operating mount from laptop,what 'sky' program best?

[hotspur]

Hi folks

I have been using my GP mount with Vixen Skysensor 2000 PC for a little while.basically just getting use to it and testing,all has gone well.

I now want to operate it via a lap top,Geoff has made me cable to plug it into
keyspan adaptor and it plugs into laptop.

I have 'Starry night 3',but it does not have the bits in it to make SS2K work.

What 'sky' software could I get? to operate SS2k?,I think some will operate certain 'gotos' while others one has to down load ascom drivers.I think the EQ 6 had alot to down loaded before it would work.

Anyhow,if some one can give me advice of what I 'planeterium' program I need,that would be good.I want one that has lists,so I can scroll though and pick off my targets.I would like some good lists of double stars.

Thanks for any help.Chris

[Octane]

Given that you're used to Starry Night, I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Starry Night Pro Plus 6. It is tres uber awesome.

H

[mill]

The sky6 has a native driver build in for the Skysensor2000.

[Bassnut]

Yes, Starynights 6 is the pick of the week for sure, but Sky X has finally copied the SN user interface, so also worth a look now. Eitherway, one of these is a given.

[Octane]

Fred,

SNPP at least doesn't scab $75 a year for stuff that isn't typically charged for! ; )

H

[hotspur]

Ok,thanks all,Starry Night 6 sounds good,I thought one of them had a driver in it to make SS2K work.

thanks all who replied,Chris

[Bassnut]

H, too true :P. SNPP it is then :thumbsup:

[DavidTrap]

Astroplanner would also be worth a look. It lists the SS2K in it's list of computer controlled scopes. You can produce a list of objects to observe and then filter them for time of day and your local horizons for viewing. It's certainly NOT a planetarium software though. Cheap too.

Cheers
DT

[tonybarry]

+ 1 for AstroPlanner. Version 2 is approaching (still in open beta right now) and it is very good. I use it every time I get out the scope.

I made a list of all DSOs brighter than mag +11, and filter the list by altitude above the horizon. It forms the primary director of what to look at on a given night.

Regards,
Tony Barry

[Omaroo]

I personally far prefer Voyager over The Sky or Starry Night. It's well-developed and in terms of maturity been around longer than most of the planetarium software out there. It also drives the Vixen Sky Sensor 2000 natively. Given this and the fact that it runs on Windows as well as OSX, your iPhone, iPod or iPad and lets all of these platforms talk to the CarinaMobile SkyFi device over 802.11 to control your goto remotely, it's unbeatable in the field I reckon.

[gbeal]

Yep, another vote for Voyager, especially with the iPad and SkyFi.
Gary

[hotspur]

Ok,this 'Voyager' program looks good-what does it cost??

I have not had a chance to ring 'Bintel' to order or find price on Sky6 either,what does that one cost?.And where is some places I could purchase either of the above?

Thank you for help,Chris

[mithrandir]

Software Bisque (http://www.bisque.com/) don't list TheSky6 any more, except for patches.

The only real trouble with TheSkyX is the annual fee for updates.

[Steffen]

Plus that the Mac version is very buggy and full of UI glitches. It also hogs the CPU and causes my laptop fans to rev up to audible speeds.

I've downloaded the trial version of Carina's Voyager for Mac and will most likely buy it. It works, doesn't annoy, is lean on resources and reminds me a bit of Xephem which I've loved and used for many years. Also, I've got their SkyFi adapter and SkyVoyager on the iPhone and that's one mighty impressive combo!

Cheers
Steffen.

[Omaroo]

http://www.carinasoft.com/products/voyager/index.html

It's US$180 for the DVD plus shipping. You get nearly 4Gb of data for that. You'd not download it in preference. Email Tim - he's very helpful.

[netwolf]

Guys how does the interface on Carina compare to Starrynight and Stellarium? I very much like the drag and drop feature to rotate the view. Also from what I have seen of Starrynight and I think Stellarium has this to some degree now is the live moving satelites etc. Kind of nice when your looking up and see a something go past to be able to identify it. How is Carina on this account?

Also what about Star Atlas Pro, I think there is a new version out how does it compare to these? Also its a lot cheaper than the above.

Stellarium is my current pick as it packs a punch for a small footprint and is fast to load. Over priced commercial software can learn a lot from this app.

Regards
Fahim

[hotspur]

OK,I will look at the Voyager program a bit more-I like the sound of the fact that it does not take up lots of resources.and the price seems a bit cheaper than Sky 6.

I rang shop up and Sky 6 was $229,plus postage.

I will look at the one Fahim mentions-Atlas.

Thanks for pointers Gentlemen.

[Bas van Krieken]

Do have a look at Carte du Ciel V3 (http://www.ap-i.net/skychart/en/news/ucac3_catalog), the newest version of CdC. Looks good, has tons of features, supports ASCOM and is completely free :)

[Merlin66]

CdC is absolutely great!
It depends on what you want - a glossy picture planetarium show (Stellarium etc) or a detailed, additional catalogue friendly, star mapping program (Carte du Ciel)

[mithrandir]

I tried c2a (http://www.astrosurf.com/c2a/english/index.htm) last night with a notebook talking to my G11.

It takes more catalogs than you can poke a stick at.

[beren]

Timely thread, I have Sky6 "serious astronomer" {:P} always liked it but been tempted to update to The SkyX pro. Had a look at Voyager and Starry nights but decided to go for The SkyX pro, downloaded it last night. I like it very much so far glad I went this way hopefully I won't have hassles with scope control :)