Re: [APML] OT: Autoguiding a Vixen SP mount

[Duncan Munro <dmunro@sfu.ca>]

Stuart there is actually a number of options. I am just in the process 
of cumputerizing my mount using the Mel Bartels hardware/software system 
and I did some research into this question. I will list the various 
options in order of estimated price:

Get another handbox and wire in an autoguider interface. See:

www.astronomyboy.com for more info.

get two stepper motors (actually the controller can be modified to work 
with the Synta motors) , a couple of cog tooth belts and pulleys, and a  
Mel Bartels interface/motor controller board and hook it all up to your 
laptop. See:

http://www.bbastrodesigns.com/

for more info.

Purchase a Powerflex MTS-3SDI controller. This is a standalone 
controller for microstepping a dual stepper motor drive system. It adds 
PEC, an autoguider port, and the possibility of remote PC control. See:

http://arnholm.org/astro/index.htm

for more info. I don't know if the MTS controller will work with the 
stock Synta motors.

One system that will work is the WinCTC controller. It adds essentially 
the same features as the MTS controller but it is  not as flexible as 
the MTS controller as it is specifically designed for the Synta motors. See:

http://www.cloudynights.com/mounts2/WinCTC.htm

for a review of this system. Also see:

http://www.ip.pt/coaa/winctc.htm

for the company website.

hope this helps.

Duncan Munro




Stuart Heggie wrote:

>I just smoked my cheapo hand box for my SP mount (it is a CG-4
>controller and motors that has done me no wrong but I roasted it today
>playing around with power supply options).
>
>For those autoguiding their SP mounts, other than the SS2K, are there
>options for a new controller (and probably motors) that would allow me
>to self guide a camera lens / ccd camera combo piggyback on the SP
>mount? The SS2K costs more than I paid for the mount, current motors and
>102mm Vixen Achromat so I'm not really willing to spend that much.
>
>Stuart
>http://www3.sympatico.ca/stuart.j.heggie/Stuart.J.Heggie/
>Flesherton, Ontario, Canada
>
>
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>
>  
>


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