Cheap guiding

[SJP]

My next project is to autoguide my Celestron 6" Newtonian as inexpensively as I can.

My plan is to use an existing Celestron NexImage5, which I understand is compatible with PHD2, and purchase a ZWO 60mm finder/guidescope.

My question is, do I use the ST-4 guide-port (RJ11) or the standard PC-cable which connects to the handcontroller for guiding functions?

Thanks!

[hobsey]

 purchase a ZWO 60mm finder/guidescope.

Sorry, I guide help you on the cable/port question but if you want even cheaper guiding, you can buy a 9x50 finderscope scope and convert that in to a guidescope.

It will be a lot cheaper as they generally go for around 30-35 pound.

[jgs001]

I have a QHY5v which has an ST4 port, but I don't use it and connect my laptop to the mount, and guide via that instead. Either will work, and is just as effective though. This way meant I didn't need to purchase an ST4 cable.

[glowingturnip]

My next project is to autoguide my Celestron 6" Newtonian as inexpensively as I can.

My plan is to use an existing Celestron NexImage5, which I understand is compatible with PHD2, and purchase a ZWO 60mm finder/guidescope.

My question is, do I use the ST-4 guide-port (RJ11) or the standard PC-cable which connects to the handcontroller for guiding functions?

Thanks!

is that a Celestron mount with an after-market Synscan kit added to it ?  That's what I have, and I guide using a USB to RS232 converter, plugged in to the port directly in the handset, and into USB in the laptop, works with 'Celestron mount' in PHD.

Also on the cheap, I have a Celestron T70 travelscope piggybacked on mine that I use for a guidescope, should be nice and cheap on ebay and does the job as well as anything else.

[Uranium235]

It usually goes:

Computer > Guidecam with USB

then

Guidecam > mount (not handset) using the ST4 ports

If your guidecam does not have an ST4 port, then you will need to find another method.