Possible to guide using the same DSLR?

CarlJoseph (Carl) · #1 17-01-2012, 03:43 PM

Hi,

I would like to try "guiding" my scope but don't have a separate cam or guide-scope attached. Is it possible to use the image being captured from the DSLR live-view for guiding?

My current set up is:

EQ6 with Stellarvue 105 APO
Canon 450D unmodded
EQMOD running (through Synscan or without - both work)
Using Backyard EOS to capture and trialing APT (Astro Photography Tool)

Can PHD or another piece of software make guiding adjustments through EQMOD or can it only be done through another connection to the mount (on the guide-scope port)?

Thanks,
Af.

mswhin63 (Malcolm) · #2 17-01-2012, 03:47 PM

Other than EQ6 (I have EQ5) I have a similar set-up ) and sorry can't use the same camera. Once the camera is taking the pictures the views for guiding are disabled.

leon · #3 17-01-2012, 04:31 PM

Sorry, but you do need a separate guide camera.

Leon

CarlJoseph (Carl) · #4 17-01-2012, 04:52 PM

Drats! Thought that might be the case. I have one of those phillips web cams so maybe an off-axis guide mirror thing might be the simplest way forward.

Thanks folks.

jenchris (Jennifer) · #5 17-01-2012, 05:32 PM

I believe there's a CCD with a smaller take off chip for guiding, but even then, it is a different chip- and the thing costs megabucks

Bassnut (Fred) · #6 17-01-2012, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Afro Boy

I have one of those phillips web cams so maybe an off-axis guide mirror thing might be the simplest way forward.

Thanks folks.

Yes

CarlJoseph (Carl) · #7 18-01-2012, 09:39 PM

Thanks Fred.

There's something about having to use a computer in the line that bugs me (just another variable for things to go wrong).

So ... I'm also wondering if those guiders which go straight from the camera to the EQ6 mount's guide port are worth exploring? Any ideas I might want to look into?

mswhin63 (Malcolm) · #8 18-01-2012, 11:44 PM

Hi Carl,

Form what I gather they incorporate Microprocessor to do the job in a small small, How accurate they are should be specified in arc minutes or arc-second accuracy.

Merlin66 (Ken) · #9 19-01-2012, 01:48 AM

I used a QHY5 guide camera directly connected to the ST-4 port of the NEQ6 using PHD.
Works very well.
You need to consider which guide system - guide scope or On/ Off axis guiding ( See the other thread for details of the ONAG -Vixen setup)
EDIT As per your original post, yes PHD can use the setting "EQMOD ASCOM" for the mount and pulse guide via EQMOD

Screwdriverone (Chris) · #10 19-01-2012, 05:19 PM

you could use one of these as an OAG on the DSLR, and use a webcam as the guide cam....?

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/...-fuer-CCD.html

But at 248 euro, you may as well just buy a guidescope and camera...like my excellent Orion mini guidescope.....its awesome.... https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=9196 only $119

Cheers

Chris

CarlJoseph (Carl) · #11 19-01-2012, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlin66

I used a QHY5 guide camera directly connected to the ST-4 port of the NEQ6 using PHD.

Just did a heap of reading about this one. Although it does still use a computer, I don't have to rely on the computer to do the adjustments through EQMOD, etc. which is great. Thanks for the tip Merlin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Screwdriverone

But at 248 euro, you may as well just buy a guidescope and camera...like my excellent Orion mini guidescope.....its awesome.... https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=9196 only $119

Looks perfect. Nice and simple. I think I'll pick me up one of them, start out with the Phillips webcam and eventually upgrade to a QHY5 or similar.

Cheers,
Carl

Screwdriverone (Chris) · #12 20-01-2012, 09:08 AM

Hi Carl,

Cant go wrong with the Mini guidescope and toucam with PHD. Its SOOOO simple once its all set up and aligned.....click, click, wait 2 mins for the PHD & the scope to calibrate ....and you are guiding!

Well worth the modest outlay for the cam & guidescope....you probably wont need the QHY5 until MUUUUUCH later, if at all....

Cheers

Chris

CarlJoseph (Carl) · #13 25-01-2012, 10:38 PM

Thanks again for the advice everyone.

My mini guidescope arrived today.

Unfortunately I can't figure out a way to mount it to my scope.

My Stellarvue scope has a clamshell which has a narrowish dovetail to connect with the mount's saddle. On the top are two spots for two small attachments. One currently holds my red dot finder, the other I was hoping would hold the guidescope but alas, it doesn't fit.

Hopefully these images describe what's happening. Does anyone know of any other bits and pieces which I could use to connect these together?

Wouldn't it be awesome if everything was a standard size?

Thanks!

mswhin63 (Malcolm) · #14 25-01-2012, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Afro Boy

Wouldn't it be awesome if everything was a standard size?

Thanks!

I think on the above, you will be dreaming!

I managed to utilised one hole in my scope and the other side I used 3M double sided tape (the stuff that pulls out when change mind) and it seems to be rock solid.

It will give me enough time to consider engineering something to make it fit. The only other way is to get the drill out.