What does the Shelyak SPOX module control on my Alpy 600?
The SPOX module remotely controls the two internal lamps in the Alpy 600's calibration module: the tungsten lamp for taking flat-field frames and the Neon/Argon lamp for wavelength calibration. This allows you to acquire essential calibration data without physically touching your telescope setup.
Do I need a computer to use the SPOX module?
No, a computer is not strictly necessary. The SPOX module features manual push-buttons that allow you to turn the flat and calibration lamps on and off directly from the box. This is ideal for portable setups or quick visual checks. For automation and remote control, you would connect it to a computer via USB.
Is the Shelyak SPOX module compatible with my LHIRES III spectrograph out of the box?
Yes. The included 0.8m cable features a Tiny XLR connector that plugs directly into the LHIRES III spectrograph. For ALPY 600 and LISA spectrographs, a small adapter is included in the kit to ensure proper connection.
What software do I need to control the SPOX module from my PC?
You can use Shelyak's dedicated control software, available from their website. For more advanced users, Shelyak also provides an ASCOM driver. The ASCOM driver allows you to integrate the SPOX module into popular automation software like N.I.N.A. or Sequence Generator Pro, making it part of a fully automated data acquisition sequence.
How does the SPOX module simplify taking calibration frames for a star like Vega (Alpha Lyrae) with my LISA spectrograph?
After observing a bright star like Vega, you need to record calibration frames (flats and wavelength references) with the exact same focus and instrument orientation. The SPOX module lets you immediately trigger the Neon/Argon and tungsten lamps remotely via your computer. This ensures your calibration data perfectly matches the conditions of your science observation, which is critical for accurate spectral analysis.
I'm setting up a remote observatory with an Alpy 600 on an f/8 refractor. Can the SPOX module be fully automated?
Yes, the SPOX module is ideal for this scenario. By connecting it to your observatory computer via USB and using the ASCOM driver, you can script its operation. Your automation software can be programmed to turn on the lamps, acquire the necessary calibration frames, and turn them off at the end of an imaging session without any manual intervention.