Question about autoguider

[HenryW]

Then i've decided to purchase an autoguider or use my Neximage5 as a guider.

First of all i have probably a Celestron 80/600mm guide Scope under Christmas tree and i'm thinking buying the Celestron Nexguide.

First question: Is The Celestron Nexguide any usefull item? Couldn't find any review

Second Question: Can i use the Neximage5 as an autoguider?

If so; What will i be needing to do to get the Neximage running?

I will use it With the SW 130PDS on an EQ5 upgraded With Synscan

Any  help and advice will be greatly appreciated

[WyomingRob]

I use a QHY5 II on a AstroTech 50mm guide scope, with PHD for guiding.

My guiding is within 1/2 pixels.

I use an EQ mount.  It all depends on what you can afford, and how well you are polar aligned, and how well the mount will track.

Rob C.

[nmoushon]

I recently switch to a dual chip CCD but when I did my guiding before I used a 9x50 finderguider and DYI'd it to attach my QHY-II to it and it worked great. Not sure about the NexImage5 but the new QHY-IIs are about the same price and have a good reputation.

[HenryW]

Thank you! I landed on a seconhand Synguider that i got at a very reasonable price. I'll try this out and will consider other options. My worries is to have a Laptop outside in temperarures at the lower -10 degrees Celcius, though i have more than enough electrical suply.

[Bizibilder]

If you put your lappy inside a plastic box it will keep itself warm (and dry) during an imaging run - use the box on its side and clip the lid off or on for access.

[HenryW]

If you put your lappy inside a plastic box it will keep itself warm (and dry) during an imaging run - use the box on its side and clip the lid off or on for access.

I should have tought about this   I've had the telescope outside With synscan  at about -24 C enjoying Visual observations several hours, the only problem ecountered was that the hand Control was a little bit slower. The Power supply, a transformator from 220V->12V,  was put inside a plastic Box underneath the tripod.

Thanks!

[WyomingRob]

Also, try a Hand Warmer in the box.

At low temps, it helps keep the controls warm enough to keep them working well.

Here in Wyoming, a person needs all the help one can get.

Rob C.

[nmoushon]

I had to start putting a hand warmer on my controller for the mount. It would freeze up and stop working. I also figured out that if I placed my laptop close enough and in the right position to the mount I could let the hand controller lay next to the laptop vent and that would be be enough to keep it warm and working.