GoTo Dobs?

[fringe_dweller]

hehe is the end nigh for eq and wedge. eq platforms ect. mounts being the only scope mounts with goto technology - I read about this new device from Celestron - 'the sky scout' discussion on a yahoo forum and one bright spark thought if you could attatch and align it on a dob it would give you a kindof goto sounds pretty cool to me

http://www.celestron.com/skyscout/

EDIT: on second thoughts the metal tube might interfere with internal compass? hmmm

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

Looks like another expensive setting circles project. Without the setting circles Looks like a good novelty idea, but I doubt there is much scientific value in it.

[barees63]

Looks like another expensive setting circles project

According to Amazon, it will be US $399 (when its released at end of March).. not bad when you consider it could be easily swapped between several scopes because there are no encoders or special mounting requirements, I would imagine if it's as good as it sounds it will become a very popular finder scope..

Only 6000 objects compared to Argo Navis' 30,000 but quite a bit cheaper (I just bought an AN) and presumably doesn't require any alignment and doesn't have any pointing accuracy issues due to GPS and other sensors..

[rmcpb (Rob)]

US$400 to identify the naked eye stars and constellations when a hand held planisphere and a bit of time would do the job.

Some people have too much money or maybe I don't have enough.

[barees63]

is it only naked-eye objects? I didn't realise that I guess that makes it a whole lot less interesting..

[ving (David)]

make an interesting finderscope... or paperweight

[fringe_dweller]

hehe yes time will tell - but it did win a very prestigous award at the 'Consumer Electronic Show' in the US http://www.celestron.com/news/ces_innovation.htm surely its not junk?
I was thinkin it was a neat device for absolute beginners maybe in the future? not very useful to an advanced skywatcher tho - i am not promoting it - I dont even know how well it works??

[asimov (John)]

'Just presenting the facts' Eh Kearn! Looks interesting! Might even convert me into a dobber!

[fringe_dweller]

Originally Posted by asimov

' Might even convert me into a dobber!

I am making it my life's mission John YOU WILL CONVERT! REPENT NOW!

[asimov (John)]

"As he slowly raises the Achro refractor periscope to get a bearing"......nah!

Uuummm. Yes well errr....I want to use a dob just to say I've used one before! If I like it, I'll convert no sweat!

[rumples riot]

ahh Fringy, you are funny, the end of the EQ or wedge. Hehehehe. Good on ya. Hope they work.