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Mac Autoguiding

ZWO ASI120MM Mini Orion SkyView Pro Equipment GoTo Guiding
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Ace avatar
Ace avatar
Hey everyone!

I just got my first guide camera (ZWO ASI 120MM and a 30mm f/4 guide scope) and finally upgraded my skyview pro mount with a goto system.I do not use windows (I'm not an elitist or anything, I used to do radio astronomy for work, and all those tools were Mac/Linux based) and I don't fancy buying a new computer.  Any advice on autoguiding with a Mac? I assume PHD2, but I don't know any specifics for like drivers and stuff.  don't know what I'm doing XD

Clear Skies,
Ace
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Roy Hagen avatar
Roy Hagen avatar
Hi Ace
Have you considered the Asiar and an iPad?
Works fine for me
Benjamin Csizi avatar
Benjamin Csizi avatar
Hi Ace,

I also had a MacBook to use when imaging, however i installed Parallels Desktop to have a Virtual Machine for Windows 10 where i can run Sequence Generator Pro and PHD2. There is also a OSX-Version for PHD2 and I am pretty sure it is compatible with ASI camera. If you don't want to use PHD2, there is also the software AstroGuider by Cloudmakers available in the Appstore for around 25$. I have never used it, but i read mostly good things about it being the best alternative to PHD on a Mac and i am sure they are compatible with ZWO cameras. I both cases, you need the INDI driver (instead of ASCOM for Windows) for your camera (and possibly your mount) installed. Here, under the Mac tab, you can find download link to the required drivers. However ZWO writes on their website that the ASI120MM/MC cameras are not compatible very well with OSX. ZWO linked this thread for everyone wanting to use an ASI120MM with OSX. Hope this helps!

CS,
Benjamin
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Ace avatar
Ace avatar
thanks for the suggestions. I'll give it a try soon
Andy 01 avatar
Andy 01 avatar
I use a mac, PHD2, Nebulosity & Sky Safari without problems. I'm also tinkering with Ekos now as well. Here is a great website that shows all the mac friendly astro software available - https://www.macobservatory.com/mac-astronomy-software cheers!
Helpful Concise
Tim Hutchison avatar
Tim Hutchison avatar
Hi Ace.

I have done all 3 off these. All were easy to get running.

1. PHD2 runs on a Mac. Probably the easiest to get working. If your camera and/or mount isn't directly supported you can use INDI.

2. Ekos. This is a full blown planetarium and imaging package. Guiding is included. It uses INDI to communicate to your hardware.

3. Cloudmakers has a full suite of packages that use INDIGO to communicate with the hardware.

Tim
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Wei-Hao Wang avatar
Wei-Hao Wang avatar
Hi Ace,

Also a radio astronomer here.  I also use a MacBook for imaging.  People pretty summed it up very well.  So I will not add anything here.  It should work fine.  Just want to say hi.   smile
PsiStarSigh avatar
PsiStarSigh avatar
Spin up a virtual Windows 10 (I’m lazy😎)
Ace avatar
Ace avatar
Out of curiosity, is there any preference one way or another for camera port vs gpusb vs using the usb-b port on my hand controller. I can't seem to figure out connecting the synscan V5 to my conputer via usb [something something time out something something firmware], and I'm wondering if I miss out on anything by just using the ST4 port instead (either by camera or by gpusb)
Tim Hutchison avatar
Tim Hutchison avatar
You should absolutely use the USB connection to the mount if at all possible. This info is from the PHD2 manual discussing the advantage of using ASCOM or INDI over the ST4 port:

  1. A drastic reduction in the number of re-calibrations you'll need to perform.  Changing targets will not require another calibration because PHD2 can know where the scope is pointing and automatically make adjustments to the guider calibration.  Most users get a good calibration and then re-use it until they make hardware changes of some kind.[/*]
  2. Automatic adjustment for meridian flips - no need to remember to manually flip the calibration data.[/*]
  3. Automatic adjustment of RA calibration to handle targets in different parts of the sky (declination compensation)[/*]
  4. Elimination of the ST-4 guide cable as a point of failure - this is a surprisingly common problem because the cables can be damaged or confused with similar-looking cables (e.g. telephone cables)[/*]
  5. Elimination of a moving cable that can snag, drag, or bind as the scope is moved around.[/*]
  6. Improved ability for PHD2 to sanity-check calibration results and warn of possible problems before you waste hours of imaging time.[/*]
  7. Better diagnostic and trouble-shooting information, which is particularly helpful if you need to ask for assistance[/*]
  8. Availability of scope-slewing options during drift alignment which can further speed the process of polar alignment[/*]

Tim
Helpful Engaging
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