Inexpensive auto-guider for LX-200 classic?

I'd like to put together or purchase a CCD autoguider for my 12" LX-200 classic.

If possible I'd like it to interact directly with the CCD port on the LX-200 panel, but that is not a definate requirement.

I do not want to guide through an off axis guider unless I have to. My preferance would be to mount the CCD to the finder scope, or ???? Maybe I have the wrong impression, and using an off axis guider is the better solution?

I'm looking for recomendations, and as you can tell by my message content, I'm a novice, so any help is appreciated.

If you have an auto-guider for sale at a good price, let me know.

Thanks!

MikeN.

Is this for film, or CCD imaging? If CCD imaging, what is the main camera? Do you already own the CCD camera, or are you going to shopping for that as well?

Ron Wodaski

Hi Mike,

My feeling would be that the finderscope would not have the focal length for accurate guiding. Howecer I have only ever used the ST-4 as a seperate autoguider, in my case with a 3" refractor as a guidescope. Perhaps someone else who has had experience with the newer autoguiders could comment on how good they are with short-focus guiders. Personally I do not like off-axis guiders as it can be very difficult to locate a suitable guidestar, however I do know that many observers do like them.

Hope this helps,

Maurice