[Jeffkop (Jeff)]

Hello again

Got a small question or two .. thanks for entertaining me.
Im having problems guiding. I use CCDSoft V5 .. the standard free version that comes with the SBIG cameras. I have the latest version installed.

I can move the scope in CCDSoft in the autoguide tab by using the NSEW buttons. (See attached image)
In other words I can take an image with the autoguide camera then move the scope and take another picture and confirm it moved .. also ...
I can calibrate the camera no problems before I start guiding and if I put the mouse pointer on a star and follow the calibration movements the star returns to the mouse pointer.
Yet further proof that the autoguide port is functioning fine.

So I am certain that the autoguider port on the Gemini 1 L4 is working, its the only way that CCDSoft can command telescope movement, nothing else is plugged in .. ie rs232

When I autoguide the X axis does not respond to corrections the Y axis is very steady.
The X axis actually just keeps getting more error !!!!
(I can try the Reverse X option and that makes no difference .. it is there to use if you calibrated the camera on the other side of the meridian.)
If I unplug the autoguide cable it seems to make very little difference.
If I leave the cable out and start autoguiding just to monitor the errors they actually seem to be less and more stable.

I have checked my polar alignment and it seems OK.
What sort of polar alignment error would be enough to cause guiding problems ??

What am I missing here ????

Any suggestions

Thanks again

JEff