Autoguiding a HEQ5 PRO Mount

[RPW]

Hi,
I am new to astrophotography. I have a 180mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Skywatcher on a HEQ5 PRO mount. I also have a Meade DSI II imager. Is there a way that I can get the Meade imager to autoguide the HEQ5 PRO mount? If not, what is the recommended imager/software for my set-up? Any price indications for the recommendations?
Thanks.

[troypiggo]

Do you want to image with the DSI as well as guide? I asked a similar question here recently (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=43327). Seems it is possible, but haven't tried it.

If not, you'll need a guide scope as well as your imaging scope, or a camera that is capable of imaging and guiding at the same time. Think they have 2 chips on them, one for each, but not sure about that.

Free guiding software:
PHD Guiding
Guidemaster
EQAlign 2

[Merlin66]

The DSI II with PHD software ( freeware) and a suitable serial to ST-4 plug will control a HEQ5 mount.
Depending on your computer, you may find ( on new laptops) you only have USB ports. You'll need a reliable usb>serial adaptor ( Keyspan is 100%)
Generally to guide/ image you need two scopes; one for guiding ( a ST80 short focus refractor does well) mounted on the imaging scope, and obviously the imaging scope with the separate imaging camera.
Your 180 Mak, may be a bit slow f ratio for DSO's and the long focal length means narrow FOV and longer exposures.
I use a QHY5/ ST80 for guiding a 10"/ 12" LX200 and a 6" cometracker on the HEQ5.
Hope this helps.

[Glenhuon]

Similar setup here, Surplushed 80mm, DSI1 colour + PHD for guiding and 150mm newt + Canon 300D for imaging. My Synscan upgrade kit for the EQ5 came with a serial to St4 cable supplied. Its the same one used for updating the firmware.

Bill

[pjphilli]

Hi Rod
My setup is identical to yours except I have a 150mm Mak Skywatcher. On advice from this site I bought a QHY5 (QGuider) CMOS mono camera for guiding. This a small camera which has the advantage in having a guiding port that can be connected directly to your HEQ5Pro instead of the complication of going through your computer. I use it with an old 100mm converted Mak telephoto scope at f6 which works well for guiding. It also works well with my Meade 80mm f6 refractor. The free PHD guiding program can also be used as it is compatible with the QHY5.
For details of the QHY5 go to the following address.
http://web.aanet.com.au/gama
If you use this camera focus it carefully and use the dark frame facility to get the best results.
Cheers Peter

[RPW]

Thanks to each of you have replied to my question. Apologies about the late reply - have been tied up with work and family. You certainly have given me some ideas to go forward with.

Hope your skies are clear skies.
R