Quote:
Originally Posted by Jared
Hi
Does anyone know if there is a way to determine what the RA and Dec are for an object observed through binoculars on a tripod?
I realise you could compare its location with surrounding stars and just plot its approximate location on a chart, but I wondered if there was some kind of instrument for this.
I don't have a particular purpose in mind, just thinking ...
Thanks
Jared
|
Gary Kopff here from Wildcard Innovations.
Some of our customers install a pair of optical encoders to their binocular
mounts. They then interface one of our Argo Navis Digital Telescope
Computers to the encoders to provide them with a pointing system,
including the ability to determine the RA/Dec position one is pointing at,
but more commonly to simply locate or identify objects using the in-built database.
There are many types of mounts to which binoculars can be attached, but as
far as encoder installation is concerned, some lend themselves better to
the task than others.
For example, a simple camera tripod would require more improvisation
in order to install a pair of encoders compared to some of the purpose
built binocular mounts such as the Vixen BTM80-A.
You can see a picture of the encoder installation on one of these mounts here -
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com....vixen_bino.jpg
One of the more fun examples are motorized binocular chairs which some users
own. The user rides in the chair and the binoculars are also mounted to
the chair. Once again, a pair of encoders is mounted on each of the two
major axes of the chair. The chairs themselves are a really relaxing way to
observe, especially when observing at small zenith distances, so that the operator
is then laying back like an astronaut in a capsule at liftoff. I've known some
people to actually fall asleep in them.
Best Regards
Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Phone +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au