Auto guiding an old C8

[tree-tops23 (David)]

Hi All,
Hoping someone can point me in the right direction re auto guiding.
I have an old C8 has excellent optics and accurate drive, when aligned can image easily to 30's. Have had plenty of fun imaging brighter objects, planets and brighter nebulas etc and now would like to chase dimmer dso.
Is it possible to connect an autoguider to an old C8, if so any recommendations greatly appreciated.
Thanks
David

[Amaranthus (Barry)]

Yes, it will be quite possible! But, you really need to use an off-axis guider with a C8, otherwise flexure will be your bane.

[raymo]

If it is the standard C-8 from the 70s and 80s, it probably doesn't have
an electric Declination axis drive, which it would have to have for an
autoguider set up to be possible.
raymo

[Amaranthus (Barry)]

Good point Raymo. For the OTA, there is no issue, but it depends on whether your mount will accept ST-4 (or ASCOM) commands.

[tree-tops23 (David)]

Thanks for the info re C8 guiding, the instrument is a C8 Deluxe and has dec drive, so may it may be worthwhile pursing auto guiding, will be doing more research.
Thanks David

[kens (Ken)]

Is that the C8 that was on the Super Polaris mount or the fork mount one? If it's the SP I've just built myself an Arduino controller that can handle autoguiding pulses through ASCOM. If its not the SP it might still be adaptable depending on the motors.