For the last month I've been trying to get PHD Guiding to work. And I have..., but not in the way I thought it would.
Software: the latest PHD release(1.9.0) and Windows XP.
Hardware: 8" LX200GPS in Alt/Az mode, DSI II with a 3.3 FR and a 15mm extension. Shoestring Astronomy GPUSB adaptor connected to the Guide slot.
Settings: PHD default. Scope Backlash is 65% for both axis.
I am not trying to photograph anything. I'm just trying to get 'Guiding' to work before I decide on spending any more money (Pier, Wedge).
My experence is that at first the program 'locks' on the star in the middle of the box and tells me it's Guiding. Then it slowly starts moving away from the star, comes back a bit, moves away in another direction (always staying in the box) comes back again and then settles down near the star but NEVER on it, and then starts to slowly 'hunt' but never find the target. I'm confused about why, when there's nothing else in the box, the program can't 'Saddle Up' and follow the star the way I thought it would. Is this 'normal'? Are my expectations too high? Am I having fun yet? (Ha) Any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you...
Note: My scope is one of the last of it's kind with Brass gears and is VERY accurate in Tracking.
Dave
LX200GPS 8"
DSI Pro + LPI
Canon Rebel Xti
12 miles Northeast of Philadelphia