Autoguiding - what do I need to know?

[Gem (Grant)]

Hi all,

I've been around astronomy for a long time but since I have never been imaging, I have tended to ignore the topic of autoguiders... but now I need to learn!

I have a mount that has an autoguider input (CGEM). I also have a cheap 80mm refractor (not piggyback mount yet - but I can buy one if needed). I also have a Phillips 880 webcam with 1.25" adapter.

Can I use the webcam to autoguide? Should I use the webcam to autoguide? Is it adviseable to use the webcam to autoguide?

Should I be looking at an off the shelf autoguider? (Like the Orion autoguider/scope package)

How do you use the thing once you have it?

Well, that's heaps of questions!! Hope someone can help me out a bit here!!

[bmitchell82 (Brendan)]

You need to know the number 42......

For the webcam may work but you will outgrow it very very quickly. Plus its not really sensitive enough

the 80 mm refractor is more than sufficient for the job so just look at either a qhy5, orion starshoot autoguider or a meade DSI 2 are the mid range ccd's of choice for guiding. the next step up is the starlight express Lode star and sbig 402-me

Brendan

[apaulo (Paul)]

Hi Gem

Download PHD which a fantastic freeware guiding software.

http://www.stark-labs.com/phdguiding.html

This program should be able to manage your webcam, if not Brendan's advice re Orion autoguider or Qhy5 is the way to go.

There is plenty of support for this software

http://www.stark-labs.com/craig/arti...ig%20Stark.pdf

You still need to polar align your mount Gem. If your imaging telescope is rather heavy you should also consider a side saddle mount. This allows you to mount your guide scope next to the imaging scope.

http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories...oductview.aspx

Good luck

Regards Paul.

[Gem (Grant)]

Thanks for the quick replies and helpful info!

I will look into it!

I do realise about the polar alignment.

The scope is well within the mount's capacity - I deliberately didn't get the 11" so that I would have weight to play with.

[Gem (Grant)]

Roughly here at the prices on autoguiders:

QHY5 = $280
Orion starshoot autoguider = $320
Celestron Nexguide = about $330 (incl freight) on ebay
Skywatcher Synguide = $ 350

Are they much of the same? Or is there value for money on one over the others?

Any thoughts?

[apaulo (Paul)]

Hi Gem,

The orion and QHY5 requires a pc (laptop). Where as the synguider and nexguide are independent.

The question you really need to ask is; How easy is it for me to locate a guide star and focus?

There are plenty of reviews on all the systems you have mentioned, personally i prefer the orion autoguider ( i use one!) The reason being the screens on the synguiders are to small and obtaining focus and locating guide stars are difficult.

As Brendan said a 80mm refractor is a great scope to use, simply it makes it easier to find a guide star.

I expect to upgrade my dlsr to a ccd in the future, so using a laptop out in the field is inevitable, there are many other software resourses ie:

http://www.njnoordhoek.com/?p=325


Regards Paul.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

I can recommend the QHY + ST80 as a guide package; running with PHD (and Al's reticule!) gives a very capable solution which will keep you going for a long while....

[Zincberg (Andrew)]

Hey Gem,
I would also put my vote forward for the Orion, I have been using one for around 8 months and it is a pleasure to use.
As Paul has stated above, you do need a laptop for the orion, but i have found it really easy to set up and use, all the software I use is freeware.. and very simple to operate.
I use my orion with an ED80, and rarely have any difficulties finding guide stars.
Good luck in your decision..cant wait to see some of your results!!!

Andrew

[midnight (Darrin)]

Originally Posted by Gem

Celestron Nexguide = about $330 (incl freight) on ebay
Skywatcher Synguide = $ 350

Are they much of the same? Or is there value for money on one over the others?

Any thoughts?

Nexguide and Synguide are identical (rebadged) and there is an Orion clone too. I have a Nexguide and it does not require a PC but I do struggle to get a star and it has a simple mono LCD to show what the CCD is seeing. The sensor is not very sensitive as I need to rely on my 80mm scope rings to adjust the scope around my target but it suits me. I'm luke warm with my satisfaction with this setup but it has given me many hours of round stars and no laptop is a bonus. I bought mine for under AU$300 earlier this year from Opt (strong dollar but I got hit with the California state tax as it was bought in shop). So $330 is a good price.

The advise from Merlin66 would give you more options too and many use this type of setup. I would consider this option 1st before the Nexguide.

Good luck.
Darrin...

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Remember if your imaging you'll probably end up with a CCD camera which will need PC support anyway!
( A great "no PC" solution for guiding is to find a s/h SBIG ST-4 system - the original and still the best!)

[Gem (Grant)]

Thanks all for the replies and help!!

I'll start looking into a piggyback bracket for the 80mm and read reviews of the Orion and QHY5.

Thanks!

[rainwatcher (Peter)]

Autoguiding - what do I need to know?

Well you certainly need to be on first name terms with your bank manager.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

I see above a couple of mentions of PHD autoguiding software, but may I also recommend 'Guidemaster'. Also a Free download.
It might only be my own opinion and experiences but I find Guidemaster a lot easier to use and gives better guiding than PHD.
http://www.guidemaster.de/guidemaster_en.asp

Up to you, but they both work.