Autoguiding Equipment

[darrellx]

Hi All

I am trying to get my guiding to work and I have decided to get my self a dedicated autoguider. So I just want to check and confirm that there is not really that much difference between the QHY5 and the Orion Starshoot.

Technically they look the same to me, so I figure my decision will simply be one based on price and availability. Does that sound like a fair statement? I will be attaching this to an EQ6Pro.

Thanks
Darrell

[troypiggo]

Haven't got either, but read in another recent post that they are the same, just different firmware.

[gbeal]

Yep, same/similar beast, with the only perceived difference to me of the driver issues with the Orion.
To my mind, get the QHY5, Theo is a very helpful forum member.
This alone is worth the effort as problems you will have, believe me, and to be able to bounce them off the guy who sold it to you is invaluable.
Gary

[suma126]

There this brand a have been looking at call /optic star 131c coolair / price is $269. Us . It looks a lot better than the orion brand .

[Manav]

Hi Darrell,

I have a Stellervue F80M finderscope and would like to get a Autoguider as well to accompany it (NEQ6). Checking the Orion website I was able to narrow down the following:

1. Orion Starshoot Planatary Imager & Autoguider - 349.95 USD
Specs here: http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~product_id=52079
2. Orion Starshoot Autoguider - 279.95USD
Specs here: http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~product_id=52064
3. Orion Starshoot II Deepspace Imager + USB Guide Port Interface to use as high performance Autoguider - 299.95USD + 90USD for the USB interface.
Specs here: http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~product_id=52080

There is another option of getting the Orion solitaire autoguider which requires no laptop connection but is too expensive i.e. 599USD.

Checked the specs to compare which one to buy, the CCD of the starshoot II is fairly good but the specifications of the other two are not too bad either. My main concern is that it should work well with the Stellervue F80M.

Let me know what you think!

[Manav]

Hi Suma,

You need the GPUSB with the autoguider they provide, the Orion one connects directly to the auto guider port.

Take Care

[multiweb]

Get a QHY5 from Theo. Too easy.

[bmitchell82]

you don't need a GPUSB as you can send pulse guides directly though EQmod one less cable!

[Harpspitfire]

i see its been mentioned but overlooked, i would also look into the opticstar myself, if you dont need the interface box, you can get the camera at a good price, impressive build quality and works from a single USB cable

[Ian Robinson]

Check out CN , there's a ST4 for sale there for 200USD.

That's a lot cheaper than a QHY5 and the Orion SSAG can be had here.

[peter_4059]

I'm using the Opticstar PL130M for autoguiding and it works fine. I believe it contains the same Micron MT9M001 CMOS sensor as the Orion and QHY5.