Starlight Xpress SXV-AO-USB Active Optics Guiding System with USB

The Starlight Xpress SXV-AO-USB should be used with the off-axis guider assembly for the best results with most optical systems. This combination uses an SXV guide head or Lodestar to view the edge of the telescope field via a 10mm square prism and provides accurate positional feedback to the control software. Unlike cameras with an integrated guider chip, the OAG puts the guide camera ahead of any filters that the user fits into the camera ring recess and so its sensitivity is always at maximum. The guide camera mounting is designed to be parfocal with an SX camera when used in this combination - fine focus adjustment is provided by moving the threaded guider mount along the prism tube. If you do not need the OAG barrel (e.g. when using a camera with a built-in OAG or guide chip), you can fit the 72mm or T adaptor directly onto the rear of the AO assembly. The SXV-AO-USB can also be used with the 'Ultraslim' OAG and filter wheel assembly. In this case, you do not need the OAG for the AO unit, just the T mount adaptor to connect the AO to the OAG, as seen above. You will save about 27mm of back focal length if you use this method.