Adaptive Optics

[multiweb]

I'm doing a bit of research on AO, particularly the Starlight Xpress unit SXV-AO. I'm using a Losmandy G11 with an older Gemini box and I curently guide with a shoestring astronomy adaptor called GPUSB-AH. Does anybody have any experience with this set-up: SXV-AO + Gemini? TIA.

[Gama]

The AO controls a piece of glass in the AO unit thats used to change the optical path. It doesnt use the mount to move the scope. The scope runs on its own without intervention.
All that is required is the guide camera that goes with the AO unit, and the software that controls it all.
The guide camera sends the signal to the main unit, the software determines the amount of shift, then moves the optical glass enough to counter act the drft/shift. It does this many many times over the length of the exposure times.

Theo

[netwolf]

Marc, this handbook might explain a few things better
http://www.starlight-xpress.co.uk/Handbooks/Handbook%20for%20the%20Starlight%20 Xpress%20SXV%20AO%20unit.pdf

As theo has mentioned the Mount has is not controlled by the AO. The AO is controlled from software either AstroArt or MaximDL via the Serial port. This requires that Maxim or AA also be used for Guiding. I am not sure if PHD or similar provide this type of control for the AO.

The only cosideration then is that your Guding Software be able to communicate with the AO.

The AO uses the information from the movmement/changes in the Guide star to adjust the optical path using the controlled mirror. Providing corrections that essentially improve the performance of your mount and Optics.

This chap J-P Metsavainio seems to be getting some excellent results with the AO and a Qhy8 combo. But this is on a Meade LX scope. The AO units have been known to improve the fork mounted scope performaces quiet a bit. The PE on these mounts is usually quiet high and the AO provides great improviement for this.

http://astroanarchy.blogspot.com/search/label/Images%20with%20Active%20Optics%20( SXV-AO)

The SXV AO is great unit. It is quiet expensive compared to Sbig but it has the advantage of working with non SXV camera's. I dont think there is anything else in the Amature price range.

[multiweb]

Thanks guys. Got a bit more reading to do and spec out what's going to work for my rig.