How to fit the ZWO OAG (Off Axis Guider) and set up with ASI290mm. Astrophotography guiding PHD2.
Channel: Astrobloke
Date: 24/04/2021

Tips on how to fit the ZWO OAG Off Axis Guider and set up with ASI290mm. Astrophotography guiding PHD2

Introduction to the ZWO OAG off axis guider and ASI290mm mini. 
I have an Altair RC8 scope with 1624mm focal length. I was guiding with a scope that was only 240mm with an ASI120mm mini. It worked but would sometimes struggle and my images and stars could look soft. Rule of thumb is you need to have a guide scope that is no less than a 1/4 of the focal length you are imaging at. This would have meant a 400mm guide scope for me. Costly and a lot of extra weight so the best solution was a OAG.
ZWO make a good OAG that comes with all the adapters you may need to fit it. It works well and was not too difficult to set up.

Serious improvements in my guiding. I have gone from 0.8 average total RMS error guiding with a 240mm guide scope and 120mm mini to 0.4 - 0.5 Total rms using the ZWO OAG and the 290mm mini. I can see much more finer detail in my images

www.Astrobloke.co.uk Where you can view all my images and order prints.

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Equipment I use, these links cost you no more to use but will earn my channel a small commission. It all helps support the channel.

Mele Quieter 2 PC -
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US - https://amzn.to/3wFs5Cd

Wolfwise Shower Canopy   
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Alex Tech split 10ft cord wrap
UK - https://amzn.to/3etzgow
US - https://amzn.to/3GoZeXn

100 reusable velcro cable ties
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US - https://amzn.to/3PCpjpL

Short USB C Cable
UK - https://amzn.to/3iDmXHR
US - https://amzn.to/3G9EIcU

RCA Male Plug
UK - https://amzn.to/3Bg3Iws
US - https://amzn.to/3wD4Vxq

OPT links to equipment. Even if you click this link and then purchase something I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Really helps my channel out, Thank you
https://bit.ly/36Y8AYV

Mounts
Sky Watcher EQ8R PRO     https://bit.ly/39HVTpR
Sky Watcher EQ6R Pro       https://bit.ly/3i1afU0
Sky Watcher HEQ5              https://bit.ly/2Ty7BeZ
Sky Watcher AZ GTI            https://bit.ly/3iGmIvC

Cameras
ZWO ASI 294MM Pro https://bit.ly/2VbxNN6
ZWO ASI 183MM Pro https://bit.ly/3kSLPOs
ZWO ASI 290mm mini https://bit.ly/2UO71u6
ZWO ASI 120mm mini https://bit.ly/2Twjceu

Filters
Antlia 3nm https://bit.ly/3GhuaZl
Antlia LRGB        https://bit.ly/3MDdca8
Chroma Oiii 3nm 1.25"    https://bit.ly/3rviomS
Chroma Ha 3nm 1.25"    https://bit.ly/2Wcsnlj
Optolong LRGB 1.25"       set https://bit.ly/36ZtXJq
ZWO EFW Electronic filter wheel     https://bit.ly/3fbmKe3

Telescopes
RC8 https://bit.ly/3x5AexT
Sky Watcher 130PDS
Zenithstar 61 https://bit.ly/2UEgFjc
William Optics 50mm guidescope https://bit.ly/36ZLYHK

Correctors
Sky Watcher 0.9Coma Corrector
Baader MPCC https://bit.ly/2V76LpZ
Astro Essential 0.75Reducer
William Optics Flat61A https://bit.ly/3zw9sAf
William Optics Flat 61R https://bit.ly/3BEvaEj

Accessories 
Pegasus Astro pocket powerbox advance https://bit.ly/3iMFeSO
ZWO OAG Off Axis Guider https://bit.ly/3i1RIqD

ProLogik balance meter and tuning tool
https://www.prologik-astro.com/

The meter is of a high quality and works really well. Not only is it great for helping to find perfect balance in stiff mounts but it is a fantastic aid to fine tuning your mount for the best guiding. It will assist you in adjusting your worm drive/gear mesh to the optimum setting and giving you great smooth tracking and excellent guiding numbers.