PHD and my SBIG ST-4

[mvollmer]

So, I'm trying to understand what it is going to take to get PHD to guide my ST-4.  When I click the camera button, it only lists "SBIG" as an option (not ST-4, etc.).  When I choose that, I get a pop up that tells me "error loading SBIG driver and/or DLL".  I have downloaded the latest SCOM drivers, but SBIG doesn't support the ST-4 any more.  Any suggestions?

Sincerely

Mike Vollmer

[Merlin66]

Mike,

The SBiG ST-4 was a stand-alone guider - totally independent of software.

I think you may mean using the ST-4 connection from your guide camera to your mount and controlling via PHD.

If this is correct, then the setting to choose is "On Camera" guiding.

[mvollmer]

I have used CCDSoft which was an early Win95/98 program to talk to the ST-4 and it does OK.  I am wanting to upgrade to a better laptop for observing than my 16+ year old Win98 OS.  I have a Win7 laptop but it doesn't have any serial ports to connect to the ST-4.  I bought a serial to USB adapter and would like to get this to work.  If I can't, I will have MaximDL capability in a couple of days.  Hopefully, it will talk to my trusty old ST-4.  Used the ST-4 in stand alone mode for several years, but it's nice to actually see a star in a window to verify focus easier, etc.

[Merlin66]

Ah....OK

The SBiG original ST-4 camera is, as you know, getting pretty long in the tooth.

I do know that AstroArt supports the ST-4 camera - I used it when I had one.....

I don't know about a reliable Serial to USB adaptor which is guaranteed to work with the older ST-4, but I would suggest the Keyspan brand which continues to work very for me.

[mvollmer]

OK.  I have abandoned PHD and bought MaxIm DSLR with the expectation I can guide, image and control the scope all in one program.  I have a Canon DSLR T2i.  having problems getting it to click the shutter.  Any thoughts?

Mike

[Merlin66]

Mike,

I'm not familiar with Maxim, I use AstroArt for all my cameras....

I assume even with MaximDSLR you will still need a separate guide camera??