[Aavso-photometry] New software tool...

[Bill Goff]

I've just returned from the Advanced Imaging Conference in San Jose and 
while I know we don't normally talk about software here I ran across a 
new tool which I think may have interest to anyone trying to do their 
best imagining for any purpose.  The tool is called CCDInspector and is 
from CCDWare.

CCDInspector  basically opens one or many existing FITS images and 
measures the FWHM of every star on the frame (within some limits).  It 
also reads several items in the FITS header and performs a series of 
calculations based on that data.  It will then display a number of very 
interesting things:

- Collimation, it displays a graphic image and x-y measurements of your 
collimation showing the amount and direction of any collimation error.  
The graphic shows two overlapping circles for the optical and physical 
axiis.  This is without a doubt the coolest feature.  There is also a 
'runtime' mode in which you can connect CCDInspector to MaxIm or 
CCDSoft, capture images live, such as the 'focus mode' and have the 
collimation error display update live as you collimate the scope!  
During the course of one of the talks a presenter was able to show that 
a 10 arc" collimation error added 1 arc" to the FWHM.  I was impressed 
(but maybe I impress easily ;-) ).  So how good is your collimation, 
really?  I know what mine is now, and it needs improvement!

-3D View, it displays a 3D graphic of your focal plane.  This shows the 
flatness of the plane and any tilt.  The 3D image of your focal plane 
can then be tipped or rotated on screen for your inspection.  Do I need 
a field flattener?  Does the one I have work? Now you can figure that 
out.

- Charting, it uses the FWHM and header data to generate 10 or 12 
pieces of data that can then be charted against each other in any 
combination.  For example, Date-Time and RA/Dec are used to calculate 
altitude.  If you've loaded a time series of images you can chart 
altitude against collimation error and see if collimation changes 
during the course of the series.

  Very powerful stuff, I'm sure I'll find good uses for it.

Bill