Hi Dave, My main scope is a Meade LX200GPS 12". Like you, I have an Orion ShortTube 80 mm as the guide scope; it's mounted on a setup Guy Malmborg manufactured for me. I think you can find something on the Internet to hold the guide scope on the main scope. On the underside I have a Celestron counterweight bar assembly, which I think is no longer made. I use a five-pound weight. The Oceanside Photo and Telescope (OPT) site says they recommend the Losmandy DWS counterweight system, something I know nothing about. If I were you I'd contact OPT, which is where I buy nearly all my equipment, and talk about your gear -- they will give you solid, reliable recommendations. My main camera is an SBIG ST-402 ME, with color filter wheel, the cheapest SBIG makes; I am hoping to buy their new 8300 camera. My guide camera is Meade Deep Sky Imager (I don't remember if it's I or II variety, but either would work.) I have a lot of software. Mostly I use the free PHD Guiding with the guide scope. I control the main camera with MaxIM DL and use this program to process images (sometimes with a little help from PhotoShop Elements). A very important recent addition is the PemPro Software, which is great for better control of periodic error. I use Starry Night Pro 6 mostly to choose targets, but don't control the telescope with it. I learned that properly balancing the entire setup is vital. Best wishes, Joe --- On Sat, 12/11/10, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
From: Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> Subject: [Utah-astronomy] For Joe Bauman To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Saturday, December 11, 2010, 12:02 PM Joe,
I know you have a Meade LX200 telescope. Would you describe your imaging set-up. I’m outfitting my classic LX200 10” scope and could use some advice on balancing the whole set-up. I’ve purchased an Orion 80mm short-tube refractor as my guide scope. I have an Orion Starshoot Pro color camera for the primary scope and an Orion Starshoot Planetary Imager and Autoguider for the guide scope. I have a Milburn wedge. I have an AC generator for power in the field. We talked about this a while back.
I’m sure I’ll need some counterbalance weights. What type of counterbalance set-up do you have? Also, what software do you use for imaging analysis? I can run either Windoze or Mac. However, I prefer Mac. Is there anything I’m missing? Do you have any preference for books of reference concerning imaging techniques?
Thanks,
Dave _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com