Astro Command Center Manual Update
Darci Carlton
The Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC) provides advanced mount control features useful for local or remote operation of your Astro-Physics GTO mount. It was developed by Ray Gralak, the author of PulseGuide and PEMPro, in collaboration with Astro-Physics.
Whether you are controlling your mount while seated at your computer six feet or half a world away, there are functions to provide you with a more productive and pleasurable experience. Comet or satellite trackers will love the custom rates and 3600GTO owners with limit switches and/or precision encoder will appreciate the user interface. Through the application of virtual serial ports, APCC will act as a hub for a number of other applications that can all communicate with the mount through a single COM port. APCC provides useful safeguards even if you are operating your scope in your backyard.
APCC is offered in two versions: APCC Standard (APCC-ST) and APCC Pro (APCC-PRO). We also offer an upgrade option from Standard to Pro Version (APCC-UP) whenever you wish to use the additional features.
Horizons allows your Astro-Physics mount to accurately follow solar system objects such as Comets, Asteroids, Planets, and even the moon and sun. It uses data that you import from the JPL Horizons Ephemerides web site to calculate the precise tracking rates needed to follow a target without any guiding. This means you can do longer unguided exposures of a comet without it blurring. Or, in the case of fast moving asteroids, you don't need to worry about keeping your scope centered because Horizons will do that for you.
This is the Main Window of the APCC Standard Version. The Setup Tab is visible and various other tabs, the 3D View or Status Window can be easily selected. The telescope position values continually update and the graphic plots the position of your telescope and indicates the pier side. Move commands are readily available as is the status bar on the lower portion of the window. Connection information is always visible. Note that you can set up a backup COM port that will be available if you experience connection problems with your primary port. The circular help buttons direct you to the specific part of the manual that discusses the function of the group box - a very handy and useful feature!. Note: The PEMPro button will only appear if PEMPro is installed on your computer.
The 3D scope view is a separate window that can remain open alongside the main window, if you wish. It provides a visual representation of the movement of your mount and telescope relative to the pier. The dimensions of the telescope, dew shield, focuser, camera and pier can all be edited (and saved for future use) to provide a fairly accurate graphic of your instrument. However, we do not recommend that you rely solely on this graphic as you move into tight positions near the pier. Nevertheless, this is a very useful (and fun) tool.
Minimum Recommended Computer Hardware Requirements
The whole idea of "minimum computer requirements" for a single application is really no longer valid in today's computer world. Any computer that can run any of the modern software packages that you will be using with APCC will be adequate to run APCC. The issue in today's environment is whether your computer can run ALL of the required software SIMULTANEOUSLY to achieve your desired goals. APCC is unlikely to ever be run as a stand-alone piece of software. When you consider your computer hardware, aim for a system that can handle all of the observing and imaging software that you plan to use, and that can handle all of it running together. That being said, here are some general tips and recommendations and a few specific requirements :
If you prefer to test drive APCC prior to your purchase, we offer a 30-day trial of the Standard and Pro versions. Follow the instructions on our APCC Download Center page. You will have the opportunity to request a Trial License Key during the installation process.
Each license includes all updates/bug fixes for the lifetime of the software. Also included is one year of free upgrades that entitles you to download the latest new features and enhancements. After one year from the date of purchase you will be eligible for elective upgrades when they are released. Upgrading is optional; the software will continue to operate whether you upgrade or not. You may choose to wait to upgrade until a new version includes features you want. Review the Version History to see the list of new features and enhancements.
You may install up to two copies of the licensed software, provided that only one (1) copy is in use at any given time (i.e., no concurrent use on different computers). If you require additional licenses for your personal use, please purchase additional APCC-ST-A or APCC-PRO-A licenses, for use by the same person. If you have different requirements, please contact Astro-Physics. Please refer to our license agreement.
There are two purchase options for APCC Pro and Standard versions. If you wish to order additional licenses for multiple mounts, upgrade your license from Standard to Pro, or you qualify for the discounted price following a GTOCP4 purchase, you must contact our office directly.
I just purchased an APCC license. What does it include?
Each license includes one year of free upgrades that entitles you to download the latest new features and enhancements. After one year, you will continue to receive FREE bug fixes and minor updates. The program will continue to function normally. However, you will need to renew your subscription in order receive the new features and enhancements for another year.
What do I get when I renew my subscription?
You will receive a brand new license key that will include your new date of renewal. Each time you download and install a new version over the next year, all the new features and enhancements will be activated. If you do not renew your subscription, you will still get the bug fixes and minor updates.
How can I tell how old my license is?
The license date is actually part of the license key. Refer to the original email that came with your license key or launch APCC and click on Help>Check for Updates or Help>View/Update Subscription License. Your license date will display in both locations.
I obtained my APCC license more than a year ago. What will happen when new versions are released?
We release new versions and updates during the year as they are developed. Each time you download a new version, the installer will query your license key to determine which features to download. If the date of your license is less than one year when compared to the date of the new version, all updates, bug fixes and new features will be added. If your license was issued more than one year prior to the release of the new version, you will continue to receive bug fixes and minor updates. Refer to the Version History to find out which improvements are free updates for everyone and which require a current license. When we introduce a new feature that is of interest to you, you may renew your subscription at that time.
Should I continue to keep my APCC version up-to-date even if I don't purchase the License Renewal Subscription?
YES, you should download the latest released versions of APCC whenever they are available since you are entitled to the bug fixes and minor updates that are included. If a support question arises, we will require that you update to the latest version since that might solve your issue.
Will you send me a renewal notice for my subscription?
No, subscription renewal is voluntary. You may renew your subscription when a new feature is introduced that you find useful. You may also renew your subscription as a show of support so that we can continue to improve APCC and add new features as they arise. We truly appreciate all renewals since they will help us to continually improve APCC.
What information is needed for subscription renewal?
The email address that you use for your subscription renewal must match the one in our APCC database in order for the transaction to go through. If your email address has changed since your original license was issued, you will need to update the information in our records before you order your subscription renewal. You can make the change from this webpage: Retrieve Your APCC License or Change Your Email Address.
I purchased APCC-ST months ago and want to upgrade to APCC-PRO. What is the process and what will be the date on my new license?
Please contact our office to obtain a license upgrade. The new license will be a full new license for APCC-PRO with a new license key based on the date the license is created. Since this will be a new license, you are entitled to all free upgrades for one year.
I just sold my mount and the new owner would like to use APCC. May I transfer the license?
Yes, you and the buyer must both contact Astro-Physics to make arrangements. You will need to provide information regarding your original license and the serial number of the mount. The buyer will need to complete the registration and pay a fee to transfer the mount to his/her name and email address. A brand new license will be issued that will give him/her a one-year subscription for free upgrades when new features or enhancements are released. The transfer fee includes a $100 administrative fee and the cost of a one-year subscription. The part number and cost of the license transfer are:
Note: According to the license agreement for all licenses issued prior to 08-16-21, transfers were not allowed. We are providing the ability to transfer these licenses as a courtesy and they are subject to our approval.
I just purchased a mount and am eligible for a license transfer for APCC-ST, however I wish to use APCC-PRO. What do I need to do?
The process will involve two transactions. Contact our office to arrange for the license transfer of APCC-ST as described in the license transfer question above and purchase an upgrade to APCC-PRO at the same time. The license key for APCC-PRO will be issued including a one year subscription for all upgrades and feature enhancements.