Another auto guiding question

[cmjrff]

Would some members who are successfully auto-guiding with the lxd75 mount reply to this post with descriptions of their setups, equipment, any necessary cable adapters (and where to get them) and software?  There are a lot of posts about this but many of them seem to end before there is a clear description of workable solutions.  Many thanks to whoever replies.  This forum has already been very helpful to me.
Charles

[DSOMAN]

Hi Charles,

When I had my LXD75 mount I guided very well using PHD [free].
http://www.stark-labs.com/

Since the LXD75 does not have a direct guide port on the mount you will need to guide through the extra port on the handbox using the ASCOM platform and driver.

You can download the ASCOM platform here:  http://ascom-standards.org/Downloads/Index.htm

After you have loaded the ASCOM platform go to the stark-labs site and download and install the LXD75 driver: http://www.stark-labs.com/phdguiding.html

Download the "Meade ASCOM driver from Jonathan that actually works" below the image of the PHD display.

You now have all the drivers for guiding. PHD should show a selection for "Meade Classic and Autostar I" under the mount menu.

The only thing left is to connect from the PC to the handbox.

On mine I made a connector to go from the PC RS232 port to the handbox. I think you can get a USB adapter from Shoestring Astronomy: http://www.shoestringastronomy.com/

You might send them an e-mail and ask what you need, they are very helpful. Tell them you need to connect from USB to the LXD75 handbox.

This is all from memory, hope it helps. Someone else might have some pointers too.

Brent

[cmjrff]

Thank you Brent.  I knew you ended up going with a sturdier mount but I wondered if you used the lxd75 before the upgrade.  It sounds like there is no need for the meade apm 909 module (which are discontinued apparently)?
Charles

[swede]

No use for the 909-module? That depends. If you are using a DSLR from a dark site and don't want a computer to fiddle with, it's better to use the 909-module (clone available) and a standalone autoguider that works without a computer and guides the mount directly.

Swede