Celestron C8 NGT + Laptop Control

[vcubitt]

I have recently upgraded from the Tasco 4" I bought when I was 14 to a Celestron C8 NGT. I would like to use it with a laptop and get some experience with it prior to getting into astrophotography.

I know I can control the telescope via the laptop, but can someone give me an idea on what I need to buy to view the image on the laptop rather than through the eyepiece. I have seen digital eyepieces available for microscopes, but not telescopes.

I would like to buy a CCD camera for imaging later on, but want to get some time with the operating of the scope and laptop first.

Thanks

[Karls48]

Hi, the best camera I know of for displaying telescope view on your laptop is GStar. You will also need Video Capture device for your laptop. I’m using AverTV Cardbus plus with the Toshiba Satellite laptop without any problems. With GStar CCD camera you can watch stars live and capture images at same time. Because of camera’s very high sensitivity you will see stars about 3 magnitudes dimmer then you would see in the eyepiece. You should also get focal reducer for your telescope. GStar camera will see field of view similar to 6 or 7 mm eyepiece, pretty narrow for FL of your telescope.
NTSC version of GStar is on sale at MyAstroshop for $335, but check if this American version is going to work with your computer.