EQ5 SynScan PRO GOTO and guiding

[WaveSoarer]

I've been using my EQ5 and 200p for astrophotography with the simple dual-axis tracking motors. I've been getting reasonable results for 120s exposures and only need to throw out about 20%-25% of the subs due to elliptical stars or occasional split stars (I'm not sure why I get occasional cases where the stars are split). Anyway, I was wondering about advancing to guiding and I'd appreciate some advice on whether the upgrade to the SynScan Pro Goto would be worthwhile. I'm quite happy with my setup otherwise and I appreciate anyones experience of what can be achieved via this route.

Dave

[Dr_Ju_ju]

On the really cheap side....  

If your hand controller has an ST4 interface, then you could use software to drive the mount, either PC Mac etc.... with the addition of a cheap camera, then something like PHD would do autoguiding..

[Vega]

The first thing you need to find out is if your mount has an autoguider port. If it doesn't, you would have to go the hand controller route as Dr JuJu says. However autoguiding does require a guide camera and mounting system for it. The cheap route could be using a small guide scope that attaches to your finderscope bracket then sticking a standard webcam on the end for guiding with PHD software. A more expensive option is to have an extra dovetail, guide rings and small refractor fixed on top of your current scope rings. There are more sophisticated guide cameras out there that are more sensitive and can 'see' more stars to guide from (making things easier when selecting a guide star near your target).

It all depends on budget vs ease of use.

Cheers

[WaveSoarer]

I only have the basic EQ5 mount and I'd need to upgrade it with the SynScan Pro Goto controller and motors. I see that you have the EQ6 Synscan and I expect that it offers guiding.

Dave

[Geordie mc]

How much is the upgrade going to cost versus upgrading to an Heq5 pro or eq6 which both have the st4 port on them? Might be worth considering.

[WaveSoarer]

Thanks  Geordie mc. That thought had also passed my mind. Breaking the cost down into smaller lumps is a consideration, though, and I do like the portability of my EQ5.

Dave

[Merlin66]

The 6V handpaddle used on the EQ5 can be modified to include an ST4 port for guiding.

I don't have the link but I'm sure someone will come along.

EDIT: http://thx8411.over-blog.com/pages/Add_an_ST4_port_on_the_EQ4EQ5_motor_drives-3258969.html