QHY5 v's Toucam for guiding?

[dugnsuz]

Hello all,
I've been using my Phillips Toucam + GPUSB unit pretty successfully for guiding for the last couple of years. But, I find that I often have to move the scope off axis a bit to acquire a decent guidestar and this can cause drift in the corners off the images - something which isn't there when the optical axes of the imaging and guidescopes are aligned.

I've been considering purchasing a QHY5 mono CCD for guiding in the hope that its increased sensitivity(?) would stop me having to move the scope round to find useable stars for guiding.

Is this the case?
Have any who have made such a switch been disappointed or amazed at the difference!!??

Cheers
Doug:thumbsup:

[pjphilli]

Hi Doug - I have a 100mm Mak at f5 for a guidescope. I originally used my old DSI Colour camera for guiding and had similar problems to yours.
I changed to a QHY5 camera and now I can always find a suitable (usually several) guide star with the guide scope permanently on axis with the imaging scope. However, I did find that you have to focus the QHY5 carefully and using the PHD guiding software dark frame facility also improves things. I am certainly happy with the difference.
Cheers Peter

[Moon]

I've tried my SPC900NC for guiding and although I don't know the sensitivity numbers, the QHY5 is significantly easier to use. The combo of more sensitivity and bigger chip make it a worthwhile upgrade.

QHY5 is 6.66 x 5.32mm
Toucam is 4.6 x 3.9mm

It doesn't seem like much, but it does make a difference. I can always find a guide star with the QHY5

James

[Omaroo]

No contest Doug. I did the switch a year or so ago and couldn't believe the difference. I areas of the sky where I was lucky to find a suitable guide star at times with the TouCam, the QHY-5 shows nebulosity. That, and the ability to drive the guide port direct through the ST-4 port rather than have to use the GPUSB box is also a boon. I would look at the SBIG ST402ME or a Starlight XPress Loadstar now as the only ones in preference to the QHY-5 -at considerably higher prices.

[dugnsuz]

Thanks all for the input- purchase made.

[leon]

Go Dougie, :thumbsup: you will be the imager of the year very soon. ;)

Leon:thumbsup:

[dugnsuz]

Aw shucks!!:P

[multiweb]

I have used a QHY5 for guiding for a while. It is very sensitive for 1s exposures and over. You'll always find a star. It has also increased sensitivity if you take dark frames with PHD prior to guiding. Very good all rounder and definitely value for money.

[SkyViking]

A ToUCam for guiding? - no that's used for imaging! :D :P
(Yes, I really need a new cam)

[Screwdriverone]

Dunno about that Rolf, I am astounded how much you can screw out of the Toucam.... you have an astonishing body of work for a webcam... I need to dust mine off...

Cheers

Chris

[Omaroo]

I agree - Rolf's webcam imaging is phenomenal.

[ballaratdragons]

Doug, the reason you struggled to get stars sometimes is because your ToUcam isn't SC1 modified.

Makes a hell of a difference.

I STILL use my modified ToUcam for guiding (yep, the very same one I used to image DSO's with) and everywhere I point it the FOV is full of stars.

I know it's a bit late for you to modify yours as you have ordered a QHY5, but more to let others know that a MODIFIED ToUcam is brilliant for guiding.

[SkyViking]

Thanks guys :) But yeah I'll be getting a new cam next year. And yes a SC1 modded cam is quite sensivite, I'm sure it would be great for guiding - I'll give it a go when the time comes.