How to use SV305 Cameras with KStars Ekos on Linux

• Blaise-Florentin Collin
• Dec 24,2021
• • 3
•  SV305,  SV305 camera,  KStars,  EKos,  Linux,  INDI,  ASCOM,  SV305Pro

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/

 

⦁ KStars is a full Planetarium Software, with many advanced features (Planner, FOV, Mount control, etc.)

https://edu.kde.org/kstars/https://indilib.org/

 

⦁ 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.

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.

 

Back to the Ekos window, start your profile.

It gives you access to the INDI Control Panel, with all your camera settings.

Once the INDI Control Panel is closed, choose the “Camera” panel, and hit the “camera” button.

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