Which planetarium software for EQ6/EQMOD

[koputai (Jason)]

Hi Folks,

Just preparing to set up EQMOD on the EQ6Pro, and wondering which payware
planetarium software you guys use that interfaces with EQMOD?

Ideally I'd like it to be able to point the scope, reflect on the pc where the scope
is, and also be able to track man made satellites.

I'm after a payware solution. I've been using a freeware program, but each new
version gets harder to get to work.

I'd like it to work with Pempro too. Any suggestions?

Cheers,
Jason.

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Hi Jason,

I know this isn't exactly what you are asking however I find Astroplanner interfaces beautifully with EQMOD and makes setting up the pointing model a breeze. If I want a more detailed star atlas I use CDC V3.

Peter

[bert (Brett)]

I use cdc and the sky 6. I find that cdc is easier to use, but I have to use the sky to interface with ccd autopilot, which is the only reason I use it.

[allan gould]

I use ECU to interface with EQMOD. Its cheap(~$60) and works well. I also am aware of CDC working very well with EQMOD.

Forgot to mention that C2A also works well with EQMOD and its free with large databases.

[pvelez (Pete)]

I use Starry Night - I picked it up cheap from Bintel a few years back. Its a bit exie but it works well

Pete

[Terry B]

I use Skymap Pro. It works perfectly well with EQMOD. My version is old (version 6).
I think they are up to version 12 now.

[Moon (James)]

I started with Stellarium, and now I've 'graduated' to TheSky6. It's more stable and has a load more features, but doesn't look as good.
I've never tried to track satellites though... can the EQ6 do that?
James

[bojan]

Originally Posted by Moon

.. can the EQ6 do that?
James

No. Not fast enough.. and, BTW, why track satellites?
And, even if it were fast enough, I do not think slewing to target may ever be the adequate replacement for tracking moving target (satellite)... because such tracking requires real-time calculations of satellite orbit and real time update on position.. something astronomical telescope mounts are not design for.

And, what is the guarantee that "payware" would be easier to work with? Try CdC.

[bmitchell82 (Brendan)]

To be honest with you, I have used The sky, Starry nights which are the 2 main planetarium programs. I actually use maxim DL's inbuilt planetarium. provided you know or can find out a NGC or equivalent it will find it and go to it.

Like bojan said nothing that we use will work for what you want it to, unless its a very very slow moving satellite and you have a really good low light astro web cam.