Hi Programmer,
As you have probably noted, AstroPlanner has direct support for Argo Navis
User catalogs. It can create them as files and can directly download them
into the unit.
Argo Navis supports a variety of protocols on its serial ports via its STARTUP
command functionality. To download catalogs, one sets the STARTUP command
to 'navis'.
On the Argo Navis side, the navis protocol provides an interface to the
FROM PLANETARIUM function, but I don't believe AstroPlanner currently supports
this function under the navis protocol.
However, you probably should be able to use the FROM PLANETARIUM
functionality by switching the STARTUP command to meade and using an LX-200
emulation on the Astroplanner side. A GOTO operation on the AstroPlanner side
should fill the FROM PLANETARIUM object. We have AstroPlanner here in the
office and I would need to check.
AstroPlanner's creator, Paul Rodman, also maintains a User Group at
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/astroplanner
Paul should be able to respond to any query you have.
The Argo Navis MODE CATALOG functionality has a feature whereby when you are
in GUIDE mode, if you spin the DIAL one click clockwise, it will advance you
to the next object. Spinning the DIAL counter-clockwise will take you to the
previous object. By pre-fixing the objects with a suffix (I recollect Astroplanner
supports this), you can pre-sort the objects into a preferred observing order
and then use MODE CATALOG to view them in that order.
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