astrodude

I am fairly new to guiding, but I don't think focal length is an issue. (1) Have you tried taking dark frames to improve your image. (2) Finding the focus point can also be difficult at first. I have tried racking the focuser in and out fully and only got static with a lodestar x2. It turned out that i needed more back focus and had to add an extension to the front of the lodestar. Try your camera at early dusk on a distance terrestrial object that is easier to see such as a tree or building to check the focus point. You will have to play around with exposure, it might need to be 0.1sec or even faster at dusk but it is much easier than trying to find a star when you are not in focus. Good Luck.

A great article on guiding thank you I have learnt a lot. Please may I ask though, what guide speed should I use? On my neq6 mount there are several options: 1x, .75x, .5x, .25x and .125x. How do I know which to use and should I set it on the synscan handset? I am using the st4 port.

Thank you. I had not realised that makes a big difference!

Thank you that is very helpful.

Orly please may I ask when you sat 2"rms over what time frame is this?

Thank your so much.