LDB

I am one of a group of people using security cameras for astronomy. The cameras I use is a modified Mintron called a Mallincam http://mallincam.tripod.com/index.html Several of us are working on a new program to remotely control the cameras with a PC. I am writing a user manual for the program. The project is almost finished but I still have a problem understanding the ALC function with auto iris lenses. ALC level is supposed to control the lens iris while ELC controls CCD sensitivity. As it is with the cameras on a non auto iris lens the ALC and ELC Level functions are linked in the cameras firmware. When ELC is increased ALC is also increased. When using the camera on a telescope or other non auto iris lens ALC Level is just ignored. My question is if an auto iris lens is used with the camera will the link between ALC and ELC levels stop? Will ALC Level and ELC Level function independently? Could ALC and ELC be set to different levels if there is an auto iris lens plunged into the camera? If you are interested in our use of the cameras, here's a link to my observatory. http://www.mts.net/~lmlod/Observatory.html Thanks LDB .