Guide star failure on ASI2600MM Air

malc

Newly purchased 2600MM Air worked fine for two nights last week, last night when starting guiding, a guide star was easily acquired but within 15 seconds "star lost". I tried this multiple times over two hours (clear night), rebooted, tried again and again. Finally had to admit defeat on the imaging session.

Anyone else with this issue?

Tech@ZWO

What guiding software are you currently using?

In the first align the guide star to the celestial pole for polar alignment (North Celestial Pole in the Northern Hemisphere, South Celestial Pole in the Southern Hemisphere) with minimal error. High error will cause the guide star to be lost.
Additionally, ensure no clouds or other obstructions block the view, as this will also cause loss.
Verify that both the equatorial mount and camera are receiving 12V power. I have also sent a video tutorial on guiding; you may watch it for reference.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXRbFBeKf84

malc

I’m using ASIAIR android app software to control the ASI2600MM Air for guiding and image capture. Everything was working well on the evening in question (plate solve, main camera chip focus, guide chip focus and initial star acquisition - once guiding was initiated a star was auto selected but guide calibration dropped out and "star lost" appeared. I tried this many times with a number of guide stars with the same result. The (permanent) mount, an ap-1200, IS accurately N. polar alligned. The night in question was clear. The mount has a separate mains power supply source. I cannot understand, in a period of around 2 hours, that guiding was not possible.

malc

Thanks also for the youtube reference link, it’s helpful.

Tech@ZWO

malc You're welcome. Follow the tutorial to try guiding again, and make sure to align the polar axis on a cloud-free night.