Lumicon Standard Easy Guider (Pre-owned)
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The Lumicon Easy-Guider is an off-axis guider (OAG) used to pick off a star from the edge of the field of view for guiding while imaging. It consists of a main body, a prism, and a 0.65x reducing lens (in Cassegrain models) that lowers the focal length, acting as a focal reducer and guider simultaneously. Key setup steps include ensuring backfocus compatibility, setting up the guide camera par-focal with the main imaging camera, and identifying a suitable guide star within the small pick-off field.
Key Setup and Usage Instructions
- Assembly and Backfocus: Attach the Easy-Guider to your telescope using the appropriate T-mount. The unit works best with a 2" T-mount for stability. Insert the main camera, and place the guide camera (or illuminated reticle eyepiece) into the 1.25" guide port.
- Achieving Par-Focal (Daytime Setup): To avoid frustration at night, focus the main camera on a distant object (e.g., a telephone pole) during the day. Next, adjust the guide camera's focus until the guide star is sharp. This ensures both cameras are focused simultaneously at night.
- Lens Placement: The 0.65x focal reducing lens is generally placed behind the prism, allowing it to reduce the image for the camera while keeping the guide star images smaller.
- Finding a Guide Star: The prism picks up a small area of light. If no star is found, rotate the guider body on the focuser, or rotate the camera to position the prism over a brighter star.
- Newtonian Compatibility Check: For Newtonian telescopes, remove the eyepiece and measure the distance from the focuser to the focal plane. The 2" model requires the camera sensor to be within a specific distance (usually ~0.85" or ~21.6mm) from the drawtube.
Using the Lumicon Giant Easy Guider (GEG)
- F/6.3 - F/10 Scope Setup: The GEG is designed for large SCTs (except the 14" Meade LX series).
- f/5.5 vs f/4 Mode: In the standard configuration (f/5.5), the camera is closer. Using the included 2" extension tube (f/4 mode) requires moving the camera back to achieve a wider field.
- Shims: If the guide star is not easily visible, shims (e.g., tape) might be required on the prism holder to shift the focus point.
Tips for Success
- Star Brightness: Use a sensitive camera to guide, as the pick-off prism only takes a small, off-axis portion of light.
- Filters: Place the Guider before any filters in your imaging train to ensure the guiding camera receives maximum light.
- Clearance: Ensure the prism does not vignette (block light) on full-frame cameras by rotating it to the side