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How to use SV305 Cameras with KStars Ekos on Linux

How to use SV305 Cameras with KStars Ekos on Linux

How to use SV305 Cameras with KStars Ekos on Linux

1. Introduction :

 
If you simply want to record images or video streams with the SV305 cameras on Linux, AstroDMX does a great job. But if you need some advanced features, like Autofocus, Autoguiding, Plate solving, Planning, etc. the INDI/KStars/Ekos software stack is the way to go.
 
 
⦁ INDI is an ASCOM equivalent, providing local/remote control on many astronomy devices.
https://indilib.org/

 INDI.jpg
⦁ KStars is a full Planetarium Software, with many advanced features (Planner, FOV, Mount control, etc.)
https://edu.kde.org/kstars/https://indilib.org/

 KSTARS.jpg
⦁ Ekos is the Kstars imaging module
https://www.indilib.org/about/ekos.html
 
 
INDI/KStars/Ekos also provides a ZWO Asiair equivalent : StellarMate. The ZWO Asiair only supports ZWO products, whereas StellarMate supports all the INDI devices. I use StellarMate OS on 2 of my 3 setups :
 
https://www.stellarmate.com
 
 
In this article, I will help you to use your SV305 cameras on this great software stack. The driver I wrote for INDI supports all the SV305 models (SV305, SV305 Pro, SV305M Pro).
 
https://www.indilib.org/ccds/svbony-sv305-cameras.html
 

2. Installation :

 
The INDI driver for SV305 cameras is included in the official INDI packages.
 
The simplest way to install it is to follow the KStars/Ekos/INDI installation process :
 
https://edu.kde.org/kstars/
 
You also have some dedicated Linux distributions which include all the necessary components for the Raspberry Pi :
 
https://www.stellarmate.com/
 
https://www.astroberry.io/
 
If you already have an old installed version of INDI, you may install the driver by this way :
 
https://www.indilib.org/ccds/
 
Sadly, depending on the INDI official releases life cycle, the packaged driver is not always the bleeding edge version. To install the last version, you will have to install it from sources :
 
 
Install all the dependencies according to the indi-3rdparty README file :
 
https://github.com/indilib/
 
Then build and install the two needed components : libsv305 and indi-sv305, following the "Building individual 3rd Party Drivers (typically recommended)" chapter in the indi-3rdparty README file
 
If you encounter some difficulties or issues, feel free to seek for help in the INDI forum :
 
https://www.indilib.org/forum/wish-list/6373-indi-driver-for-svbony-cameras.html
 
 

3. SV305 Cameras in Ekos

 
Once KStars is installed, start it. The setting wizard will ask you for some information, like your location.
 
At this time, we will use our camera locally.
 
Plug your camera in a free USB slot, and start Ekos (Tools menu → Ekos). Then, in the Ekos window, hit the “+” button to create a new profile.
Ekos1.jpg
In the Profile Editor, give a name to your profile. Ensure you are using the “Local” mode, select SVBONY → SV305 in the CCD field, and save.
 Ekos2.jpg
Back to the Ekos window, start your profile.
Ekos3.jpg
It gives you access to the INDI Control Panel, with all your camera settings.
Ekos4.jpg
Once the INDI Control Panel is closed, choose the “Camera” panel, and hit the “camera” button.
Ekos5.jpg
That’s it, congratulation, you made your first capture!
 
The learning curve is a bit steep,  but Ekos is great software, with a lot of awesome features. Give it a try!
 
I wish you a clear sky.
 
Blaise-Florentin Collin

Comments

Comment user

Hark Elffits

You dont link to the git repo in this article. Instead you link to the whole organization, which cant be cloned. Thb, I would expect a company to develop and sell tech to know this :-/. Maybe it is an sign of bad process quality? Nevertheless... please update this document to a working state. Sometimes wrong and misleading information is worse than no information.

Comment author

Author

Thank you very much for your message, we will correct it immediately

Comment author

Author

Hello, This link is the driver link we download, it needs to be downloaded according to the needs of the customer, you can choose according to your computer system to suit you

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