[APML] How to use Pictor 208XT autoguider with Celestar 8 Deluxe?

[<jthirsty@charter.net>]

Hi folks,

Could someone please clarify if/how I can use a Meade Pictor 208XT as an autoguider on a Celestar 8 Deluxe?  I haven't bought the 208 yet, but since it still seems to be available and it's fairly cheap I would like to try it out.  I've been through many web sites, and I'm all confused by just what is involved.

Question 1: Can I use this combination, or do Meade and Celestron try to prevent cross-compatibility?

Question 2: How would I hook it up?  My hand controller has an RJ12 port on the top labeled "Autoguide", so can I just connect the CCD cable to this port, or do I need a relay box, or is the pin-out different between them?  Then do I just connect the serial cable to the laptop and use Pictorview? If so, then presumably the laptop calculates the corrections, which are then transmitted to the 208 which then relays them to the hand controller, right?

I hope I'm not wasting anybodys time with something that would be obvious if I just bought the darn thing, but I've been reading about optocouplers and webcam mods and relay boxes and software for 3 days now and am pretty much confused.

thanks,
Jerry Thirsty

_______________________________________________
Astro-Photo mailing list
Astro-Photo@seds.org
http://seds.org/mailman/listinfo/astro-photo