Gemini or Argo Narvis

[Jeffkop]

If one was contemplating a Losmandy mount ... which GoTo system would one use ?? They both get some big wraps from their users. Would be interested to hear from anyone with experience with either of them.

Thank You

[Omaroo]

Hi Jeff

I've JUST taken delivery of my new G11 last week - without Gemini and saved $1,700.

After actively using Zane Hammond's setup at his Magellan Observatory in NSW, I loved using his G11/ArgoNavis combination. Smooth-as, accurate and SILENT. Finding objects and tracking them was a breeze. The menu/object navigation method the ArgoNavis utilises is brilliant. I like push-to.

I'm sure the Gemini is a great system, but I'd rather pay the $1k for the ArgoNavis and Losmandy shaft encoders, and still save about $700 on the Gemini and put it toward an Ethos EP or some other Losmandy accessories.

Just me though :)

[Garyh]

Hi Jeff,
Couldn`t afford the gemini when I got my G-8 so I can`t comment to how good it is. But I have added Argo Navis just lately.
Very easy to setup and with a well polar aligned mount it only takes a few minutes and you are away to your first target!
Only thing is its push to not goto but thats not a issue for me.
cheers Gary

[Jeffkop]

Could whatever that means be an issue for me Gary ??
Thanks for your input

[dugnsuz]

Hi Jeff,
GoTo - choose eg M42, push the button and the motors whir round and slew the scope to M42.
Push To - you manually move the scope until the co-ordinates on the ArgoNavis LCD are 0 on both RA and DEC axes.

GoTo - telescope does it
Push To - you do it!

Either way, any object you want to see is easily locatable

Cheers
Doug

[Jeffkop]

Thanks Doug

Will digest that. Guess thats why objects are reported in real time as you come upon their location using the Argo system. :doh:

[dugnsuz]

Yeah I reckon so Jeff.
Would the Gemini 'system' be more beneficial for imaging though?:shrug:
Doug:thumbsup:

[astroron]

Hi Jeff, I think Gary from from Wildcard Innovations/ARGO NAVIS will get back to you on this when he sees your post, with more info:)
Ron

[monoxide]

if i was planning on doing imaging id go with the gemini setup, if i was already controlling the camera/focuser from my laptop it would be a pain to have to get up to move the scope.
an extra $700 is nothing after forking out for a G11 (not to mention the other equipment youd have)

dont get me wrong, i love my Argo Navis but when it comes to putting a camera in the mix id rather tell the mount where to go and watch it go there without having to move from the lappy :)

[Omaroo]

LOL! Ya lazy sod.

Personally I'd rather have the Ethos.

[monoxide]

lol, thats not lazy.
lazy is when i control the laptop via wireless from my pc inside ;)
plus, i do enough battle with my mount polar aligning every time i set up.
usually by the time i have done that i dont even want to look at the mount let alone push it around :whistle:

plus an ethos doesnt give you the satisfaction of pushing a few buttons and looking out a window seeing your scope slew around then get down to business ;)

[Omaroo]

hehe.. :) I can understand that - except that I love my hardware - so getting physical with a smooth-as-butter machine for a night is part of the allure for me. I like being with my scope - not remote from it.... and that's saying something considering it gets down to -10C in winter in Cooma. Each to their own :thumbsup:

[monoxide]

i like the technology, the fact that i can operate my equipment remotely and have it do exactly what i want (more or less)
just goes to show the versatility of equipment avaliable even at the cheaper end.

anyway ill stop spamming this thread now :)

[Alchemy]

looks like satisfied customers with or without. my g11 is push to and given i only image 1 or 2 subjects a night i didnt consider the gemini a big issue, given the choice again id do the same.

an argo is on the list but a new camera first.

[GrahamL]

Hi Jeff :)

good to see another from the north coast on IIS
Drop me a pm sometime if your up for some visual observing theres a few of us round these parts that meet up from time to time

regards graham