Can you turn your scope into a goto scope?

[k16charger]

Was just wondering, if you allready have a 8-12" dobsonian scope can you somehow turn it into one of the goto scopes by adding the computer to it.

[Suzy]

Yes.

Will set you back about a $1,000 I believe incl. the Argo Narvis plus encoders etc.
Many people here have an Argo Narvis, and Gary is part of our forum and is very helpful.

WildCard Innovations

[vanwonky (Dave)]

The Argo Navis is an awesome addition to a dob and I thoroughly recommend getting one but just to correct Suzy it makes it a push-to not a go-to. I remember being told that with Skywatcher dobs you can buy the goto kit as an addition.
Cheers
Dave

[Barrykgerdes]

The short answer is NO!

You can fit an Argo Navis that will tell you where you are pointing and also allow you to push the telescope to a desired object but adding components to drive it to the object is a major engineering feat.

If you have good work shop facilities you may be able to adapt the drive mechanism and control from another system or design you own.

For much less than the price of a modification you can now purchase a GOTO dobsonian from most telescope shops.

Barry

[alistairsam]

it depends on your skills with electronics, fabrication and the amount of time you're willing to spend on the mod.
the common mods are the mel bartels stepper mod that uses optical encoders and converts your Dob to a goto, But this is DOS based and needs an older laptop or similar.
other option is to use optical encoders and a microcontroller to calculate position based on encoder resolution and relay that as lx200 commands or responses.
the cheapest mod for push to rather than goto is printing a set of setting circles.
Richard, a user here, has come up with a vernier scale so push to accuracy is even better.
whilst goto is very convenient, it also can get cumbersome if your goto system needs to "learn" and improve its pointing accuracy.
the goto dobs these days are quite accurate, and not that expensive.
if you like DIY, you'll find articles here in the ATM threads.

[Suzy]

Originally Posted by vanwonky

The Argo Navis is an awesome addition to a dob and I thoroughly recommend getting one but just to correct Suzy it makes it a push-to not a go-to. I remember being told that with Skywatcher dobs you can buy the goto kit as an addition.
Cheers
Dave

Thanks Dave,
I should have made that clear.

[k16charger]

Interested in this scope does anybody have one? Decent price

Skywatcher Synscan 10 GOTO Dobsonian $1699 from bintel

[Mik Skywatcher (Mik)]

Originally Posted by k16charger

Interested in this scope does anybody have one? Decent price

Skywatcher Synscan 10 GOTO Dobsonian $1699 from bintel

FYI: BTOW in WA have the scope for $1499 + $55 shipping to Syd. Takes about 1 week to arrive.

They also sell a GOTO upgrade kit if you already have a manual Skywatcher/Saxon Dob (Same scope, different colour). This upgrade is the base with motors installed with lcd hand controller. $899, not sure on shipping.

Bought my 8" goto from them last week, Keith is very helpful.

[bert (Brett)]

If you dont mind a challenge...


http://www.siderealtechnology.com/

[2stroke (Jay)]

If it a soild tube and you don't mind loosing the ease of a dob mount you could go a heq5 or neq6 pro also the meade LX 80 when it finnaly gets to our shores.

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Hi,

It's worth adding that the Skywatcher computer system and GOTO isnt the equal of a top quality digital telescope computer and GOTO drives like Argo Navis and Servocat, in terms of functionality, ease of operation, or its expected longevity and durability. However, it is adequate for the level of telescope it is fitted to. There is not much point putting $3,000 worth of computer and drives on a $700 telescope.

Cheers,
John B