AstroPlanner, Argo Navis

[programmer]

I've recently gotten into AstroPlanner (AP) to get more order and less randomness into my observing sessions, and maybe even take some observing notes. Although the Argo has Tour modes, it doesn't have as comprehensive options as AP of course.

I've only had one 'real' session hooking up AP to the Argo, and had a ball even though it was a Moon-lit, smoky Melbourne night :mad2: I even got the horizon feature set up, using the scope to point out my horizon in real time! Only took me about 20 min I guess and now AP can accurately avoid sky that I can't actually see. As long as I always observe from the same spot of course..

I really like AP's features and general usability, with some caveats such as 'flashing' of some of the user interface elements, such as the real-time indicator showing which way to move your scope (up/down, clockwise/counter-clockwise). That readout could update a little more quickly too, but it's ok. I usually go by that to 'rough-guide', then use the Argo to home in. I couldn't seem to get the argo to read the current object though, via Mode Catalog/From Planetarium. Any tips?

I also like the FOV feature, but I don't seem to get enough stars in the view for my liking. In the manual, the screen shots show many more stars in the field. I'm not sure if it's due to some preferences relating to limiting magnitude, or similar. I guess I'd just like the FOV to look a bit more like 'what I see' through my EP. I also lke the way it suggests the optimal eyepiece for the object you're viewing (from the list of your own EP's that you've set up).

The 'Get DSS image' feature is great too. Obtaining an actual photo of the object in real time (i.e. over wireless network to the internet) is a buzz.

They're some of my initial observations of this great package. I'd love to hear from those of you who use AP, with or without an Argo Navis. While experience is the best teacher, it would be great to get some 'best practices' to get me going even faster so as not to waste those rare clear nights!

All comments and opinions welcome. :)

[peter_4059]

You can set the star magnitude and also select which catalogues to display (on the licensed version).

[programmer]

I have played with the magnitude slider but it didn't seem to do all that much. I guess I need to work through it a bit more. I haven't purchased it yet, so I only have the initial 3 catalogues, don't know if that's the reason.

By the way I've attached a screen shot showing my depressingly small window on the sky from my back yard :sadeyes: For those who don't know, the green represents my horizon including buildings, trees, etc.

[netwolf]

I have had Astroplanner for a while but have only barely scratched the surface of it on a few occasions. How did you produce the map of your observable sky? I would like to do this also so i can limit the search to this area in my location. I really need to start using AP more, i wonder if it will interface with my ngc-max. It worked well with my LX90.

Regards
Fahim

[programmer]

Hi Fahim. When you set up your site (go to Edit|Resources) you can configure the horizon graphically. You define the skyline in effect, either by using the mouse or connecting to your scope (assuming a goto/pushto system) and simply pointing the scope at points along your horizon and building it up that way. Works great. See page 42 of the manual. The horizon then shows up on the FOV screen as in my screenshot.

[gary]

Hi Programmer,

As you have probably noted, AstroPlanner has direct support for Argo Navis
User catalogs. It can create them as files and can directly download them
into the unit.

Argo Navis supports a variety of protocols on its serial ports via its STARTUP
command functionality. To download catalogs, one sets the STARTUP command
to 'navis'.

On the Argo Navis side, the navis protocol provides an interface to the
FROM PLANETARIUM function, but I don't believe AstroPlanner currently supports
this function under the navis protocol.

However, you probably should be able to use the FROM PLANETARIUM
functionality by switching the STARTUP command to meade and using an LX-200
emulation on the Astroplanner side. A GOTO operation on the AstroPlanner side
should fill the FROM PLANETARIUM object. We have AstroPlanner here in the
office and I would need to check.

AstroPlanner's creator, Paul Rodman, also maintains a User Group at
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/astroplanner
Paul should be able to respond to any query you have.

The Argo Navis MODE CATALOG functionality has a feature whereby when you are
in GUIDE mode, if you spin the DIAL one click clockwise, it will advance you
to the next object. Spinning the DIAL counter-clockwise will take you to the
previous object. By pre-fixing the objects with a suffix (I recollect Astroplanner
supports this), you can pre-sort the objects into a preferred observing order
and then use MODE CATALOG to view them in that order.

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

[programmer]

Excellent tips thanks Gary. Using a User Catalog is much preferable to FROM PLANETARIUM, I'll try that next time.

Unfortunately, I haven't had many clear nights to gain experience. I have had a few sessions though. The best I've had pointing-accuracy-wise was when using two suggested alignment stars from AstroPlanner. Probably just a coincidence. I just need more sessions under my belt.

[gary]

Hi Programmer,

With regards the Best Pair alignment star functionality in AstroPlanner, keep in mind that this
utility was designed for the Meade Autostar which uses a totally different alignment algorithm
to Argo Navis and hence the underlying math on which Best Pair is based is not strictly applicable.
Though it won't provide you with a 'magic bullet' pair of alignment stars, nevertheless there is
no reason why you still can't use the suggestions it makes. Also remember that Argo Navis
allows you to align on any object, not just the convenient list in ALIGN STAR. For example, one
can align on Jupiter, even as one of the initial alignment objects.

I know what you mean about the observing conditions.

Over the past two weeks, having been in New South Wales, Queensland
and then earlier this week in Victoria ... sorry, but you guys in Victoria
seemed to draw the short straw when it came to the weather lately.:windy:

Best regards

Gary

[astroron]

Gary, you where in Queensland and you didn't drop by and say hello:(
:lol::lol:
Ron

[gary]

Hi Ron,

I know, I know ... and we were in the Hervey Bay and Noosa area, only a hop skip
and a jump away from Kenilworth. I've penciled in Astrofest on the calendar
and see if we can make amends.

Best Regards

Gary

[programmer]

Yes I guess I did realise that, especially with the choice of stars it made, must've just been a fluke on the night. And yes I use Align when convenient.

Weather, don't talk to me about weather. :( Though somehow I got a decent 2 hour session in just before the rain! I was determined to try out my new Nagler come Hell or high water.

[Sentinel]

Some of you know that I am an Astroplanner / Argo Navis User.

There is no better combination of observing tools around. I plan a session and upload it and then upload it to my Argo Navis.

Superb.

Paul Rodman has the same high standard of service as Gary Kopff has.

I have some observing lists that I have not uploaded to the Astroplanner online plan storage area if anyone is interested.

Cheers.

[programmer]

I just registered AstroPlanner as I can see lots of possibilities with AP coupled with AN. I'd be happy to look at anyone's plans they care to upload. I've just downloaded the Hartung's plan :)

[Sentinel]

I have a Deep Sky Only version of Hartungs which has the best names as the ID.

Also I have the Best Argo Navis objects imported as well into an APD.

Contact me off group if you are interested.

[programmer]

grrr couldn't get AP to recognise the Argo last night.. Tried for a while then gave up and just did some touring with the Argo TOUR modes. Trouble is, it's so long between drinks (i.e. clear skies) that I need to re-train myself every time :D So, I couldn't try to upload a plan to the Argo, but I'll try again soon.

Thanks Paul, will send a PM.

[programmer]

Happened again last night, but finally got them to hook up. I'm not blaming AP.. it's more the classic hassle of RS232 serial comms under Windows, mixed in with some USB fun and games!

[Starkler]

I find the argo tour mode is great and all that I want most of the time..... until i accidentally stumbled upon a planetary neb that turned out to be in the argo Fleming catalog, but tour and identify modes couldnt find :shrug:

Astroplanner would be useful to me if I can get more comprehensive catalogues than what reside in the argo. Looks like I have to register to get that.

[programmer]

I registered after a brief trial. $25 I think it was. Tiny price to pay to support a guy providing a great piece of software. Best $25 you'll spend this week :)

You can upload from AstroPlanner to the Argo and use Tour mode to go through the items. Haven't tried it but I will next time. :thumbsup: That alone is worth the price of entry!

Edit: the reason I say this is because the Argo doesn't know what my horizon looks like, but AstroPlanner does. Saves me a lot of time trying to guess if an object is visible right now from my backyard, even though the Argo is happy to point me to it. Love it.

[Starkler]

Im very interested to hear how that goes for you.
Cheers

[Merlin66]

Regards catalogues....
AP has more than TheSky V6 etc, and when you add in the various observing plans there's literally hundreds to choose from.
The thing I like it, both AP and CDC can "hold hands" and work together and I'm using the USNO A2 star catalogue ( which goes down to 19 mag!!!!!) across both applications.
Magic happens!

[programmer]

Absolutely.. I haven't got this going yet (something wrong with my CDC installation) but with those two working together, what else would you need! Apart from pretty visuals, which are (obviously) nice to look at but not necessary.

[CoombellKid]

Out of the software packages Argo Navis can work with, does AstroPlanner
make the best marriage?

I'm a Starry Night user, but are looking for something I can use with Argo
Navis. I would particularly like to create lists that I can load straight into
my Argo Navis and then take into the field.

regards,CS

[Starkler]

This is one thing that IMO the argo navis could do better.

Before getting the argo, I used PalmDSC (http://palmdsc.dougbraun.com/) program on a palm pilot.
That was as simple as loading a plain text file list with just cat names only of objects, and PalmDSC would reference that list against its own internal catalogues.

[Sentinel]

Astroplanner is THE best program to own if you are an Argo Navis user.

I upload user catalogs to the AN prefixing each with a different letter so that I know what object on what list I am observing.

I cannot be without it's performance in planning observing sessions.

[Sentinel]

Same as me, but uploading lists to the AN is better with AP than the old way with the PalmDSC.

AP creates catalogs for the Palm DSC as well.