Software-y-Ddraig
(Dragon Software)

ClamUp

Home

Contents

Search

User Feedback

Home

Up

ClamUp - AstroHaven Clamshell Closer

ClamUp is a program to automate the opening and closing of AstroHaven clamshell observatories. The program is a console application that takes a single command line parameter, "Open" or "Close". The clamshell is controlled using the serial interface and will be either fully opened or fully closed. This program is ideally suited for use with unattended imaging sessions, for example with CCDAutoPilot. A batch file suitable for use with CCDAutoPilot is included.

The program is ShareWare and can be downloaded from the downloads page. The evaluation lasts for 14 days or 50 uses during which time it may display registration reminder screens, which require user interaction. Therefore, during the evaluation, the program should not be relied upon to close the dome while it is unattended. Once the program is registered, the reminder screens will no longer display.

Installation

After running the setup program, there will be two icons on the start menu; one to open the clamshell and another to close it. Before the program can be used, a little bit of tweaking is required to configure the Comm port settings. Proceed as follows:

1. Run the setup program, accept all the defaults.
2. Browse to the program folder and edit a file called ClamUpSettings.xml using NotePad. The file is in the same directory as the application, which is typically c:\Program Files\Software-y-Ddraig\AstroHaven ClamUp.
3. Edit the line that specifies the COM port (usually the first line in the file) and insert the correct port number for your installation. Be sure not to alter any of the tags in angle brackets <>.
4. Save the edited settings file. Time to test the program...
5. From the Start menu, under Start > All Programs > Software-y-Ddraig > AstroHaven ClamUp, choose either the open or close command. Your dome should respond appropriately. If not, check the serial connections and try again.

Development of this application was sponsored by Jack Harvey (thanks, Jack).

Discussion List

A discussion list is available for users of ClamUp. To subscribe, send email to: ClamUpUsers-subscribe@tigranetworks.co.uk

Registration

ClamUp is not free. The download may be installed and evaluated for a reasonable period, after which you must register to continue using the program. The registration fee is US$50 payable by PayPal Quasi-cash. Credit cards can be accepted for an additional fee. Upon payment of the registration fee, we will issue a license code that can be used to unlock the evaluation version.

Refund Policy

ClamUp allows a generous free evaluation period so that users may try out the software and determine if it is suitable for their needs. Therefore, once a registration code had been issued, no refunds will be given for any reason.

Thanks for your interest in Software-y-Ddraig products.