sky scout as a navigator???

[lesbehrens]

hi. i am looking for some suggestions. i am looking at buying a new argo or sky-scout and use itto help me navigate through the night sky on my 10"and 16"dobs. sky scout is cheaper but is the argo is better. what should i do??
thanks
les

[wavelandscott]

Good question!

I own and use both albeit differently...for me they occupy different user niches.

The distinction maybe hard to explain but here goes...I use the SkyScout hand held to identify things...I use the Argo Navis scope mounted to find things.

That is to say, if I am out and about and "just looking up" I tend to use the SkyScout for a quick identification generally of a star from my light polluted backyard. If I am out "hunting" for stuff the tool of choice is the Argo Navis.

Since I don't have my SkyScout scope mounted I can not speak to its actual in use accuracy...I do know that if there is lots of metal around it then it does not work so well (at least mine dosen't)...I have to take my watch off if that is that hand I am holding it with. My suspicion is that it would work okay for use with a finderscope or low magnification.

Having said that, my kids love it and I enjoy the additional informational material the SkyScout delivers in its tutorials.

As to the Argo Navis, after proper set-up its accuracy is legendary...after everything is aligned I can maintain my accurate observations at high magnifications.

In summary, I see and use them for different things...for me they are complimentary tools and I use them for different purposes. If I could only choose one it would be the Argo Navis but, I enjoy the SkyScout because it is fun!

[RB]

I'd highly recommend the Argo Navis, no doubt at all, especially if you need something to navigate your 10" & 16" dobs accurately.
The Argo is the way to go.

[lesbehrens]

thanks for your suggestions.
les

[jakob]

I agree with Scott, I monted the Skyscout on the Lightbridge struts to keep away from steel parts.
I feel it is accurate to 2 to 3 degrees, good enough to bring the object in the 8x50 finder.
But you cannot compare it Argonavis, I don't have it but I expext it to perform like my ETX, with precission turned on, it will point the scope to half a degree.

Jakob

[drmorbius]

Hi Les,

I was in the same position as you, I really wanted DSC's (I never seem to get enough time under the stars to get good at star-hopping) but didn't want to spend a lot of money as I ultimately wanted to save up for an Argo Navis.

Another option to consider, if you're technically inclined, is a David Ek project (http://www.atmsite.org/contrib/Ek/dsc/). It's a circuit board that converts the encoder outputs into something that planetarium software packages can use and display on a PC. Not as self contained as something like an Argo Navis, but certainly a cheaper option (provided you have a notebook that will run on the observing field... without AC power if you're at Barambah :whistle:).

I happen to have an Ek circuit board (constructed and theoretically working) lying around that I'll probably never get around to doing anything with. If you think this might be a valid option for you and can get some encoders, I'd be willing to donate the board to a good home to help out a fellow struggling astronomer :D.

Let me know...

cheers -- randall