Argo Navis any thoughts???

[Scorp56]

Hi all,

Has anyone got experience and feedback on the Argo Navis DSC system.:question:
I have an 8" GSO Dob and use manual setting circles and Stellarium to find targets at the moment.
This works OK once I get initial alignment correct.

Cheers

Peter

[DavidTrap]

Can I suggest you read the Sticky titled "Argo Navis - if you're happy and you know it clap your hands..." at the top of the Equipment Discussion section - many, many pages about Argo Navis.

Search is your friend.

DT

[mick pinner]

hi Peter, in my opinion probably the best accessory you could buy, l have one on a G11 and love it.

[mswhin63]

For a ready made product it is hard to beat especially for Australian support.

[gary]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the post.

Gary Kopff here from Wildcard Innovations, manufacturers of the Argo Navis.

Firstly thanks to David for the follow-up and the recommendation to visit the
sticky thread. See http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=35708
Thanks also to Mick and Malcolm for their kind words and support.

In a nutshell, there are two salient parts of the system. One is the Argo Navis
hand-held computer and the second part is a pair of optical encoders which
are fitted to each of the two axes of the mount. We have encoder installation
hardware kits available for the generic 8" commercial Dobs and these are easy
to install yourself.

After you align on a couple of stars, the system "knows" where your telescope
is pointing and you can dial up an object by name and Argo Navis will guide you
to it. You manually push the scope and the Argo Navis display updates in real-time
so that you can zero in on the target.

Some additional links that you might find helpful -

The Wildcard Innovations web site can be found here -
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

The Argo Navis User's Group can be found here (please feel free to join) -
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/argo_navis_dtc

You can download the User Manual from here -
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/documentation.html

You can find the encoder installation instructions for a Guan Sheng Optical (GSO)
Dob here for the Alt axis - http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/images/gs_alt.pdf
and here for the Az axis - http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/images/gs_az.pdf

You can find the encoder installation instructions for a Synta Skywatcher Dob here
for the Alt axis - http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/images/synta_alt.pdf
and here for the Az axis - http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/images/synta_az.pdf

Also feel free to send us an email or telephone us during normal business hours
here in Sydney and we are always happy to answer any specific questions you
may have.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Phone +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[DavidU]

How is that Peter ! You don't get info like that from the boss anywhere else.

[Steffen]

Hi Peter,
I was looking at the Argo Navis for my son's 8" GSO dob, too. Alas, his is the new version with hand knob tensioning (instead of coil springs), for which there doesn't seem to be an encoder solution. If he had the old version I'd get the Argo Navis in a heartbeat.

Cheers
Steffen.

[snowyskiesau]

I have one on an old Celestron polaris mount and it's great.

[Scorp56]

Thanks to all for quick reply.

I will need to learn the forum search a little better(Thanks David!!)
Still new to all this stuff.

Plenty of excellent info to research:thumbsup:
Cheers

Peter

[gary]

Hi Steffen,

The good news is that we indeed have an encoder solution for this mount.

We refer to these mounts as the "GSO B models" and some are re-badged
here in Australia by the Binocular and Telescope Shop (Bintel), so we refer
to this mount as the "Bintel 252B" and the part number for our encoder
installation kit is pn-bintel-252b-spec.

Please see here for more information -
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/kits/pn-bintel-252b-spec_describe.html

You can find a copy of the Alt installation instructions here -
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/images/gso_model_b_alt.pdf
and you can find a copy of the Az installation instructions here -
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/images/gso_model_b_az.pdf

For the GSO Model B kits, we require that you ship us one of the aluminium
tensioning altitude bearing trunnions so that we can modify it. To understand which
part I mean, please refer to these installation instructions for the altitude axis
and refer to Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b.

Please do not ship the screws that hold the trunnions on. Fasten them back onto
the square nuts that are inside the slots so you do not lose them. The encoder can
be installed on either side of the telescope, but I recommend the same side as
the eyepiece holder. The trunnions on both sides are identical.

When you purchase the Argo Navis and the Bintel 252B kit, we provide
the trunnion modification as a service to you. Typically we can turn around
the trunnion modification within a working day or two of receipt. You can find
a picture of the trunnion before modification and after modification below.
The modification does not affect the trunnions ability to still act as tensioning
handle and you can still tension it with the encoder installation in place.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me or give
me a call in Sydney on 02 9457 9049.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Phone +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[GrampianStars]

Was @ Snake Vally Camp in March and Tim's 22" Dob :eyepop: had the ARGO installed worked flawlessly all night :thumbsup:
I have one installed on an old 8" SCT non goto :thumbsup:

[goober]

Peter, I have one on my alt-az refractor - brilliant piece of kit.

[erick]

Answer:- "The good news is that we indeed there is an encoder solution for this mount."

Are you counting the heartbeats, Steffan?

I was superbly happy with the Argo Navis on my 12" Bintel. I will be equally happy with it on my coming SDM.

Put the unit on a nice stalk mount - with an adjustable head is best. There are DIY's for ball joints using a bit of painter's kit from Bunnings - see attached for my previous version.

[Steffen]

That is exciting news!

Will the way the Az encoder is attached affect the adjustment of Az tension? Or is the hex nut on top used for that? If that's the case I might use a wing nut instead or something. I find myself fiddling with the Az tension on and off (even though I probably shouldn't).

Off to write a business case for the financial controller to approve… :P :lol:

Cheers
Steffen.

[gary]

Hi Steffen,

Thanks for the post.

For the Az axis on the GSO Model B's, the installation assumes the user will
adjust the tension once and then not likely adjust it again whilst using the scope
in the field.

The timing pulley is affixed to the new Az pivot bolt shaft by way of a set-screw.
Many of the Model B mounts come with a ball thrust bearing on the Az axis.
Depending upon how hard one pushes down on the pulley and thus how hard
one pushes down on the thrust bearing before tightening the set set screw
will dictate to some extent the amount of tension in Az motion.

In order for the Az encoder to reliably keep track of the motion of the mount,
the Az pivot bolt is secured to the base of the ground board and is thus held
"fixed" with respect to it. The pulley, in turn, needs to be held fixed with respect
the bolt and that is the job of the set screw. The additional 1/4" hex nut
and washer that is fastened on the Az pivot bolt above the pulley is 'belts
and braces'. It further assures that the pulley will stay fixed on the bolt,
particularly when lifting the scope for transport. The set screw alone is sufficient
to do the job but the additional nut/washer makes sure the whole assembly remains
together. Adjusting the tightness of this nut will not adjust the tensioning and it
is not recommended to replace it with a wing nut.

The Az encoder installation is designed to be kept in place when you transport the
scope. The Alt encoder installation is designed for quick removal when it comes
time to packing up the scope for transport.

Further with regards Az motion, if you currently find yourself constantly adjusting
it, we might be able to provide some suggestions as to how to improve its feel which
would then allow you to leave it be. On a well behaved Dob, the Az motion is
generally something that is 'designed in' rather than becoming an additional input the
user needs to constantly adjust. :thumbsup:

We certainly would look forward to having you as a member of our extended
family of Argo Navis owners. Thanks again for the post.

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