From: Milton Aupperle <milton@outcastsoft.com>
Date: September 20, 2007 12:03:08 PM MDT
To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Astro_IIDC] CPC scopes
Hi Willie;
On 20-Sep-07, at 11:17 AM, Willie Strickland wrote:
I am about 90% certain I will get an 11" CPC 1100 GPS as my next
scope. How would this scope work with AstroIIDC?
If you pick up a GPUSB (USB interface box to hook up to the ST-4 Guide port) then you can get Astro IIDC to guide for you using the AutoGuide Port on the CPC mount.
However the NextStar protocol via the RS232 Serial Port control won't work with Astro IIDC. It's a fine protocol for GoTo or crude control of the mount, however it's pretty much useless to tell it to move say 0.101 arc seconds left for guiding. Equinox and other GoTo software packages work fine for moving to objects, as does the hand controller on them.
What would be a
good camera to match with it?
It depends on what sort of imaging (i.e. Solar, Lunar, Planetary, Stellar Astrophotometry, Comets, DSO etc. etc. ) your interest in.
Any user comments or suggestion for
must-have accessories before I take the leap?
If it was me and I was going after DSO's, I'd be getting:
1) Equatorial Wedge so that you can use it in equatorial orientation. Astro IIDC will not guide at all with an alt azimuth mount.
2) Focal Reducer
3) GPUSB
4) Off Axis Radial Guider or possibly a 80 mm Guide scope. The OAG don't have flexure issues, but it's a bit trickier to use.
5) If your in a light polluted site an Light Pollution Filter helps a lot.
For Lunar / Planetary:
1) Good Quality Barlow
2) Possibly Focal Reducer for those wider angle shots.
My apologies if this is not acceptable for the list.
No Apology necessary. It's Astro IIDC / Imaging related.
--
Willie Strickland
HTH..
Milton J. Aupperle
President
ASC - Aupperle Services and Contracting
Mac Software (Drivers, Components and Application) Specialist
#1005 - 815 14th Avenue. S.W.
Calgary Alberta T2R0N5
1-(403)-229-9456
www.outcastsoft.com
Proud Supporter of the "Party of Alberta"
http://www.partyofalberta.org/