Guiding-Webcam-Connectivity

[Freff]

Due to funding a 4 week wait until I'm able to order a Starlight Xpress SXV Exview Guide camera. In the meantime I'd like to play around with and setup some different software, ie EQmod, PHD etc.

I have a webcam I can use as a temp guider (on a SW ST102) but I'm unsure how to connect it. With the Starlight it will connect to the ST4 on the mount, and USB on the laptop. With the webcam I only have USB of course.

The webcam signal will use the USB to laptop as normal, but how do the mount receive the signal from the laptop. The only way I can think of is via the socket (serial I think) on the hand set or a USB to ST4 direct.

Many thanks

[Photosbykev]

If you are using EQMod then the guiding correction can be sent via the EQDir link to the mount if you set the guide camera as an ASCOM camera rather than on-board camera.

http://stargazerslounge.com/primers-tutorials/127026-neq6-hardware-software-astrophotography.html

[Freff]

Thanks Kev. EQDir is a piece of hardware isn't it. I really did not want to buy any more gear, but use what I have as it is only a stopgap.

What does EQDir actually do. Is it just a hardware converter or does it have firmware built in.

[Photosbykev]

Thanks Kev. EQDir is a piece of hardware isn't it. I really did not want to buy any more gear, but use what I have as it is only a stopgap.

What does EQDir actually do. Is it just a hardware converter or does it have firmware built in.

The EQDir module converts the serial output to the TTL signal levels that the mount needs. There is a lot of info on the EQMOD website EQMOD

[Freff]

Thank again Kev. I can control the mount no problem with EQMod via the handset and USB/Serial cable. It's getting PHD and a webcam to guide it that is the problem. Hope I'm explaining myself properly.

[Photosbykev]

Thank again Kev. I can control the mount no problem with EQMod via the handset and USB/Serial cable. It's getting PHD and a webcam to guide it that is the problem. Hope I'm explaining myself properly.

Take a look at the 2nd diagram and the note on ST-4 that Merlin66 supplied. I think it should work with the hardware you have?

[Freff]

Many thanks for your patience Kev. I have gone back over an earlier thread of yours http://stargazerslounge.com/primers-tutorials/127026-neq6-hardware-software-astrophotography-2.html#post1664338 and I think I have got my head around it.

Cheers

[samir_ansari]

Would EQMOD work with a standard HEQ5 if I had a guide cam?

[Freff]

I'm not exactly sure about the specs for this mount, perhaps you would be better posting on the Equipment Help forum. Good luck.