Opticstar PL-131 series. © Opticstar Ltd, 2021.
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Updated: 07/09/2021
Imaging and Auto-guiding With a Single Scope
An alternative setup will involve a single telescope for imaging and auto-guiding purposes instead
of two different telescopes. As such you will require the following items to be able to image and
auto-guide.
1.
An imaging camera, i.e., DS-616C XL+.
2.
An imaging scope, i.e. A&M 80mm f7.5 Super APO.
3.
An off-axis guider
4.
An ST-4 compatible mount, i.e., Sky-Watcher EQ6 or HEQ5.
5.
ASCOM software platform v5
or later (freely available)
6.
PC with USB2.0 ports running Windows 7/8/10.
7.
The Shoestring auto-guide controller and cables, i.e., Shoestring GPUSB kit.
8.
Auto-guiding software, i.e., PHD Guiding, AstroArt, MaxIm DL.
9.
Opticstar PL-131 camera and drivers.
The Opticstar AG-131 auto-guiding kit contains items 7, 8 and 9 in the above list. You will
therefore also need to provide your own imaging camera, telescope, off-axis guider, PC running
Windows 7/8/10 and ST-4 compatible telescope mount.
An off-axis guider provides an easy and affordable way to auto-guide with a single scope. It
minimises possible tube flexure but has the disadvantage of having a limited field of view. Also,
the amount of light that hits the prism/mirror is relatively small making less bright stars more
difficult to see and track.
Shoestring Auto-
guider Control Box
Telescope used for both imaging and
auto-guiding
PL-131
auto-guiding
camera
Main Imager
PC
Windows
To ST-4 compatible
telescope mount
Camera control
and Auto-guiding
software
USB cables
Off-axis
guider
Astroport beam splitter Vixen off-axis guider Celestron off-axis radial guider
