Adding an HX516 FOV Indicator to TheSky

How to Add an HX516
Field of View Indicator to
TheSky Astronomy Software

The following screen shots are from version 5 of TheSky. Version 4 is very similar.

Begin by selecting Field of View Indicators... underneath View in the menu bar

Next click the Add... button from the Field of View Indicators screen

Now click the Compute... button from the Add Field of View Indicator screen

Next select the CCD tab, then click the Add button from the Compute Field of View screen

Now you need to add the Height and Width information in the graphic below exactly as it appears. You can follow my example for the description or type your own. Once you have finished click the OK button. (Note: the Height/Width information below is for the usable area of the ICX084 chip which is slightly smaller than the actual chip size).

You should now see the description you typed from the previous screen in the list of Detectors on the Compute Field of View screen. To finish adding the FOV indicator you need to enter the focal length of your telescope in the Focal length box (for my 8" SCT this is 2032mm), then click the Compute button. TheSky will then perform some hairy mathematical calculations in mere nanoseconds and display the results next to the Compute button. After the results have appeared click the OK button to continue.

Now select Rectangular from the pulldown list in the Type box, then type something that will be of use to you in the Description box, then click the OK button.

You should now see your completed FOV indicator in the Decription box. In order to see your FOV indicator in TheSky make sure the check box is selected next to it, then click the Close button.

If you are using the HX516 with a different telescope (or the same telescope with a different focal length), simply start from step 6 above to add a new FOV indicator.

To find out more about TheSky astronomy software
please visit the Software Bisque website at
http://www.bisque.com/