a good Laptop with RS232

[miki63au]

Hi everyone,

before I buy one from the 2nd market like to try here.

Will use it for Planetarium/guide a EQ mount.

pm if you have one for sale :)

Kind Regards,
Mick/Adelaide

[Merlin66]

Nick,
The older laptops with an RS232 port will probably still be running on Vista and beginning to show their age.
IMHO a better solution would be to look for a good XPsp3, or Win7 machine and buy a "good" USB to Serial bi-directional adaptor. I use Keyspan adaptors on all my machines - no issues, no drama.

[miki63au]

Thanks Ken,

I heard bad reports on Serial-USB converters... find it more attractive not to deal with the extra complexity. On the other-hand a faster newer machine should be easier to cope with the camera for guiding etc.

So the Keyspan is got your recommendation?

Cheers,
Mick

[Merlin66]

Keyspan...100%
It's NEVER let me down..
I can strongly recommend it.

[DavidTrap]

Keyspan work. Don't waste your money on the cheaper ones.

Keyspan are a bit dearer to buy in Australia, though I found some from OS on eBay at a reasonable price.

DT

[miki63au]

OK, if I get the Keyspan should I use the same laptop?
For taking pics I use a Core-i7 2.3GHz with 8GB and OS W7

.....if I get the converter, should I use this laptop for guide and pics or get a second one and separate the functions?

[04Stefan07]

Yep Keyspan work a treat.

Worked with my MacBook when I was experimenting with it.

Another serial cable I have used (for work) also worked but not sure with telescope equipment.

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3590&cPath=135

[mithrandir]

I had no issues running PHD and Nebulosity plus CdC on a 2GB Atom powered Windows XP notebook so an 8GB i7 should do it standing on its ear.

However I wouldn't recommend stacking while guiding and capturing. Stacking is rather CPU and memory intensive.

[Merlin66]

I think your laptop can meet all your needs...
BUT if you're working "remotely" and the laptop is outside... it may be safer to work with two and accept that the outside machine may get more punishment!
I use an ol' ACER i3 win7 outside for the telescope control (AstroPlanner/ CdC/ EQmod) and image acquisition (AstroArtV5/ PHD2) etc. and Teamviewer to link to a similar spec'd machine in the office for subsequent image processing (AstroArt/ BASS Project).
Hope this helps.