Hi Dave,
Thanks for the post.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Davekyn
...bit of a surprise that there is no dedicated USB cable, as the purchase of the USB adapter + the serial cable (I guess this tech has been around for some time?) puts the price up a bit. ($75.00)
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The choice of the venerable RS-232 serial communications was deliberate.
RS-232 has several advantages, including ease of long haul operation (e.g. cabling
lengths of hundreds of feet long are supported), connection to legacy computer
systems irrespective of make, model, vintage and operating system and the fact
that every known planetarium program supports connection to RS-232
connect telescope controllers.
If your PC/laptop does not have a serial COM port, then a USB Serial
Adapter is the way to go. Generic Adapters can be found for as little as AUD10.00
but as we have made clear on several occasions on this forum and elsewhere,
not all Adapters are born equal and the only one we recommend and stock
ourselves is the Keyspan USA-19HS. It costs more than most others but the
difference is that it works.
Quote:
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Anyone have thoughts on the length of the encoder cable??? Is 1.3m enough or is the 2.6m somehow more practical with a computer setup???
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The encoder installation kit comes with an appropriate length encoder cable.
For scopes in the 4" to 13" aperture class, our 1.3m kit is usually the best
choice. For larger scopes, the 2.6m cable kit is the one to go for.
What aperture GSO were you considering?
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What about Mounting on a dob...do you think it would make sense to attach the cradle on the tube so you don’t have to bend down to look, making for a more ergonomic and practical set-up or perhaps attaching to the tube is a bit over the top?
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The cradle is designed to be mounted in variety of manners.
Some like to mount the unit on the OTA near the eyepiece,
for example -
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com....sdm_berry1.jpg
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com..../martini01.jpg
some like to mount it on the side of the rocker, for example -
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com....s/kennedy2.jpg
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com....s/fullum_1.jpg
and others go for a "stalk", for example -
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com....osypowski2.jpg
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com....s/edwards2.jpg
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com....scheirman1.jpg
If mounting on the top end, the weight of the unit, including AA cells,
is 500g and should be taken into consideration.
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Researching on the ability to use with planetarium software...any info on this would be fantastic...just keeps sounding better!
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Argo Navis will interface with all known planetarium programs that have telescope
interfaces. The reason it can do this is that Argo Navis can run a variety
of protocols through its serial ports. For example, one of the most common
protocols is that used on the Meade telescopes. Therefore, using the
Argo Navis menuing system, one can configure the appropriate communications
Baud rate on the port and define the emulation "startup" command to be 'Meade'.
When interfaced to a planetarium program, you simply tell it you are
connected to a Meade telescope and it will then provide you with features
such as tracking cursor support (i.e. as you move the scope the planetarium
program shows where you are pointing on the map of the sky). You can even
click on an object on the planetarium and it can transmit the co-ordinates
to Argo Navis and then Argo Navis will show you how to 'GUIDE' to it.
Argo Navis comes with a CDROM which includes a software utility we call
Argonaut. It allows you to upgrade your firmware and to download the
orbital elements of asteroids, comets and satellites. It also gives you
the ability to load about 1100 of your own user defined objects. That's
on top of the in-built ~30,000 objects already in there. You can even
add your own comments and observing notes. And when you are finished
with those objects you can erase them and load another 1100.
Argo Navis is also supported by third party programs such as AstroPlanner
& Skytools which assist you in creating your own observing lists from their
databases of millions of objects.
The serial ports also provide the capability to interface to third party
servo motor controller systems such as the ServoCAT and Sidereal Technology
control for full motorized slew and track. These motor systems tend to be optimized for
scopes in the 14" to 48"+ class.
However, manual 'PUSHTO' operation is a breeze as well and thousands
of users around the world use the system in this way.
There is also an Argo Navis User's Group at -
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/argo_navis_dtc/
which you should feel free to join if you have not done so already.
The features go on and on so be sure to browse the manual at your leisure.
Thanks again for the post and for considering Argo Navis.
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