FS: Pentax K-S2
Posted 05/06/2024 - 05:12
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Out of interest, what was difficult on the astro work?
Posted 05/06/2024 - 12:43
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There is nothing wrong with images it takes.... let me make that absolutely clear!!
It's how it, or more the point, does not interface with the software I use. These being K-Stars on a Raspberry Pi, and Astrophotography Tools (APT) on my laptop.
The problem arises when interfacing Pentax cameras with the software. It just doesn't do it. This then means I cannot shoot images, but more critically, I am unadle to plate solve. This is used to get camera pointing at the right bit of the sky. This basically takes a photo of the bit of the sky you want to shoot, then compares it to a library of images. This then moves the mount to get it pointing in the correct spot.
There are community written drivers for Indilib to interface with K-Stars, but it was a nightmare attempting to get them to work. It got to the point where it screwed up my Astroberry installation, and I had to reinstall it.
As for APT, this uses Ascom drivers written by the community. Unfortunately these are as reliable as the Indilib drivers.
This leads to the problem being laid soley at the feet of Ricoh. Basically the tethering capabilities of Pentax cameras are lacking...
I have tried other ways to plate solve. Like using the guide scope and camera, but the alignment of the main and guide scope have to be bang on. Then tried plate solving with a Canon, then swapping to the K-S2. That caused a focus issue, it was slightly out. So could not focus as the camera on live view had a blank screen!! Need a bright star to use a bahtinov focus mask....
It is really annoying being forced to use Canon or Nikon....
It's how it, or more the point, does not interface with the software I use. These being K-Stars on a Raspberry Pi, and Astrophotography Tools (APT) on my laptop.
The problem arises when interfacing Pentax cameras with the software. It just doesn't do it. This then means I cannot shoot images, but more critically, I am unadle to plate solve. This is used to get camera pointing at the right bit of the sky. This basically takes a photo of the bit of the sky you want to shoot, then compares it to a library of images. This then moves the mount to get it pointing in the correct spot.
There are community written drivers for Indilib to interface with K-Stars, but it was a nightmare attempting to get them to work. It got to the point where it screwed up my Astroberry installation, and I had to reinstall it.
As for APT, this uses Ascom drivers written by the community. Unfortunately these are as reliable as the Indilib drivers.
This leads to the problem being laid soley at the feet of Ricoh. Basically the tethering capabilities of Pentax cameras are lacking...
I have tried other ways to plate solve. Like using the guide scope and camera, but the alignment of the main and guide scope have to be bang on. Then tried plate solving with a Canon, then swapping to the K-S2. That caused a focus issue, it was slightly out. So could not focus as the camera on live view had a blank screen!! Need a bright star to use a bahtinov focus mask....
It is really annoying being forced to use Canon or Nikon....
Posted 05/06/2024 - 21:37
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Oh wow, thanks for the info.
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1102 posts
16 years
So I have decided to let it go.
It has12941 actuations.
It comes with 3 batteries, 2 Pentax and 1 third party. It also has an adapror with it for a Pentax or third party mainsp ower adaptor, so you can use it for long photigraphic sessions.
Another piece of kit with it, is an IR shutter release adaptor. This means you can use an intervalometer or cabled shutter release with it. It is attached via a piece of velcro on the unit and camera body. This cost about 50 quid!Please see images.
Also comes with a box and strap.
£185 in RM SD