11 replies to this topic

[benbendube]

I have an 9.25 EDGE HD on an EQ6r-PRO and getting organized to equip it with Celestron OAG.  Which camera is best to use?

   Clear skies  Ben

[imtl]

the 174 even if you use a reducer. It is a much better camera and much bigger sensor

[Midnight Dan]

Absolutely, the 174.  Guiding with an OAG is always a challenge to find stars.  The 174 is more sensitive and has a much larger sensor which will make it much easier to find a guide star.  Plus, the Celestron OAG is one of the few that has a large enough prism to make use of the 174's large sensor.  I frequently had a tough time with my old ASI120, but since upgrading the the 174, OAG guiding is a dream.

 

-Dan

[imtl]

Absolutely, the 174.  Guiding with an OAG is always a challenge to find stars.  The 174 is more sensitive and has a much larger sensor which will make it much easier to find a guide star.  Plus, the Celestron OAG is one of the few that has a large enough prism to make use of the 174's large sensor.  I frequently had a tough time with my old ASI120, but since upgrading the the 174, OAG guiding is a dream.

 

-Dan

With a long FL slow scope.

[benbendube]

Done, I changed the 120 for the 174. now shopping for Celestron OAG.

Thanks for the help.   Ben.

[Stelios]

Hope you got the 174MM-mini (that's the version you want for guiding). If so, it's an ideal camera, especially with the Celestron OAG. 

[Midnight Dan]

Hope you got the 174MM-mini (that's the version you want for guiding). If so, it's an ideal camera, especially with the Celestron OAG. 

Good point!  Not sure if the old pancake-style body 174 is still being sold, but you should definitely avoid that one.  The new 174-mini is an eyepiece style which has the sensor much farther forward, making it easier to reach focus in an OAG.

 

-Dan

[astrohamp]

Given your choice of the Celestron OAG my vote would be the ASI174MM mini as well.  Note that the 'pancake' version is alive and being used quite well by me by choice.

The 'pancake' version has a sensor setback of 6.5mm  while the 'mini' setback is 8.5mm.

For my (pancake) use with the ZWO OAG I was able to remove the helical focuser and thread (via M42) the camera directly to the prism stalk.  Works well with an ASI284MC pro camera.  No need to bin the guide camera.

[idclimber]

I have a 174 mini that I use with my Celestron OAG on my 12"SCT and the 50mm guide scope on my refractor. In both situations, it is a great guide camera. 

[benbendube]

Yes, I did get the 174mm mini. I'm waiting for it now.

[Number_5]

Newb question on my part, but is the ASI120 mini sufficient for non-OAG?

[Midnight Dan]

Newb question on my part, but is the ASI120 mini sufficient for non-OAG?

Normally yes.  It depends on the focal length of the guide scope, but most are reasonably short.

 

-Dan