PDA + Encoders

frogman (Anthony Lord) · #1 20-04-2005, 09:01 PM

Im looking at getting myself a descent Ipaq PDA and im wondering if i could use it (with some type of software??? ) and conect it to some encoders on my dob to create a push - to !!?!?!?!?

Starkler (Geoff) · #2 20-04-2005, 10:06 PM

I use a pda for this very purpose except mine cost me about $60 on ebay. Its a palm IIIx .

The beauty of old palms is that they come with a real serial port, instead of a usb connection where you will have to mess around with usb to serial adapters which may or may not work.

I run palmDSC and a Dave Ek decoder box. A forum search will turn up the links for you.

Howzat (Phil) · #3 20-04-2005, 10:24 PM

iPaqs run windows so palmdsc won't work. I don't know any freeware astro programs for pocket pcs but there are several commercial programs like Thesky Pocket Edition
I use a Zire 71 which are fairly cheap now the 72 is out and comes with an inbuilt camera (no good for astrophotography)
Or you can do what Geoff did and get a Palm of Ebay

frogman (Anthony Lord) · #4 20-04-2005, 10:30 PM

Hope i get out bid then huh
The zire 72 is about to go for $150

Starkler (Geoff) · #5 21-04-2005, 12:02 AM

Even a lowly palm m100 will run palmdsc if you decide to go that way. Beats paying $600 for an argonavis thats for sure.

iceman (Mike) · #6 21-04-2005, 06:05 AM

You'll need to buy the encoders + a mounting kit, or construct your own way of getting the encoders fitted on your dob. I can show you mine on May 7, westsky made them himself.. but it really depends on whether you have access to the tools required.

You could try buying a second hand SkyCommander, or a palm like the others have said. The argonavis is clearly the best of the bunch, but at $600 for the computer it may be out of your budget.

frogman (Anthony Lord) · #7 21-04-2005, 07:23 AM

For sure ....$600 is just too much i was going to buy some sort of PDA for mmy info ,music and run some sort of map while im out in the field (introduced to "The Sky") and if it were capable of running a pushto i may as well get one that is compatable.

Its not an urgent thing ill just slowly build up a kit

Anthony

ving (David) · #8 21-04-2005, 09:25 AM

I paid $80 for my m500 on ebay

just need encoders... from somewhere.... for free....

Thiink · #9 21-04-2005, 10:06 AM

I was going to start something like this when my Dave Ek board and programmed PIC turned up from FAR (hopefully next week). Anyone who's ordered from FAR before, how long did yours take to arrive?

So; do any of you Palm guys have a basic list (or able to quickly write one up) of Palm units that are able to run PalmDSC? I just want the cheapest, nastiest unit that can run it properly so I can keep an eye on ebay.

Quote:

Note on supported PalmOS versions: PalmDSC is known to run OK on PalmOS 3.1.1 and up (in the 1.2 Beta5 and later releases).

ving (David) · #10 21-04-2005, 11:14 AM

what is this FAR of which you speak thiink and the palm pilot aside what is this costing you... I am so interested if it is cheap

Thiink · #11 21-04-2005, 11:58 AM

You might have different plans, but I am going the Dave Ek DSC route myself. I'm just waiting for the board and programmed PIC to arrive from FAR Circuits (see above website for details), and then I can order the other parts I need from Jaycar/DSE. Then I just have the mounting hardware, encoders and Palm to go!

netwolf · #12 21-04-2005, 12:53 PM

Do you thing we could maybe convice Jaycar to carry a kit for this?

ving (David) · #13 21-04-2005, 01:01 PM

wouldnt it be grand!

frogman (Anthony Lord) · #14 21-04-2005, 10:03 PM

Let me get this right

PDA |$200
The Sky or eq. | $49USD
circuit board PIC| ????
DOB Encoders | ??????

Yeah ????

Anthony

Smokey · #15 22-04-2005, 09:14 AM

I,m in the process of sourcing all the bits together for one of these DSC for my 10" GS Dob.
Encoders from US Digital = $150(Aus) + shipping
Mounting Kit = approx $90(Aus) (Bintel are actually the most expensive @ $100)
Interface = ? Depends on which way you go. Check THIS THREAD for price on the components.
I,m getting a fellow Iceinspacer to make the interface for me. Then you need a Palm or Laptop or such to connect to the interface.
So you would still be looking at a few hundred $ all up.
If anyone knows where I can get the mounting Kit and encoders cheaper please let me know.

Thiink · #16 22-04-2005, 10:20 AM

BATSC sell them for $75ea ($150 for the pair), but I guess that was where you got the price from.

So far I've ordered:
- board and PIC from far: ~$30
- crystal clock oscillator from mouser (I got a spare one): ~$24

When those two arrive I am going to start getting the rest from Jaycar/DSE. I've done a quick total for Jaycar/DSE and it should come to around $12.42 or so. Then encoders, PDA and mounting from where ever you can get them from.

Smokey · #17 22-04-2005, 12:18 PM

Unfortunately BATSC have sold the for 4 pairs of encoders that they had for $75 each

The ones I quoted were from the US DIGITAL site.

Thiink · #18 22-04-2005, 02:21 PM

O man that sucks!

Did you ask if they are getting more in? I'm going to need a set too in the next month or so. Tell them we have at least two people wanting them!

frogman (Anthony Lord) · #19 22-04-2005, 04:46 PM

Am i included in thoes two people ?

frogman (Anthony Lord) · #20 22-04-2005, 05:03 PM

this might help.

http://www.amsky.com/atm/accessories/mouse/encoder.html

no i know its not a hyperlink sorry... NO I DID IT ON PURPOSE.