Autoguiding EQ6

Zuts · #1 16-10-2007, 09:01 PM

Hi All,

This has probably been asked before

, but if I want to autoguide and have the following

EQ6 Pro
Small refractor
Meade DSI
Laptop with USB

Is the best option to connect my mount with my laptop the shoestring USB adaptor or are there better options.

Thanks All

Alchemy (Clive) · #2 16-10-2007, 09:11 PM

the usb adaptor works fine, they are quick to ship, you may wish to purchase cables at same time(on their website) you will need an auto guide program such as phd (FREE !) .

You didnt say if you wre piggybacking or imaging through another scope?

[1ponders] (Paul) · #3 16-10-2007, 10:09 PM

Alchemy has got the straight of it. The Shoestring adapter makes it so simple. You should have no problem.

Zuts · #4 16-10-2007, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alchemy

the usb adaptor works fine, they are quick to ship, you may wish to purchase cables at same time(on their website) you will need an auto guide program such as phd (FREE !) .

You didnt say if you wre piggybacking or imaging through another scope?

Thanks Alchemy,

I will get that adaptor. I guess you are saying to buy it from them, or can it be got in Australia?

At the moment i plan to image throuh the meade ed80 and 'velcro' a small saxon 70mm achro to it and guide through that using my t40.

It's a long learning curve. I am finally confident enough to plonk the eq6 down anywhere and drift align. Next step is autoguiding, initially just in my backyard for practice, then out in the 'wild'

.

After that i may get a better refractor and use the meade as the guide scope on a proper piggyback setup.

It's all fun

Thanks for your reply.

Zuts · #5 16-10-2007, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

Alchemy has got the straight of it. The Shoestring adapter makes it so simple. You should have no problem.

Thanks Paul,

I'll go with alchemy's advice.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #6 16-10-2007, 10:48 PM

I don't know how velcro will go to hold the guidescope stable (it is great stuff though

). Looking forward to seeing you results.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #7 16-10-2007, 10:51 PM

a Velcro'd guidescope!!!!

Zuts · #8 16-10-2007, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

a Velcro'd guidescope!!!!

Lots and lots of velcro!

Seriously though, the guidescope only weighs a kilo and when tracking the movement is hardly noticeable. Should be ok until I know what i am doing and get a piggyback setup?

Zuts · #9 16-10-2007, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

a Velcro'd guidescope!!!!

And congratulations on your 10,000th post

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #10 16-10-2007, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zuts

And congratulations on your 10,000th post

I didn't even notice!!!!!

Geez, how'd I miss that????

Thanks Zuts

Zuts · #11 16-10-2007, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

I didn't even notice!!!!!

Geez, how'd I miss that????

Thanks Zuts

At my rate i'll be there around 2020 ....and by that time i might even have worked out how to use photoshop!

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #12 16-10-2007, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zuts

At my rate i'll be there around 2020 ....and by that time i might even have worked out how to use photoshop!

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #13 17-10-2007, 06:22 AM

I personally wouldnt use the velcro, way too much movement. your trying to stop the movement here, not add to it. Might pay to make something a little more solid to attach it to your scope.

There are other ways to autoguide with the EQ6 but requires you to remove the hand pad, and use a little circuit to attach the mount to the computer. Its called EQMOD and is bloody brilliant. I use it for all my GOTO's and is awesome. Does take a bit to setup if your unfamiliar with Ascom drivers etc... more info... http://eq-mod.sourceforge.net

Alchemy (Clive) · #14 17-10-2007, 09:39 AM

the velcro ideas interesting.. try it youve got nothing to lose... but if you have problems with tracking, fix that first. good luck

Cheers AL

peter_4059 (Peter) · #15 18-10-2007, 08:11 PM

I think the EQ6 pro might already have an autoguider port so it might not need the EQ mod. However while on this topic I have a basic EQ6 and have recently added an ST4 autoguider port as per the shoestring astronomy mod and it works fine. This might be an alternative to the EQ mod ?? it is very simple to implement and free if you want to buy the parts yourself and work out the wiring (although the kit is US$7) ...here's the link...

http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/eq_mod.pdf

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #16 18-10-2007, 08:33 PM

with EQMOD you don't need to use the autoguide Port as you can Pulse guide. Works exactly the same, except through Ascom drivers. Good luck with your decision.

Zuts · #17 18-10-2007, 11:21 PM

I guess i've decided to get the shoestring adaptor as lots of people have them and it seems to work for them. I will try and guide with PHD.

As far as velcro goes, it's really just to get me started and learn how to guide. Once i am up and running i will get something else, havnt quite decided whether to go piggy back or side to side.

Thanks for everyones help

Paul

Zuts · #18 18-10-2007, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peter_4059

I think the EQ6 pro might already have an autoguider port so it might not need the EQ mod. However while on this topic I have a basic EQ6 and have recently added an ST4 autoguider port as per the shoestring astronomy mod and it works fine. This might be an alternative to the EQ mod ?? it is very simple to implement and free if you want to buy the parts yourself and work out the wiring (although the kit is US$7) ...here's the link...

http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/eq_mod.pdf

Yes, the EQ6 has an autoguiding port. I just need to get the shoestring USB adaptor so i can connect to my laptop