Colin et al, I posted the message (in red) below in the PHD2 forum but thought I would check in here as well. I did search here but really didn't find anything on point. If you have run across this issue before and if you know of any solution or work around that would be great if you could share it. Thanks! Kevin Hi, I have a new setup (to me) and it came with the SBIG FW8G-STXL integrated autoguiding camera. In trying to setup PHD2 (latest version) it could not connect. In searching this forum, I found a few posts that I think are saying that you need to use SGP's ASCOM driver. I do not use SGP, nor do I intend to. I am running TheSkyX, it can connect to this camera. I would prefer not to use TheSkyX's autoguider. I successfully use PHD2 on my other rig (ZWO camera and an SB MX+ mount). So, am I missing something? Will PHD2 only work with this camera if I am using SGP? Could I just use the SGP ASCOM driver and would that work? If so, would I have to have SGP itself active? My mount is an AP1600GTOae My camera is an SBIG 11002 STXL Thanks for any guidance on this. Kevin
Kevin, I used to run a FW8G-STT with SGP. From what I remember you must have SGP API guider selected in PHD.
Mike, Do you recall if you had to be actively using SGP or have just loaded it on your PC? I don't use and have no plans to ever use SGP. Also, it appears from a response to my posting in the PHD2 forum that they do not intend to support this camera. I may try to see if I can use TheSkyX guider. It appears to recognize this guide camera. It's just not as good and easy to use as PHD2. Thanks, Kevin
Ok Kevin, To use PHD2 you must use SGP, the self guided feature won't be recognized by itself in PHD2. Why not use the skyX guider feature, I've used it in the past and I thought it worked well. Obviously the self guided camera is supported in Maxlm dl. I have the new starchaser guider mounted on a Aluma ccd and its fully ascom compatible. I also have a STXL with the self guided filter wheel.
Mike, Thanks for that additional information. I will give TheSkyX guider a try. I do have MaximDL loaded on the computer but that's just another unfamiliar (to me) program. Kevin
Maxlm DL has a good online manual Kevin, and their guiding software also works great. This is what I am currently using.
Mike, Thanks for the recommendation of Maxim DL. I will check that out if the ASCOM driver for my camera doesn't work well with PHD2. The one I just found yesterday seems to work but I won't know until I attempt to do the calibration. Kevin
