Astro Photography Tool Changelog

What's new in Astro Photography Tool 4.50

Apr 14, 2024

Critical update to handle crashes caused by Windows 10 update KB5035941
General stability improvements
FocusCraft changes for better stability
DataCraft changes for better stability
Image Browser changes for better stability
Added support for ASCOM compatible Ports/Switches Hubs
Added support for ASCOM compatible Flat Panels / Telescope Covers
Rotator section is converted to panel accessible via button in Gear Tab
AutoStar section is converted to panel accessible via button in Gear Tab
Web Cameras, INDIGO/INDI, Extra Devices, Lens Control buttons are moved from Tools to Gear
Tools tab is re-arranged
Added 25 new sound notifications (including for failed plate solving)
Added setting in the USB Monitor to disable only the new sounds related to USB device connection/disconnection
Added "Add Trigger" in Object Browser DeepSky/Custom/ToDo tabs to help with trigger creation in Session Craft for the selected object populating name, coordinates, start time and etc.
Added "DB Search" in Object Browser DeepSky/Custom/ToDo tabs to look for records for the selected object. Simple click makes a more loose search, Shift+Click makes a strict search
Added "In AstroBin" in Object Browser DeepSky/Custom/ToDo tabs, opens AstroBin in the default web browser and search for the selected object. Simple click makes a more loose search, Shift+Click makes a strict search
Added "In Telescopius" in Object Browser DeepSky/Custom/ToDo tabs opens Telescopius in the default web browser and search for the selected object.
Added "In Telescopius" in Object Browser DeepSky/Custom/ToDo tabs, Shift+Click navigates the Telescopius mosaic tool loading the coordinates of the selected object
Added Shift+Click on "Add To ToDo" In Object Browser DeepSky tab will copy the selected object in Custom tab
Added #PanelState command
Added #CoverState command
Added #SwitchState command
Added #SwitchSet command
Added %ATimeDayEnd%, %ATimeDayStart%, "%ATimeNautStart%, %ATimeNautEnd%, %ATimeANStart%,%ATimeANEnd% command parameters
Added Shift key to skip PHD2 staring during APT start when the Auto Start PHD2 option is enabled in Guiding Settings
Added Shared folder option in Main Settings tab for Object Browser Custom/ToDo and CheckLists between multiple APT instances / computers
Added setting do disable the Data Autocomplete in the Advanced Settings tab
Added remembering the window position of Auto Focus Aid between the sessions
The Brightness settings in Extra Devices are moved to Filter Wheel Settings tab and is used by both Flat Panels / Telescope Covers and Extra Devices
Added Canon SDK 13.17.12
Added support for EOS R100
Added support for EOS R100 in PointCraft and Object Calculator
Added QHY 24.03.29
Added ZWO SDK 1.34
Added ToupTek, RasingCam, MalinCam, StarShoot, OGMA, Omegon SDK 20240404
Added Altair Astro SDK 20240325
Added New TemberHum DLL (thanks to Pablo Gazmuri)
Added possibility for negative gain values (some ZWO models (like ASI2600) could get benefit of it)
Fixed rare discrepancy in the filenames when R+L is used with some Canon EOS models
Fixed the problem with QHY FilterWheelRS232 driver
Fixed camera names to be for better when same model ZWO cameras are used
Fixed DewPoint v1 device support
Minor fixes here and there...

New in Astro Photography Tool 4.42 (Feb 4, 2024)

New in Astro Photography Tool 4.40 (Dec 24, 2023)

Powerful sequencing, imaging planning, PlayerOne support and more.
Added native support for PlayerOne Cameras
Added in Move To Object (GoTo++ or GoTo) and Object Name options in SessionControl - possibility to go to object, set the name and execute same plan without need to use script commands
Added in Refocus after Move option in SessionControl
Added in Execute till Altitude option in SessionControl
Added Tags (trigger names) in SessionControl giving option to create a sequence of triggers
Added the possibility to see the exact times for DSD, AN and N when defining a trigger in SessionControl
Added smart sorting if the triggers grid by execution time and order in SessionControl (taking in account the After Tags)
Added Expanding/Collapsing options for sections in SessionCraft
Added possibility PointCraft to work with ROI without changing the sensor size
Added Imaging plan lines auto scrolling in Summary tab
Added Last Focusing section in Summary tab and Setting to control the visibility
Added "Visible Tonight" option for Visibility Filter in Object Browser
Added "Imageable Tonight" option for Visibility Filter in Object Browser
Added Transit Time, Transit Alt, Rize/Set times in Object Browser
Added Location Setting for Air Mass Limit - the default is altitude 30 degrees/2.0 air masses
Added Air Mass Limit Rise/Set Times in Object Browser (DeepSky, Custom, ToDo)
Added MIT - Max Imaging Time calculation - time above Air Mass Limit for current night in Object Browser
Added ITL - (Imaging Time Left) calculation - time above Air Mass Limit left for the current night in Object Browser
- Added Tr.T column - (Transit Time) in Object Browser (needs Visibility Filter enabled)
- Added AML Up. column in Object Browser (DeepSky, Custom, ToDo) to show the time when the object goes above the Air Mass Limit (needs Visibility Filter enabled)
- Added MIT column in Object Browser (needs Visibility Filter enabled)
- Added ITL column in Object Browser (needs Visibility Filter enabled)
- Added possibility to sort Object Browser by MIT, ITL, Tr.T, AML Up (needs Visibility Filter enabled)
- Added Object Browser to show the number of the filtered objects in the window title
- Added additional handling to avoid problems when Object Browser is used when imaging plan is running
- Added Gienah Cygni star to Extended stars list
- Added scrolling text control to show the Air Mass, Image time till Air Mass limit, Remaining DSD and NB Times in the Status panel
- Added Remaining Time (DSD and NB) in Deep Sky Clock details
- Added Auto Start PHD2 option in Guiding Settings
- Added auto equipment connecting in PHD2 when APT makes connection to PHD2
- Added a new command #RepeatTillAlt
- Added #GoTo++ to use Object name
- Added a problems prevention logic - no sync will be made if the declination is bigger than 85 or lower than -85
- Added the APT Settings button Log Panel border, it is still available in Tools Tab too
- Added QHY 23.10.11
- Added ZWO SDK 1.32
- Added ToupTek, Altair Astro, RasingCam, MalinCam, StarShoot, OGMA, Omegon SDK 20231121
- Added SVBony SDK 1.12.1
- Added for ZWO Camera on connection or when Settings are open printing of HDR, Unity and Lowest Noise pairs of gain and offset in the Log Panel
- Added for PlayerOne Camera on connection or when Settings are open printing of HDR, Unity, Lowest Noise and HGC Mode pairs of gain and offset in the Log Panel
- Added HDR mode for ToupTek cameras
- Added possibility to set USB speed 10-100% for certain ToupTek models
- Added in DB Browser a Minimize / Restore button - to be able see the image and to get back to your current search result without closing the window
- Added in DB Browser possibility to search for dates using condition like - searching for 2023-02-% will show all images taken in February 2023, or %-05-% for all images taken in May no matter the year
- Added "Delete all" plans by type option per every type in Plan Editor (DSLR / CCD/CMOS modes)
- Added option to control the Framing Masks marks in the Settings. Accepts color as 6-characters color code like FF00FF
- Added Ctrl+Click on Focuser bookmarks to store the position entered in the GoTo edit box as bookmark
- Added Meade tracking fix in Scope&Focuser Settings, ignores the tracking checks when the ASCOM driver is not providing "tracking" property
- Added stability improvements
- Changed the QHY USB speed handling to use empirically found better setting
- Changed mount unparking now is not enabling the tracking
- Changed Export Time To Mount - it is now possible to export only time without coordinates. Useful for iOptron mounts with GPS which doesn't get the time from the satellites... doesn't work with EQMOD :(
- Changed Plan Editor (DSLR / CCD/CMOS modes) to be big enough to show the script commands
- Fixed Allow spaces in option not working in some cases
- Fixed a problem with SQM-LE not receiving the readings from the device in some cases
- Fixed a problem with status on SessionCraft (negatives number)
- Fixed indexing the images in DB Browser when the file name is not in UTF8
- Fixed correct editing a "resume if passed" check box on "wait till time" commands
- Fixed the case with the showing PointCraft when the main window is maximized
- Fixed DataCraft during transfer problem when an image is deleted outside APT
- Fixed FocusCraft hanging in rare cases on Nikon images
- Fixed the bug with using DB Browser when it is not enabled from settings
- Fixed #GoTo++ command when object name with space is used
- Fixed Deep Sky tab in Object Browser crash when filter is applied, no results and Show is clicked
- Fixed correct editing a "resume if passed" check box on "wait till time" commands
- Fixed a bug in Stellarium integration no allowing to select #0 Scope or Camera
- Fixed the bug for DSLRs when editing Focus/Framing plans during plan execution
- Fixed CCD Flats Aid generating plans that can give false "changed" warnings during edit

New in Astro Photography Tool 4.30 (Aug 25, 2023)

Added DataCraft DB Browser
Added DB Browser FITS files indexer
Added DB Browser files verifying tool
Added Skip Shoot option in DataCraft Settings
Added in SessionCraft added option Execute till time
Added in SessionCraft added option Next Plan
Added possibility for Dither On very # images in multi-camera operation mode
Added possibility to edit plans during plan execution. The current plan can't be altered
Added a new command #RepeatTillTime command
Added #DataTransfer command
Added #CCDWarming to use the Warming offset
Added Ctr+A to select the text for all edit boxes
Added Save in Same folder option in Planetary panel
Added possibility to import the selected object name from CdC. Works in Object Browser and Objects button in Gear Tab
Added handling for bad formatting in the Telescopius exports when files are imported in Object Browser
Added "Cartes du Ciel - object list" import on Custom Object Browser
Added automatic window resizing on resolution change useful when imaging PC and the remote desktop are with different resolution
Added chamber pressure/hum values reporting in Camera Tab->Settings for QHY Cameras
Changed the code for Exposure Canceling for ToupTek based cameras
Added QHY SDK 23.05.09
Added SVBony SDK 1.11.3
Added ZWO SDK 1.30
Added Altair Astro SDK 20230723
Added Omegon SDK 20230723
Added RaisingCam SDK 20230723
Added OGMA SDK 20230723
Added StarShootG SDK 20230723
Added MalinCam SDK 20230723
Fixed #GoTo++ or Automated Meridian flip failing when blind solving is used as first step in combination with ASTAP
Fixed PS3 slow solving for DSLR images
Fixed Completely Blind (Shift+Click) to work with empty Focal length (works for ASTAP and PS3)
Fixed possibility to set 60% USB speed for ToupTek based cameras
Fixed for Canon/Nikon rare case when R+L is used the JPG and RAW to have different names because of different time
Fixed rare cases when RAW and JPG files are not grouped in one Thumbnail in Img Tab
Fixed wrong error message when Blind solving is enabled in SessionCraft
Fixed is a small bug in Image Browser not showing all folders
Fixed are cases when APT could crash on image browsing, thumbnail creation and in other cases
Fixed the time triggers in SessionCraft which can start a plan one minute later than the defined time
Fixed PAPS causing APT crash in some situations
Fixed Cancel button to stop the plan starting when Ask for Object Name is enabled
Fixed INDIGO image problem when Player-One camera is used
Fixed SessionCraft grid to show non-Latin letters plan names
Fixed PS3 to run in background (still flashes for a moment). Many thanks to Chirs Gifford for the solution!
Fixed USB speed for QHY Cameras (not all models support USB Speed)
Fixed Ask for Object Name to support different languages
Fixed PointCraft can't use ASPS as near solver
Fixed a bug in GoTo++ when the object is very close to RA 00:00:00
Fixed error when ROI is used with some ToupTek based models
Fixed smaller bugs here and there
Fixes for improving the general stability

New in Astro Photography Tool 4.20 (Apr 3, 2023)

Added support for PlateSolve3 by PlaneWave in PoinCraft
Added better way to select the Near/Blind solver in PointCraft Settings
Added support for second focuser control in Gear Tab (buttons 1 and 2 to switch active focuser)
Added support for second focuser filter offset for motorized Off-Axis-Guider control
Added Support for EOS R6 MkII, R8, R50
Added EOS R6 MkII, R8, R50 in PointCraft and Object Calculator
Added support for USB Relay Cables Canon/Nikon (Long Exp Control) based on the cheap SDR-05VDC-SL-C board
Added native support for camera with brands based on ToupTek platforms - RisingCam, OGMA, Lacerta, MallinCam, Omegon Pro, Orion StarShoot G, Explore Scientific
Added improvements in DataCraft
Added feature Ctrl+Click on Connect buttons to forget the selected drivers
Added Shift+Click on Rotator GoTo button to sync to the entered angle
Added moving the all pop-up windows with the Ctrl+Arrows (slow) and Ctrl+Shift+Arrows (faster)
Added RA/DEC keywords FITS files to make PI and WBPP happy
Added automatic conversion of negative FOV angles to positive on import from Planetarium
SessionCraft Meridian Flip Section is re-designed
Added new dialog box for Meridian Flip Settings
SessionCraft Meridian Flip Status section showing counter
Added Change Icon Color setting in Main tab
Added Ascending Folders Sort Order setting in Main tab
Added Allow spaces in file and folder names setting in Main tab
Added Per filter PlateSolving Exposure (PS Exp) in Filter Wheel, useful for manual filter wheels
Added Pause Guiding on focuser move option in Scope & Focuser tab
Added possibility to control the 'Dew Heater' power level from Settings in Camera Tab for ToupTek and similar cameras
Added 'High Full Well Capacity' option in Settings in Camera Tab for ToupTek and similar cameras
Added Rotator position as option for Name Parts
Added GoTo++ offset option in PointCraft Settings - applied to all GoTo++ actions
Added AltAz parameter for #GoTo++ command
Added Canon SDK 13.16.10
Added ZWO SDK 1.28
Added ToupTek 2023.03.19
Added SVBonySDK 1.11.1
Added QHY SDK 2023.02.28
Added MallinCam SDK 2023.02.23
Added RaisingCam SDK 2023.03.14
Added Altair Astro SDK 2022.12.08
Added Explore Scientific SDK 2022.04.17
Added Ogmacam SDK 2023.02.07
Added Omegon Pro SDK 2023.01.15
Added Orion StarShoot G SDK 2021.11.27
Added some general stability improvements
Updated PAPS calculation library by Rumen Bogdanovski bettering the calculations in some cases
PointCraft Setting dialog box is re-designed
Removed the "ASTAP Angle Fix" option in PointCraft Setting
Moved Force Flip via GoTo from Scope & Focuser Setting tab to SessionCraft Meridian Flip Settings
Fixed ASTAP Angle calculation which was affecting the GoTo++
Fixed SessionCraft rare case when time trigger and refocusing were mixing their execution.
Fixed SessionCraft fix crashing on session start
Fixed SessionCraft temperature refocusing trigger to work when F is used
Fixed few glitches when MGen3 is used
Fixed crash when Stellarium is stopped and APT tires to send data
Fixed negative FOV angle import from Stellarium
Fixed Ra coordinate of Adhafera star in Extended Stars List in Object Browser
Fixed the problem Plan Editor which reports unsaved changes in Flat and Bias plans
Fixed flats taking with Altair Astro and ToupTek when Higher CCD Compatibility is used.
Fixed possible crash when Settings is opened from Filter Wheel section in Gear Tab
Fixed Temperature value is not stopping to blink after refocusing
Fixed ToupTek bit scaling logic
Fixed Auto Focusing not resetting the focus mark for refocusing notification
Fixed cooling problem with ToupTek 2600 models
Fixed #RotatorGoTo command hanging when there is in connection to mount

New in Astro Photography Tool 4.10 (Dec 10, 2022)

Added DataCraft - tool to help transferring the images
Added Web Cameras control - to monitor your setup
Added MGen3 support - guide control, dithering, AMF
Added "Completely Blind" solving with ASTAP - Shift+Click on Blind button
Added APT Simulation mode
Added Per filter Auto Focusing Exposure in Filter Wheel Tab
APT is migrated to the latest development platform
Added automatic creation of settings restore points
Added possibility to settings restore from restore point
Added logic for problem detection and automatic restoring from the last settings restore
Added Native Support for SVBony cameras
Added Support for EOS R7 / EOS R10 / EOS R3
Added EOS R7 / EOS R10 / EOS R3 in Object Calculator and PointCraft
Added Altair Astro SDK 20221121
Added ZWO SDK 1.27
Added ToupTek/Omegon/ES SDK 2022-11-21
Added QHY 22.10.14
Added Mount tracking watch-dog to detect mount connection/tracking problems
Added Saving of the Altitude filter in Object Browser (Deep Sky, Custom and ToDo)
Added In Custom/ToDo tab of Object Browser import "Mosaic from Telescopius"
Added Gain value stored in file names will contain HGC when the HGC checkbox is checked for Altair, ToupTek and QHY cameras (via native driver)
Added Mount tracking watch-dog settings in Scope & Focuser Tab
Added Store Bayer Pattern setting in CCD Tab
Added Use Nautical Twilight setting in Location Tab
Added Show the location name setting in Location Tab
Added possibility to enter up to 20 locations in Location Tab
Added special handling - AMF will stop if the camera doesn't provide image for 30s
Added ASTAP angle fix option in PointCraft Settings
Added #TempCompensationPause command
Added ResumeIfPassed parameter for #WaitTillTime command
Added %ISO% %Gain% and %Exp% script parameters
Added GNS alerts - Guiding is lost (after 10th image without star in row), Image fails to download, Auto-focus failure
Added feature for not generating thumbnails for calibration frames to speed the plans execution
Added a new hint (7) in User's Guide Trouble shooting page
Increased the Twilight Offset to accept up to 60mins
Changed the style for better visibility of pop up windows opened from a popup.
Moved rarely used settings in separate pop-up Advanced in CCD tab of the Settings
Fixed GoTo++ giving extremely big error in pixels when the target is near the zero celestial meridian
Fixed Wrong direction move on final auto focus step when reverse moves setting is enabled.
Fixed Possibility to change the plan type in "At time" section in on Session Craft
Fixed Rare possibility a plan not to be restored after flip/refocusing if the PHD2 auto-resumes or user resumes the guiding.
Fixed Not showing the auto hide taskbar when the APT is maximized.
Fixed Auto refocusing not starting on 0s exposure lines
Fixed The dew heater control for ToupTek cameras
Fixed Script Editor not taking the object name for #SetObjName when Custom / ToDo / Stars object is selected
Fixed APT window resizing after starting.
Fixed Not connecting to QHY 247 via native driver
Fixed USB speed not saved correctly for Altair and ToupTek/Omegon/ES cameras
Fixed A crash during start when focuser or mount is not connected
Fixed Shift+Click on Start (DSLR or CCD/CMOS) doesn't use twilight offset
Fixed #CCDCool command not to show confirmation messages
Fixed Profile creation bug allowing to enter slash leading to a lot of errors
Fixed The Plan Editor logic for asking to save the changes
Fixed smaller bugs here and there

New in Astro Photography Tool 4.01 (Jun 10, 2022)

New in Astro Photography Tool 4.00 (May 15, 2022)

Note: The Windows XP support ended with APT 3.88!
Added FocusCraft for DSLRs
Added new tab - Summary ( Σ - the sum sign ) - shows the summarized info you need all night long
Added Summary Settings Tab (Σ - the sum sign) options to control what is visible in the Summary tab
Added PAPS - Polar Align via PlateSolving
Added PAPS results auto saving in Documents->APT_Data folder for usage for mounts with motorized Alt/Az
Added possibility to make Img Tab to be floating window (Shift+Click)
Added possibility to call ASTAP for HFD calculation in FocusCraft (needs ASTAP to be installed and configured in PointCraft)
Added new FocusCraft Settings - Star detection SNR which is passed to ASTAP, default is 10, increase it to handle brighter background
Added latest Benjamin Schulz library (makes the InvPower less sensitive to saturation)
Added Altitude filter in Object Browser (Deep Sky, Custom and ToDo tabs)
Added filter by type in Object Browser (Deep Sky, Custom and ToDo tabs)
Added "Add to Cust" button in Object Browser ToDo tab
Added Gain on CCD Flats Aid dialog
Added logic CCD Flats Aid to use gain in priority - CCD Flats Aid Gain first, gain per filter second, the gain set in Camera Tab last
Added Default GoTo++ Gain in PointCraft Settings
Added Edit button on change start plan at time in SessionCraft
Added Pause button SessionCraft to disable scheduled the plan
Added SessionCraft to Deep Sky Darkness, Astro Night and Night end exact times.
Added automatic Refocus Pause button in SessionCraft
Added automatic refocus pausing/resuming when tracking is turned off/on or scope is parked/unparked
Added SessionCraft Altitude trigger to become unchecked after execution to allow multiple enabling per night
Added automatic Refocusing stop during the day
Added behavior, 0s exposures in plan not to increase the images counter for refocusing
Added #RefocusPause On/Off command
Added #DitherN command to change the "Dither on # of images" value
Added #ResetImageID command
Added possibility #CCDWarm and #CCDCool commands to work with cooling/warming step 0.0 without waiting the process to complete
Added FastCheck parameter of #GoTo++, When is used the GoTo++ will check the current image to see of there is need to execute the GoTo++ sequence of actions
Added setting "Use focuser temperature" in CCD tab of Settings to control the usage of ambient temperature in CCD Warming Aid
Added setting "Warming Aid Target Offset" in CCD tab of Settings - defines offset from the ambient temperature to be set as target
Added setting Language in Main tab of Settings (Japanese and Chinese support, more can be added by request)
Added special support to display correctly the Object Name, and Custom Objects entry in Japanese and Chinese
Added better UI behavior of all edit boxes when Japanese and Chinese are used
Added automatic guiding stop on mount parking
Added when exposure is canceled by Auto-Cancel no dithering to be executed
Added Whole Image in PixelAid to work with the not de-bayered data
Added internal pause to workaround a problem in iOptron ASCOM driver for reporting the slewing state
Added workaround of problem with long filenames when ASPS for blind solving is used
Added optimization in the communication with the focuser driver for better behavior of Arduino based focusers
Added image count in the from the Img Tab to be visible in Status Panel
Added possibility to use Del keyboard key in Img Tab and full keyboard only operation support
Added possibility to make connection to Stellarium by computer name
Added special care to fix problem in FITS file access in DSS Live
Added PAPS, PointCraft and SessionCraft windows position saving between the sessions
Added support for newer TemperHum models. Thank you Pablo Gazmuri for implementing it!
Added support for refocusing synchronization when multiple cameras are used
Added support for meridian flip synchronization when multiple cameras are used
Added better imageID when PC only destination is set for Digital cameras
Added Bits Upscaling option for Altair and ToupTek cameras. Can be set from Settings in Camera Tab
Added ZWO cameras connection possibility when multiple cameras from same model is used
Added ZWO 1.22 SDK
Added ToupTek SDK - 53.20722.20220424
Added QHYCCD SDK 22.04.20
Added AltairAstro SDK 20220424
Moved Script Editor to the Demo version
Moved Above horizon check in the Demo version
Moved PointCraft Store button in the Demo version
Changed the color of the APT icon
Changed Auto Focus Aid to change and restore ROI on refocusing process star/end not on window closing
Updated the HNSKY communication protocol (please upgrade your HNSKY with the latest version)
Fixed Refocus On Filter Change not to be executed in Flats/Darks etc non-Light plans
Fixed Pause/Resume button becoming disabled in some cases
Fixed thumbnails generation when there is non-Latin letters in the path or name
Fixed FITs saving problem in some cases when there are non-Latin letters in the path or name
Fixed wrong selection D5000 in Object Calculator when Nikon D500 is connected
Fixed no dithering after Shift+Click on Pause to cancel the current exposure when CCD and Nikons are used
Fixes rare problem with image thumbnails handling in Img Tab
Fixes incorrect Hits in Stars tab in Object Browser when Japanese version is used
Fixed Name and Notes in Custom/ToDo tabs for non-Latin alphabet languages
Fixed SessionCraft, execute plan on time after other options had been execute like plan below Altitude
Fixed collision in Dithering and Refocusing
Fixed Keyboard Thingy locking problem
Fixed PHD2 port reverting back to 4400 when multiple cameras/mounts are used
Fixed a bug in SessionCraft - in some cases the defined plan will not be executed
Fixed rare random clicks on buttons behind the active window
Fixed crash on APT start when T Comp Settings is selected External sensor in SessionCraft
Fixed Acrab star coordinates in the Stars Extended list
Fixed rare cases when opening Object Browser or other windows from other and using dropdown list can cause APT UI blocking.
Fixed a bug with saving the main profile when other profile is loaded and saved before that
Fixed a bug when blinking Framing masks is stopped during the invisible state
Fixed sometimes showing two Median labels in PixelAid
Fixed conversion from Alt/Az to RA/Dec coordinates bug - affects #GoToAltAz and Advanced GoTo
Fixed the bug with "|" on the folder name.
Fixed smaller bugs here and there

New in Astro Photography Tool 3.90 (Nov 18, 2021)

Added Refocus on every X degrees change in SessionCraft
Added Refocus on every X images in SessionCraft
Added Refocus on every X minutes in SessionCraft
Added Refocus on manual push after next image in SessionCraft
Added Settings to refocus on Filter Change in SessionCraft
Added Refocus after flip in SessionCraft
Added #Refocus script command. Runs refocusing the parameters set in Auto-Focus Aid
Added data log for the last executed auto-focusing in SessionCraft
Added option to schedule different plans execution by time in SessionCraft
Added option to schedule plan execution on defined Altitude in SessionCraft
Added option to schedule plan execution on Darkness, Astro Night, Night End in SessionCraft
Added InvPower mode in FocusCraft
Added InvPower support in Auto-Focus Aid
Added QHY native support (Video LiveView is coming in next version)
Added support for QHY Filter Wheel in native mode when it is connected directly to the camera
Added native support for ToupTek, Lacerta, Explore Scientific, Omegon and similar cameras
Added Geoptik FC support
Added Alnitak and compatible flat panels support
Added new section in the User's Guide - Modern CMOS camera troubleshooting
Added UI face-lift - borders, radio buttons, check boxes and more
Added Guiding section in Gear tab with start/stop and graph (the Guide graph is still available in Graphs Aid)
Added settings for PHD2 Graph scale and metrics in Settings button in Guiding section of Gear tab
Added double clicking on graph Guiding section of Gear tab asks if you want to clear the data
Added Local button in CCD/CMOS Histogram. When disabled the tool shows and work with the whole 0-65355 range. When enabled it shows and work only with Range that has data
Added possibility Auto Str-L/R in CCD/CMOS Histogram to work even when Histogram is closed (no more need to keep Histogram open)
Added GoTo Equator option (Shift+Click on GoTo in Gear Tab) for better PHD2 calibration
Added Telescope Settings button in Gear Tab
Added Shift+Click on Aim button to show the Ra/Dec distance in Log panel to help manual Aim / GoTo++
Added up to 3 attempts with 30s pause of taking new image and solving on GoTo++ failure - applied to GoTo++ , #GoTo++ script command and for target re-centering in Meridian Flip
Added Min-Max Gain display in CCD/CMOS Settings in Camera Tab for Altair, ZWO, QHY, ToupTek+
Added ZWO SDK 1.20.2
Added Altair Astro SDK 20210912
Added QHY SDK 21.10.12
Added workaround of strange fan control behavior in Altair Astro SDK
Added workaround of strange cooler control behavior in ToupTek native driver
Added logic for Altair Astro/ToupTek to stop fan when cooler is off
Added ImageID for CCD/CMOS images is not date-time anymore, but unique number. Be sure to add date/time in Name Parts if you want.
Added a button to Reset ImageID in CCD tab of Settings
Added PixInsight WBP friendly image names option in Main tab of Settings generates the names in format Keyword_Value for usage in WBP script
Added check for minimum PC disk free space on session start. Added PC free space check setting in Advanced tab of Settings
Added up-to to 10 locations in Location tab of Settings
Added a setting for Twilight Offset in Location Tab
Added automatic setting of "Focus Mark" after successful auto-focusing when manual re-focus notifications are enabled in Temperature & Sky tab in Settings
Added better check for focuser temperature to catch missing probe
Added possibility when auto focusing in Auto-Focus Aid is stopped or failed the focuser to be returned to the starting position
Added Pause Guiding option in Auto-Focus Aid Settings to pause guiding during auto focusing
Added Keep last run focusing images option in Auto-Focus Aid Settings (stores the files in the TemporaryStorage folder)
Added OBJCTALT/OBJCTAZ in the FITS header to be used by NormalizeScaleGradient script in PixInsight
Added APTDIA FITS Keyword to store the Scope diameter entered in Tools Tab
Added more precise "exposure start time" measurement for the JD FITS Keyword
Added Scope Diameter management in Profile Selector in Tools Tab
Added Pixel Aid - One pixel mode to show X/Y
Added remembered the selected item and sorting on Object Browser during the session
Added LDN 1082 in the extended Objects List
Added possibility for to show filter name in Plan Editor read from the ASCOM driver
Added skip dithering action when exposure is canceled with Shift+Click on the Pause button.
Moved Temperature Compensation setting from Scope & Focuser Settings tab in SessionCraft
Moved Temperature Compensation parameters in from Scope & Focuser Settings tab in "T Refocus Settings" in SessionCraft
Renamed PointCraft Angle field to FOV Angle
General stability improvements
ZWO Hardware Bin was removed by advice from ZWO team
Renamed Guide button to Settings in Gear Tab
Reworked the CCD/CMOS Histogram information in User's Guide
Fixed problems with settings profiles under Windows 7
Fixed problem with default size/position of FocusCraft in some cases
Fixed "Unknown command" reported on first Shoot from the session
Fixed bug in temperature compensation forcing focuser position change during focusing
Fixed bug in Pixel Aid not showing correct values when switching between One Pixel and Whole Image
Fixed some bugs with the CCD/CMOS Histogram manual control via fine/coarse buttons
Fixes in native cameras drivers support to prevent crashes during connection
Fixed the M20 - Trifid coordinates in extended Objects List
Fixed filter name in FITS header, sometimes the spaces in the name were not removed
Fixed Collimation Aid shows one circle less than defined number
Fixed FOCUSERPOS key word is not stored in FITS files created with SBIG cameras
Fixed the camera angle value sent/read to/from CdC
Fixed not showing selected item in the Object Browser after search
Fixed rare case when imaging plan is not resumed after meridian flip
Fixed problem in connecting to EOS M50 Mk II
Fixed smaller bugs here and there

New in Astro Photography Tool 3.88 (May 6, 2021)

Added is new Auto Focusing Aid that uses new focusing idea - Hyperbola Fit
Added possibility to measure the focuser backlash in Auto Focusing Aid
Added possibility to measure Filter Offsets in Auto Focusing Aid
Added possibility Auto Focusing Aid to use ROI for faster downloading when big mega-pixel cameras are used
Added Scope Diameter in Tools tab
Added Recalc button in Tools tab to show the telescope F-ratio and CFZ - Critical Focus Zone in the Log Panel
Added bigger preview in Focusing Aid
Added star Auto Tracking to move Focusing Aid window in order to center the star
Added Framing Masks import and export feature
Added blinking mode in Framing Masks
Added Offset/Balcklevel in the Plan Editor
Added Button "O" in Camera tab to show/hide the Offset column
Added Shift+Click on the Pause button restarts the current exposure during plan execution
Added command #ConditionalStop - the most powerful command in APT which is "semi-backgorund" and gives new level of automation
Added command #FocuserMove
Added command #ResetFocusCraft
Added command #CCDPower
Added command #StopPlan (parameter Full stops the plan completely, without it will be executed the one set with #NextPlan)
Added button Object in the Script Editor for the #SetObjectName command
Added possibility ZWO and Altair Astro cameras to be connected by name ( no mixing with the guider anymore :) )
Added ZWO 1.17 native driver
Added Altair Astro SDK 20210311 (should solve all problems, Altair Astro said)
Added support for Nikon Z6II, Z7II
Added Nikon Z6II, Z7II in Object Calculator and PointCraft
Added GRGB bayer pattern support
Added Hardware Bin option for ZWO cameras in Camera Tab button Settings
Added WB_R and WB_R settings for ZWO cameras in Camera Tab button Settings
Added support for INDIGO mount agent
Added the latest INDIGO library to be prepared for the coming features from INDIGO team
Added better logging in Log Panel/Log file when AutoFocus/PointCraft/FlatsAid images are taken
Added Shift+Click on Auto Focusuing Run button allows to make new calculations on the gathered points. Give possibility to change the settings and see if can get better focus
Added Shift+Click on Auto Focusing Analyzer button to exports the focusing data to clipboard for sharing in the APT Forum or with the APT team.
Added Ctrl+Click on Auto Focusing Analyzer button to import data from clipboard in format the section from Log file - the lines with "AF (FPHF) Positions:" and " AF (FPHF) Values:"
Added Temp Calibration setting to be applied to Focuser reported Temperature
Added auto conversion the Robofocuser raw temperature units to C/F
Added in PointCraft hold left mouse button mouse and move shows the Ra/Dec coordinates of the pointer in the solved image
Added Aim mode to show in Log Panel the delta Ra/Dec for manual "GoTo++" via setting circles
Added Cross rotation able to be printed in the Log Panel
Added resizing of Focus Craft window
Added remembering Focus Craft's state, position and size between the sessions
Added "Use NOT de-bayered FITS images" in FocusCraft settings
Added "Calculate" check box in FocusCraft for easy enabling/disabling the HFD/FWHM calculation
- Added support for PrimaLuceLab EAGLE EYE ( in Sky & T settings tab)
Added support for PrimaLuceLab EAGLE GPS (in Extra Devices)
Added remembering the selected button in Graphs between the sessions
Added Observer Name in Main settings tab
Added Focal Length in the image file name and in the files grouping
Added ScopeName in Scope & Focuser settings tab
Added ScopeName and Site Location in the image file name and added ScopeName in the files grouping
Added TELESCOP and OBSERVER keywords in the FITS header bound to ScopeName and Observer Name
Updated Nikon D850 communication library
The Extended list in Object Browser now contains 21253 objects. The Sharpless2 entries are updated with the full catalog and has object sizes and description - provided by Jim Hunt
Fixed PC only image destination for EOS cameras with Digic 8 and newer
Fixed Image plan to accept Gain value 0
UI Fixes needed for the floating Camera/Gear tabs
Fixed never ending exposure when camera got in undefined state
Fixed the wrong plan duration display when plan start with 0s exposure and other cases
Fixed Auto Focusing Aid hang on first exposure
Fixed the Guide Graph when PHD1 is used
Fixed the profiles when APT Camera 2 is started for first time
Fixed problem with connecting to ZWO ASI2600
Fixed problem with connecting to Altair Astro 26C
Fixed possible problem color balance of the images taken with color ZWO cameras
Fixed the possibility to use Auto Focusing Aid with Focusing Aid (DSLR users can use this method till FocusCraft is finished for DSLRs)
Fixed re-populating the name in the command #SetObjName in the ScriptEditor when there are pauses in the name
Fixed checking for new APT version to be by date and version name
Fixed the bug when enter coordinates with space in the beginning or ending in Location settings tab
Fixed DSUSB control lost after automated meridian flip with Nikon cameras
Fixed a bug that was setting the USB Speed for Altair Astro to 100%. Now is possible to set lower values - 40 is the slowest (corresponds to 0 in ASCOM diver) anything less than 100 is the middle speed...
Fixed bug in Plan Editor when the exposures defined filter doesn't correspond to the current wheel filters count
Fixed INDIGO Focuser MaxStep error for some focuser drivers
Fixed bad image downloading form ZWO camera via INDIGO/INDI
Fixed the PointCraft Aim mode
Fixed bug that can make PointCraft to call ASPS instead of ASTAP
Fixed LiveView not working for D780
Fixed Final Inward move not working when Absolute (stepper) focuser is emulated
Fixed bug with the sounds when notifications can stop playing after editing in Sounds settings tab
Fixed #FocuserGoto 0 bug
Fixed general behavior of text boxes. If there is lower limit it will be set on the control lost focus
Fixed bug in Focuser GoTo not allowing to stop the move
Fixed AMF bug - no flip if the object pass through meridian during dithering
Fixed wrong angle in PointCraft in some cases when ASTAP is used with FITS files
Fixed Show in Stellarium wrong FOV orientation in some cases
Fixed images storing on network/cloud drives
Fixed a lot of smaller bugs here and there

New in Astro Photography Tool 3.87 (Nov 14, 2020)

Added solution of the ZWO image download hanging!
Added solution of the Altair Astro image download hanging!
Added general stability improvements
Added Settings Profiles
Added profiles selection dialog box + auto continue setting in Advanced tab
Added possibility to control the Gain in the imaging plan
Added automatic check for new version
Added FocusCraft - multi-stars HFD and FWHM measuring tool (still experimental)
Added the latest ZWO native drivers - v1.15.0915
Added ZWO native driver color balance handling of internal settings for better FITS files
Added Video LiveView for ZWO to allow changing the binning
Added the latest Altair Astro SDK 20201110
Added Ultra mode and DewHeater control for Altair Astro, Camera Tab in Settings dialog box
Added binning support for Altair Astro cameras via native driver
Added ZWO/Altair cameras detection if the cameras is USB 2.0 or 3.0 and what connection type is made 2.0 or 3.0, reports in the Log Panel
Added Canon SDK 13.13.10
Added support for EOS 1500D, EOS 3000D (Australian models)
Added support for EOS 850D, EOS 1D X Mk III, EOS R5, EOS R6, EOS M50 Mk II
Added EOS 850D, EOS 1D X Mk III, EOS R5, EOS R6, EOS M50 Mk II in Object Calculator and PointCraft
Added support for Nikon Z5 and D6 in Object Calculator and PointCraft
Added support to control Nikon Z5 and D6
Added "extended list" for Stars tab in ObjectBrowser - 337 stars compiled and described by Andrew Knight
Added Show button in DeepSky and Stars tabs of the Object Browser to show the object position in the Planetarium application
Added sort order remembering in Stars tab of the Object Browser during the session
Added Shift+Click on Camera/Gear Tabs to make them floating
Added Ra/Dec graphics in Guide mode of Graphs when PHD2, MGEN is used
Added Air Mass calculation in Status Panel (requires mount connection)
Added Air Mass value storing as FITS keyword
Added usage of the active device connection with INDIGO/INDI server - avoids possible resetting of other connected clients
Added the latest INDIGO/INDI communication library
Added check if the scope is at park position to avoid unwanted Meridian flip
Added improvement in scope tracking detection to better the meridian flip (at least with iOptron mounts)
Added the possibility to read/set OFFSET/Black Level (setting by #CCDOffset command) via QHY ASCOM driver for the newer camera models. Updates the FITS header too
Added GI and GFI commands in the API
Added #FocuserGoTo X - script command, X is position or the string @1 or @2 or @3 which corresponds to the stored positions in Gear tab
Added #WaitTillTime XX:XX:XX script command. Will hold the next exposure till the given time
Added #Shutdown command execution improvements
Added possibility in Script Editor to select #Shutdown command without parameter
Added possibility in Plan Editor (DSLR / CCD/CMOS modes) to show the commands
Added support for the new Meade Generic ASCOM driver
Added Low level pause after every GoTo setting in the Scope & Focuser tab
Added Pause cooling during image read setting in the CCD tab - will turn off the cooling during image read in order to get clean image. Required for some SBIG cameras
Added ROWORDER FITS header keyword setting in the CCD tab for simplifying the post-processing
Updated the SBIG integration
Changed the FITS stored exposure for flats when Lacerta FBC is used. Now it includes the delay value too.
Change - Bigger UI fonts is now function available only in XP and Vista. For Windows 7 and later should be used the Windows interface scaling
Change - the native old QSI driver is abandoned - ATIK/QSI suggest to use the latest ASCOM Driver
Change - Manage Gain setting in the CCD tab now is applied to native drivers too
Fixed some cases when PointCraft gives error "No image to solve" or is solving JPG file instead of FITS
Fixed recognition of EOS 1D C
Fixed problems with EOS cameras that have Digic X
Fixed a bug in reading the filter offset from wheel ASCOM drivers
Fixed wrong focal length calculation when PS2 is used on binned color image
Fixed Auto DTS in Location tab could not be unchecked
Fixed a bug in meridian flip not resuming imaging plan when default filter is set in PointCraft.
Fixed for Altair Astro cameras - Camera Tab->Settings had lost HGC option, restored
Fixed Default GoTo++ ISO setting affecting the Auto Focus Aid
Fixed PointCraft showing sometimes wrong North direction when ASTAP is used
Fixed random gain is sent during GoTo++, Flats Aid, Focus Aid
Fixed Guide Graph when MGEN is used
Fixed CR2/CR3 Preview orientation - in some cases the preview was flipped
Fixed incorrect focal length and resolution reported when near solving a DSLR RAW file
Fixed PointCraft to show consistent FOV angle and North direction in ASTAP, PS2 and ASPS
Fixed the problem that ignores the Shift key during start
Fixed for meridian flipping for mounts that can accept command for direct pier side change
Fixed camera orientation angle when is using Show with CdC

New in Astro Photography Tool 3.84 (Sep 22, 2020)

Added ASTAP integration for Near and/or Blind solving in PointCraft. A modern and fast solving application with easy installation
Added USB Monitor (F10 key, button in Log area to show/hide) - it works all the time and shows if and when USB devices are plugged/unplugged
Added support for EOSD 200 Mk II (Australian version of EOS 250D)
Added support for D780 in Object Calculator and PointCraft
Added possibility control ZWO dew heater via Settings button in Camera Tab
Added Images count in Images Browser for the current folder
Added configurable Filer Wheel connection check on plan start if it contains filter changes
Added in CCD Flats Aid possibility to define pause between the exposures in the generated plan for better experience with some flat panels
Added Focal length calculation for near results with PS2
Added BAYERPAT FITS keyword when Color FITS Preview is selected for easier de-bayering during processing
Added #CCDOffset command
Added #Pause command with message box
Added "Auto" exposure duration for #GoTo++ command in the Script Editor (uses the default exposure or the setting in Camera Tab if no default)
Added sorting of Framing masks list by name
Added some more handling for unexpected PHD2 behavior when multiple APT instances are used
Added possibility to set the PC time to ASCOM scope in Location Settings
Added Latest ZWO native drivers support - 1.14.1227
Added Altair SDK 2020.0404 to support latest models
Added the latest Nikon communication libraries for all models released after year 2006
Added sending messages to GNS when exposure is Auto Canceled or CCD/CMOS image can't be downloaded
Added Scope & Focuser setting to force AMF via GoTo for mounts that support flip command but refuse to change the tripod/pier side.
Updated the extended list in Object Browser with the latest updates made by Andrew Knight (21 198 objects) - more than 2000 new objects added!
Changed JD FITS keyword to be the moment of the exposure start rather than image saving moment
Fixed behavior when Image Preview is OFF not to show the images from CCD camera
Fixed possible case when filter name is not stored in the file name after execution of #GoTo++ command
Fixed camera ZWO disconnection when click on Disconnect then cancel the process
Fixed sometimes exposure not starting or counting infinitely when Canon camera is used and image destination is Cam+PC
Fixed FilterName part in File Names after AMF
Fixed Cross moving/rotating when there is no loaded image
Fixed crash on right click on no image area in Images Browser
Fixed Framing Masks bug that can crash APT when new mask is deleted before saving.
Fixed Auto-Focusing with HFD is not continuing the process when FWHM is 0
Fixed incorrect description of EOS X9 model in the internal database, The EU and US version are not affected
Fixed the Mintaka Ori star coordinates in the Object Browser
Fixed the support for Nikon Z50
Fixed Object Name population when a Star is selected from the Object Browser
Fixed the image rotation during Video LiveView with ZWO camera
Fixed a bug causing GoTo commands in plan and PointCraft not waiting the slew move to finish before continue with next action
Fixed Focuser GoTo button when Reverse Moves is enabled
Fixed small blinking rectangle in Preview Area for LiveView with Nikon cameras
Fixed smaller bugs here and there