20 21
When you have made your selection
for Export, click Export and specify
the file name and folder destination,
then click Save.
6. using the StarShoot G3 as an autoguider
The StarShoot G3 also functions as a
very high performance autoguider.
Use the included ASCOM drivers for
the camera to operate it in any number
of ASCOM compatible programs. We
recommend PHDGuiding,which
is freeware and rated as one of the
best autoguiding software programs
available. Visit www.stark-labs.com/
downloads.html
We recommend setting the camera to
bin 2x2 when autoguiding, especially
for StarShoot G3 Color users. Using
the TEC will reduce the noise, but is
generally not a requirement for autoguiding. You can save power and leave the
TEC off while autoguiding.
Connect a standard RJ-12 cable from the G3’s autoguider relay port to the
ST-4 compatible autoguider port on your equatorial mount (Figures 22.1 and
22.2). Connect the G3 to the USB on you computer as you normally would, and
operate the camera with an ASCOM compatible program like PHD Guiding.
7. Optional accessories
FortheStarShootG3Monochrome
We recommend Orion 1.25" LRGB imaging filters and a filter wheel to capture
high quality color images.
FortheStarShootG3Color
An optional IR-blocking filter can be threaded to the G3 camera body to block
the IR. This can help sharpen your images, and is especially helpful when used
with some refractors which may allow more unfocused IR light to create color
halos around bright stars.
Both cameras can benefit from a USB extension cable, available from Orion.
We recommend a portable field battery to power the TEC.
Figure 22.1. The SSAG works with any
mount equipped with an ST-4 compatible
autoguide port, shown here on the Sirius
EQ-G mount.
Figure 22.2. This is the pin diagram for
the SSAG and ST-4 compatible mounts.
Auto guider port