12 replies to this topic

[Bob Arnold]

Hi

While this question is intended primarily to Wolfgang who posts here frequently, I hope others with more knowledge than me will answer this question.

 

Can a guider be used with the LS scope?

 

I noticed in Wolfgang's signature he has a Meade off-axis guider. Since the LS's mount has no guider port, how can a guider be electronically connected?

 

Regards,

Bob Arnold

[Mark Sibole]

Yes if in EQ mode it should work fine.Not in alt az mode as it will not be so good.I cant remember if it had a guider port on it or not but you can guide without a guider port.

[Bob Arnold]

Thanks for the response Mark.

 

I understand that it's not practical with alt az, But just for my curiosity how is guiding done without a guider port? Via Ascom?

 

Bob

[Wolfgang]

Hi Bob,
I had the Meade Off Axis Guider (not electronically) when I was still working azimuth. But as Mark mentioned earlier, it does not make sense in the azimuthal mode. I have this bought cheap on ebay, but the Guider resold.
If I have a Giudeteleskop (example 9x50 viewfinder) and a guide capable camera I will try with PHD Guiding on Ascomplattform my telescope in EQ nachzuführen fashion.
But at the time my EQ setting, including tracking works pretty much and I'll still make several tests with my current modification (EQ mode).
For tracking with Ascom driver there is here in the forum a post of mine, with answers from Marco. As far as I know, Marco works in the azimuthal mode.
Look here:
http://meade4m.com/i...o-ls6-on-wedge/

greetings from Germany
wolfgang

[Wolfgang]

Hi Bob,
see also here some information about Meade Off Axis Guider.
http://www.weasner.c...007/777oag.html
greeting
wolfgang

[Bob Arnold]

Wolfgang,

I'm very impressed at the work you have done converting the LS-6 to EQ. I'm following your progress.

 

As I understand it, ASCOM is what you used to connect the guider. I've no success with getting the Beta MeadeETX driver to work in ASCOM. I have modified the register.bat file for Windows 10's file system. I changed the OS compatibly of the driver itself. It seemed to install correctly.

 

In the scope settings for ASCOM I don't see the LS driver listed. 

 

I'm trying to use Starry Night Pro with my LS-8. It requires ASCOM to connect.

 

Any idea of what I am doing wrong?

 

Regards,

Bob

[Wolfgang]

Hi Bob,
I downloaded the drivers here:

https://groups.yahoo...ons/topics/1007

You must create a Yahoo account and then you can download on the right side of the website this driver. The file is 141Kb in size.
But as I mentioned, I have not been busy.
See also here:

https://groups.yahoo...ups/ETX-LS/info

greeting
Wolfgang

[Wolfgang]

Hi Bob,
and perhaps contact Marco.
From Diskussion here:
http://meade4m.com/i...o-ls6-on-wedge/
greeting
wolfgang

[Bob Arnold]

Thank you Wolfgang. I read the discussion. In fact I was part of it. 

 

I'm going back and start over again. Perhaps that will help me understand. If I am again unsuccessful, I'll try to contact Marco.

 

Bob

[Mark Sibole]

Thanks for the response Mark.

 

I understand that it's not practical with alt az, But just for my curiosity how is guiding done without a guider port? Via Ascom?

 

Bob

Guiding can be done with PHD guide and the cable that hooks from your PC to the telescope.It is the same cable you would use for scope control Via PC.Should be USB cable.Look through your users manual on how to connect usb cable to control your scope Via PC and autostar software.I believe PHD has the settings in their program for auto guiding.

[Mark Sibole]

2! USB-B Connector to PC: Connects your
telescope to a PC computer, so that the telescope
can be remotely controlled from AutoStar Suite
software, or other computer planetarium programs.
This port can also be used to update the software
in your telescope, manage custom catalogs, keep
data on satellites, comets and asteroids current,
and to download new tours to your telescope.

[Bob Arnold]

Thank you Mark,

I'll be using Autostar via USB cable if I can't get Ascom to work. I want to be able to operate the scope in winter from the comfort of my basement. 

 

Autostar has a remote controller feature that I can use with the addition of an active extension USB cable and powered USB hub.

 

An alternative solution would be to use 2 computers, one inside, one outside and remotely control the outside unit using Teamworks software.

 

Bob

[Mark Sibole]

Thats how I do it.I have a PC in the Observatory 500 feet away connected via Cat 5 and once I open up I can control everything up here in the house.