Guiding Setup Advice

[Tarn_M]

Hey guys - Just after a bit of gear advice.

Currently have a Skywatcher 8" Newt and looking to start autoguiding.

Here's what I've been thinking after doing a bit of reading - Just wanted to double check I'm not missing anything from my planned set up or getting confused etc.

Guide scope: Sky-watcher 80 / 400 refractor - $99
http://www.astroanarchy.com.au/telescopes/Skywatcher_80x400.html

Guide Cam: ZWO ASI120MM-S (USB3 version) - $279
http://www.astroanarchy.com.au/astrophotography/ZWO_120MM.html

Extension tube from refractor to camera - $35
https://www.bintel.com.au/product/bintel-1-25-inch-camera-adapter/?v=322b26af01d5

Guide scope rings - $65
https://www.bintel.com.au/product/orion-guide-scope-rings-105mm/?v=322b26af01d5

Mounting bar - $69
https://www.bintel.com.au/product/orion-guide-scope-ring-mounting-bar/?v=322b26af01d5

Total ~ $500

Anyone see any issues with planned set up? Or any alternative suggestions?

Cheers!

[assbutt94]

What focal length will you be imaging at?

I had more or less the same set up, that 80/400c zwo120mc ontop of a SCT at 1400mm, but using losmandy scope rings and bar.

[Startrek]

I’ve been imaging using a Bintel GSO 8” f5 newt for a few years now
Guiding set up is -
Software PHD2
Bad pixel map and dark library set up with Auto restore Calibration ( been using the same calibration for nearly a year now , no issues at all )
Orion 60mm guide scope with helical focuser ( focal length 240mm )
ZWOASI120MM- S USB3 guide camera
Losmandy bars etc..
Lot of weight on top but rock solid sub arc sec guiding on stable nights
Cable 5m long Startech USB3 A to USB3 B active cable

No problems no issues since I bought the new super expensive USB3 Startech cable

Cheers
Martin

[Tarn_M]

I'm using a very similar setup to Martin Skywatcher 8" f5 @ 1000mm. I hadn't really considered the 60mm orion - so pair it with a losmandy 14" dovetail (https://www.bintel.com.au/product/losmandy-universal-dovetail-plates-dups/?v=322b26af01d5)?

[Startrek]

No I used a Losmandy DUP14 to support the OTA and then straight onto the EQ6-R mount
The Orion 60mm guide scope with its little dovetail bar was mounted to an Orion narrow dovetail mounting plate 340mm x 44W x 15H and this was screwed to the tube rings
All fixing hardware was grade 316 stainless steel Allen head cap screws M6 and M8 etc...
Attached are photos of my Sydney scope , a 6” f6 newt, but the 8” f5 newt down the coast has a similar set up ( same 60mm guide scope and camera etc... )
I researched for 6 months before I bought the 8” f5 , looked at Skywatcher etc.. but in the end bought the Bintel GSO as I like their dual speed focusers , they are designed and engineered a bit better plus I’ve had the 6” f6 Bintel GSO for 4 years so had a bit of experience with that brand

Good luck with everything
Cheers
Martin

[Startrek]

Found an old photo of my 8”f5 newt when I had the old DSLR on it
You can see how the guide scope is mounted
I bolted the little guide scope bar from underneath the Orion bar ,(the Allen bolt heads I think they were M10 ) cleared the OTA by 2mm
Cheers

[Tarn_M]

Thanks Martin! Very helpful as always. Will go for the orion 60mm guidescope!

[ChrisV]

I'm just using a 50mm zwo guidescope with an 8" F5. I tried a 60mm zwo but guiding was no better so reverted to the lighter 50mm.

Guidescope mounting is overly complicated but allows me to quickly switch it between my newt and refractor. Vixen dovetail mounts bolted on OTA tube rings. Guidescope tube rings bolted to Vixen dovetail bar.

[Tarn_M]

Thanks chris - got the az eq 6 so weight not so much of a concern currently!

Got the 60mm orion guidescope and playing around with mounting it and balancing scope (also using DSLR currently). Looking at your old photo from the 8" - does the DSLR and finder scope not block the guidescopes view?

[Startrek]

It’s not Chris , it’s Martin ( Startrek)
No the guide scope with its ZWOASI120MM camera has a narrow field of view so even if the camera and Finderscope crossed the objective by 5 to 10mm ( which it doesn’t) you probably won’t see it on the PHD2 screen
In any case it’s commonsense just keep it clear
Mines is clear by about 5mm after balancing RA and DEC
Lucky guess
A lot of folk position the focuser on the underside and they say it’s better for balancing but my scope is balanced fine with everything on top, and guiding is ok
Hope that helps

[Tarn_M]

Thanks again Martin! Sorry didn’t structure that last post too well, too but was meant to be a reply to the previous poster and second paragraph to you. My 120MM should be here next week so will just leave it over the top and line it up. Helpful as always!