I asked them some questions :
I have an Orion
Autoguider , is your
autoguider handpaddle uprocessor unit compatible with this ? - would be handy to not need to lump a notebook about or use a PC .
I also have two GEMs , an older CELESTRON CG5 (not the goto version) and a VIXEN New Atlux (the one that uses a Starbook controller
Is your uprocessor (handpaddle) compatible with my old CG5 (or do you have a convertor to make this work) ?
Is it compatible with my New Altux ?
Cost of the uprocessor and cabling adapters needed for the CG5 ?
Their answers :
Hello Ian,
Thank you for your interest with LVI Smartguider camera!
No, the Smartguider handpaddle cannot be used at all with any of the autoguiding camera out there!
You must consider the whole Smartguider system to autoguide your shots through the Starbook controller. This mount is fully compatible with the Smartguider camera.
The old CG5 mount can be used as well, but you strictly need a dual axis drive featuring a ST4 port at least.
The cheapest solution I know is the Astromeccanica DA1 drive, find attached some doc. Just ignore the autoguiding section enclosed in the manual, this is referred to an old webcam based procedure!! The Smartguider will simply plug into the DA1's ST4 port to succesfully work. Nothing less, nothing more.
The Astromeccanica AM-V motor replacement is fully compatible with your own CG5 mount, just consider black housing motors instead of green ones.
As an additional bonus, there at least 2 free softwares capable of allowing a PC based goto through the DA1 system!
http://www.bloomingstars.com/vega/so...-JDA1/english/
http://eqalign.sourceforge.net/eqali...QAlign_Project
It's anything available at stock, the whole DA1 system (drive unit + cables + motors) is priced 325 euro + shipping.
If you're interested in a bundle autoguiding kit (Smartguider + DA1) for your CG5, I can quote you a nice offer.
Just let me know.
..... well , looks like I'll be using my notebook to interface with the
autoguider .... bummer !!!
and no my old CG5 has no ST4 port on the handpaddle.