The AAVSOnet team uses a visual basic script for collecting the dark and bias calibration shots. Our protocol involves collecting 490 cal images taking some 5 hours. This we do every 6 months or so.
I was thinking this would be useful to other observers who are using MaximDL. The schedule of images taken is adjustable; you don't need to follow the AAVSOnet regimen.
I cannot post the script in the forum as uploads are disabled. You can use this google drive link to download a zip of the code.
There is a training video on the AAVSO Youtube channel:
Cheers,
George