Ursa Minor EQ-3 Autoguider port

[Lasse]

Hi

Has anyone used the Ursa Minor Autguider port for EQ-3 mount? Ursa Minor - Products (third from the bottom) This one is for direct use of a standalone autoguider and not for computer through USB. I have serached for comments and reviews but could not find any.

Kind regards

Lasse

[Cornelius Varley]

That looks like a shoestring astronomy autoguider conversion. It still needs a computer running an autoguide program such as PHD or guidemaster to autoguide. The conversion is relatively simple to perform (solder 5 wires from the guide port onto the pcb) http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/eq_mod.pdf

[Lasse]

Hi Cornelius

I got the impression that this device is converting the signals from the ST4 compatible autoguider directly to the stepper motors. There are no other input beside the autoguider port. It does not say anything in the description on other sites (TS in Germany) that a computer is needed.

regards

Lasse

[Cornelius Varley]

No, the modification only adds the ST4 guide port to the HC. You still need an autoguider and software on a laptop connected up to the HC. This is the same modification as the shoestring astronomy conversion.

The TS site translation into English says that a ST4 guide port is added to the HC, there is no mention or implied that a computer is no longer required.

Peter

[Lasse]

Hi Cornelius

Well, I have written to them and asked how it work.

Regards

Lasse

[Lasse]

Hi

I just got this reply from Teleskop-Austria. First my email question to them, and further down the reply from Teleskop-Austria:

Regards

Lasse

---------------My email---------------------------------------

Hi

I have a question regarding the EQ3/EQ5 Handbox mit Autoguider Eingang. Does this work without a computer?

Reading the description, it seems like the handbox can work without a computer in the same way as the HEQ5 and EQ6 that has a autoguider port for a stand alone autoguider like the LVI that connects directly to the autoguider port without using a computer.

Appreciate all information

Kind regards

Lasse Lindh

Sweden

------------Reply from Teleskop-Austria------------------------

Dear Lasse!

Yes of course, it is a standard Autoguider-Input for EQ3 or EQ5 Handcontrol (but not Goto!).

It fit to LVI and also to our MGEN Stand Alone Autoguider:

Teleskop - Mikroskop (WIEN:Operngasse 23 - - - LINZ:Kapuzinerstr.1.)

Best regards:

Lajos Szantho

[Cornelius Varley]

I was of course forgetting about the new self guiding cameras.

Peter

[Lasse]

Ok, yes. I have two old ones, the Meade Pictor 201XT that hopefully will guide the EQ-3 that my son will use. Yes I know, they are pretty hard to get to work properly, but I'm patient...

Regards

Lasse