autoguiding setup

[p1taylor]

Hi all.
I have just started guiding using phd, meade dsi, 60mm by 700mm guide scope, on rcx 10", running from usb on pc, is it possible to us autoguiding port on scope, have seen sum were to use ST4 what is this. peter

[alfi]

hi
if the mount has a ST4 plug, i think there are cables to use from the usb to the ST4, but i have not tried it.
edit: found this: The GPUSB guide port interface adapter plugs directly into a USB port on your computer or a USB hub attached to your computer. Using an RJ-12 cable, the adapter connects to the guide port of your telescope mount. This guide port interface uses optocouplers to electrically isolate the computer from the telescope, eliminating a possible source of electrical interference. This interface adapter requires no external power source since it receives its power via the USB cable. More information can be found by clicking here to view the User Manual (http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/User_Manual_GPUSB.pdf). on this page: http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/products_gp.htm


alfi

[p1taylor]

hi alfi.
will the plug on scope marked autoguiding port on ota it is same size as a rs232 be same as ST4.
peter

[alfi]

hi
the plug marked autoguidingport, looks like a tlf, plug, is the ST4.
the rs 232 is a serielport on the computer, and maybe under the handcontrol.
most laptops dont have rs232 ports any longer, so you will have to use a usb to ST4 cable, like the ones shoestring sells.
what mount do you have?

alfi

[p1taylor]

hi alfi
mount is a meade rcx 400 10", on wedge in observatory.
peter

[alfi]

hi
i found this on your setup http://www.cloudynights.com/documents/meadercx1.pdf
it has both a serial and ST4 port.
easyest would be a usb to serial i think, they are readaly available in data stores.

alfi

[Rigel003]

Peter
You need to plug the DSI into your computer and then have a separate cable running from the computer to the GPUSB interface box and from there to the autoguiding port on the mount. (The GPUSB converts the guiding impulses into the form used by the SBIG ST-4, the granddaddy of autoguiders, a protocol now standard on mount autoguider ports).

A neater solution is to trade in your DSI for an Orion Starshoot autoguider. It's tiny and has the interface inbuilt. All you need is a cable from the computer USB port to the guider and then on to the mount.Hope this helps.

[marki]

Peter you can also plug into one of the other ports (not the autoguider port) if you run the DSI to the laptop then a cable to the scope, your guiding program will send corrections to the mount. You only need ST4 compatability if you use the guide port. You do not need any other middle component (GPUSB etc). I run my LX like this with no problems. You also have USB ports on that mount so serial adapters etc may not be necessary.

Mark

[toryglen-boy]

What are the benfits to pulse guiding?

sorry to hijack the thread !!


:lol:

[bmitchell82]

Pulse guiding is something i know EQmod runs. it just sends pulses down the same line as it would normally send slew commands down. basically sends mini slew commands to the mount great for people who don't have a guide port to plug anything to. I utilize pulse commands through EQmod but also keep my eye on PHD.

[p1taylor]

Hi All.
Thanks very much for all info very useful, think I will cray on as I am for present short of funds to get autoguiding camera, hear is a 5 minute shot of m13 if I can get it download,this is first go at guiding.
peter