New iOptron CEM40 w/ipolar and PHD2

[Kingsley J. Burton]

Apologies in advance for total newb questions... I just got a new CEM40 mount and wondering where to start with autoguiding.  I have been recommended to PHD2, but on first review I can't see that the iPolar is supported, and I'm a bit lost where to head.   I

Background: I use a Fujifilm and Nikon with various lenses, the largest of which is a Nikon 100-400 mm.  The total payload weight for that configuration is under 4 kg.  I had been using an iOptron SkyGuider Pro, but that much weight was really pushing its capabilities so I decided to upgrade to the CEM40 with iPolar.  Hence, this is my first experience with a mount that tracks in both RA and Dec.

Is there a work around for the iPolar for polar alignment, or should I look elsewhere like The SkyX?  

I know its a big ask, but I am willing to listen and learn.

Oh and I'm based in Perth, Western Australia. 

Regards

Kingsley

[Bruce Waddington]

Hi Kingsley.  I think you probably need to do some reading to figure out how your new gear works.  I think iPolar is a separate device with its own software that you use to mechanically align the right ascension axis with the celestial pole.  It doesn't have anything to do with PHD2 or guiding other than to help you do polar alignment more quickly.  The software you need for using it comes with the product.  Learning how to do guiding is going to take some time and effort on your part and you should start by thoroughly reading the PHD2 manual and the Best Practices documents on our web site:

https://openphdguiding.org/documentation/

https://openphdguiding.org/phd2-best-practices/

The challenge of guiding is the high level of precision that's needed for imaging.  Tracking errors on scales of a few microns can cause problems, keeping in mind that a human hair is about 50 microns thick.  Problems you encounter using PHD2 will nearly always be operational errors - which you can minimize by reading the documentation - or equipment errors that you will need to isolate and fix. 

The forum here is quite technical and usually involves helping people diagnose equipment problems or fine-tune their guiding results.  It's been active for many years now, so the forum search capability is a good resource in addition to the documentation.  When you need help here, you will always have to post your PHD2 logs using the built-in facility for doing the uploads to our server:

https://openphdguiding.org/getting-help/

Good luck,

Bruce

[mj.w...@gmail.com]

Hi Kingsley.

Not a CEM40 user, but read "Appendix F. Computer Control a CEM40 Mount" in the CEM40 Instruction Manual.

You'll need the cable, the ASCOM platform, and the ASCOM driver for the mount, but won't necessarily need the Planetarium software.

Then attach a guidescope, and a guide camera, and then use PHD2 to guide.

Michael

Wiltshire UK

[Kingsley J. Burton]

Thank you Bruce... I will do the reading.  Thanks Kingsley

[Kingsley J. Burton]

Thanks Michael, that is very helpful... just looking at the manual now! Thanks Kingsley