New Guide Camera and more...

[lazjen]

I'd like to get a more sensitive guide camera to use in my OAG. That by itself is probably not a difficult thing to achieve.

However, if it's all possible I'd like to use it with my solar scope as well: Coronado SM60. So, ideally I'd like something that can take fast frame rates, is USB3 and maybe low noise in warm weather.

My main scope is an RC10 with a 0.67 reducer (have to check the setup again, it might be closer to 0.7/0.75), so 1300 to 1500mm.

Is this possible? Suggestions?

[StuTodd]

The ASI290 Mini ($299) and 174 Mini ($499 and has 4x the FOV) are awesome guide cameras, capable of planetary use. However, they are USB2.

The ASI 174 is USB3 and not cooled, costs $599, I'd suggest having a look at these. I'm getting the 174 mini for a guide camera soon.

Discussions and info here at CN -https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/589232-zwo-290mm-mini-guidecam-beta-test-thread/

[lazjen]

Thanks, I'm going through that thread.

As for the ASI 174 USB3 version - I'll have to try doing some calculations/measurements to see if I could fit a wider body camera in place and still focus properly.

[Merlin66]

Chris,
I have and use the SM60/ED80 and find the plate scale with the ASI 174 under samples...the ASI178 would be better.
An ideal guider needs pretty big and sensitive pixels. In my case I use the Lodestar (occasionally the QHY5Lii)
I’m not sure your needs are compatible.

[lazjen]

Ken, you are probably right. I think I have to accept it will be 2 different cameras.

Which means, I can probably go for the ASI 174 mini for the guide camera and the ASI 178 MM for the solar scope. I assume there is no real need for a cooled camera for the solar scope? So this version would be ok: https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/products/usb-3-0/asi178mm-mono/?

[Merlin66]

Chris,
Sounds good.
I’m serious about the ASI 178 for solar. Higher frame rates are more important than cooling.

[lazjen]

Got it. I just shot off a message to Bintel (as I'd prefer to go through an Australian store) to ask about the ASI 178MM - they've got the cooled version and the non-cooled colour on the website, but not the non-cooled mono (unless I was completely blind :) ).

[Merlin66]

Yeah,
I’m looking at ZWO directly......

[lazjen]

Yeah, I can understand why: shipping is free either place and going direct means probably no GST. Basically after the exchange rate that's essentially the extra bit to the Australian price.

[StuTodd]

The shipping directly from ZWO has been really fast in the past.
You'll not be disappointed with the 174 mini for guiding.
Looking forward to seeing your solar works soon :)

[Camelopardalis]

Chris, check the size of the prism of your OAG. The 174 is a big chip (relatively) and could result in some nasty vignetting if there is too much disparity.

[lazjen]

Thanks Dunk, yeah I am expecting the vignetting - but that should be ok since it still should be an improvement over the ST-i and a heap more sensitive.

[Camelopardalis]

While this goes against conventional wisdom, if you see a 224 going cheap...they make an excellent guide cam (despite being OSC) and planetary cam ;)

[lazjen]

Since I'm going 2 different cameras now, I'm going to avoid form factor issues and go with the tube (mini) and not the flat pancakes. So, 174 mini it will be.

[lazjen]

An update on this. I've got the ASI174 mini now and popped it into place.

As expected there's vignetting. However - who cares! :) The sensitivity is amazing and I'm spoiled for choice for guide stars now. Really happy with the result.

[Merlin66]

I ended up ordering the ASI 183MM, same size pixel (2.4micron) and larger chip (13.2 x 8.8 mm), but with similar frame rates to the 178 at a ROI 3840 x 3672 pixel .......
Still waiting on delivery.

[Camelopardalis]

Double :thumbsup: