Neila1975

Ah yes, just found that & can now move the mount with the directional pad. Thanks alot.

Apt also states cannot connect to mount

Not going too well. Want to check that everything connects and registers OK, getting a mount error in ascom 'connect error: port not available.' Believe I've downloaded all the correct drivers & software but looks like I've fallen at the first hurdle. Cable is connected from laptop direct to the handset port. Any ideas? Cheers

Cheers - think I'll have a go on Saturday when I have a little more time

Cable has arrived! Will hook it up tonight. Is everything controlled via APT? Have other software installed, NINA, PHD2, Ascom, etc etc.

OK. Thanks all.

Hi Malc, once polar aligned I guess you close Sharcap & open Phd2? Seems a silly question but I just want to be clear. Many thanks

OK, just so I have this right, I can use the guide scope & camera with SharpCap to first PA, then switch the camera to guiding using PHD2?

This is the cable....https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-mount-accessories/lynx-astro-ftdi-eqdir-usb-adapter-for-sky-watcher-eq5-pro-heq5-syntrek-pro-az-eq5-gt-az-eq6-gt-and-eq8-mounts.html

OK, I've jumped in and purchased the cable (rolled eyes from the Mrs)...also read most of your thread....stay tuned as may need some help!

Thanks - started reading an am already confused!

Thanks - What is APT?

OK, so that another cable & a different approach? Edit - so I've just checked & thats the EQMOD approach & extra cost for the cable. If I can get the HEQ5 mount working via the ST4 then that will need to suffice to begin with until I can start to understand things a little better.

Thanks. -how do you check it's all working? Secondly if it's to be controlled by the computer without the ST4 cable then a different cable would be required?

Thank you Peter

Hi all I have recently purchased a guide scope & camera combo, installed SharpCap for PA, PHD2 for ST4 guiding & the camera driver - just wondering if there is anything else at this stage that I need to download to get this up & running? Seems to be some conflicting suggestions on the net that the mount HEQ5 drivers along with ASCOM are also needed but I'm pretty sure that's for using EQMOD which I'm not really keen to use at stage in my learning process as Im intent on taking it slowly to understand things a little better. Any help appreciated. Many thanks

Thanks Malc. The option for the dovetail- arca base works for my set-up - Scope on one side, DSLR & lens on the other & i can use existing arca clamps that I have in my photography inventory! Went with the Altair, just ordered!

Yes it does! Thank you! I guess it will be OK to guide & polar align with this set up. Ive also looked at this one, but its quite a bit more dosh. Is it worth the extra? https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/altair-mg60-gpcam.html#SID=1729

Thanks - do i need to purchase a c adapter?

Im actually looking at this one...https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-9-x-50-straight-finder-with-zwo-120mm-mini-package.html 163mm focal length - would this be OK for both PA & guiding?

Thanks Malcolm. This is all prettry new to me....I'm initially using a DSLR & a selection of HQ Nikkor glass. I figured a way to have both a guide scope & DSLR mounted on my HEQ5 but am not sure about the process of using the guide scope & camera for first PA & then guiding. Is it a simple process? I'll be using a windows 10 laptop.

Thank you

Hi guys, Does any one have a recommendation of a camera & guide scope that can be used for both polar alignment & guidance with SharpCap? I've been looking at the this camera https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/altair-gpcam2-130-mono.html#SID=1714 but unsure which guide scope. Any suggestions on both very much appreciated. Many thanks

OK thanks - not quite got that far down the line yet but at some stage no doubt I'll need to

Thanks - to be honest Ive haven't bothered to set the home position (is there any need to?), but I have followed the process outlined in my initial post which I understand would be the correct way to polar align, at least I think so. I also think Tomatobro hit the nail on the head. In guess it's now a question of what Im prepared to live with.