autoguider choices and help

[h0ughy]

http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=375201

what is this autoguider like fellas, is it a good price

[westsky]

Hi Houghy, at the price he is asking for the ST4 I would get a Meade DSI and Star-Mate, they will do a great job and cost you less,plus you can play around with colour imaging with the DSI
The ST4 also has a smaller chip than the DSI, this makes it harder to find a guide star.
cheers
David

[Robby]

Hi Houghy,
I replied to an earlier thread of yours about autoguiding with star-mate and a webcam. Let me know if I can help.
Cheers

[Robby]

Just noticed on your signature that you have an LX200... So you don't need a star-mate mate... :(
All you need is a DSI or LPI and you'll be away!! The DSI/LPI software has built in autoguiding features. It will connect directly to you mount via the serial cable.

For your EQ6, you can use the same software and camera, but here you'd need the star-mate LX200 emulator (or similar hardware) to interface to the mount.

Hope this helps.
Cheers

[atalas]

David the ST4 is a stand alone unit so you dont need to plug into your Laptop . These auto-guiders have been used for many years with great success rate David.
The price that he is asking is the going rate so I dont think there is a problem there.
Also the pluss for a stand alone unit Houghy is that when your camera is downloading image's your guider keeps on guiding ! very good when you only have a so-so mount .

Louie :)

[westsky]

Hi louie I know they are stand alone guiders , and I have a Pictor 216xt (same chip as the ST4) which can also be used as a stand alone unit after trying to use the 216 for many years as a stand alone and through the laptop and having very limited success I prefer the DSI, much larger chip and the Meade software leaves everything else in it's wake.
cheers
David.

[atalas]

Hi David , yes your right there mate ,sensitivity is an important issue especially in a lack of dark skies.

Louie :)

[RB]

How much are they asking for the ST4, I don't see the price, I'm not a subsc.

[Striker]

Their around $500 US Andrew second hand.

Whats going on with these ST4's their is about 5 or 6 of them for sale just in Astromart....I kind of consider if their good then why is everyone selling them...or is their something alot better now.

[atalas]

Tony there is a lot better with newer technology,but so is the price mate,the STV for eg: but your looking at around $1800.00 US on the used market .
The web cam is a much cheaper alternative and people have had great success
with them too.

Louie :)

[h0ughy]

475 us. Sorry guys I have had a busy day and have just logged on to update everything. you guys have been very busy, thanks robby and atlas, I will have to followup on your info when I get a bu=it more time to digest everything you have posted.

I might just go with the DSI for the moment!