QHY5 vs Orion Starshoot Autoguider - recommendations?

[Gem]

Hi all,

We are trying to work out what the differences are between these two as guiders. Are they much of a muchness? The QHY5 is cheaper if they are very similar...

Any help?? :question:

[multiweb]

The QHY5 mono is a great guider. Used one for years. Can't go wrong either way.

[cybereye]

As far as I'm aware they are both the same unit. I use the QHY5 and it is fantastic!

Cheers,
Mario

[jenchris]

The autoguider doesn't do movies in native software but software is available

[cventer]

Same thing, different badge thats all.

[RobF]

I've got an SSAG and very happy with it. Although the hardware is almost identical, the drivers make them quite different beasts to software. I think you can binx2 in the QHY5 drivers (but not SSAG). I'd buy either if I could find one 2nd hand.

[DavidTrap]

Different firmware, I believe.

DT

[Gem]

Thanks all!! Much appreciated! :)

[gregbradley]

I am considering one as well. How about any issues with hot pixels?

If the pixels are too bright software can confuse them for stars and it messes up callibration and autoguiding.

Greg.

[cventer]

I have never had to use more than 1.5 sec exposure Greg on my starshoot, but thats using 50mm finder scope as guidescope. I also have zero hot pixels.

[RobF]

It's only an 8 bit device, so it is somewhat grainy and noisey. I use mine routinely with 2 sec exposures on a 50mm finder/guider in Maxim and could never plate solve it until I did bias/darks for it. I think it cals and guides a lot more reliably now (with auto-cal of frames). I was surprised many hot pixels a lodestar has in comparison however - it's all relative to how hard you stretch and how well you cal I guess.

[gregbradley]

I wonder if the QHY6 may better as its cooled. Its more expensive of course around $600.

There's also a Orion G3 now that's cooled and $695 from Bintel.Its also CCD rather than CMOS.

Greg.

[cventer]

The QHY6 looks lnteresting. Mono which for guiding I would assume is better. And cooled.

Drivers maybe the big issue though with this Greg. Not sure if it has PHD , or CCD Soft drivers.

Supposedly my STF with Sti ships in next 2 weeks so will report back on STi

[gregbradley]

Thanks Chris.

The autoguider choices are more limited than they at first would appear.

Greg.