Argo Navis question

[erick]

To push a dob mount to a chosen RA/Dec, it is simply a matter of working in MODE RA DEC and moving scope until the desired RA/Dec is displayed? Is there a way of entering the RA and Dec values and then having the familiar set of direction arrows and numbers counting down, reaching 0 when you get there? I'm sure the first approach will be fine, but just wanted to check I haven't missed a functionality. Thanks. :)

[gary]

Hi Eric,

Rather than use MODE RA DEC, use the SCRATCH catalog.
See the User Manual on SETUP SCRATCH for details (pp 145-146)
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/downloads/documentation/argoman10.pdf
You can then enter the RA & Dec of a couple of objects, along with
associated names, then GUIDE to them as normal by dialing
up MODE CATALOG, SCRATCH OBJECTS.

The GUIDE display them decomposes the path to move to the object
in terms of the two axes of the scope, allowing you to go to any
arbitrary RA/Dec position with ease and thus avoiding what can otherwise
be cumbersome to do on an Alt/Az mount.

The SCRATCH catalog is excellent for being able to enter the occasional
object whilst out in the field using nothing but the Argo Navis user interface.
If you find yourself entering more than, say, half a dozen objects in this way
in a night, consider creating your own User Catalog instead and downloading
it into the unit before your observing session.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[erick]

Many thanks Gary. That sounds straightforward. Eric