How does the guide port on the QH5 work?

[arad85]

I'm a tad puzzled... How do you use the guide port on the QHY5 (and other similar cams)? Unless the camera has all the guiding gizmos internally (which it doesn't I don't think) the computer needs to do the guiding. So what is the port for? Or can you address the port directly from the PC via the USB and so save yourself extra bits and bobs?

[Ben Ritchie]

You can connect the QHY5 to the autoguider port on the mount using a 'ST-4' style cable (usually supplied with the guider), which means that you don't have to have another connection from computer to mount (one less cable, or alternatively it means you can use the connection from computer to mount for something else, e.g. planetarium software). You do still need software to do the guiding on the PC though, although there are a few 'stand alone' autoguiders which effectively have guide software built in - useful if you are using a DSLR and don't want to bring a computer just to autoguide.

[arad85]

Hi Ben,

Thanks.. So it just acts as a virtual connection from the PC. Excellent