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New for old - autoguiding old scopes, Tom Gray

New for old - autoguiding old scopes

New for old - autoguiding old scopes, Tom Gray

New for old - autoguiding old scopes

Description

I thought it would be helpful, interesting, instructive, or just memorable for some, to post my experiences building an autoguider for my Meade 2080 LX5 (1989 vintage) SCT. Of course I did not, and could not have done this alone, without the help of patient and supportive members of the astronomical community. I completed this project in 2019.

I had tried for some time to achieve this using an old (and as it transpired damaged) LX200 emulation board. An old timer, generously pointed me to a modern £5 relay board which changed everything, allowing an ST4 mod to my hand controller. I won't bore you with the details, but instructions can be found on various groups, or you can message me for details. See here for the critical circuitry https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/665591-guiding-interface-for-meade-lx5-handbox/



I've posted a few pictures to show the end result, with which I've achieved a guiding accuracy of 0.48" (typically 0.8-1") using PHD and a secondhand Orion Starshoot camera with ST4 guiding output. With the right help and support you can breathe new life into old kit, and without costing the earth.

Comments

Revisions

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    New for old - autoguiding old scopes, Tom Gray
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B

Description: Here is the autoguider box attached to the hand controller of my LX5 using a DB9 connector. I obtained this hand controller pre-modified from USA, although it is relatively easy to do, if you don't mind soldering, and handling old and delicate wiring (replacement hand controllers are almost impossible to come by).

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C

Description: Here's the circuitry wired up for testing. A DC 12v to 5v converter attached to a 4 SPDT relay board accepting ST4 inputs - further details here https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/665591-guiding-interface-for-meade-lx5-handbox/

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D

Description: If you're feeling brave...

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Histogram

New for old - autoguiding old scopes, Tom Gray