Re: [APML] guidescope / setup question

[Matt BenDaniel <matt@starmatt.com>]

"Aike M. Voelker" wrote:
> ...I've discovered that they see a big problem in aligning the guidescope to the photographic scope.

Aike,

You do want to choose a guide star as near to the center of field as
practical.  You need to do that once for each composition.  That
minimizes the effects of any error in polar alignment.  Selecting a
guide star is fairly easy if you mount the guide scope in a pair of
three point rings (e.g. http://www.losmandy.com/secondary.html#DR).  The
three ring screws are not aligned with the RA/DEC axes, but you'll get
used to it.  If you are using an ST-4, then I recommend a flip mirror. 
Pocono sold a decent one until they went out of business.

I know you already have a guide scope, but if you have the back focus,
you should consider a Lumicon Newtonian Easy Guider.  IMO an OAG is
harder to use than a guide scope, but it vastly reduces flexure problems
and reduces weight.
-- 
Matt BenDaniel
http://starmatt.com

--  APML Archives at <http://astro.umsystem.edu/apml/>  ---
             Unsubscribe at <majordomo@seds.org>