invention???

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a better way to move the guiding scope around to focus on a star for PHD rather than the 6 ring screws. If not, I think an invention would be in order.
When I try to image M31 it is really hard to get a bright enough star for PHD using the current way. Maybe I'm just way out in let field, bob

robert black said:

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a better way to move the guiding scope around to focus on a star for PHD rather than the 6 ring screws. If not, I think an invention would be in order.
When I try to image M31 it is really hard to get a bright enough star for PHD using the current way. Maybe I'm just way out in let field, bob

No, you're not out in left field. Other systems have been/used in the past, like "x - y" guidescope mounts that move a plate up and down/side to side via knobs. Don't know if anybody's makin' a rig like this at the moment, but it is for sure practical if done right. OTOH, if your guide camera is reasonably sensitive, you shouldn't have to do a lot of movin' around anyways.

You can get a plate that moves your eyepiece in x or y axis. I've seen them I think on a Williams Optics scope--but I have no idea where it came from.

A second thought.....Use your planetarium program to locate a star for guiding. In some shots (like M81-82), there don't seem to be many. In others (like M33 I think) there are so many little stars, it is hard for the guider to keep track of which one it is using.

Alex

Robert,
They ain't cheap but here are a few, 2 by Tak. and 1 by Geoptik (apm). I was never fond of the 6 point system either so I ended up buying a used, no longer available Mizar alt-az guiding mount.
Bob


http://www.tetontelescope.com/product_info.php?cPath=47_14_88&products_id=395

http://www.buytelescopes.com/product.asp?t=19&pid=1587&m=35

http://www.buytelescopes.com/product.asp?t=19&pid=1585&m=35

What guide camera are you using?