well.. after reading all the glowing recommedations here I decided to take the plunge and order the AN system for my 10" GSO DOB
I really think this will be the way to go for a newbie like me since I can only locate 3 or 4 objects at the moment and when I have found new things (clusters, nebulae) I've had no idea what I was looking at
Even with planispheres, and lots of software I had the feeling it would take me years to learn to starhop effectively on my own (I'm pretty isolated out here), especially when searching for DSOs that are not readily visible to the naked eye, seems to me that AN will be like having an experienced astronomer by my side
Anyway, fwiw, I'll keep you informed of progress once I receive and install it..
The Argo Navis system seems an excellent system. I saw Gary & Mai (Wildcard Innovations) at the Queensland Astrofest where they visit each year and give a presentation on the system. I have heard nothing but rave reviews so you should not be disappointed.
aargh! Customs "seized" my AN and charged me GST on it, then they charged me a fee for charging GST, then they charged me GST on the fee for charging GST
Congrats on your purchase barees63. The argo is one of the best investments you could make for your scope!!!! You will no doubt be very happy with it and it will make your viewing much more enjoyable!!!
I have mounted the encoders on my GSO 10", no great drama.. the instructions were slightly off (the design of the Alt encoder coupler has changed for instance and a reference to the washer on the Az bolt was misplaced so it appeared to refer to the encoder washer.. just little things), I had to file the inside of both encoder couplers slightly to remove brass from the grubscrew holes so the encoder shaft would fit easily. I was slightly concerned about the AZ pivot, with my dob I was able to leave the washer on - just, the nut is touching the encoder shaft grubscrew but not enough to prevent me tightening it, I hope this won't be a problem, I can't see how it would be?
One question, trying to decide the most convenient place to mount the AN unit itself.. any other GSO dob owners out there care to share? I'm thinking of removing the eyepiece holder from the side of the mount, moving it to the front perhaps, and mounting the AN on the side of mount (I mounted the Alt encoder on the side opposite the focuser), I figure it should be easy enough to read there as I move the OTA around? Any better suggestions? does anyone mount the controller on the OTA itself?
Bruce,
I mounted mine on a stalk, sitts next to the OTA, but actually attached to the sideboard.
On the tube is OK, until you are pointing vertical, then it gets tricky to read.
Did you make the stalk yourself or is it a commercial one like the "Markless"? I can see a stalk would be ideal but not wishing (domestic harmony) to spend any more money at this point, I was thinking of just mounting the bracket on the side of the mount, I would have bend my neck to read it though..
I have a shelf mounted where the eyepiece holder would normally be and the Argo Navis cradle attached to it. It is on a nice angle so it is easy to read (I bought the scope from Dave47tuc and he had already installed it ). I always take my Eyepiece case out with me so I have never bothered to attach the Eyepiece holder (though it could go on the other side).
Great Choice
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