Does anyone use an Apple?

Was just wondering if anyone here uses Apple/Macintosh computers for CCD imaging? I am very interested in trying my hand at imaging, but I own Apple computers. It looks like all the CCD equipment is made for PC's. I guess I'll have to buy a PC?

Hi Michael --

Mac users (I'm one) get the short end of the stick when it comes to serious astro work. Too many interesting sounding software packages run PC only. But SBIG offers some of their CCD models with Mac compatibility. My only experience is with an STV unit which operates independently but downloads easily to my Mac laptop.
I'm guessing that hard core Mac users have done a lot more than I have with CCD.

Bob Polcyn

Hi Michael,

I do my astro imaging on a Mac platform. I use an older SBIG ST8 camera with the Mac SCSI connection. SBIG does still offer this option for some cameras - but they are not upgrading this software and it is not available for the high speed USB models available today. And new Macs have abandoned SCSI for firewire - I have the best result with an older G3 laptop (which I have to wrestle back from my kids when the sky is clear) which has a dedicated SCSI port. I have had trouble trying to use a SCSI card on a newer machine.

It would probably make sense to bite the bullet and plan on a windows laptop to run your CCD camera and a copy of Maxim DL. But the Mac is an excellent tool for graphics and you can do a lot of astro work with Photoshop once you've dealt with the steep learning curve. And if you are considering experimenting with a digital camera at the telescope, the Mac will be a much more viable platform.

good luck!
Alan Friedman