DSC's......where are these?

[Moonman (Michael)]

Dear All,

I know the Argo Navis is reputedly without doubt a great unit in this regard and most likely well worth its 500 to 600 dollar price tag. However I seem to be coming up blank on any alternatives.

I would greatly appreciate any links to equipment suppliers and manufacturers of DSC's and useful hints. Any second hand like Iceman installed on his DOB I might be interested in too.

Thanx in anticipation

[RAJAH235]

Hi Michael, What do you want to fit them to? I can only speak of the Meade Magellan 1, which is fitted to my 10" DOB. You will have to wait till someone else comes on board for details on any others. L.

[Moonman (Michael)]

Ta RAJAH235,

I intend fitting this at a future time dictated by cashflow to an 8" Guan Sheng Dobsonian (when it arrives of course).

I'll have a look at the meade versions and see where that leads.

[iceman (Mike)]

Hey Michael.

Frogman and a few others have chipped in with some ideas + costs of making their own, see this thread.

If you're not a fan of the DIY route, then you need:

- A computer. There's ArgoNavis (the best!), but it's $599. There's SkyCommander, which you should be able to pick up second hand off astromart if you keep an eye out, and then the Meade which I haven't seen anywhere. There may be others.

- Encoders. These attach to your alt/az bearings and feed position information to the computer. Going by the other thread, they're about $75 each and you need 2 of them.

- Mounting hardware. You need a way of attaching the encoders to your mount alt and az axes. David (westsky) made the ones i'm using, but if you don't have a workshop and/or the necessary skills, you can buy them from Bintel or Wildcard Innovations. I'm not sure on the price, but you can get them for any scope.

So in the end it comes down to how much you're willing to spend. If you buy all the bits with no DIY, you might be looking at around $1000-$1100 for the ArgoNavis, but it's simple to install and is the best unit around.

I must also conclude by saying that DSCs are the single best investment I have made to my scope.

[gbeal]

I have never used an Argo Navis, but understand it is THE best. But, if costs are an issue perhaps think of the Palm, with Dave Eks decoder system. I may be wrong but even if you start with this sytem, you could always at a later date buy the Argo unit. Robby has had both, and no doubt he will be able to help you better. I have the Dave Ek/Palm unit. No matter what you get there will be a certain amount of DIY.
Gary

[Orion]

Hi All, Well I have the ArgoNavis and all I can tell you is that it is money well spent. As we all know it is not cheap but this computer is very user friendly. What I use the most is the TOUR MODE and I download my USER OBJECTS with a software call AstroPlanner. I can then go on a tour with the objects of interest to me. Maybe you might be better of holding on to your pennies and buying it latter on.

[Moonman (Michael)]

Yes, I have contacted wild card and they are supplying details of the necessary components and costs for adaption. Then we shall wait and see.

I really think that I was always leaning towards Argo Navis but I will keep my eyes and ears peeled for other options untill then.

Thanks guys for the input

[Moonman (Michael)]

Heres the low down from wild card for your interest,

1
pn-an1
Argo Navis Digital Telescope Computer (DTC)
A$599.00

1
pn-gs-8-spec Guang Sheng 8" Dobsonian Special including 2 encoders providing 10,000 steps per axis,
encoder mount hardware and an encoder cable.
A$295.57

1
pn-ser-cbl Serial Cable Option
A$19.00
1
pn-pwr-cbl
External DC Power Cable Option
A$29.00



Insured Registered Mail anywhere within Australia (Sydney only $16)
A$25.00



Total
A$967.67

[iceman (Mike)]

Under $1000, that's pretty good. If you were able, you could save yourself money by making your own mounting kit but that's a good price.

Gary (from wildcard) is a local around me and a forum member too. He'll be at the star party next weekend! There'll be plenty of AN's there I'll bet.

John B (ausastronomer) has one too.