Guiding and ST4 port

[pjmaciw]

I am thinking of adding auto guiding to my setup. I am not sure how the ST4 port is used. I use the excelent eqmod software on an neq6. If I then connect a cam and use php to do the guiding what is the ST4 port on the mount connected to?

Have I got 50 posts yet, Pete.

[Cornelius Varley]

Unless you use EQMOD to pulse guide you will need an autoguider interface such as one of these First Light Optics - HitecAstro USB Guider. One side of autoguider has a USB port which plugs into your computer and the other side a ST4 which connects to the ST4 port on your mount.

Peter

[Veracocha]

Get a guide camera with an ST4 port and you can plug straight from the camera to the mount.

[jgs001]

I have a qhy5v guide camera with an st4 port, but I've never used it. The mounts st4 port has never been used. I'm guiding with the eqmod pulse guide modes.

[Merlin66]

I use the QHY5 which has a direct connect to the ST-4 port on the NEQ6pro mount.

Just set PHD to "camera guide" and it does all the rest....

[pjmaciw]

Thanks for all the explanations and advice.

So, is there any disadvantage in using eqmod pulse guiding over ST4. I am just thinking it would be one less cable.

Also, what cam to get. I see that the cheaper ones are CMOS rather than CCD. Are they up to the job or is a CCD cam a better choice. The QHY5v cams looks to be a reasonable choice or are there better ones to consider.

Pete.

[Veracocha]

That's why I moved from a DSI to an QHY5, to get rid of one cable. For guiding I find the QHY5 more than adequate.

[pjmaciw]

Looks like it's the QHY5v for me then.

Just one more question. Do I need the mono version or would colour be ok for guiding. A colour would be more versatile but I need to check it's ok for guiding.

Thanks again everyone for the top quality and clear explanations.

Pete.

[Veracocha]

Mono will do nicely for guiding and I understand the colour can do the occasional planetary work.

[ollypenrice]

I guide with Atik 16ics, one mono and one colour. Although in theory the mono might be the better idea I can't say I've ever noticed any difference.

Olly

[Psychobilly]

I use colour Meade DSI cams for guidign (DSI 1c and DSI IIc) on slow f8 telephoto lenses and have never failed to find a guidestar...

Peter...