Theatre Hipparchus

Guiding is still elusive.

This winter's project was to get the LXD55 to guide for taking long exposure CCD images. I took three different approaches:

1. seperate guider camera

2. using Star 2000 and MX7C

3. computer programs using LX200 protocol in this example I was using MaximDL\CCD for telescope control 

LXD55, Stellarvue AT1010, 70mm Ranger, LX200 tripod.

I used a Meade LPI and Guide Dog with the Ranger. I have read that this set up will guide. I had great difficulty focusing or picking up a usable guidestar.  Next, the Star 2000 interface will not connect throught the hand paddle or the Auxillary Port. Lastly, I used straight telescope control using the Ascom platform and Maxim DL/CCD and decided to take some 15, 45, 60 and 120 second exposures. After a slew and sync the tracking went really well.

 Here is M42 with the 80mm AT1010 unguided with the MX7C. 

There is about 40 minutes of data here and it is divided into short exposures and long to try to preserve some of the core. Of the two minute exposures - 4 of 10 were useable. All of the sixty second images were used.

Here is the dual SX CCD set up. Note the frost starting to gather on the focus draw tube. On both scopes I am close to the limit of back focus. For the Televue Ranger (white scope) I had to make a spacer out of 2X Barlow with the lens removed. Originally, I wasn't that happy with the Helical focuser but it works extremely well for this application. Holding the weight of the MX7C and with the added spacer and keeping sharp focus for guiding was a bonus that I didn't expect from the design. No problems whatsoever for guidestars. In fact I'll bet it takes as good an image as the 80mm AT1010. We will see.  

It is about -10C and actually quite pleasent with no wind. I find the equipment becomes sluggish at about -20 but I can't hold out too long at those temperatures. The blazing cold weather usually accompanies some pretty fantastic skies. Here I am testing out the battery packs for some road trips later on this year.

I'll keep working on the guiding issue and try some new ideas. In the meantime the unguided method seems to work well for 60 to 120 seconds. Feel free to leave a comment or any idea that you may have.

Best,

David