I'm trying to install Transformation Generator on my Windows 7 PC with SP1, 4GB RAM and 2.93GHz Core2 Duo. I've been able to install Anaconda3 (as "all users") and have copied the TG_6.4 and M67..demo files into the Photometry folder with the shortcut as specified in the TG installation instructions, but when I double-click on the shortcut the only reaction is the little circle thingy runs for a second or two - then nothing (the shortcut icon remains highlighted, but Task Manager doesn't detect anything running). I have verified that Anaconda Navigator launches and runs by itself, but since I'm not a programmer I didn't mess with it beyond that.
I did note that although the TG installation instructions specified that I choose Anaconda 5.0.1 and Python 3.6, I was only offered Anaconda 5.3.1 and Python 3.7 so I chose those instead: I assumed that the versions had probably been updated since the TG installation instructions were written.
Can anyone help?
I'm new to AAVSO (joined 3 weeks ago; observer DPOA), and I've been an active Astrophotographer for 5 years and an Astronomer for about 50 years. Although I own substantial (but modest) equipment including multiple telescopes, DSLRs and CCD cameras, my local skies are cloudy, hazy, and/or light-polluted 98% of the time so I will be using my iTelescope and Slooh accounts for my AAVSO activities. I'd like to eventually work my way up to exoplanet studies once I get some experience in the CCD observing discipline, but my eyes are failing so I won't be doing much visual work. I've read just about everything on the AAVSO site, including the Visual, DSLR, CCD, VPhot and TG manuals and guides. I've spent the past several weeks learning to use VPhot, but considering its recommendation to use Transformations whenever possible to generate useful scientific data I'd like to do that before I do too much observing and/or analyzing.
Thanks in advance,
Peter Deierlein, Syracuse, NY
Pete:
Gordon and I noted an issue with Python 3.7. Python 3.6 works but 3.7 causes a startup problem that is not understood yet.
So if you just want a fix that will get you running I recommend the following:
1. Uninstall the Python 3.7/Anaconda3 from the normal Windows program uninstall page.
2. Install Python 2.6 (I think that is the current version) / Anaconda2. It will install in C:\ProgramData folder by default.
3. Technically, you can install both 3.7 AND 2.6 on the same computer. So if you want to do that, go ahead. I just decided to uninstall 3.7 to avoid any other issues just in case?
Give this a try unless you want to bang your head against the wall until someone finds the cause and fixes it?
Ken
Hi Pete:
I am a believer in transformation and use VPhot BUT I recommend that you DO NOT let that stop you from beginning with untransformed photometry. Remember that most (90%??) of submitted data is untransformed! Strive for that goal but get some experience without it too.
Ken
Thanks Ken;
I think that I got Anaconda2 and Python 2.6 installed OK; TG comes up when I click the icon. But I didn't realize that the primary submissions are of untransformed data, and I've still got quite a bit to learn before I could really understand what I'd be doing with Transformations and TG. So it makes sense to go forward and process and submit the observations I have now (which are mainly SS Cyg and a few others) as non-transformed data.
I'll be moving into TG later for sure; I really want to do the best Science I can.
Thanks and Best Regards,
Peter