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Shoestring GPUSB Auto-Guider Kit
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A low cost, practical, auto-guiding connectivity kit
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- Auto-Guiding solution with Shoestring's GPUSB interface
- GPUSB plugs directly to PC USB Port
- RJ-12 cable connects to mount
- Software compatible with:
- ASCOM platform
- AstroArt
- MaxImDL
- MaxImEssensials
- MaxDSLR
- K3CCDTools
- Guidemaster
- GuideDog
- ...and others (see below)
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Shoestring GPUSB Auto-Guiding Kit
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Outline
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It is now easy and inexpensive to set up your own autoguiding system. You'll need:
- PC or laptop computer (e.g. Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7).
- Camera dedicated to auto-guiding (e.g. Opticstar PL-130M COOLAIR, etc).
- An interface between the computer and the mount (Shoestring GPUSB kit supplied here).
- Autoguiding software (e.g. AstroArt see below).
With the control software the computer can talk to your telescope mount and direct
it's motion. Many telescopes come with a six pin port that looks like a phone jack.
This is called an RJ-12 connector.
Typically, a hand controller or CCD autoguider is plugged into this port. Until
now, anyone wanting to implement camera auto-guiding that had this type of port
would have to buy a relay box that would connect to the parallel port of the
computer, and then would need to be wired to the guide port. These relay boxes
are fairly large, and are one more thing that requires a power source.
Alternatively the Opticstar AG-130M COOLAIR (monochrome) and the
Opticstar AG-131C COOLAIR (colour) provide all-in-one
auto-guiding solutions including 1.3 megapixel cameras, Shoestring GPUSB, cables
and software.
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Techical Details
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The GPUSB guide port interface adapter plugs directly into a USB port on
your computer or a USB hub attached to your computer. Using an RJ-12 cable, the
adapter connects to the guide port of your telescope mount. This guide port
interface uses optocouplers to electrically isolate the computer from the
telescope, eliminating a possible source of electrical interference. This
interface adapter requires no external power source since it receives its power
via the USB cable. More information can be found in the user manual.
Warning About Cables
The use of improperly wired cables with mounts can result in damage
to the electronics in the mount, as well as damage to the interface adapter.
The importance of using a properly wired cable cannot be stressed enough. If
you choose to make or buy your own from another source, please be sure it is
built per the description in the user manual.
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ASCOM Compatible
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Shoestring Astronomy has developed an ASCOM driver for the GPUSB. Using this driver,
any autoguide software package that supports the ASCOM standard will work with the GPUSB.
Most telescope mounts are ASCOM compliant. Therefore even if your auto-guiding software
package does not support the GPUSB natively, the chances are that it can still be made
to work via the ASCOM software platform. Please follow these steps in order:
- Download and install the ASCOM platform from the ASCOM website.
- Install the Shoestring Astronomy's GPUSB ASCOM Driver for the GPUSB from the link above.
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Missing A Guide Port?
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The Meade LX90 series telescopes may need the Meade 909 port accessory that adds
an ST4 port to the mount.
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The Meade 909 port accessory.
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Missing A USB Port?
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If your computer does not have a spare USB port but it has a parallel port,
then you can use the Shoestring GPINT-PT Auto-Guider Kit
that plugs directly to your computer's parallel port.
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GPINT-PT.
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Telescope-Mount Support
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Any ASCOM compatible mount with an ST-4 compatible autoguider port should work with this adapter.
Mounts tested so far include:
- CG5 (requires Shoestring's Guide Port Conversion Kit)
- EQ3 (requires Shoestring's Guide Port Conversion Kit)
- EQ5 (requires Shoestring's Guide Port Conversion Kit)
- EQ5 PRO SynScan
- EQ6 PRO SkyScan via the hand controller
- HEQ5 PRO SkyScan via the hand controller
- Vixen SPHINX
- Vixen GPDX via SkySensor 2000 (requires Shoestring's SkySensor 2000 converter)
- Vixen Altux via SkySensor 2000 (requires Shoestring's SkySensor 2000 converter)
- Losmandy GM-8 or G-11, without the Gemini box.
- Losmandy GM-8 or G-11, with new-style Gemini box (circular DIN connects to connect motors).
- Takahashi EM-10 (requires Shoestring's Guide Port Converter for Takahashi mounts)
- Meade LX-200.
- Meade LX-90.
- Celestron Nexstar i-series.
- Celestron Celestar 8.
- Celestron Advanced Series GoTo.
- Celestron CGE.
- Orion Atlas EQ-G style.
- Gemini G-41.
- Astro-Physics AP900 QMD.
- JMI NGT.
- Tom O. Equatorial Platform.
With modification, you can also add an ST-4 compatible autoguide port to your EQ
style mount. See the Guide Port Conversion Kit for details.
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System Testing With GPUSBCheck
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GPUSBCheck is a simple, free software application by ShoeString Astronomy that
you can use to verify that your GPUSB, computer, and scope mount are all
together working properly. You can download this using the link above.
You should use this the first time you set up your system. You can also use
it as a debugging tool anytime your system is not functioning properly. If
your system works fine with GPUSBCheck, but not with your third-party software,
then the problem most likely lies with the third-party software and you should
contact them for technical support. If your system does not work with GPUSBCheck,
then you should contact
Shoestring Astronomy
for technical support.
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Software Support For Auto-Guiding
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The Shoestring GPUSB guiding kit (supplied here) is currently supported by
the following software applications.
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Sample Images
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The following photograph has been taken using the Shoestring , GPUSB/GPINT-PT.
Please click on the images below to expand to their full size.
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M42 & NGC1977. Click on the image to enlarge to 2175x2842 pixels.
Image by Dave Moulton captured in the UK, GPUSB (GPINT) auto-guiding kit.
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M81 & M82. Click on the image to enlarge to 1331x1019 pixels.
Image by Dave Moulton captured in the UK, GPUSB (GPINT) auto-guiding kit.
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Notice
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We are constantly checking the accuracy of the technical data. We are prepared to provide
more detailed information on request. Technical data is subject to change without notice.
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