Pete - first of all, thanks for the comforting acknowledgment that you too were "in the dark" (so to speak) concerning the mechanical vs electronic option - and thank you for the help. I went to the same document and read the same info yesterday - after the problem surfaced.
After testing with SKYX, etc, it seems apparent that something, either electronically or mechanically, is preventing the shutter from opening. The camera loads up, communicates with NINA/SKYX, sends that info to my observatory computer, and the pics show up as pixilated images - but just no photons.
I have never opened up one of these units - I do not know if this is a physical shutter that is "stuck", or an electronic setting that is preventing the collection/transfer of info.
Hopefully, someone on this site may have some info and suggestions. Thanks again.
bob
Bob Harris