Re: [APML] Autoguider recommendations

[Steve <sc02492@yahoo.com>]

Joachim, I've used a 208xt quite successfully for a
few years through the Lumicon Easy Guider.  I don't
think there's any advantage to the 216xt in terms of
sensitivity for autoguiding, but the 216xt is capable
of better CCD imaging.

The 208xt is probably the best "value" if you can get
it used, but it's not as sensitive as the ST-4, which
will probably be at least $200 more.  The 208xt is
fine for relatively bright guide stars, but this can
be a problem when using the OAG....I've found that
positioning the focal reducer to f5 configuration as
described on Philip Perkins' site was very important
for increasing the brightness of the guidestars when
using the 208xt.

The other thing about the 208xt is that it's very
sensitive to even small changes in focus....it's not
hard to adjust once you get the hang of it, but it can
be frustrating at first.  The pluses of the 208xt
are the stand-alone feature, the ease of use, good
sensitivity, and reasonable price (you should be able
to get a used one for $350 or so).  Minuses:  Still
not as sensitive as the ST-4, so you may have trouble
finding bright enough guidestars through the OAG, and
it's relatively unforgiving if your focus is off a
bit.
So my recommendation is that for a few hundred dollars
more, get a used ST-4 (even though I've grown fond of
my 208xt, I recently purchased an STV for
autoguiding....I haven't used it yet).

Steve Cannistra

--- joachimp@broadpark.no wrote:
> Hello group!
> 
> I'm looking for a good (probably used) autoguider
> for my 10" LX200. It will be 
> used in combination with a GEG.
> Right now I'm looking at the Pictor 216XT (maybe
> 208) and SBig ST-5C (maybe ST-
> 4).
> How do these compare? (Pro's and con's) Can I go
> wrong on any of these?
> The things that i think is most important for me is
> #1 sensitivity, #2 stand-
> alone capability, #3 imaging capability.
> Of course price is an issue also, althougt I think
> value for money is most 
> important.
> 
> I'm hoping for some enlightening info guys;^D
> 
> Best regards,
> Joachim Plocinski
> 
> 
> 
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