Autoguiding Newbie

[Blaznee (Gary)]

I am trying to set up autoguiding for my FLT-132, G11 Gemini. I have a Zenith Star 80 ED which I'm going to use as a guide scope and probably a DSI pro as a guide CCD. I hope to be able to control the Gemini via a laptop and Shoestring GPUSB interface.

Any assistance in getting this setup working would be much appreciated as I'm sure there a some traps for the unwary beginner.

[Blaznee (Gary)]

I'm going to do a bit of more experimentation then will move on down to the equipment discussion forums.

See you there

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Hi Blaznee. Your thread must have gotten lost in amongst all the others.

What program are you using for the autoguiding? If you are using the standard Meade program you may want to consider and alternative. Either K3CCDTools or PHD Guiding. Guidedog may even accept the DSI.

As for tricks and traps, there are heaps. Don't make you guiding correction interval too short or you will be chasing the seeing. 1-2.5 sec per correction is fairly normal. This means you can use an exposure length of up to 1 to 2 sec, that will help to bring up faint guide stars.

Each mount and setup will respond differently. Initially don't even try to capture images, or if you do don't be too disappointed if they don't work out. Spend a few days/weeks just getting to know your system and it's idiosyncracies.

[pvelez (Pete)]

Blaznee, I'm just embarked on the same journey as you. I've bought a Stellarvue 60M finderscope which takes a 1.25 inch eyepiece and am using a DSI as a guidescope. This is mounted on my LXD75 which is already quite heavy with the 8 inch OTA.

I've only just set up and had a couple of runs with PHD. It works reasonably well although, unlike Paul, I used too short a guiding correction interval. It also seems quite important to have a good polar alignment before you kick off.

The interface between the PC and mount was a breeze. My biggest issue was learning how to drive the DSI. Its not particularly intuitive.

There are quite a few good threads on this - have a look at one about a week or 2 ago in response to my question on PHD.

Good luck

Pete

[JohnG (John)]

Hi

I use a G-11 with Gemini, Tak FS-102 as the imager scope and an ED-80 as the guidescope, I use an ST-4 as the autoguider.

As Paul say's, try to keep your guiding corrections around 1 to 2 seconds or you will definitely be chasing your tail. The more accurate you setup your scope the better, do a serious Drift Align as the less corrections the autoguider has to make the better. Have a few practice goes first.

MOST IMPORTANT: Make sure you put the Gemini into Photo or All Speeds Mode, it won't track if you don't.

Cheers

[Alchemy (Clive)]

You will not turn back once you have auto guided.i use the G11 non gemini with a similar setup the usb adapter works with my mount , from memory you need to install apscom then the usb driver select shoestring in the drop down list (on Guidedog).I use guidedog guiding program freely available and as it worked so well i didnt try any other.and as previously stated 1-2 sec intervals. You will need to align your guiding camera so your adjustments go N when you press N etc.I use a modified webcam this gives you also the benefit of doing a bit of planetary imaging which i havent bothered using any guiding with other than manual on the computer screen. You can modify your own, which uh i er ...I bought one already done 840k to u cam from mathew at Telescopes-astronomy in adelaide.I also use the ed80 and no problems there. Look forward to seeing the results

[Blaznee (Gary)]

I have the GPUSB and am waiting for the DSI Pro which is on back order. Hopefully late next week I'll have it all stuck together.
I can see that a patient approach is going to be very important so I think it will be a while before I get to post the fruits of my labours.

Thanks JohnG for the reminder on the Gemini settings. I had read that bit but it had slipped my mind