[bobson (Bob)]

I've got 12" Bintel dob and was thinking for long time to make one of those boxes that can be plugged in computer with astro software, something like home made Argo Navis.

I already read a lot on the net about it. BBartels, Dave Ek box and similar. Getting encoders, where in Australia? I thought it would be OK to get them from Wildcard Innovations 'cos they are around $250 for my Dob. But ArgoNavis computer is $544!! A bit steep considering all hand held ones from Meade, Skywathcher and others are just around $250 the most. Even SkyCommander works out to be cheaper.

So, not to get into why are the pricing too high arguments, I'd like to hear from people who made such a thing. I don't want GoTo (for now), just to make finding things easier by pushing my Dob with laptop or PDA.

Thanks in advance

bob