autoguiding

[redbeard]

Hi fellow IIS members,

I would like to ask some advice about autoguiding.

I currently have a Meade 10" LX200 GPS, on a Milburn Wedge.

I'm interested in deep sky objects and taking long exposures.

I am thinking of buying an 'Orion short tube 80 OTA' (Bintel $219), for a guide scope, and adding a QHY-5 or Orion Starshoot Autoguider (about $300), as they appear to be the same.

I am aware I will need an adapter to reach focus. I was also thinking of getting an ADM MDS mounting kit as they look very good.

I was curious about the Meade DSI II Pro as an autoguider but these are not available, so I'm told, anymore.

I plan to use PHD guide on a laptop.

I plan to capture images with my Canon 350D, (good for now as I can't afford a dedicated CCD), on the main scope and looking at deep sky stuff.

My question is:
Does anyone know if this will work well or not? (Orion 80 and starshoot that is).
All the shops say it will, but salespeople don't always give the most accurate info so that is why I am asking.

If this will not work well, are there any suggestions you can offer as to what equipment I should be using?

My budget is about is about $750 and I will need to cover guidescope, adapters, camera and rings and mounts etc.

Any help or advice will be appreciated.

Cheers,

Damien. :thumbsup:

[bmitchell82]

Go the way of off axis guiding far better outcome I believe though others may honk at that statement :)

They are a little bit of fun to get focus for a start but once you have it you have it.

it would come in under your budget and further more reduce the load the meade mount has to carry!

[lepton3]

I have used a short tube 80 + orion ssag on a c9.25 with ADM mounting bar, with phd, and it worked ok. Never a problem finding a guide star, complete freedom to do whatever you like to the main camera in terms of reducers, filters, etc.

I have also used an off axis guider. lt was slightly better IF there was a reasonable guide star nearby, but much more hassle if I wanted to change the optical train.

Both are viable solutions.

For what it is worth, I now mostly use the ssag with a homebrew converted 50mm finder guidescope.

-Ivan

[mithrandir]

If you are looking at Bintel they do an ST80 guide scope kit (http://www.bintel.com.au/Astrophotography/Guidescopes/Orion-Awesome--br-Autoguider-Package/780/productview.aspx). You'll just have to ensure you get the right mounting blocks and length of dovetail. I have a setup pretty much one of these except for a different camera, bought before they did this kit.

[bmitchell82]

Ive never once missed my framing because a lack of guide star. That being said you need a decent guide camera not a web cam :)

[jenchris]

I also use an off axis guider + orion SSAG with my lx90 and as has been noted, a bi*ch to focus first time but once done it seldom fails to find a star. If it does fail, it's either out of focus or the seeing is poor!
It's a lot lighter and less messy to balance than an extra scope on the mount

[telemarker]

Seeing that you would be taking photos at 2m+ focal length, I think the OAG guiding setup would be your best bet, and make sure of your polar alignment.

[ReaPerMan]

if you want something simple then the Orion Mini 50mm Guide scope works really well. I have used a home brew finder guider but this is working great (see pic).
Details are at:

http://www.bintel.com.au/Astrophotography/Guidescopes/Orion-Mini-50mm-br--Guide-Scope/787/productview.aspx

Its also sold as a bundle with the SSAG.

all the best

Paul :thumbsup:

[Paul Haese]

OAG + SSAG is my vote. 2m guiding with a guide scope does produce flexure at some point. Most guide for 5 minutes or so but if you are serious about going deep you need 10 + subs and for that flexure needs to be eliminated. Therefore using an OAG is a must.

[pmrid]

I agree with Paul. I'm guiding at 3900 via an OAG/Lodestar and (touch wood) have been able to get considtent round stars on subs of 10mins plus. I have found Maxim a bit edgy when guiding so I use PHD instead. You lose the ability to dither but it seems to me that the guiding is still more stable.
I have a SXVR-H18 on a 952mm scope on another pier OAG with an SX Exview and at this FL Maxim has no problems with the guiding and it works a treat.
Peter

Peter

[redbeard]

Hi all,

Thanks heaps for all your responses. I can see a clear line now between the two different methods. I just have to get some gear now!

Many thanks,

Damien.