Guiding Cameras/software.

[pjphilli]

Hi
I currently use a DSI I colour camera in the mono mode with PHD software for guiding. I like the PHD software but I think that the camera is too insensitive for general use with this program. Could anyone advise of a more sensitive mono camera that could be used with PHD or alternative guiding software that would provide more gain than the PHD and be compatible with the DSI I? My guiding interface protocol is of the ST4 type directly compatible with my HEQ5Pro mount.
Cheers Peter

[ozstockman]

Hi Peter,

you can try mono QHY5(QGuider). It's quite sensitive and it's actually designed for guiding. It has ST4 port at the back.
You simply connect it directly to a ST4 port on a mount, select "on camera" under "Mount" section in PHD and PHD will send guiding commands via the same usb connection it will use for getting light frames.


Mike

[Bassnut]

Yes, I use the QHY5, and its excellent, dont muck around , just get it ;-).

[iceman]

I use the DMK21AU04.. good thing is, it doubles as an excellent planetary imaging camera :)

It's sensitive enough for me most of the time, otherwise I just alter the composition slightly until I find a bright enough guide star.

[marki]

QHY5 is a great little guider and makes life pretty easy. The orion autoguider is the same camera and both will plug into a ST4 type port.

[Tandum]

I have a DSI 2 and a QHY5 and don't see a lot of difference between them in sensitivity. I don't know how much less sensitive the DSI 1 is compared to the DSI 2 either. The QHY5 is more convenient having the guider port and all.

[pjphilli]

Hi All
Thanks for your prompt replies.
Looks like the winner is QHY5! I notice that the active pixel area is about the same as the DSI II which I use for imaging, so Robin, I will see what the DSI II looks like for guiding. Pixel size is about 2/3 that of the DSI II which I suppose could be an advantage. Good news that it is compatible with PHD and will plug straight into the HEQ5Pro guide port.
I am in Sydney so where is the best place to source a supply of the QHY5
and about how much could I expect to pay for it?
Cheers Peter

[marki]

Australian distributor site below. Theo is good to deal with and is a member (Gama) of IIS :).

http://web.aanet.com.au/gama/index.html

Cheers Mark

[mrsnipey]

I agree. I bought mine from Theo with no problems.

[pjphilli]

Thanks Mark and Theo
The attachment is fine - nice to be able to source from and Australian supplier.
Just a couple of points
1. Although I could connect directly from the camera to my HEQ5Pro guide port I suppose I could also stay with my GPINT 378 port interface (as provided by PHD)? I would probably prefer this as I have leds on the interface box which show me what guiding signals are being sent.
2. I presume that the CCD Labs Q-Guide in the PHD camera selection would be compatible with the QGuider?
Cheers Peter

[marki]

Hi Peter

Not sure about the first one as I use mine through maximDL so I can see what is being sent and how the mount is behaving. The answer to your second question is yes. The camera comes with all drivers needed, latest version of PHD and another program that allows you to use it as an imager if you choose.

Mark

[ozstockman]

>>2. I presume that the CCD Labs Q-Guide in the PHD camera selection would be compatible with the QGuider?

yeap, that's correct.
However CMOS driver supplied with PHD for QHY5 may not work properly. If this is the case you will need to download the latest driver (http://www.astrosoft.be/QGUIDER/CMOSDLL.DLL) from Astrosoft website and place it in PHD folder.

[pjphilli]

Thanks All for your additional advice. I will now most likely go ahead with my QGuider purchase. Cheers Peter

[Bassnut]

Good, just do it, Theo rocks, I await tightly guided pics :D