Why do I need ST4 autoguide port/cable

[bamus]

Hi All

I think I am missing something important when it comes to auto guiding set up. Reason for that is that I was able to achieve some results with ordinary webcam acting as guider and there was only USB connection between camera and laptop and and usb/serial from laptop to rs323 connected to handset. This set up was working without any majopr problem

Now I am planning to buy proper guiding camera (QHY5v) and it seems that I will have to use another cable (st4 auto guiding cable). Can I guide without st4 cable and do guiding like with ordinary web cam?

[Merlin66]

Which mounting are we talking about?

For the HEQ mounts you'd definately need a dedicated ST4 cable, this goes between the camera and the ST4 port on the mount.

I'm surprised you could get a webacm to guide via the handset.....

[chrisshillito]

Just because a camera comes with an inbuilt ST-4 output doesn't mean you a forced into using it. If you've been successfully been using ASCOM pulse guiding (I assume that's what you've been doing?) then there is no reason at all why you should not continue with that method using the new camera.

Chris.

[bamus]

Just because a camera comes with an inbuilt ST-4 output doesn't mean you a forced into using it. If you've been successfully been using ASCOM pulse guiding (I assume that's what you've been doing?) then there is no reason at all why you should not continue with that method using the new camera.

Chris.

ASCOM pulse guiding that is what I was using (just realised that ). has ST4 any advantages comparing to ASCOM pulse guiding?

Which mounting are we talking about?

eq5 synscan connected to laptop through hanset using DIRECT PC mode

[chrisshillito]

has ST4 any advantages comparing to ASCOM pulse guiding?

Thar really depends on the ASCOM driver implementation. I can't speak for the Celestron/Nexstar driver you are using, but with EQMOD (which you could also use) there are certainly advantages to pulse guiding (like a greater range of guide speeds, close integration with PEC and integrated diagnostic tools)

Of course just because one method (or driver) has more capabilities than another doesn't necessarily mean the there will deliver any noticeable improvement in image quality for your particular setup.

Chris.

[obscura]

Dumb question.

Leading onto Ascom pulse guiding via Eqmod, what enables this? I have used an ST4 cable from guide camera to HEQ5 mount and that seems to work fine. Hadn't thought of pulse guiding as yet as its early days. I link laptop to mount direct using the Hitec adaptor (no handcontroller).

[chrisshillito]

Your autoguider program should have options somewhere as to how it control the mount - if there ASCOM is one of those then select it, most likely the ASCOM Choose window will appear and then you just select the EQMOD ASCOM driver from there.

There is an option in the EQMOD setup screen that enables pulse guide support (I think this is enabled by default but you might want to check). There is a video on the various EQMOD autoguiding options here.

Chris.

[Sp@ce_d]

If you use PHD as I do there's an option (if I recal) in the drop down mount menu for something like "on Camera" to select the ST4 port. I tend to use pulse via EQMOD tho..

[obscura]

Thanks, that makes sense. I have used Eqmod direct from laptop via Ascom and CduC + ST4. Next time, it'll be pulse and one cable less.

[philr]

I'm following this thread with interest, having just started using EQMOD (thanks to some help from Chris). I have been wondering whether a web cam could act as an auto-guider, at least as a starting point, until I can russle up the wonga for a proper one.

Can anyone offer any guidance on this (foregive the pun please!)

[Sp@ce_d]

I'm following this thread with interest, having just started using EQMOD (thanks to some help from Chris). I have been wondering whether a web cam could act as an auto-guider, at least as a starting point, until I can russle up the wonga for a proper one.

Can anyone offer any guidance on this (foregive the pun please!)

Yes, you can.. I used the SPC900 for a while. I've had 2 both from Morgans, one died a few hours after I modded it (so I moved on to a QHY5). They're a bit noisy and not as sensitive as a "proper" guide cam.. but it does work. There's quite a few people on here using them. Do you have one already you're thinking of using? If not Morgans Buy Philips Pre flashed SPC880 CCD webcam bundle at Morgan Computers were the place to get one not too expensive. They seem to be out of stock though.