Starlight Xpress Lodestar-C imager/guider - Manual (Page 10)

Lodestar C handbook Issue 1 May 2011
After a brief delay, the Guiding Info window will open, as above, and you will see the guide star, along
with error values and a reticule showing the guide star location with respect to the reference position. If
all is well, you should see the guide star location being forced towards the centre position with each
successive guide image. However, it is quite likely that it will be pushed away from the correct
position, due to an error in the guiding default settings. If this is the case, note the direction of travel,
and then reverse the appropriate direction setting in the guiding defaults menu. For example, if the star
moves away to the left or right, try reversing the ‘Swap e/w direction’ setting. If guiding works, but is
sluggish, try reducing the ‘Rate’ setting in the guider settings, or increase it if the guiding oscillates
from one side of the guide star to the other.
Lodestar maintenance
The Lodestar head is designed for a long and reliable lifespan and needs very little maintenance to keep
it in good working order. The only common issue is with dust particles which collect on the CCD
window and can shade areas of the image field. These are best removed with a quick blast of
compressed air from a ‘Dust off’ aerosol, or similar air blower. More permanent marks may be
removed with a drop of alcohol on a ‘microfibre’ lens cloth.