Hi all.

Some of you may be aware that I'm keen on Astrophotography, I do like being
able combine the best bits of old school and new school techniques, cherry
picking on the best parts of both worlds in order to get the most pleasent
and enjoyable experience from the hobby. I've been playing about with a
webcam for short exposure planetary and lunar stuff, with a little success.
However, my main objected is real deep sky work.

From this winters photo season, (each year I try to demonstrate why a piece
of kit is needed) I've captured a good photo of the Great Orion Nebula.
However, the image proves, the need for guiding the scope, and the need for
Periodic Error Correction. I'm thinking about sending the photo into
Astronomy now, as it does provide a really good demonstration of the
problems that we have to overcome, you can even see the Nebula in the photo.

Anyway, from this I've decided that I should really be thinking about
getting an Autoguiding solution in time for next winters season. I do have
a laptop, with lots of USB ports available, so connecting a camera isn't
going to be a problem. My scope is the Meade LX-90, so I know that I can
get the APM for it, which has connections for an Autoguider. Apart from
this, I know nothing about what's needed to get something up and running.

Regards

Colin Dawson
www.cjdawson.com