Proper ASCOM driver for setup of HEQ5 PRO mount for autoguiding with QHY5L-II Mono Autoguider

[billbinmontana]

Greetings fellow astroimagers:

I am new to this group and in need of some expert help to select the proper ASCOM driver for the setup of my Skywatcher HEQ5 PRO mount for autoguiding with the QHY5L-II Monochrome camera /autoguider.

I am using the Skyscan hand controller to control the mount (not linked to a computer).  I have installed the latest firmware v 3.37 in the hand controller.

I understand by reading the PHD2 Manual that I will need to download the proper ASCOM driver for the mount before making the ASCOM selection in the equipment setup section of the PHD Guiding program.

When I go to the ASCOM website via the link in the PHD2 manual, there appears to be a whole array of possible drivers for several specific mounts (Paramount, AP, Losmandy, etc), but I cannot find any reference to a driver for the Skywatcher HEQ5 PRO mount.

Can someone please tell me which driver I need to download and, more specifically, where to go to get it.

Thanks!

Bill

[Andy Galasso]

Hi Bill,

Welcome to the group. I believe what you are looking for is the EQASCOM ASCOM driver: EQASCOM.   There is information on that site for how to connect the mount to the computer. There is also a yahoo forum for EQMOD where you can get help.

Once you get it installed, check the settings and make sure that:

  - pulse guiding is enabled,

  - the guide rate on both axes is set to between 0.5x - 1.0x sidereal.

  - backlash compensation is disabled.

Andy

[Paul Walsh]

In addition to what Andy has said,  if you're going to connect computer to mount using the handset make sure you put the handset in "PC Direct " mode.

Paul

[billbinmontana]

Hi Paul:

Can I run the system with just the hand controller and not link to a computer at this time?  I just want to keep things simple until I can establish that things are working as they should.

Please advise.

Thanks!

Bill