Software Checklist
Software Checklist for Astrophotography
CORE (Mandatory)
ASCOM: https://ascom-standards.org
MOUNT (Mandatory - Select as applicable)
For Synta Mounts - Green Swamp Server: https://greenswamp.org
For Celestron Mounts - CPWI: https://www.celestron.com/pages/celestron-pwi-telescope-control-software
For iOptron Mounts - Commander: https://www.ioptron.com/Articles.asp?ID=295
PLATE SOLVING (Mandatory)
ASTAP: https://www.hnsky.org/astap.htm (Download core program + D80 Database)
ACQUISITION (Mandatory - Select as applicable)
Deep Sky - NINA: https://nighttime-imaging.eu
Planetary - FireCapture: http://www.firecapture.de
Polar Alignment - SharpCap Pro: https://www.sharpcap.co.uk/sharpcap/downloads (Alternative: NINA TPPA)
CAMERA DRIVERS (Mandatory - Select as applicable)
QHY: https://www.qhyccd.com/download
ZWO: https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/software-drivers
Player One: https://player-one-astronomy.com/service/software
GUIDING (Mandatory)
PHD2: https://openphdguiding.org
PLANETARIUM (Optional)
Stellarium: https://stellarium.org
POWER (Optional)
Pocket Power Box: https://pegasusastro.com/download
PIXINSIGHT (Optional)
Windows 11 Remote Desktop Protocol Setup Steps
Requires Windows 11 Pro
Only Required for Mini PC setups
In Windows 11, RDP is DISABLED by default. The following steps will enable RDP and allow logon with no account password.
1. Settings --> System --> Remote Desktop --> Turn ON Remote Desktop
2. Win+R (Run) and Type gpedit.msc
3. Click on Local Computer Policy --> Computer Configuration --> Windows Settings --> Security Settings --> Local Policies --> Security Options
4. Find Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only, Double click, set to Disable
Additional Resources