|
I suppose this comes down to a matter of preference and how you handle the interface. I use Star Atlas Pro as my primary program when I am hunting things down, because of my setup, I have to use the ASCOM interface and just update my Gemini Driver when needed, I have never had a problem with this program, and, of course it is Australian, anytime I have needed help it was always prompt and friendly. Another program I find usefull is CDC, and, has been said, is free with Version 3 in the beta testing, it is looking good with a huge database, I use this program when I have people at my Observatory to show them where the telescope is pointing and general area identification. As far as logging is concerned, I use Deepsky Astromomy Software, once again it has a huge database and an excellent system of logging your observations. You might also want to look on SAC downloads page, there is a very nice observation logging program called Astrobyte Logging Software available, free.
As already said, see if you can find someone with the programs you want and have a test run.
JohnG
|