E_ri_k Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 Hey guys, I am looking at getting an autoguider for my setup. I have never used one before. My mount is pretty well polar aligned at the moment, however I was thinking. How essential is polar alignment if you are using an autoguider?Can you just set up your scope anywhere and find a guide star and the mount will track?Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin66 Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 Your scope need to be pretty well polar aligned to give good images.The guiding only keeps one star "locked on" - if your polar alignment is poor, then all the the other stars will appear to rotate (field rotation) around the guide star image.HTH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E_ri_k Posted September 25, 2011 Author Share Posted September 25, 2011 Righto, think I know what you mean. It needs to plug into a PC too doesn't it? and the PC controls the mount? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin66 Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 Yes, that's the favourite method.I use a QHY5 guide camera fitted to a ST80, mounted piggyback.The camera has a direct connect ST-4 guide cable to the guide port (ST-4) on the mount. The usb from the camera goes to the PC, and I run PHD software which does all the smart stuff...sends the "corrections" back up the usb to the camera which then "talks" directly to the mount....majic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E_ri_k Posted September 25, 2011 Author Share Posted September 25, 2011 Nice, thought that's how it worked! I am saving up for a:Orion Awesom Autoguider Package Looks like a good deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin66 Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 Check out the prices on the QHY5 and SW ST80 - may work out cheaper.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E_ri_k Posted September 25, 2011 Author Share Posted September 25, 2011 Looks like a nice camera. I will see what works out best. Thanks for that link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathan_Pembs Posted September 26, 2011 Share Posted September 26, 2011 The QHY5 is pretty much the exact same camera as the Orion one, just a different colour and costs alot less Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E_ri_k Posted September 26, 2011 Author Share Posted September 26, 2011 Thanks Nathan, yeah I compared the Specs between the two. Seem very similar. Even though it's more expensive I like the fact it all comes as one package. Haven't made up my mind yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.