XmGuider
Linux Software for Operation of an SBIG SG-4 Autoguider

• In the current version ...
• Remote or local operation of the Santa Barbara Instrument Group SG-4 Autoguider
• Automatic selection of high speed serial communication
• Expose, download, and display on ds9 images taken with the device
• Calibrate and autotrack on command
• All-in-one standalone version
• INDI client for use with XEphem, command line, or scripted operation



The Orion Nebula from three 100-second images in the B, V, and R photometric bands.
Recorded using XmGuider with an SBIG SG-4 on a 0.5-meter corrected Dall-Kirkham telescope at Moore Observatory.



• Under development ...
• Documentation and an evaluation of the guider's performance
• Control from a web-based client or a robotic telescope server
• User manual

XmGuider provides an open source Linux interface to the SBIG SG-4 autoguider. Its primary function is to permit automatic guiding of remotely controlled and robotic telescopes without operator intervention. This software implements most, but not all, control options provided through the serial interface: setting exposure time, taking dark frames, calibrating guider response, and toggling autonomous operation on or off. Transferred images in this version are always binned 2x2 to minimize delay for the serial transfer. Subarea selection of the images is not supported. Image display is with SAOImage ds9, which is started automatically when xmguider1 is started. This is useful for focusing, but is not needed for the autoguiding feature. Scripted and command line operation through the INDI client are supported.

• Latest version 1.0.4 updated November 6, 2009