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INDI Library v2.0.6 is Released (02 Feb 2024)

Bi-monthly release with minor bug fixes and improvements

Help For INDI Website

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Replied by Denis on topic Help For INDI Website

Hi everyone!

I like the idea and would be happy to help with content and ideas about layout/design.

So my 1st pass thoughts:

1. Might worth to think about making web-site colour schema lighter. I think "dark mode" is good for visual observers, say if they read forum and do visual observation at the same time. The INDI with its remote/non visual nature seems to be different situation.

2. I can definitely prepare write up (probably in Research section) about INDIHUB.space network and how to use it/contribute your images to it.

3. Responsive design - this seems to be just a choice of UI/CSS framework with responsive design built in. Integrating forum might be tricky but I think doable. I think forum is its own thing and doesn't necessary have to look exactly like Web-site.

4. When I started looking into INDI - it was very clear that I can build a lot with it. However, it wasn't clear what exactly I can build. I think it would be nice to have some page where new INDI-users would land and see the full picture of all pieces connected, something like quick start guide. Say some graphics displaying mount, OTA with main camera, guiding scope with auto guiding camera, filter wheel, motorized auto-focuser, OTA flip caps.. - how it is all connected to computer/RPI with INDI-server and then how it is controlled via KStars/Ekos. Some high level view diagram but with reference that you can connect lots of devices available on the market. I see INDI as tool to make all astrophotography equipment to be Lego-pieces, where you can build different setups. Also, users should get understanding that things like imaging sessions planner, Go-To, plate-solving, polar alignment assistance, auto-guiding, meridian flip, auto-focus and etc - all these things are already solved and automated by INDI.

Denis
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3 years 9 months ago #56086

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Replied by Ilia on topic Help For INDI Website

Hi Denis,
Please, write a description for INDIHub and post it as attachment and, separately add an article into the research section about it.
Thanks,
Ilia.
3 years 9 months ago #56088

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Replied by Jasem Mutlaq on topic Help For INDI Website

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. I will try to break the main page content to several blocks, each with its own text/image as following:

1. What's INDI?

INDI Library is an open source software to control astronomical equipment. It is based on the Instrument Neutral Distributed Interface (INDI) protocol and acts as a bridge between software clients and hardware devices. Since it is network transparent, it enables you to communicate with your equipment transparently over any network without requiring any 3rd party software. It is simple enough to control a single backyard telescope, and powerful enough to control state of the art observatories across multiple locations.

2. Features

+ Open Source: Available for all to contribute to and re-use under the LGPL license.
+ Cross Platform: MacOS, Linux, and Windows* support.
+ Client agnostic: Drivers are written once for all supported clients. No need to update clients when a driver adds new features.
+ Distributed Control: With INDI server/client architecture, you can communicate with devices either locally or remotely transparently. INDI accommodates intermediate servers, broadcasting, and connection topologies ranging from one-to-one on a single system to many-to-many between systems of different genre.
+ ....etc?

* Windows server support is not available.

3. Device Support
Native support for numerous astronomical devices, including:
+ Mounts
+ Cameras: DSLR, CCDs, CMOS, Web Cameras
+ Filter Wheels
+ Focusers
+ Domes
+ Rotators
+ Adaptive Optics
+ Weather Stations
+ Spectrographs & Receivers
+ Auxiliary & DIY devices.

4. Rich Clients
When a new device is supported by INDI, it is immediately available for control by any number of INDI clients. Clients are the software you use to communicate with your equipment (e.g. KStars or PHD2). With over 22 clients under Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Web, you get the freedom to choose how to run your equipment using your favorite operating system and software.

5. Community

Backed by a strong and vibrant community of professionals and amateurs alike from numerous backgrounds, the INDI project is community-driven and supported. Thousands of amateur and professional astronomers rely on INDI to power their equipment across the globe, join us today!

Ok, so the above is the first draft for what we should display in the first page (each paragraph a separate block with its own image..etc). Please feel free to revise to make it more intuitive especially for new users.
3 years 9 months ago #56090

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Jasem, I think this is some good content for the home page, and explains quite well what the INDI system is, what clients are, and what hardware is supported. So this answers lots of questions for most users right up front.
3 years 8 months ago #56223

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Replied by Denis on topic Help For INDI Website

Sounds good! I will prepare some text and probably graphics.

Denis
3 years 8 months ago #56250

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Replied by Jasem Mutlaq on topic Help For INDI Website

We are now using "generic" graphics for the main page. Do we have anyone who can perhaps design some for INDI?
3 years 8 months ago #56253

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Replied by Ilia on topic Help For INDI Website

We think we've almost finished working on the new theme. Only some graphics are left. Have put some placeholders
The new lookup is ready!
Please give us last feedbacks :)
3 years 8 months ago #56431

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Replied by Gonzothegreat on topic Help For INDI Website

It's looking good so far.

Somehow the following does not sound right with me, in the main top menu:
INDIVIDUALS > RESEARCH > MANUFACTURERS

I can't come up with something else right now, I'll think of something...


edit #1:
MANUFACTURERS should probably be: DEVELOPMENT
Last edit: 3 years 8 months ago by Gonzothegreat.
3 years 8 months ago #56559

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Replied by Gonzothegreat on topic Help For INDI Website

The following isn't correct: www.indilib.org/research/observatories.html
the top picture is too big, it pushes the map way down.

3 years 8 months ago #56560
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Replied by Gonzothegreat on topic Help For INDI Website

Issue with the Google map: This page can't load Google Maps correctly.
3 years 8 months ago #56561
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Replied by Gonzothegreat on topic Help For INDI Website

Another thing not working correctly the RESEARCH menu, it has different sub links.
check out the differences there:
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3 years 8 months ago #56563
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Replied by Gonzothegreat on topic Help For INDI Website

From the INDIVIDUALS menu, the Ekos Live and INDIHUB.space links should open up into a new tab
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3 years 8 months ago #56564

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