris lenses. Shutter speed responds to light levels to maintain optimum signal output. Allows automatic iris level changes without an auto iris lens.
Slow Shutter: When ON, the slider defines exposure integration time up to 4 seconds (NTSC camera) or 5 seconds (PAL camera). For low light deep space objects, SHUTTER should be OFF.
Priority: Choose between AGC or Slow Shutter. Set to AGC for low light deep space objects.
AGC (Automatic Gain Control): Provides clear images in low light by boosting the video signal. Normally OFF for Lunar, Planetary, Solar (with full-aperture solar filter), and Terrestrial imaging; ON for low light deep space objects.
FLC (Flickerless Mode): Suppresses light flicker caused by power source frequency. Not normally used for astronomy.
BLC (Background Light Compensation): Used when there is a very bright background with a dim front image. Not normally used for astronomy.

Color (Figure 5):

White Balance: Compensates for ambient light color to ensure realistic pictures. Two modes: Auto Tracking White Balance (ATW) and Auto White Balance (AWB).
- AWB (Auto White Balance): A preset function that detects white color and automatically adjusts white balance, storing the setting status.
- ATW (Auto Tracking Balance): Detects white color at a color temperature from 3200 to 10000 Kelvin, continuously monitoring and automatically setting white balance. Suitable for environments with little change in light source and for light-polluted skies using NARROW mode.
Gamma: Choose between Type A (0.45 Gamma - Lighter) or Type B (1.0 Gamma - Darker).
Enhancer: Choose between MID Sharpness or HIGH Sharpness.
Color Mode:
- AUTO: Automatically switches to COLOR for bright objects and BLACK & WHITE for low light objects.
- DAY/EXT: COLOR mode always.
- NIGHT: BLACK & WHITE mode always.

Utility (Figure 6):

TEXT: Turn ON to display on-screen text. Tap the text box to edit text via the touch screen keyboard. Select between 4 text positions.
H FLIP / V FLIP (Mirror): Flips the image horizontally or vertically to match eyepiece views and charts/maps.
COLOR BAR: Aids in tuning the viewing device.
ZOOM: Assists in focusing or acts as a digital Barlow lens. Turn ON, focus, then turn OFF once focused.
Cross Hairs: Choose between 4 built-in cross hairs to turn the DSVC II into a Video Finder.

OSD (On Screen Display) (Figure 7):

OSD Buttons: Mimic the exact buttons found on the back of the camera. While most features are controlled via the app, these buttons are still used for selecting between WIDE and NARROW ATW White Balance modes.

Maintenance Features:

The manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features for the control device itself, but it implies that proper cable connections are crucial for operation. The device is designed to be a control interface, with the camera (DSVC II) being the primary component requiring specific maintenance.

Warranty:

One-Year Limited Warranty: The Orion StarShoot iPhone Control for Deep Space Video Camera II is warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the purchase date. This warranty benefits the original retail purchaser.
Repair/Replacement: Orion Telescopes & Binoculars will repair or replace defective instruments at their option, provided the item is returned postage paid to Orion Warranty Repair, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076. Proof of purchase (e.g., original invoice) is required if the product is not registered.
Exclusions: The warranty does not cover abuse, mishandling, modification, or normal wear and tear.
Contact: For warranty service information, contact Customer Service Department, Orion Telescopes & Binoculars, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076; (800) 676-1343.

The Orion StarShoot iPhone Control system streamlines the operation of the Deep Space Video Camera II, making it more accessible and user-friendly for both amateur and experienced astro-photographers.