Re: [APML] Autoguider Selection

[Stuart Heggie <stuart.j.heggie@sympatico.ca>]

Jeff, thanks for the quick reply. I too am "strictly retail" though I buy used
equipment where ever I can. I am not very do-it-yourself. I think for me the
decision has two axes:

1. How much can I afford? ST-4 or the STV/ST-237.
2. If I can afford either the STV / ST-237 - is there an overall advantage to
the 237 because it can image as well as autoguide and seems to lend itself to
camera lens attachment (plus the color filter wheel allows for tri-color
imaging). If it sounds like I'm sold on the 237 it is just my reaction to the
advertising - never laid eyes on either of these beasts.

Meanwhile,
The imaging rig I use now is a 400mm f3.5 Nikkor on an F2 and a 4"
Celestron/Vixen f9.8 guidescope. Till now I have been using my SPC102 (from
which the 4" achromat comes) and piggybacked the Nikon rig which is
hilariously overburdening it but it has produced some beautiful images when
balanced but trying to image something directly overhead (where the bulk of
the weight is on the south side of the mount) pulls the mount in altitude as
there is nothing to hold the altitude once you've polar aligned other than the
weight of the counterweights. It has produced LOTS of blurred images from one
thing or another slipping under the weight of all this equipment.
The other sordid story is that I have a 10" sct (Meade 2120) which I have been
struggling with what to do about. Financially I favour pulling it off the fork
arms, selling all the bits (tripod, wedge, fork arms, ...) and using that
money to fund the autoguider purchase. Or, selling it intact and buying a
better long focus imaging / visual scope. My pref for the latter is the Vixen
VC200L which John Mirtle has been telling me about. I am trying to reconcile
my bank balance with my desire to make a good long term decision. Not going
very well so far.

Stuart Heggie
<no web site yet>

Jeff Ball wrote:

> What scope do you use, Stuart?  You have hit the highlights of the
> advantages/disadvantages of the autoguiders.  The ST4 is a solid performer
> over the years.  The STV Efinder option is what I use now.  For me, it
> provided a lighter weight alternative to an ST4/guidescope combination.  I
> love the STV Efinder.  Very simple, yet it has numerous analytical tools.
> Many have found the STV easy to learn because we had ST4 experience.  I
> can't comment on the ST237.  How much is it?  It really is all about how
> much you want to spend.  Unless you are using a very long focal length
> scope, i.e. 2500mm or more?, I think the STV Efinder option will meet your
> needs.  If you are a "do-it-yourselfer", others have built an autoguider
> with a netcam/videocam.  I am strictly retail. Best wishes.
>
> Jeff Ball
> www.astro-photography.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: astro-photo-bounces@seds.org
> [mailto:astro-photo-bounces@seds.org]On Behalf Of Stuart Heggie
> Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2003 7:40 AM
> To: APML Astrophotography
> Subject: [APML] Autoguider Selection
>
> Need some "guidance" - have my new-to-me G-11 and need to
> get an autoguider - minus 17C is toooo cold to sit out for
> an hour hunched over the eyepiece.
>
> I just can't figure my choice out:
>
> 1. ST-4 which is discontinued but affordable at $600 - $800
> USD used
> 2. STV which is simpler by far to use it seems and needs no
> computer but comes in at $1600 - $1800 USD used
> 3. ST-237 which seems to be cheaper and more versatile than
> the STV but requires a computer (which I have).
>
> Help?
>
> Stuart Heggie
>
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