guiding Sirius EQ-G (Synta EQ-5?), GPUSB or.... ?

[sergiyz]

I have an ED-120 APO refractor with the Orion Sirius EQ-G GoTo mount which I'm trying to use for astrophotography.
I'm still trying to figure out my options as far as guiding goes.
I know that computer interface on the goto remote doesn't support
the "pulse guiding", but Shoestring makes an adapter which allows to enable that support.
On the other hand, Sirius SQ-G has an ST-4 compatible guiding port, and
the guiding software I'd like to use (PHD Guide from stark-labs.com) seems to support Shoesting GPUSB too.
Is one better than the other or they are pretty much doing the same thing ?
Also, there seems to be a lot of guiding software available, both free and commercial, would GPUSB be a better option as far as guiding support
in various software goes ?

[dpanderson]

In terms of guiding accuracy, I have seen no conclusive evidence that says guiding via a serial port with "pulse guide" commands is any better or worse than guiding via a guide port.

In terms of software support, there is probably not much of an advantage one way or the other. A lot of the software supports the GPUSB directly, but also supports it indirectly via the ASCOM driver. Any software that supports ASCOM would also allow you to use the EQMOD ASCOM driver through the serial port and the EQDIR interface product that Shoestring sells.

Given that there is no known advantage one way or the other, it really comes down to a matter of preference. The EQDIR is less expensive and opens up other capabilities for controlling your mount, but it involves the installation and compatibility of more layers of software. Folks with multiple mounts tend to prefer the GPUSB because it will work with any mount that has an ST-4 compatible guide port.

I think either way you choose will work out in your situation.

[wapayne]

I have a similar set-up and was wondering exactly how to set up the interface? I to intend to use PHD Guiding. I purchased, and received, the GPUSB but am hvibg no luck (although I haven't) spent too much time yet - 3 day weekend though). I hooked everything up and used the check program and was able to get the LED to change but didn't notice any movement when I clicked the direction buttons. Did I purchase the correct interface?

Thanks in advance.

-walter

[dpanderson]

Walter,

Yes, the GPUSB is the correct interface. You also must have an RJ12 cable that is wired pin 1 to pin 1. If you bought one from us, that should be good.

The motor movement is very subtle unless you are looking at a star. The easiest way to tell generally is to listen for a change in the motor sound.

Also, some mounts have a handcontroller menu setting that enables/disable the autoguide port, enables/disables declination correction, and sets the autoguide port slew rate. Make sure that if you have these settings that they are configured properly.

If the LED is changing, then you are assured that the USB connection to the GPUSB is working.

[wapayne]

Doug,
In attempts to circumvent delivery times, would Radio Shack have one?

Pulling out manual on mount for proper settings...

Appreciate the prompt response – great support.

R,
-walter

[dpanderson]

I believe the cables sold at Radio Shack are wired pin 1 to pin 6, but you could check with them. Another option would be to buy one there, then have them cut the connector off of one end and crimp a new one on in the opposite orientation. You can take this document along with you to show them how:
http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.co ... cables.pdf

[wapayne]

Noted. Thanks.

-walter

[wapayne]

Success with the GPUSB. Now a new problem - what about the computer (USB) to hand controller on Sirius mount? I purchased a serial to USB but it appears the hand controller is having problems sending to computer via USB. Any thoughts on rectifying this?

[dpanderson]

Apparently there are USB-to-serial converters that work, and others that don't. There is a fair amount of discussion on this at the EQ6 Yahoo group:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/EQ6/
and the EQMOD Yahoo group:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/EQMOD/