CCDciel Script

The scripts allow automation of many CCDciel function but also allow to interact with other component of the observatory. They can be executed from the script tool or part of a sequence or sequence termination.

There is also standard script that are executed on defined occasion, create a script with the following name :

• startup is executed when the program in launched. This is the place you can automatically start other program, connect the devices, the autoguider and the planetarium. This can also be use to automatically start a sequence when the program start.
  
• shutdown is executed when the program is closed, it can be use to close other software or power off the observatory.
• beforeconnect is executed just before the devices are connected to the program, receive the profile name as parameter.
• connected is executed after all the devices are connected, receive the profile name as parameter.
• disconnected is executed after all the devices are disconnected, receive the profile name as parameter.

The scripts are written using the Python programming language.
On Windows, basic Python functionality are provided with CCDciel. But you can install a full version of Python if you want more functionality like Astropy. In this case adapt the python command to use in the Preferences.

The Python language is very powerful and allow for complex tasks, but this can also be as simple as sending a list of command to different devices.
Read this quick script tutorial first.
It is possible to download script example for a quick start.
The functions specific to the interface with CCDciel are described in a separate page.

The editor allow to write and test a script from within CCDciel.

Use the Editor font button to select the character font to use.
The Save button to record your change and return to the main window.

The top button are related to the debugging function as describe below.

You can run the script with the green arrow button and see the printed output. The Stop button is available to interrupt the execution.

The Debug button open a separate windows with the Python debugger pdb where you can use the standard Python debugger commands.