Can you help me get an autoguider setup?

[majestic0110]

Hi all,

I have an HEQ5 mount and a SkyWatcher 200PDS. I'd really to convert my finderscope so it can be used as an autoguider. I am pushing the weight of the mount as it is so I think putting another scope on it would not be a great idea, so I had the idea of using my finderscope as an autoguider for astrophotography. From what I understand, I need a guider and I also need an adaptor that will allow a guider to fit into the finder - is this correct? If so, do you know which adapter I need?

And also, which guider would you recommend? There are a lot of options out there and it's a little bewildering to someone like me who is new! If it helps, I'd like to do DSO imaging and my scope is f/5.

Thanks.,

Phil

[Cornelius Varley]

You can get suitable adapters from Modernastronomy http://www.modernast...tml#accAdapters . Guide cameras come in all shapes and sizes, webcams such as the SPC900 (if you can get one) through to dedicated guide cameras which have a built in ST4 port (makes connecting the whole thing up a bit easier) http://www.modernast...erasGuider.html

Peter

[majestic0110]

Great thanks Peter, that's just what I need! Can someone please explain to me what a field flattener is used for? I have an 8" inch Newt, and heard that a coma corrector is a MUST for imaging, but do I also need a Field Flattener?

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[themos]

I'd say no. Field flatteners are for refractors usually.