HEQ5pro and autoguiding

[telemarker]

What is the best way to autoguide the above mount. I will be adding an EQDir module to the mount soon but currently have a GPUSB module. Recently tried 5min subs using the GPUSB but had star trailing (the polar alignment was rubbish so not too surprised). In the past, 30 min subs were not a problem with my LXD75 mount. Oh, using PHD and a DSIpro for guiding.

Gratefully for any tips/advice for transitioning from the Meade mount. :)

[AlexN]

Kieth, I'm using a QHY5 guide camera and with Maxim DL I can easily guide out to 30 minutes... I've guided a 60 minute shot in the past that still had very tight round stars, the only problem was the 22 satellite trails through the image..

I never had much luck guiding using a GPUSB, I think it had some sort of conflict with hardware/software being used... The QHY5 has given me much better results so far.

[telemarker]

Thanks for the response Alex. So it's usual to guide with the guide port and not the computer connection. One problem I do have is the length of guide camera exposures after installing the Orion camera. Now I can only expose for a max of 2sec in Phd anything longer locks up the camera and Phd. Don't know what the fix for this'll be.

[AlexN]

I used to have a similar problem when using a DBK31 for guiding through a GPUSB, I could get it guiding no worries with 2sec exposures, it would guide away for hours without a single problem if I was imaging with a DSLR, but the minute I started an exposure with the QHY8, PHD would lock up instantly... First night I was guiding I took 10x10min subs of M42 with a DSLR, The very next night I attempted the same with the QHY8 and did not get a single frame.... Never figured out the problem... Tried a bunch of different software suites for both guiding and imaging... Once I got the QHY5, the problem mysteriously disappeared...

I find hardware problems like that to be the most difficult to troubleshoot, as if you're the only person having that problem, and the person writing the drivers/software can not replicate your problems (as was the case with my issue) they simply inform you that it must be a problem specific to your computer, and you're on your own...


Having said that, your DSI should have no troubles finding guide stars in 2sec exposures... What are you using as a guide scope?

[telemarker]

The DSI still will guide fine at 1.5sec and stars are not a problem. I was using an 80mm F6 achro, but I've just adapted a Meade 8x50 finder to take the DSI. With all this weather haven't had a chance to try it out. See how it goes eventually.....

[AlexN]

You will love that setup mate! :) Especially for guiding the ED100, Finder-guiders are becoming really popular due to the low weight, massive FOV and ability to find a guide star practically anywhere in the sky...