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Old 03-02-2014, 04:25 PM
aljo2345
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aljo2345 is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 102
LPI as auto-guider

Quote:
Originally Posted by Merlin66 View Post
Bumma!
As far as I know there's no guide port on that scope to plug into!!
You need a small "module" - not sure of the number #909 ??? with the additional ports - unfortunately I believe they are no longer available.
Found this:
http://www.meade4m.com/index.php?/to...iding-problem/

Found this, looks pretty straight forward with the existing LPI software:

LPI Auto-guider function, How to

For users familiar with the product, the LPI camera functions in a manner similar to the Meade Pictor 201XT CCD Autoguider.

An autoguider helps keep an object centered so that a 35mm camera can take long exposures of an image.
Note that you do not have to set the LPI camera for a long exposure using Exposure controls (2). Autoguiding is
used typically with telescope mounted in the equatorial mode, although it can also be used with LX200GPS
Telescope mounted in the alt/az mode.
To use the LPI camera as an autoguider, perform the following procedure. You will need an off-axis guider (see
the Meade General Catalog for more information) and the supplied serial cable that is appropriate for your
model telescope. You will also need to know the focal length of your telescope.
1. Attach the off-axis guider and your 35mm camera to your
telescope as described in that product’s instruction manual. Insert
and tighten the LPI imager into the eyepiece holder.
2. Go to the Object box and choose “Autoguide” from the list.
3. Attach one end of the serial cable to one of your PC’s comm ports and the
other end to the telescope’s RS-232 port.
4. Select the Comm port number from Comm Port box.
5. Click the Chk Scope button. If there is an error (cable, version, port, etc.), an error
message displays. Check to make sure your cable is properly attached, that you have the correct port
number selected and so forth. If the telescope connection is verified, you will receive a “passed” message.
6. In the Focal Length field, type in the focal length of your telescope.
7. Locate a star using your telescope’s alignment and Go To procedures. Focus and prepare the imager as
described earlier in this manual.
8. Draw a tracking box around the star.
9. Click the Start button.
10. When you click on the Start button, the program begins to calibrate. It then begins to autoguide your
telescope and displays X and Y error coordinates in the Status Display box (24).
11. Click the Abort button (the Start button renamed) when you are finished.
If you don’t move your telescope or rotate the guider assembly, you do not need to recalibrate. However, if you
wish to recalibrate, click on the Reset Cal button.
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