LVI SmartGuider 2 Imaging Control System

The LVI SmartGuider 2 Imaging Control System goes beyond the simple concept of autoguiding.

Astrophotographers know well that autoguiding is vital for obtaining clear and crisp long-exposure photos with pinpoint star resolution, but that's not all.

Final images are the result of a complex process handled by different devices which must all work together flawlessly in order to get the desired photo quality. But in most of cases, the process isn't flawless.

The LVI SmartGuider 2 Imaging Control System is an integrated solution which does the whole process required to make wonderful astrophotos in a very short time and in a fun and easy way! No longer do you need the laptop, the reflex remote switch, the focuser control box and other gadgets in the field: the elusive beauty of the Universe will now just be a few clicks away from your dreams!

Smartguider2 Overview


THE NEW MGA DEVICE

The LVI SmartGuider 2 Imaging Control System comes with the special MGA device which takes the full control of your imaging equipment (mount, DSLR, focuser) to deliver the best result out of your telescope.

 
Advanced control of REFLEX cameras

The REFLEX section managed by MGA device takes control of Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony cameras by programming these same parameters usually controlled by dedicated and “not-for-free” software running on PCs:

1.         Exposure with single shots.

2.         Bracketing. When switched on, the camera automatically takes a new sequence with an exposure as shorter as the stop down set.

3.         Number of shots.

4.         Pause between consecutive shots for sensor cooling.

5.         Mirror lock-up to avoid vibrations caused by the mirror flip prior the shutter release.

6.         Dark framing. When switched on, the camera automatically takes a new sequence with the set number of dark frames after the telescope has been capped.

7.         Delayed start. When switched on, the camera starts to capture images after the set time has expired.

8.         Statistical info. Two windows with all parameters displayed.

 
Advanced control of Focusers

The FOCUSER section managed by MGA device takes control of any focuser of any size equipped with a stepping motor. Baader Steeltrack and Starlight FeatherTouch focusers are in the internal SmartGuider 2 database already. The MGA is supplies power to the motor through 3xAA batteries placed inside the MGA unit.

The MGA can control following parameters:

1.         Focuser model selection from an internal database.

2.         Automatic calibration for absolute positioning.

3.         Temperature compensation with an external thermo probe.

4.         Temperature coefficient self-learning in an automatic way.

5.         Permanent saving of one T coefficient.

6.         Manual adjustment of the T coefficient.

7.         Statistical info with parameters.


AUTOSTAR and LOSMANDY autoguiding

The new autoguiding port in the MGA unit features an opto-isolated plug and non-simultaneous corrections to the RA and DEC axes useful to get a perfect autoguiding also with the old Losmandy #492 digital drive.

Furthermore, the dedicated AUTOSTAR plug makes the autoguiding possible also through all Meade mounts with Autostar #497 (LX90 and LXD55/75) as never before!

 
MORE FLEXIBILITY AND MORE PRECISE AUTOGUIDING

The LVI SmartGuider 2 Imaging Control System allows better control over more useful parameters to achieve the best results in any condition.

New options are:

1.    PULSE GUIDE - sets the duration of the corrective pulse.

Together with the AGGRESSIVENESS, this parameter helps in better tuning the right correction to  the mount, avoiding dangerous overcorrections.

2.    MAX EXPOSURE – sets the max exposure limit.

The camera sensitivity can be pushed further, up to +1 limiting magnitude.

3.   DITHERING - allows a small framing displacement among Reflex single shots when activated. This will remove cold pixels (black "holes" in the raw images) out of the final image when dark frames are removed and the subject is perfectly stationary in the same portion of the sensor.

4.    THRESHOLD - allows for hot pixel removal by adjusting the background noise level. Pixels having an ADU value lower than threshold value are not considered by SmartGuider 2 camera while searching for a guide star. This avoids hot pixels being considered as fake stars.

The LVI SmartGuider 2 Imaging Control System camera comes with all the accessories listed below:

• Guiding camera head
• Control Paddle unit
• SmartEye parfocal eyepiece
• MGA unit
• Hard case with shaped foam inside
• No. 4 (four) cables
• Instruction manual with Tips and Tricks appendix, in English
   
  

Accessory Chart

Flux Diagram

LVI SMARTGUIDER2 Instruction Manual